Experts InSight

Drs. Durga Borkar and Katherine Talcott join host Dr. Jay Sridhar to brainstorm ideas for how to maintain and improve the current scientific peer review process in ophthalmology. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts

Drs. Eric Suhler and Nick Butler join host Dr. Ben Young to discuss an old treatment for cystoid macular edema (CME) that may be new to many of us: interferon alpha. They review its use, side effects, and success thus far. Relevant papers discussed in this episode: Treatment of refractory cystoid macular edema with pegylated interferon alfa-2A: a retrospective chart review Interferon alpha 2b in the treatment of uveitic cystoid macular edema For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts

Dr. Scott Goldstein joins host Dr. Amanda Redfern to share his approach to managing nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) in kids and his 3-step test for evaluating epiphora in adults, including how to identify complicating factors that may warrant surgical or procedural intervention. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

In today's episode, host Dr. Ben Young welcomes 3 core members of the Academy's Advocacy team: Dr. John McAllister, Secretary for Federal Affairs; Dr. John Peters, Secretary for State Affairs; and Rebecca Hyder, Vice President of Government Affairs. The panel discusses why routine patient care and advocacy go hand in hand, and how ophthalmologists can be better advocates for our patients at the clinic, local, state, and federal level. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

Host Dr. Andrew Pouw welcomes Drs. Gustavo De Moraes, Aakriti Shukla, and Simon John to discuss their team's work spanning the full arc of nicotinamide as a neuroprotection candidate for glaucoma, from bench to clinical trials. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

Host Dr. Jay Sridhar welcomes Dr. Sarwar Zahid to unpack a recent American Journal of Ophthalmology perspective essay on the growing segment of hospital-employed ophthalmologists. They examine the appeal of the hospitalist model—shift-based work, reduced administrative burden, and work-life balance—alongside potential drawbacks, including income ceilings, RVU pressure, and burnout. The conversation broadens to declining physician ownership, the challenges of hospital call coverage, and the downstream threat to residency training. The episode finally shifts to whether a focused practice designation (FPD) could help define subspecialty expertise, improve patient care, and give ophthalmologists a stronger seat at the bargaining table. Discussed in this episode: Thomson M, Browning DJ. The Hospital Employed Ophthalmologist: A Growing Segment of the Profession. Am J Ophthalmol. 2026 Jan 18;284:208-215. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

Host Dr. Andrew Pouw welcomes glaucoma specialists Drs. Karam Alawa and Pujan Dave to discuss the sometimes bumpy transition from academia to private practice. The guests highlight clinical operations hurdles, such as navigating clunky EMR systems and prior authorizations, and managing finite staff and resources. Despite administrative hurdles, they emphasize the need for committed "chair time" to counsel patients and alleviate anxiety regarding disease progression. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

Host Dr. Jay Sridhar is joined by Drs. Naomi Gutkind and Ekjyot (Joey) Gill to discuss staffing ophthalmology residents in surgical training. The early-career faculty share insights on tailoring instruction to resident skill level, delivering feedback at the right moment, and handling complications with empathy.  For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

Host Dr. Jay Sridhar welcomes Drs. Michael Ip and Sophie Bakri to discuss the challenges in caring for patients with macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO). The panel reviews the current approach to treatment using anti-VEGF agents and factors that may suggest a need for more intensive, long-term treatment. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

Drs. Roni Levin and Laura Enyedi join host Dr. Ben Young to review what we know about screen time for kids and its impact on visual development and general health.  Today's episode draws largely from the EyeNet article, "Screen Time and Kids' Eye Health," which appeared in the December 2025 issue. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

Drs. Priya Vakharia and Sarwar Zahid join host Dr. Jay Sridhar to discuss the history, major recent changes, and future of the Good Days Chronic Disease Fund as it pertains to medical management of patients with retinal disease. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

Although severe thyroid eye disease (TED) is easily recognizable, mild TED may go undiagnosed for months if not longer. In today's episode, Dr. Vivek Patel joins host Dr. Amanda Redfern to share how he uncovers subtle signs and symptoms of TED that can lead to a quicker diagnosis and the treatments that make a meaningful impact on quality of life. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

The unprecedented payment cuts that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) proposed over the summer were finalized on October 31. The disastrous impact on cataract surgery reimbursements alone will amount to an 11% reduction in payment. In today's emergency episode, host Dr. Andrew Pouw welcomes back three guests to rally ophthalmologists to take action: Dr. John McAllister, the Academy's Secretary for Federal Affairs; Brandy Keys, the Academy's Director of Health Policy; and Rebecca Hyder, the Academy's Vice President of Government Affairs.  Physicians shouldn't have to choose between staying open and serving their Medicare patients. Congress needs to hear directly from ophthalmologists like you before these cuts are enacted. Please, make your voice heard. Use this easy form to reach Congress. Essential Academy Resources: Contact Congress Now: www.aao.org/act-now Summary of CMS Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Past podcast episode: CMS Cuts Rock Ophthalmology For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

In this call to action, Drs. Robert Mazzoli, Stuart Seiff, and Jon Perlstein share the scope of issues surrounding ophthalmic trauma care in the United States and a roadmap for improving it, including how we can translate experiences from the military into our own set of Damage Control Ophthalmology (DCO) guidelines. Referenced article: A Call to Action and Roadmap for Improving Emergency Treatment of Ophthalmic Trauma in the United States For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

Drs. Michelle Cabrera and Alejandra de Alba join host Dr. Ben Young to discuss the finer points of what makes pediatric cataract surgery so challenging—because it's not "just" scaled-down adult cataract surgery. Referenced article: Management of Infantile and Childhood Retinopathies: Optimized Pediatric Pars Plana Vitrectomy Sclerotomy Nomogram For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

Dr. Thomas Gallagher joins host Dr. Amanda Redfern to share how to ethically and effectively disclose medical errors to patients. During the past 20 years, Dr. Gallagher's research has explored the intersection of healthcare quality, accountability, and communication. He has led a variety projects focused on the optimal response to adverse events and errors in healthcare, and developing systematic programs for preventing and responding to such events. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

Drs. Marc Toeteberg-Harms and Soshian Sarrafpour join host Dr. Andrew Pouw to discuss micropulse transscleral laser therapy for glaucoma, a less invasive procedure compared with traditional continuous-wave cyclophotocoagulation. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

Host Dr. Amanda Redfern welcomes Dr. Claudia Prospero Ponce, a neuro-ophthalmologist and ocular pathologist, to share her unique perspective on how to diagnose giant cell arteritis (GCA) when temporal artery biopsies are not classically positive.  For more information about pathological markers in GCA, check out this paper referenced in the episode: Sultan H, Smith SV, Lee AG, Chévez-Barrios P. Pathologic Markers Determining Prognosis in Patients With Treated or Healing Giant Cell Arteritis. Am J Ophthalmol. 2018;193:45-53. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

Dr. Nisha Mehta, founder of Physician Side Gigs, and Dr. Jim Dahle, founder of The White Coat Investor, join host Dr. Jay Sridhar to discuss the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and its implications for physicians and ophthalmologists in particular. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

In July, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) proposed catastrophic changes to Medicare reimbursement systems that, if finalized, will significantly affect ophthalmology and all specialty care. The impact on cataract surgery reimbursements alone would amount to an 11% reduction in payment. In today's episode, host Dr. Andrew Pouw welcomes three guests to discuss these highly complex and concerning cuts: Dr. John McAllister, the Academy's Secretary for Federal Affairs; Brandy Keys, the Academy's Director of Health Policy; and Rebecca Hyder, the Academy's Vice President of Government Affairs. Listen, share, and advocate to help us prevent these changes. Related Academy Resources: Summary of CMS Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Impact of the Efficiency Adjustment Impact to Indirect Practice Expense (PE) For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

Drs. Prithvi Sankar and Sriram Balasubramanian discuss a personal journey through vision loss, from both the ophthalmologist and patient perspective. Host Dr. Ben Young invites these two friends to share their lessons of grief, denial, and ultimate acceptance of a difficult diagnosis—in this case, retinitis pigmentosa—and what physicians can do to help their patients through these life-changing events. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

Dr. Bradley Katz joins host Dr. Amanda Redfern to share updates on the diagnostic imaging of optic disc drusen and current research efforts from the Optic Disc Drusen Consortium, an international alliance of researchers focused on optic nerve disorders. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

Drs. Durga Borkar and Yashaswini Singh join host Dr. Jay Sridhar to discuss their recent publication regarding private equity (PE) acquisition and access to retinal detachment surgery. According to the study, physicians in PE-acquired practices decreased their number of retinal detachment repairs by nearly 20% after acquisition, potentially negatively impacting access to care and patient outcomes. Discussed in today's podcast: Singh Y, Cardenas GB, Torabzadeh H, Whaley CM, Borkar D. Private Equity-Owned Physician Practices Decreased Access To Retinal Detachment Surgery, 2014-22. Health Affairs. 2025 May;44(5):589-596. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

Drs. Elyse McGlumphy and Soshian Sarrafpour join host Dr. Andrew Pouw to talk about the range of and reasons for intraocular pressure (IOP) variance, as well as the studies debating its significance for glaucoma. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

Host Dr. Ben Young invites Drs. Roni Levin and Evan Silverstein to review the current state of amblyopia treatment, ranging from the mainstays of patching and atropine drops to novel advances such as dichoptic therapy. Below are some references regarding dichoptic therapy that were discussed in this episode: Xiao S, Angjeli E, Wu HC, Gaier ED, et al. Luminopia Pivotal Trial Group. Randomized controlled trial of a dichoptic digital therapeutic for amblyopia. Ophthalmology. 2022 Jan;129(1):77-85. Wygnanski-Jaffe T, Kushner BJ, Moshkovitz A, Belkin M, Yehezkel O. CureSight Pivotal Trial Group. An eye-tracking-based dichoptic home treatment for amblyopia: A multicenter randomized clinical trial. Ophthalmology. 2023 Mar;130(3):274-285. Koc I, Bagheri S, Chau RK, Hoyek S, et al. Cost-effectiveness analysis of digital therapeutics for amblyopia. Ophthalmology. 2025 Jun;132(6):654-660. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

Drs. John Kitchens and Andy Schimel join host Dr. Jay Sridhar to discuss current and emerging applications for artificial intelligence (AI) relevant to both patients and physicians. The sweeping conversation covers resources for low-vision patients, as well as how large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT and Gemini can improve efficiency, creativity, and accuracy in a variety of clinical, professional, and other settings.  For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

Drs. Chris Conrady and Akbar Shakoor join host Dr. Ben Young to teach us about why intraocular inflammation (IOI) sometimes occurs after intravitreal injections, how to differentiate these cases from endophthalmitis, and how to manage this potentially blinding condition. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

Advocacy and policy leaders Dr. Michael Repka and Rebecca Hyder join host Dr. Andrew Pouw to share their experiences and perspectives about the Academy's work engaging with policy stakeholders. The conversation reviews recent government healthcare funding debates that may affect Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

In today's episode, host Dr. Amanda Redfern invites Dr. Nancy Newman to share updates in the treatment of Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), covering several clinical trials underway that involve idebenone and gene therapy.  For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

In today's episode, host Dr. Jay Sridhar is joined by Dr. Bobeck Modjtahedi to discuss the American Academy of Ophthalmology's new guidelines on autoimmune retinopathy (AIR), recently published in Ophthalmology Retina. A member of the Academy's task force on AIR and lead author, Dr. Modjtahedi discusses a new diagnostic framework for categorizing AIR as probable, possible, or unlikely based on specific clinical criteria. The guidelines address the challenges in diagnosing this rare condition that mimics inherited retinal diseases, and outline a standardized approach to classification for both clinical practice and research. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

Drs. Davinder Grover and Ronald Fellman join host Dr. Andrew Pouw to discuss their latest innovative surgical advancement: interventional valve-enhancing trabeculotomy (iVEnT), an angle-based minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) procedure. Compared with a traditional goniotomy, this alternative approach may be less invasive, sparing tissue and offering faster visual recovery for glaucoma patients. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

Dr. Michael Puente joins host Dr. Ben Young to share his experience founding the first eye clinic specifically for adult and pediatric patients with intellectual developmental delay. Dr. Puente provides practical tips for all ophthalmologists to improve their care for this vulnerable population. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

Drs. Louise Mawn and Jonathan Siktberg sit down with host Dr. Amanda Redfern to share their work on a groundbreaking paradigm shift in the treatment of periorbital necrotizing fasciitis with dilute hypochlorous acid. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

Drs. M. Ali Khan and Ajay Kuriyan join host Dr. Jay Sridhar to discuss updates in the retina space, including the FDA approval of photobiomodulation for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), OCT and OCTA reimbursement changes, and surgical technology advances. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

Drs. Ashkan Abbey and Ehsan Rahimy join host Dr. Jay Sridhar to discuss recent developments in the medical retina and injectable space, including faricimab versus high-dose aflibercept, biosimilars for ranibizumab and aflibercept, off-label bevacaziumb shortages, dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) therapies, private equity acquisitions, and the new drug pipeline. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

Pediatric ophthalmologists Drs. Michelle Cabrera and Alejandra de Alba join host Dr. Ben Young to discuss the pros and cons of using botulinum toxin (Botox) for treating patients with strabismus, and whether every pediatric ophthalmologist—or even general ophthalmologist—should have this technique in their toolbox. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

Medicare Advantage (MA) plans (also known as "Part C") are rapidly increasing in use, and beneficiaries' co-pay and claims denials are becoming more frequent. In today's episode, host Dr. Andrew Pouw talks with Academy billing and advocacy experts Joy Woodke and Brandy Keys to learn more about MA plans and their impact on patients and how ophthalmologists deliver care. To review the requirements put forth by your Medicare Administrative Contractor, visit the Academy's page on local coverage determination policies. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

Host Dr. Amanda Redfern welcomes oculoplastic surgeons Drs. Davin Ashraf and Natalie Hoesly to discuss their approaches to postoperative pain management, with the help of a pain and addiction medicine specialist, Dr. Pat Liu. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

Leading glaucoma experts Drs. Jamie Brandt and Pradeep Ramulu join host Dr. Andrew Pouw to talk about the burden of overdiagnosis and overtreatment of mild glaucoma, and mitigation strategies both in the clinic and at the policy desk. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

Host Dr. Amanda Redfern welcomes Dr. Sravanthi Vegunta, a pediatric and neuro-ophthalmologist, to explain how to select the right radiologic imaging when you suspect a neuro-ophthalmic disorder. Dr. Vegunta breaks down idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), papilledema, optic neuritis, optic atrophy, third and fourth cranial nerve palsies, Horner syndrome, and nystagmus.  For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

Drs. Himani Goyal and Rahul Tonk sit down with host Dr. Jay Sridhar to discuss various diets (e.g., plant-based and Mediterranean) and nutritional supplements in the context of corneal and retinal disease, focusing on how to advise patients given what we know and what's supported by evidence and other medical specialties. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

Dr. Thomas Johnson sits down with host Dr. Andrew Pouw to share exciting developments in regenerative stem cell research that may one day cure glaucoma. Learn more about Dr. Johnson's work in a recent presentation he delivered on behalf of the Glaucoma Foundation, and through the Retinal Ganglion Cell Repopulation, Stem Cell Transplantation, and Optic Nerve Regeneration (RReSTORe) Consortium.  For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

Drs. Jason Comander and Rachel Huckfeldt join host Dr. Ben Young to review management considerations for patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). The discussion highlights the winding story of nutritional supplementation recommendations for vitamin A, and the importance of reanalyzing data behind established care patterns. While the latest findings confirm that vitamin E supplementation should still be avoided, they no longer support any generalized neuroprotective effect of high-dose vitamin A for RP.  For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

Dr. Peter Quiros joins host Dr. Amanda Redfern to discuss the recent JAMA Ophthalmology article "The Risk of Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy in Patients Prescribed Semaglutide," the first study to report a possible association between semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic, Novo Nordisk) and nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Dr. Quiros provides an overview of what the study showed and what remains unknown, and how ophthalmologists should discuss these recent findings with their patients. Check out the Semaglutide and NAION patient brochure, courtesy of the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society (NANOS), and available from www.nanosweb.org. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

Host Dr. Andrew Pouw welcomes Drs. Aakriti Shukla, Mahsaw Mansoor, and Alan Robin to discuss the latest sustainability initiatives in the ophthalmic OR and clinic that reduce waste, economic costs, and environmental impact. The participants gratefully acknowledge the joint support of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, the inspiration from physicians at the Aravind Eye Hospital, and the following individuals for their commitments to sustainability in ophthalmology: David Chang, MD, Barbara Erny, MD, Cathleen McCabe, MD, David Palmer, MD, Emily Schehlein, MD, and Cassie Thiel, PhD. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

Drs. Maura Di Nicola and Basil Williams join host Dr. Jay Sridhar to discuss the latest ongoing ocular oncology clinical trials for the treatment of uveal melanoma and associated complications of radiation therapy. Their review begins with the DRCR Retina Network's Protocol AL, which is studying the use of anti-VEGF agents or corticosteroids to reduce the occurrence of radiation retinopathy and consequent vision loss. Drs. Di Nicola and Williams also offer insights about the use of belzupacap sarotalocan (bel-sar) for early-stage choroidal melanoma (CoMpass trial), as well as adjuvant treatment with darovasertib, a protein kinase C inhibitor. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

Drs. Emmanuel Chang and Eric Nudleman join host Dr. Ben Young to review Stickler syndrome, when to suspect, and how to diagnose this condition that can lead to significant systemic manifestations and severe vision loss. The panel also discusses the role and evidence for prophylactic treatments to reduce the rate of retinal detachment, which can occur in up to 65% of affected patients. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

Host Dr. Jay Sridhar welcomes Dr. Gareth Lema to discuss his group's recent study published in Ophthalmology that quantified the amount of eye drop waste in ophthalmic clinics and the implications for practice. When handled appropriately, argues Dr. Lema, eye drops can be used until the FDA-regulated expiration date, and thus help reduce both their carbon footprint and costs while still providing safe and effective patient care. Read more: Tan JM, Chen B, Vail D et al. Ophthalmic drop waste due to self-imposed use cessation dates. Ophthalmology. 2024, Jul 1:S0161-6420(24)00391-9. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

Dr. Tamara Fountain joins host Dr. Ben Young to discuss strategies to avoid medical mistakes, how to recognize cognitive biases that can lead to diagnostic error, and what we can learn from the airline industry to improve patient safety. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) created the new G2211 add-on code to address the resource cost and effort to build patient relationships with those impacted by chronic and complex conditions. Use of this new add-on code is dependent on ophthalmologists building strong long-term relationships with patients to benefit their longitudinal care. Drs. Lee Alward and Young Kwon join host Dr. Andrew Pouw to share their experiences and wisdom for building trust and rapport towards a valuable patient–physician relationship. Factsheet on HCPCS Code G2211 Visit Complexity Add-on Code: www.aao.org/g2211-code For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.