Eyecare Innovations Today: An Ophthalmic Educational Podcast Series

In this episode, Robert J. Noecker, MD, reviews the role of preservatives, particularly benzalkonium chloride (BAK), in ophthalmic medications. While BAK effectively prevents bacterial growth, its inherent toxicity poses challenges with prolonged use, leading to symptoms associated with ocular surface diseases. Dr. Noecker emphasizes the importance of exploring alternatives like preservative-free formulations or less toxic oxidizing preservatives, which should ensure effective glaucoma treatment without compromising ocular health. This activity is supported by an independent medical education grant from Théa Pharma.

In this episode, Miriam Kolko, MD, PhD, shares her vision for preservative-free eye care. Dr. Kolko strongly advocates for patient education regarding the benefits and limitations of preservative-free alternatives, encouraging tailored treatment strategies. Ultimately, she envisions a future where BAK-free alternatives take precedence in eye care, promoting better patient outcomes and adherence to treatment regimens. This activity is supported by an independent medical education grant from Théa Pharma.

In this episode, Nathan Radcliffe, MD, discusses the widespread use of benzalkonium chloride (BAK) in the US ophthalmic market. Dr. Radcliffe acknowledges concerns about its long-term effects, such as exacerbating dry eye and impacting the success of incisional glaucoma surgery. Preservative-free formulations are favored in Europe, and Dr. Radcliffe highlights the growing recognition among US eye care clinicians regarding the need for BAK alternatives. This activity is supported by an independent medical education grant from Théa Pharma.

In this episode, Anton Hommer, MD, discusses the European perspective on adopting preservative-free pharmaceuticals, highlighting challenges like health care professionals’ reluctancy to change, diverse reimbursement systems, and higher costs. He compares single-use and multiuse drugs, considering factors such as environmental impact and cost-effectiveness. Dr. Hommer emphasizes the superior efficacy of preservative-free medications, especially in treating chronic conditions such as glaucoma, and anticipates an increase in their use to protect ocular health and enhance chronic disease management. This activity is supported by an independent medical education grant from Théa Pharma.

Zaina Al-Mohtaseb, MD, and Douglas D. Koch, MD, delve into the realm of optics and aberrations. They cover a range of topics, including spherical and chromatic aberrations, ABBE numbers, and residual refractive error. Additionally, they explore various intraocular lens (IOL) designs, emphasizing the impact of these designs and manufacturing processes on visual quality. This activity is supported by independent medical education grants from Alcon, Johnson & Johnson Vision, and STAAR Surgical.

Zaina Al-Mohtaseb, MD, and Douglas D. Koch, MD, delve into the potential benefits and drawbacks of incorporating light filters into lens designs, focusing specifically on blue and violet filters. As they explain the science behind these filters, Drs. Al-Mohtaseb and Koch discuss how they are revolutionizing our understanding of intraocular lenses (IOLs) and influencing the overall visual experience for patients, moving beyond theoretical considerations to practical implications. This activity is supported by independent medical education grants from Alcon, Johnson & Johnson Vision, and STAAR Surgical.

Cathy McCabe, MD, and Karl Stonecipher, MD, discuss how factors such as lens design, material, and haptics influence the selection of intraocular lenses (IOLs) and affect patients’ long-term visual outcomes. They also delve into the management of posterior capsule opacification (PCO), emphasizing the importance of achieving patient satisfaction. This activity is supported by independent medical education grants from Alcon, Johnson & Johnson Vision, and STAAR Surgical.

Cathy McCabe, MD, and Karl Stonecipher, MD, delve into the intricacies of different lens designs, discussing how they impact both patient outcomes and surgeon experience. The conversation also explores the significance of patient education and emphasizes the value of making well-informed decisions based on factors such as corneal health and refractive history. Looking ahead, Drs. McCabe and Stonecipher shed light on forthcoming innovations while conveying their expectations for future developments in lens technologies. This activity is supported by independent medical education grants from Alcon, Johnson & Johnson Vision, and STAAR Surgical.

Julie M. Schallhorn, MD, MS, and John A. Vukich, MD, discuss the impact of lens materials, design, and manufacturing processes on optical quality. They also explore the importance of considering additional factors such as dysphotopsias, refractive index, and aberrations in the decision-making process to ultimately achieve patient satisfaction. This activity is supported by independent medical education grants from Alcon, Johnson & Johnson Vision, and STAAR Surgical.

Julie M. Schallhorn, MD, MS, and John A. Vukich, MD, explore various types of intraocular lens (IOL) materials, including acrylic, silicone, and collamer, and discuss their pros and cons, highlighting differences in manufacturing processes and performance in the eye. The conversation also touches on the importance of proper training in handling different types of lenses and anticipates future developments, particularly in the realm of accommodating IOLs. This activity is supported by independent medical education grants from Alcon, Johnson & Johnson Vision, and STAAR Surgical.

This episode highlights a consensus statement that was published in a joint CME/CE publication in CRST and Modern Optometry in April 2023, in which 12 optometrists and ophthalmologists convened to discuss and vote on the importance of the optical correlation between pupil size and depth of focus, range of vision, and other visual outcomes.  Drs. Douglas K. Devries and Jaclyn Garlich emphasize the importance of managing patient expectations and optimizing ocular surface health, and the impact of these interventions on patients who are myopes, pseudophakic, or have irregular corneas.  This activity is supported by unrestricted educational grants from AbbVie, AcuFocus, Orasis Pharmaceuticals, and Visus.

This episode highlights a consensus statement that was published in a joint CME/CE publication in CRST and Modern Optometry in April 2023, in which 12 optometrists and ophthalmologists convened to discuss and vote on the importance of the optical correlation between pupil size and depth of focus, range of vision, and other visual outcomes.  Drs. Douglas K. Devries and Jaclyn Garlich discuss the impact of aperture size on vision and the importance of putting it into practice now that technologies like presbyopia-correcting eye drops and small-aperture technologies are available. Drs. Devries and Garlich emphasize the need for more research and experience in this area to establish clear guidelines for patient and treatment selection. This activity is supported by unrestricted educational grants from AbbVie, AcuFocus, Orasis Pharmaceuticals, and Visus.

Drs. Elizabeth Yeu and William Wiley discuss the importance of understanding presbyopic patients’ needs and expectations as well as considering factors that can impact visual outcomes and patient satisfaction when using pharmacological or small-aperture optics interventions. Drs. Yeu and Wiley highlight the significance of a comprehensive evaluation to guide the decision-making process. Supported by unrestricted educational grants from AbbVie, AcuFocus, Orasis Pharmaceuticals, and Visus.

Drs. Elizabeth Yeu and William Wiley explore the fundamentals of small-aperture optics for presbyopia patients, focusing on the impact of pupil size, aperture size, refractive error, and residual accommodation on surgery and visual outcomes. Drs. Yeu and Wiley emphasize the importance of considering these factors during refractive evaluations and pharmacological and small-aperture optics interventions. This dialogue builds upon a conversation involving 12 optometrists and ophthalmologists previously published in a collaborative CE/CME supplement to CRST and Modern Optometry in April 2023. Supported by unrestricted educational grants from AbbVie, AcuFocus, Orasis Pharmaceuticals, and Visus.

Douglas K. Devries, OD, and Walter O. Whitley, OD, MBA, FAAO, discuss the signs and risk factors of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and the methods that can be used to assess the structure and function of the glands. You will learn about the importance of daily lid hygiene and what treatment options are currently available for patients with MGD. Supported by unrestricted educational grants from Alcon, Bausch + Lomb, Johnson & Johnson Vision, RVL, Sight Sciences, Tarsus, Théa Pharma, and Trukera Medical.

Douglas K. Devries, OD, and Leslie O’Dell, OD, FAAO, discuss the incidence of dry eye disease and its impact on patients’ quality of life, especially when considering patients for cataract surgery. Throughout this episode you will also learn the criteria and point-of-care tests currently used to differentiate and diagnose different ocular surface disease categories. Supported by unrestricted educational grants from Alcon, Bausch + Lomb, Johnson & Johnson Vision, RVL, Sight Sciences, Tarsus, Théa Pharma, and Trukera Medical.

Marc R. Bloomenstein, OD, FAAO and Selina R. McGee, OD, FAAO, describe how to evaluate the lids and diagnose Demodex blepharitis and blepharoptosis. You will learn the risk factors for these diseases and how to manage them with current treatment options as well as how to effectively communicate with patients. Supported by unrestricted educational grants from Alcon, Bausch + Lomb, Johnson & Johnson Vision, RVL, Sight Sciences, Tarsus, Théa Pharma, and Trukera Medical.

In this interview, Marc R. Bloomenstein, OD, FAAO, and Mile Brujic, OD, FAAO, describe first-line treatments for patients with dry eye as well as strategies to address their inflammation and tips on educating these patients. You will learn how pharmaceutical management differs from mechanical management and the potential of new and emerging pharmaceutical treatments. Supported by unrestricted educational grants from Alcon, Bausch + Lomb, Johnson & Johnson Vision, RVL, Sight Sciences, Tarsus, Théa Pharma, and Trukera Medical.

In this episode, Douglas K. Devries, OD, and Hardeep Kataria, OD, FAAO, discuss some findings from the Interventional Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) Consensus, namely those related to the use of modern interventional MGD treatments. Moreover, Drs. Devries and Kataria review various palliative and prescription MGD treatment options and discuss how interventional MGD treatments differ from more conventional treatments. The faculty also discuss the importance of patient education when incorporating interventional MGD treatments into a standard clinical practice. This independent educational activity is supported by unrestricted educational grants from Alcon, Johnson & Johnson Vision, and Sight Sciences.

Douglas K. Devries, OD, and Hardeep Kataria, OD, FAAO, discuss findings from the Interventional Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) Consensus, namely those related to the prevalence of MGD among patients with dry eye and ocular surface disease, as well as postoperative cataract patients. Throughout this interview, you will learn how to: examine the eyelid; assess the meibomian gland structure and function; and utilize meibography in your practice. This independent educational activity is supported by unrestricted educational grants from Alcon, Johnson & Johnson Vision, and Sight Sciences.

In this episode, Drs. Ayres and Gupta discuss findings from the Interventional Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) Consensus, namely those related to the use of modern interventional MGD treatments. Faculty review various palliative and prescription-based MGD treatment options and discuss how interventional MGD treatments differ from more conventional treatments and how patient education is important when incorporating interventional MGD treatments into a standard clinical practice. This independent educational activity is supported by unrestricted educational grants from Alcon, Johnson & Johnson Vision, and Sight Sciences.

Brandon D. Ayres, MD, and Preeya K. Gupta, MD, discuss findings from the Interventional Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) Consensus, namely those related to the prevalence of MGD in dry eye patients, ocular surface disease patients, and cataract surgery patients. In this episode, you will learn how to examine meibomian gland structure and function and how to use meibography in your practice. This independent educational activity is supported by unrestricted educational grants from Alcon, Johnson & Johnson Vision, and Sight Sciences.

Drs. Justin Schweitzer and Jade Coats discuss integrating presbyopia-correction options, specifically, presbyopia eye drops, into the optometric practice. You will learn about educating patients, incorporating strategies to drive patients to your practice, and collaborating with other optometrists and ophthalmologists in your area. Supported by unrestricted educational grants from AbbVie, Alcon, and Johnson & Johnson Vision.

In this interview, Drs. Justin Schweitzer and Jade Coats discuss presbyopia-correction options, including pharmaceutical presbyopia drops. You will learn about the impact of presbyopia on quality of life, the drawbacks of conventional presbyopia treatments, and the best candidates for presbyopia eye drops. Supported by unrestricted educational grants from AbbVie, Alcon, and Johnson & Johnson Vision.

Drs. Marc Bloomenstein and Lindsey Bull discuss IOL selection in patients with comorbid conditions. By the end of this interview, you will learn how to communicate about presbyopia and IOL options with patients who have borderline keratoconus, mild to moderate glaucoma, and epiretinal membrane. Supported by unrestricted educational grants from AbbVie, Alcon, and Johnson & Johnson Vision.

Drs. Marc Bloomenstein and Lindsey Bull discuss IOL selection in patients with comorbid conditions. By the end of this interview, you will learn how to communicate about presbyopia and IOL options with patients who have myopia, hyperopia, and mild and severe dry eye including setting expectations pre- and postoperatively. Supported by unrestricted educational grants from AbbVie, Alcon, and Johnson & Johnson Vision.

Drs. Josh Johnston and Jacob Lang discuss IOL options for patients with comorbid conditions. By the end of this episode, you will understand which IOLs work best for patients with ocular surface disease, glaucoma, and retinal disease. Supported by unrestricted educational grants from Johnson & Johnson Vision and AcuFocus.

Drs. Josh Johnston and Jacob Lang discuss how to properly communicate with patients scheduled for cataract surgery about their IOL options for correcting presbyopia. After listening to this interview, you will understand how to better communicate with both cataract patients and clear lens exchange patients and how to effectively counsel them on their options and manage expectations. Supported by unrestricted educational grants from Johnson & Johnson Vision and AcuFocus.

In this interview, Drs. May, Autry, and Schweitzer discuss managing different MIGS patients. By the end of this episode, you will learn the unique characteristics of different types of MIGS patients and how to effectively communicate with them. Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Sight Sciences.

In this interview, Drs. May, Autry, and Schweitzer discuss early intervention with MIGS. By the end of this episode, you will learn how MIGS differs from traditional glaucoma surgery. You will also learn the advantages of MIGS, why early intervention is important, and how to identify potential MIGS patients. Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Sight Sciences.

In this interview, Kristopher A. May, OD, FAAO, Jill C. Autry OD, RPh, and Justin Schweitzer, OD, FAAO, discuss the impact of noncompliance on doctors and patients. By the end of this episode, you will understand the importance of patient education and how noncompliance can be overcome through alternative treatment. Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Sight Sciences.

Dr. John Berdahl and Dr. John Hovanesian discuss the impact presbyopia eye drops have on public health and the presbyopic patient. By the end of this episode, you will learn about patient selection, the associated risks, and patient management. You will also learn about the roles optometry and ophthalmology play in presbyopia management. Supported by unrestricted educational grants from AcuFocus, Johnson & Johnson Vision, and Visus Therapeutics.

In this episode, Dr. Marjan Farid and Dr. Julie Schallhorn discuss the keys to effective presbyopia patient conversation. You will learn how to assess patients’ needs through lifestyle questionnaires and the importance of proper management of ocular surface disease. You will also learn how age, hobbies, and preoperative refractive errors affect patient expectations. Supported by unrestricted educational grants from AcuFocus, Johnson & Johnson Vision, and Visus Therapeutics.

Marjan Farid, MD and Julie Schallhorn, MD, MS discuss the newest generation of intraocular lenses available for cataract patients. By the end of this episode, you will learn about the newest generation of IOLs, patient selection and management of patient expectations. Supported by unrestricted educational grants from AcuFocus, Johnson & Johnson Vision, and Visus Therapeutics.

Drs. Eric Donnenfeld and Cathleen McCabe discuss implementing refractive lens exchange in your practice. You will understand how to identify refractive lens exchange candidates and alternative treatments for patients who may not be candidates. Supported by independent unrestricted educational grants from AcuFocus and Johnson & Johnson Vision.

In this episode, Drs. Eric Donnenfeld and Cathleen McCabe discuss refractive lens exchange for today’s patients with presbyopia. Upon conclusion of this eipsode, you will understand who makes the best candidate for a refractive lens exchange and when it should be performed. Supported by independent unrestricted educational grants from AcuFocus and Johnson & Johnson Vision.

Drs. Kendall E. Donaldson and John A. Vukich discuss the modern refractive lens exchange practice. By the end of this class, you will learn about the new techniques and technology available and how to manage patient expectations. Supported by independent unrestricted educational grants from AcuFocus and Johnson & Johnson Vision.

In this episode, Drs. Kendall E. Donaldson and John A. Vukich discuss the latest in presbyopia-correcting IOL technologies and how they create new groups of satisfied patients. By the end of this class, you will learn the key characteristics of patients who are ideal candidates for refractive lens exchange. Supported by independent unrestricted educational grants from AcuFocus and Johnson & Johnson Vision.

In this episode, Drs. Karolinne Rocha and George Waring discuss premium IOL selection. For hyperopic patients, you will learn about hybrid multifocal/extended depth of focus (EDOF) IOLs and how to select the right IOL using calculators to provide the best outcomes. For complex cataract patients, you will learn how to manage patient expectations, identify and treat ocular pathology including dry eye masqueraders prior to surgery, and select the appropriate IOL for each unique case. Supported by unrestricted educational grants from AcuFocus, Johnson & Johnson Vision, and Visus.

Drs. Eric Donnenfeld and Vance Thompson discuss incorporating presbyopia therapies into practice for older patients. You will learn the role of surgical and pharmaceutical management with older patients. Supported by unrestricted educational grants from AcuFocus, Johnson & Johnson Vision, and Visus.

Drs. Eric Donnenfeld and Vance Thompson discuss expanding the presbyopia practice. You will learn about the latest technologies that can help grow your presbyopia practice. Supported by unrestricted educational grants from AcuFocus, Johnson & Johnson Vision, and Visus.

In this episode, Steven H. Dewey, MD discusses dense, leathery cataracts and how to deal with them. You will learn about the advantages of the flip, the dense cataract considerations, and the proper flip technique. Supported by independent education grants from Johnson & Johnson Vision and Alcon Vision.

Steven H. Dewey, MD, discusses density nucleus horizontal chop in cataract surgery. You will learn about the fundamentals for dense nuclei, and how to approach, engage, and manipulate horizontal chop. You will also learn how to troubleshoot a failed chop in dense cataracts and emulsification. Supported by independent education grants from Johnson & Johnson Vision and Alcon Vision.

Steven H. Dewey, MD, discusses trenching to transition to horizontal chop in cataract surgery. By the end of this episode, you will learn about the advantages and disadvantages of this procedure, the instruments used, and the step-by-step procedure guide. Supported by independent education grants from Johnson & Johnson Vision and Alcon Vision.

In this episode, Cathleen M. McCabe, MD discusses the complex case of dense cataract with iridodialysis repair. Supported by independent education grants from Johnson & Johnson Vision and Alcon Vision.

In this episode, Cathleen M. McCabe, MD discusses the complex case of traumatic subluxed cataract. Supported by independent education grants from Johnson & Johnson Vision and Alcon Vision.

In this episode, Dr. David F. Chang discusses the challenge of weak zonules and pearls for addressing this type of phacoemulsification complex case. Supported by independent education grants from Johnson & Johnson Vision and Alcon Vision.

This new optometric Master Class education program focuses on keratoconus and blepharoptosis treatment and patient outcomes. Presented by Dr. Douglas Devries and Dr. Mile Brujic. Supported by unrestricted educational grants from Alcon, Avellino, Bausch + Lomb, Johnson & Johnson Vision, RVL, Santen, Sight Sciences, Tarsus, TearLab, and Thea.

In this episode, subject matter experts Drs. Douglas Devries and Walter Whitley describe how to utilize new and emerging therapies for treating meibomian gland dysfunction. Supported by unrestricted educational grants from Alcon, Avellino, Bausch + Lomb, Johnson & Johnson Vision, RVL, Santen, Sight Sciences, Tarsus, TearLab, and Thea.

Drs. Marc Bloomenstein and Josh Johnston discuss best practices for the treatment of aqueous dry eye. Supported by unrestricted educational grants from Alcon, Avellino, Bausch + Lomb, Johnson & Johnson Vision, RVL, Santen, Sight Sciences, Tarsus, TearLab, and Thea.