Talking Euretina

New therapies are reshaping geographic atrophy—but are trial endpoints keeping pace with clinical reality? Anat Loewenstein is joined by Sobha Sivaprasad and Kristina Pfau to examine how success in GA is measured, from lesion growth to functional vision. The panel explores microperimetry, contrast sensitivity, and emerging tools that may better reflect meaningful patient outcomes.

A landmark Phase 3 trial has delivered the first positive result for Stargardt disease treatment — but the therapeutic landscape is shifting fast. Prof. Maximilian Pfau enjoys a discussion with Prof. Carel Hoyng and Dr. Karolina Kaminska on the ABCA4 disease spectrum, the groundbreaking discovery of AP5 complex-related macular dystrophy, and emerging therapies from oral drugs to gene-specific approaches

Three former mentees of the EURETINA Mentorship Programme share how the initiative helped shape their careers in retinal research and clinical practice. Özge Yanık Odabaş, Karolina Motloch and Omer Trivizki discuss mentorship, international collaboration, and the opportunities created through the programme’s growing alumni network. Their experiences highlight how structured mentorship can accelerate professional development for the next generation of retina specialists

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping retina care — but where does it truly add value in daily practice? Professors Tien Wong and Daniel Ting join Stela Vujosevic to explore how AI is moving beyond screening into risk stratification, clinical decision support, and home monitoring. From infrastructure challenges to real-world implementation, this episode offers practical insights for retina specialists preparing for an AI-enabled future

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how we screen, classify, and treat diabetic retinal disease. Professor Aude Couturier, Professor Edoardo Midena, and Professor Reinier Schlingemann discuss real-world AI applications in diabetic retinopathy — from population screening and imaging biomarkers to phenotyping and precision treatment in diabetic macular oedema

What drives leading retina specialists to trade the clinic for corporate innovation? In this episode, Euretina Board member Kourous Rezaei speaks with Jay Duker (CEO, Eyepoint), Sascha Fauser (SVP, Roche), and Marion Munk (CSO, Gutblick Group; CMO, Isarna Therapeutics) about their transitions from clinical practice to industry. Together they share insights on leadership, research, and the evolving relationship between academia and biotechnology in shaping the future of retinal therapeutics

In this episode Professors Dean Eliott, Grazia Pertile, and José García-Arumí join chair Kourous Rezaei to explore how surgical mastery is built through intuition, preparation, and reflection. They share practical insights on mentorship, focus, teamwork, and managing stressful cases — from avoiding coffee before surgery to resetting after complications — revealing that great surgeons are defined not just by skill, but by judgment, patience, and care for the patient

In this first-ever debate edition of Talking Euretina, Dr Rumana Hussain (Liverpool Ocular Oncology Centre) introduces Professors Arun Singh (Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic), Heinrich Heimann (Liverpool Ocular Oncology Service) and Bertil Damato (Moorfields Eye Hospital) as they debate one of ocular oncology’s most enduring questions — when to operate on small choroidal melanomas. The panel examines diagnostic uncertainty, genetic risk and patient choice in determining when to treat.

Retinal diseases disproportionately affect certain populations—yet these groups are underrepresented in research. In this episode, Dr. Christiana Dinah chairs a global panel including Drs. Adrienne Scott, Charles Wykoff and Jeremiah Brown to explore the systemic and structural barriers to inclusion in retina trials, and why the stakes for equity have never been higher

In this episode, Prof. Frank Holz leads a panel discussion on a major leap forward in retinal prosthesis: the Prima system for geographic atrophy. Joined by Dr. Mahi Muqit and Prof. Lars-Olof Hattenbach, they explore how their extraordinary wireless subretinal implant is restoring visual perception in late-stage AMD. 

In this episode, Profs. Lejla Vajzovic (USA), Sandrine Zweifel (Switzerland), and Heinrich Heimann (UK) reflect on a fantastic few days in Paris and share their highlights from the 2025 programme for you to watch back through the portal.

Euretina President Prof. Anat Loewenstein speaks with Prof. Ursula Schmidt-Erfurth, 25th Euretina Lecturer, about her groundbreaking career in retinal disease, from imaging innovations to AI-driven early detection. They discuss the EU-funded iScreen project, the future of AMD management, and the significance of two women presidents (past and present) as Euretina celebrates its 25th anniversary in Paris

Ahead of his Gisbert Richard Lecture at this year’s Euretina Congress in Paris, Prof. Jean-François Korobelnik joins Prof. Nicole Eter to reflect on a career at the forefront of retinal research. From surgical breakthroughs to his leadership of the E3 consortium, and his cautious optimism for AI, Prof. Korobelnik shares insights on past progress and future priorities in retina

Ahead of her Kreissig Award Lecture at the Euretina Congress in Paris, Professor Maria Berrocal (Puerto Rico) joins Euretina past president Alistair Laidlaw to discuss why time-tested treatments like PRP and scleral buckling still matter. They explore the risks of over-reliance on anti-VEGF in proliferative diabetic retinopathy, the decline in buckle training, and how chandelier techniques could revive it

In this thought-provoking episode, Professor Tariq Aslam and Retina International’s Avril Daly join Jonathan McCrea to explore the emotional and psychological dimensions of retinal disease. From the power of empathy in clinical care to the need for integrated mental health services, the discussion highlights why supporting patients beyond the medical chart is more vital than ever—especially in an AI-driven world.

Ahead of her Ophthalmologica Lecture at this year’s Euretina Congress, Dr. Maria Vittoria Cicinelli joins Professor Bahram Bodaghi to explore the evolving understanding of white spot syndromes. From classic presentations of punctate inner choroidopathy (PIC) to emerging imaging insights and therapeutic uncertainties, the conversation highlights unmet needs, research gaps, and practical implications for clinicians managing posterior uveitis

In this episode, Prof. Martin Zinkernagel and Dr. Matias Iglicki spotlight Ophthalmologica’s new article collection on submacular hemorrhages. They explore key findings from four studies covering imaging, surgical strategies, and real-world outcomes, offering timely insights into managing this vision-threatening condition.

Ever considered broadening your professional horizons with an ophthalmology fellowship abroad? In this insightful episode, Dr. Peter Kiraly (Manchester Royal Eye Hospital) and Dr. Elon van Dijk (Leiden University Medical Center and Rotterdam Eye Hospital) share their personal journeys and practical advice from fellowships in the UK and Australia. Chaired by Jonathan McCrea

When should you refer and what should you include? Oncologists Hibba Quhill, Iwona Rospond-Kubiak, and Emine Kilic share practical, experience-based advice on improving referral pathways in ocular oncology. From triage strategies to imaging essentials, this episode covers what referring clinicians need to know to ensure timely and effective patient care

Dr. Sarah Mrejen (France), Associate Professor Salomon Cohen (France), and Associate Professor Dinah Zur (Israel) explore how neovascular AMD phenotype may influence imaging choices, patient dialogue, and treatment plans. From proactive vs. conservative strategies to new anti-VEGF agents and PCV diagnosis, this expert-led discussion offers key insights into personalising care in retinal disease.

Prof. Zohar Habot-Wilner (Tel Aviv University) chairs a rich discussion with Prof. Sofia Androudi (University of Thessaly, Greece) and Prof. Sarah Touhami (University of Sorbonne) on managing retinal and uveitic diseases during pregnancy. They explore safe diagnostic tools, therapeutic dilemmas like Ranibizumab vs. Ozurdex, and the effects of pregnancy-related hormonal shifts—highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in high-risk cases

What are hyperreflective foci, and why do they matter in AMD? Prof. Stella Vujosevic is joined by Prof. Christine Curcio (University of Alabama at Birmingham) and Prof. Srinivas Sadda (Doheny Eye Institute, UCLA) to explore their significance—from donor eye histology to OCT imaging. They discuss key biomarkers, clinical implications, and how HRF can help guide treatment decisions in age-related macular degeneration

What causes central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), and how should it be managed? In this episode, experts Camiel Boon, Sobha Sivaprasad, and Gemmy Cheung discuss the latest insights into CSC and the pachychoroid spectrum, including new imaging findings, risk factors, and treatment options like PDT, laser, and anti-VEGF

Uveal melanoma remains a significant challenge, with genetic alterations playing a crucial role in treatment decisions. In this episode, Prof Jens Folke Kiilgaard (Denmark) and Dr Emine Kilic (Netherlands) join Prof Antonia Joussen (Germany) to explore why metastases persist despite primary tumor treatment, the limitations of checkpoint inhibitors, and the latest on Tebentafusp and Darovasertib. We also discuss the role of adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapies and emerging T-cell therapies. Join us for an insightful discussion on the future of uveal melanoma treatment

In this episode, Chair Alistair Laidlaw (UK) chats to Mario Romano (Italy) and Stratos Gotzaridis (Greece) about some of the considerations and complications surrounding the use of intraocular tamponades. They also discuss the upcoming Special Focus Meeting in Athens which will centre on vitreoretinal surgery (VR)

In this final episode of highlights from the Barcelona congress 2024, we’ll hear from Dr Arshad Khanani (USA) about clinical trials, long term-data and the importance of personalising the treatment to the patient

In this second episode looking at highlights from the Barcelona congress, we'll hear about AI and sustainability in ophthalmology from Prof Jean-Francois Korobelnik of University Hospital Bordeaux

Barcelona, We love you! Over the next few episodes, we'll be hearing from 3 different sub-specialty experts about their favourite picks from the excellent Euretina Congress this year. This week, we hear from Ms. Rumana Hussain, Consultant Ophthalmologist specialising in Ocular Oncology and VR surgery at Liverpool University Trust Foundation Hospitals

In this episode, Prof Nicole Eter (Germany) speaks with Dr Yousif Subhi, this year's Ophthalmologica lecture about his work in meta-analyses, evidence synthesis, determination of best-practice, and clinical research

In this episode, Professor Kyoko Ohno-Matsui discusses advancements in imaging technologies and the management of myopic maculopathy ahead of her keynote lecture at the upcoming Euretina Congress in Barcelona. Chaired by Euretina President, Professor Anat Loewenstein

Ahead of his prestigious Gisbert Richard lecture at this year's upcoming Euretina congress in Barcelona, David Yorston speaks to Euretina board member and former president Mr Alistair Laidlaw about his impressive career highlights and what we have learned so far from the BEAVRS Database

In this episode, Drs Kristina Pfau (Switzerland) and Elon Van Dijk (Netherlands) will talk about the importance of the YOURS committee, representing young retina specialists across Europe. They'll also discuss the opportunities that lie ahead and the challenges that are faced by early career clinicians and researchers

In this podcast, Prof Frank Holz (Germany) discusses assessment of visual dysfunction in Intermediate AMD in the context of the Macustar trial with Dr Hannah Dunbar, Principal Optometrist at Moorfields and UCL

In this podcast, Bart Leroy and Mark Pennesi discuss a provocative paper in Cell that seems to draw a link between bacteria normally found in our gut and retinal diseases such as Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP). This episode was an initiative of EURETINA in collaboration with ERN-EYE (European Reference Network for Rare Eye Disease). 

In this episode, Zohar Habot-Wilner (Israel) and Elisabetta Miserocchi (Italy) explore the key elements of clinical examination and how to approach work up when treating patients presenting with Uveitis. The discussion is chaired by Bahram Bodhagi (France)

In this episode, something a little different from the world of basic science: an interview with Bob J Johnston of Johns Hopkins who has been working with retinal organoids for the past decade. How are they made? What does industry think of them and will they one day become the default paradigm for retinal clinical research? Chaired by Jonathan McCrea

In this episode, we hear from an expert panel as they delve into the critical topic of second eye risk of retinal detachment (RD) and discuss approaches to prophylaxis. With Alistair Laidlaw (UK), Patricia Udaondo (Spain) and David Steel (UK)

Following the approval of Aflibercept 8mg, clinicians in Europe now have 5 anti-VEGF treatments to choose from, not to mention biosimilars. How should we treat patients with so many options open to us? Sandrine Zweifel (Switzerland) and Stela Vujosevic (Italy) compare notes

In this podcast episode, we will dig into the subject of radiation maculopathy, the most common complication following the irradiation of intraocular tumours, with a panel of ocular oncologists from across Europe: Hibba Quhill (UK), Iwona Rospond-Kubiak (Poland), Emine Kilic (Netherlands) and Raffaele Parrozzani (Italy).

In this episode we look at two very interesting papers published in the latest editions of Ophthalmologica - Martin Busch presents his work on using microRNA as biomarkers for retinal disease and the panel discuss Christina Weisheit's paper on Co2 emissions from the ophthalmic OR. Chaired by Patricia Udaondo, Matias Iglicki and Andreas Ebneter.   Links to papers:  https://karger.com/oph/article/246/3-4/169/861433/High-Impact-Actions-to-Reduce-the-Carbon-Dioxide https://karger.com/oph/article/246/3-4/227/861182/Circulating-MicroRNAs-as-Biomarker-for-Vessel?searchresult=1

Fresh from his exciting win of the Lasker Award - often dubbed the American Nobel Prize - Professor David Huang (USA) - the inventor of optical coherence tomography (OCT) - joins Prof Pearse Keane (UK) and Tunde Peto (Hungary/UK) to talk about how he and colleagues developed the technology and about the impact it has had on retinal medicine

As applications open for the Euretina Retinal Medicine Clinical Research Award, we hear about the award from Euretina EVP, Dara Conlon. We also gain interesting insights from previous winners Camiel Boon (Netherlands) and João Pedro Marques (Portugal) to see how the award has furthered their research.

In this podcast Euretina President, Mr Alistair Laidlaw and Euretina EVP Dara Conlon explore the highlights of this year's congress which is on track to be the biggest and most exciting meeting yet!

In this episode, journalist Ramadan Younis and his executive producer Simon Cox tell us about their far-reaching BBC documentary. "Blind Faith" exposes the international practice of defrauding patients of Retinitis Pigmentosa with false hopes of treatment or cure with little or no evidence of efficacy. They are joined by Prof Robert McLaren of the University of Oxford, who consulted on the documentary and evaluated the scientific claims being made by bad actors in the programme. You can watch the documentary here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0f95ky3

In this episode, we’re going to dig into the subject of this year’s Ophtalmologica lecture which will be delivered on the Saturday afternoon at this year’s congress in Amsterdam. Professor Maximilan Pfau is a clinician with a specialism in AMD and Inherited Retinal diseases in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University Eye Hospital, Basel, Switzerland. He's joined by Editor in Chief of the Ophthalmologica Journal; Professor Martin Zinkernagel

In this episode, we head to Asia to hear from colleagues in Japan, Singapore and South Korea about their experiences treating PCV and Pachychoroid in different populations. The podcast is chaired by Prof Taiji Sakamoto (Japan) and Prof SeungYoung Yu (South Korea) who are joined by Prof Gemmy Cheung and Prof Adrian Koh (Singapore)

In this podcast, we hear from Euretina Keynote Bertil Damato (UK/Sweden) about his upcoming talk on OncoVR at the 2023 Euretina Congress. He is joined by colleague Carl Groenewald (UK) and Heinrich Heimann (Chair - UK)

In this podcast, we'll be hearing about an exciting new event taking place in Amsterdam at the Euretina Congress in October; the inaugural Euretina Innovation Summit (EIS). Kourous Rezaei (USA) and Anat Loewenstein (Israel) - two members of the organising committee - will discuss the programme and motivation behind the event with chair Frank G Holz (Germany)

In this podcast, we’ll explore two areas in the subspecialty of myopia: Aude Couturier will share her expertise in macular holes and Dr Yves Lachkar will discuss glaucoma in highly myopic patients. Chaired by David Gaucher and Jost Jonas

In this episode, Editor in Chief at Ophthalmologica, Professor Martin Zinkernagel discusses two featured papers from Euretina’s official journal. The first paper discussed covers choroiditis and the second covers effective treatment regimen in macular degeneration. Faculty are Dr Jeannette Ossewaarde-van Norel and Evianne de Groot (University Medical Center Utrecht) and Mathis Thibaud, Red Cross University Hospital, Lyon