CRST: The Podcast

 Drs. Neda and Neda sit down with John A. Hovanesian, MD, to unpack how to truly empower cataract patients in today's practice. They share practical insights on building trust, handling patient fears, and guiding decision-making for premium IOLs and lifestyle vision goals. 

Laura Livesey and Rod Solar unpack the six stages of private ophthalmology practice growth—from launching and gaining visibility to optimizing operations at scale. They explore the key challenges at each stage and the strategies practices can use to progress, offering a clear, practical framework to identify your current stage and plan your next steps.

What does the landscape look like for office-based surgery? And what are on-the-ground experiences telling us about the future of eye care? Join moderator John A. Hovanesian, MD, as he hears from Mark Lobanoff, MD, andDagny Zhu, MD, both of whom have extensive experience with office-based surgery. Hear about their insights, their unexpected (pleasant) surprises, and their specific approaches in this special coverage on CRST: The Podcast.

Eric D. Rosenberg, DO, MScEng, and Vance Thompson, MD, discuss how everyday surgical observations can lead to impactful innovations. Together, they explore the evolution of femtosecond laser techniques, the role of AI in ophthalmology, and the value of sharing incremental insights. 

In this special live-recorded episode, Drs. Neda and Neda explore the clinical and practical impact of the Light Adjustable Lens (RxSight) in modern cataract surgery. They share compelling patient cases that illustrate the transformative potential of adjustability, particularly for individuals uncertain about their visual goals. The discussion includes practical strategies for counseling candidates and candid insights into premium lens adoption and patient-centered decision-making.

Drs. Neda and Neda sit down with Alyson Carrel, Clinical Professor of Law at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law and Codirector of its nationally-ranked Center on Negotiation, Mediation, and Restorative Justice, to explore the strategy—and psychology—behind negotiating your first job offer. From overcoming fear and understanding your value, to asking the right questions and crafting creative win-win outcomes, Professor Carrel shares practical tools to help approach negotiations with confidence, curiosity, and clarity. 

CRST's Chief Medical Editors—Drs. McCabe, Weinstock, and Wiley—share their real-world experiences and strategies for thriving in high-volume cataract surgery. From clinic efficiency and OR scheduling to team empowerment and patient engagement, they reflect on how to scale surgical volume without compromising quality or compassion.

Join Preeya Gupta, MD, and Chris Starr, MD, for a deep dive into the many new additions in the world of dry eye disease therapy, including those recently FDA-approved and those in the pipeline. 

Brandon D. Ayres, MD, continues this series exploring the best practices in keratoconus management by inviting John Berdahl, MD, to share his experience with crosslinking. The two discuss the bilateral nature of keratoconus and share their thought processes and approaches for managing the disease in both eyes. They also review the role of the referring optometrist and how to become a keratoconus detective to find proof of disease progression before treatment.

Neda Nikpoor, MD, and Neda Shamie, MD, examine the key elements of successful practice partnerships in ophthalmology. They discuss how junior and senior partners can build strong, collaborative relationships through mentorship, strategic recruitment, clear communication, and aligned expectations. They highlight the importance of trust, flexibility, and long-term vision in fostering a thriving and sustainable practice.

Carrie Jacobs, COE, CPSS, OCS, and Scott LaBorwit, MD, explore innovative practice management strategies for premium cataract surgery. In this episode, Carrie shares insights on how operational excellence can be seamlessly integrated with patient care to create an efficient, patient-centered practice, while Dr. LaBorwit shares his experience streamlining consultations through a dedicated cataract-only clinic and leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and outcomes. 

Neda Nikpoor, MD, and Neda Shamie, MD, sit down with Kendall E. Donaldson, MD, to explore the evolving landscape of academic ophthalmology. Dr. Donaldson shares her unique career journey—from her time as a resident and fellow at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute to her current leadership role in expanding academic satellite practices.

Neda Nikpoor, MD, and Neda Shamie, MD, are joined by Karl G. Stonecipher, MD, to explore strategies for improving the patient experience in refractive surgery. Dr. Stonecipher shares insights on addressing patient anxieties, building trust through personalized consultations, and creating a welcoming clinical environment. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding each patient's unique concerns, using body language and open-ended questions to guide conversations, and fostering a supportive team culture.

In the next installment of Best Practices in Keratoconus Management, Brandon Ayres, MD, invites Eva Kim, MD, to share tips and tricks for optimizing one's practice for keratoconus treatment scheduling. Dr. Kim highlights important considerations for documenting disease progression to improve efficiencies in treatment and practice workflow. Test Your Knowledge HERE

In this episode of CRST: The Podcast, William F. Wiley, MD, joins John F. Doane, MD, FACS, and Michael D. Greenwood, MD, to tackle some of the most persistent myths in refractive surgery. From misconceptions about LASIK and astigmatism correction to patient expectations and the role of pupil size, the conversation sheds light on how far the field has come and where challenges remain. 

In this episode of Neda Squared, Neda Nikpoor, MD, and Neda Shamie, MD, are joined by Tanya Trinh, MBBS, FRANZCO, FWCRS, an expert on unconscious gender bias, to explore how bias impacts the medical profession. Together, they discuss the subtle yet pervasive ways bias manifests—from disparities in surgical caseloads to the challenges of imposter syndrome—and how these issues shape surgeons' careers. 

Kendall E. Donaldson, MD, MS, is joined by Marjan Farid, MD, and George O. Waring IV, MD, FACS, to explore the transformative potential of adjustability in IOL technology. The conversation focuses on strategies for patient selection, managing expectations in post-refractive cases, and achieving precise outcomes in complex scenarios with adjustable lenses. Beyond current applications, the discussion expands to future innovations, such as refractive index shaping and modular IOLs, which are poised to reshape cataract and refractive surgery. To explore these topics further, check out the August issue of CRST: https://crstoday.com/articles/aug-2024/the-future-of-iols-embracing-adjustability?single=true.

In this episode of Neda Squared, hosts Neda Nikpoor, MD, and Neda Shamie, MD, delve into the complexities of hyperopic refractive surgery, exploring solutions for patients over 40 years of age with presbyopia and strategies for managing the more challenging younger hyperopes. They share insights into patient selection, education, and the importance of setting realistic expectations. 

In this new podcast series examining hot topics and clinical pearls for managing keratoconus, Brandon Ayres, MD, invites Priya Mathews, MD, MPH, to discuss how she fits crosslinking into her practice. Dr. Mathews explains how she appointed a member of her team to the “quarterback” position of organizing and managing the many moving parts of scheduling these patients. She also invites her keratoconus quarterback, Mikelle Williams, to share her approach to building relationships with patients. [Test Your Knowledge HERE]

In this follow-up to their initial discussion on integrating refractive surgery into practice and attracting patients, Neda Nikpoor, MD, and Neda Shamie, MD, now focus on optimizing the patient experience through a knowledgeable and enthusiastic team. They discuss how a positive patient journey—from the initial phone call to postoperative follow-up—can enhance trust and satisfaction, making refractive surgery more accessible and appealing. They also explore the benefits of expanding offerings beyond LASIK, sharing insights on identifying ideal candidates for each procedure and ensuring optimal outcomes with advanced diagnostic tools such as tomography and epithelial mapping. 

In this episode of CRST: The Podcast, John A. Hovanesian, MD, hosts Emily Schehlein, MD, to explore actionable steps for reducing waste in cataract surgery. Dr. Schehlein shares insights from her work with EyeSustain, an initiative focused on making health care delivery and services in ophthalmology more sustainable—both economically and environmentally. From reducing packaging waste and unnecessary supplies to advocating for electronic instructions for use, this conversation highlights how small, data-driven changes can impact sustainability on a global scale. Drs. Hovanesian and Schehlein discuss the EyeSustain pledge and offer practical advice for institutions, clinicians, and administrators to contribute to a greener future. Take the EyeSustain pledge here.

The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL; RxSight) represents one of the most in-demand and cutting-edge innovations in refractive cataract surgery. How can surgeons best incorporate the LAL into their surgical practice such that they maximize patient and practice success? Join moderator Vance Thompson, MD, and panelists Priya Mathews, MD, and Brett Mueller, DO, PhD, as they examine their specific approaches to integrating the LAL in their clinics and discuss the business aspects of bringing this new technology on board. Whether you're a surgeon who is open to incorporating the LAL or a seasoned veteran who has honed your approach to this technology, tune into this conversation to gather pearls from world-renowned experts. 

Neda Nikpoor, MD, and Neda Shamie, MD, interview Geoffrey Tabin, MD, cofounder of Cure Blindness Project and a Professor of Ophthalmology and Global Medicine at Stanford University. Dr. Tabin shares his inspiring journey from witnessing the transformative impact of cataract surgery in Nepal to dedicating his life to combating preventable blindness worldwide. They discuss how he and Sanduk Ruit, MD, established sustainable eye care systems by training local surgeons, implementing a model where paying patients subsidize free care, and maintaining high-quality, high-volume surgeries. The conversation explores challenges faced in different regions, strategies for sustainable medical missions, and practical ways medical professionals can contribute to global eye care efforts. 

In this episode of CRST: The Podcast, Gary Wörtz, MD, Guest Medical Editor for the May issue of CRST, speaks with Eric D. Donnenfeld, MD, on a crucial yet often overlooked topic: emotional intelligence in patient care. They explore how managing complications, setting realistic expectations preoperatively, and fostering positive patient relationships through communication and empathy can greatly impact outcomes and the overall patient experience. Explore these insights further in the May issue of CRST. [https://crstoday.com/articles/may-2024/the-paradox-of-patient-satisfaction?single=true]

Neda Nikpoor, MD, and Neda Shamie, MD, sit down with William B. Trattler, MD, to explore the profound impact of mentorship in the field of ophthalmology. Dr. Trattler shares inspiring stories of how he has mentored colleagues and offers insights into how mentorship can shape careers, foster collaboration, and elevate the standard of patient care. The discussion highlights the importance of personal connections, the value of industry involvement, and the ways in which mentorship can benefit both mentors and mentees.

In this episode of CRST: The Podcast, host Kenneth Beckman, MD, FACS, speaks with Priya M. Mathews, MD, MPH, about the critical role of dry eye management in cataract surgery. They discuss the importance of optimizing the ocular surface before surgery to ensure premium outcomes, the challenges of establishing a dry eye clinic, and practical strategies for treating dry eye disease in surgical patients. For further reading, check out the April issue of CRST, where Dr. Beckman and Dr. Mathews contributed articles to the cover focus on Ocular Surface Insights: https://crstoday.com/articles/apr-2024/dry-eye-diagnostics-for-beginners?single=true. 

Hosts Neda Nikpoor, MD, and Neda Shamie, MD, share their personal journeys into refractive surgery and discuss the essentials of building a thriving refractive practice. From early training and challenges in academic settings to the transformative role of technology and patient care, they provide valuable insights and practical advice for both new and seasoned refractive surgeons.

Join Cristos Ifantides, MD, MBA, as he explores the emerging field of middle segment surgery (MSS) with guests Tanya Trinh, MBBS, FRANZCO, and Sadeer B. Hannush, MD. MSS utilizes the pars plana approach to address both anterior and posterior segment challenges in ophthalmic surgery. This episode covers the origins, techniques, and clinical implications of MSS and highlights the critical role of a dual-skilled surgeon for optimal patient outcomes. Tune in for in-depth insights into the latest developments and future directions of MSS. For more detailed information, refer to the March issue of CRST focused on middle segment surgery (available here).

Join Neda Nikpoor, MD, and Neda Shamie, MD, as they delve into their personal journeys of industry involvement in ophthalmology. They discuss the motivations behind their partnerships, the impact of authentic collaboration on patient care and innovation, and offer valuable advice for young ophthalmologists seeking to engage with industry. Tune in to hear their experiences, the challenges they faced, and the lessons learned in fostering symbiotic relationships that drive the field of ophthalmology forward.

William Wiley, MD, and Luke Rebenitsch, MD, describe why SMILE is their preferred refractive surgery method, highlighting ideal patient criteria, surgical outcomes, and enhancement rates. Dr. Wiley shares advice for surgeons new to SMILE, giving pearls for how to gain skills and work through the learning curve. Dr. Rebenitsch discusses the growth of SMILE volume in recent years and describes techniques to maximize success. Dr. Wiley closes by sharing how the speed of the new VISUMAX 800 (ZEISS) leads to a better surgical experience for both patient and surgeon.  

On this episode of CRST: The Podcast, hosts Amir Arbisser, MD, and Lisa Brothers Arbisser, MD, dive deep into the art of practice development with guests Michael Patterson, DO, and Emily Schehlein, MD. Together, they explore the journey of building a successful ophthalmology practice from the ground up, sharing their invaluable insights on growth strategies, patient care, and adapting to the evolving landscape of ophthalmology. For more details on the articles discussed, check out the February issue of CRST here.

In this episode of Neda Squared, hosts Neda Shamie, MD, and Neda Nikpoor, MD, talk with Vance Thompson, MD, about the culture and brand he has built at Vance Thompson Vision. Dr. Thompson describes his journey from solo practitioner to the leader of a team of nearly 400, with an emphasis on the importance of creating a family-like environment and providing exceptional patient care through authentic leadership and team empowerment. 

In this episode of CRST: The Podcast, host Marguerite B. McDonald, MD, FACS, convenes a panel of contributors to CRST's January cover series on the future of corneal surgery to delve into some revolutionary advances. George O. Waring IV, MD, FACS; Marcela Feltrin de Barros, MD; and Steven E. Wilson, MD, FARVO discuss cutting-edge techniques such as refractive indexing and the potential of topical losartan for treating corneal scarring. The conversation spans the evolution of corneal surgery, the promising applications of femtosecond laser technology, and the impact of new procedures on clinical practice. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how these innovations could influence future developments in vision correction and corneal health.

In the premiere episode of Neda Squared, hosts Neda Nikpoor, MD, and Neda Shamie, MD, weave through their personal and professional journeys in ophthalmology, highlighting the serendipitous meetings and shared values that have shaped their careers. They delve into the transformative power of mentorship, the impact of global medicine initiatives, and their commitment to authentic patient care.

In this episode of CRST: The Podcast, host William F. Wiley, MD, and Wesam Silk, MD, take a deep dive into the evolving world of hyperopic LASIK and its alternatives. They explore the technological advances that have reshaped the treatment of hyperopia, examine the shift toward lens-based solutions, and speculate about future innovations in refractive surgery. 

Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, and William Wiley, MD, describe using the VisuMax Femtosecond Laser (ZEISS), emphasizing the positive experience their patients have had during the procedure. Dr. Williamson further discusses pearls and shares his experience using the system. Dr. Wiley explains the foundational difference between using VisuMax versus other technologies.

In this episode of CRST: The Podcast, host Dr. Joaquin De Rojas explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into ophthalmology with Drs. Taj Nasser, Gurpal Virdi, and Matthew Hirabayashi. The discussion centers on Dr. Naser's team's development of AI solutions aimed at refining ophthalmic practices, including the Vault algorithm for ICL sizing accuracy, the Perfect Test for predicting corneal ectasia risk, and OptiCalc for innovating IOL formula creation. The episode provides insights into the practical applications of AI technologies in ophthalmology, reflecting on both the current state and future directions of the field.

Join John A. Hovanesian, MD; George O. Waring IV, MD, FACS; and Beeran Meghpara, MD, as they take an in-depth look at the latest advancements in refractive lensectomy. Topics include differentiating dysfunctional lens syndrome from cataracts, the impact of these conditions on patient counseling, and the intersection of financial and ethical considerations in surgery. Learn more about Shifting Toward Refractive Lensectomy in the October 2023 issue of CRST: https://crstoday.com/articles/oct-2023/i-have-seen-the-future-of-vision-correction-and-its-name-is-refractive-lensectomy?single=true.

Nathan Radcliffe, MD, moderates a discussion with Deborah Ristvedt, DO, and John Kitchens, MD, about the future of geographic atrophy (GA) treatment and management, the history of GA care, considerations for managing cataracts and glaucoma, and more. This editorially independent episode is supported by Iveric Bio. 

Join host Nandini Venkateswaran, MD, as she explores cornea-centric considerations in cataract surgery with guests Joaquin O. De Rojas, MD, and Mina A. Farahani, MD, MS, MS. Dr. De Rojas delves into the merits of adopting a refractive mindset to enhance not just clarity but the overall quality of vision, and Dr. Farahani navigates through managing diseased corneas, showcasing recent technological advancements and sharing impactful case studies. Together, they explore practical steps for integrating these progressive insights into daily practice. Discover more on these topics in the September issue of CRST on Cornea Conscious Surgery at www.crstoday.com/articles/sept-2023/cornea-conscious-surgery?single=true. 

In this special edition episode of CRST: The Podcast, James Katz, MD, moderates a discussion with Stephen Lin, MD, and Zarmeena Vendal, MD, to talk about innovations and technology on the horizon in ophthalmology. The three surgeons share insights into surgical planning software such as the SMARTCataract (Alcon) cloud-based platform and how it saves time and boosts efficiency in the practice. Drs. Katz, Lin, and Vendal also discuss recent and pending advances in IOL technology, the revolution of MIGS in the glaucoma

Join host M. Amir Moarefi, MD, and a panel of experts—Susannah Rowe, MD, MPH, FACS; Madhura Shah, BS; and Drew Dickson, MD—as they delve into the intricate world of cataract surgery for patients with unique challenges.  This episode explores three key areas: cataract surgery in neurodiverse individuals, patients with physical disabilities, and those with extreme refractive errors. Don't miss this comprehensive guide to managing cataract surgery in special patient populations, as featured in CRST.

Host Ben LaHood, MBChB, PGDipOphth, PhD, FRANZCO, FWCRS, and guest Florian T.A. Kretz, MD, FEBO, discuss optimizing the A-constant and surgically induced astigmatism in cataract surgery—two topics featured in CRST's recent cover focus on astigmatism management. Together they delve into the multifaceted nature of A-constant optimization and the complex challenges of surgically induced astigmatism. For more insights on astigmatism management, read the July issue of CRST: https://crstoday.com/articles/july-2023/a-worthwhile-effort?single=true.

In this podcast, David Lubeck, MD, moderates a roundtable discussion on the topic of performing cataract surgery at a more physiological IOP. Listen as an expert panel of anterior segment surgeons discusses the historical basis and detrimental effects of supraphysiologic-IOP cataract surgery, the potential benefits of a lower, more physiological IOP during cataract surgery, the evolution of technology, and surgeons' and patients' experiences.

Join host Eric Rosenberg, DO, MScEng, as he navigates the transformative landscape of digital technology in ophthalmology with guests Oliver Findl, MD, MBA, and Grayson W. Armstrong, MD, MPH. Together, they delve into the enormous potential of AI, machine learning, and teleophthalmology and highlight how these technologies are reshaping patient care, improving surgical outcomes, and revolutionizing clinical workflow. For more on the digital revolution in ophthalmology, check out the June issue of Cataract & Refractive Surgery Today: https://crstoday.com/articles/june-2023/unleashing-the-potential-of-digital-technology?single=true

Join this season's expert panel of Kourtney Houser, MD; Mitch Ibach, OD; and Nandini Venkateswaran, MD, as they showcase a selection of fascinating cases across the ocular surface spectrum. 

Join host Richard L. Lindstrom, MD, as he dives into the world of physician-entrepreneurship in ophthalmology with guests Ashley Brissette, MD, MSc, FRCSC; Ranya Habash, MD; and John A. Hovanesian, MD. Together, they explore the stages of launching a startup as an ophthalmologist—from identifying unmet needs to navigating financial backing and industry partnerships to balancing clinical practice against business ambitions. Learn how these trailblazers are reshaping the future of patient care, overcoming challenges, and pushing the boundaries of innovation in ophthalmology. For more on this topic, check out the May issue of CRST: https://crstoday.com/articles/may-2023.

Tune in to a unique episode of CRST: The Podcast, recorded live in Florence, Italy, at the 2023 AECOS Europe Symposium. We've partnered with AECOS to share this discussion of the hurdles women face in ophthalmology, the importance of inclusivity, and the process of turning ideas into products. Moderated by Radhika Rampat, MBBS, BSc(Hons), FRCOphth, and Riccardo Vinciguerra, MD, panelists Pooja Khamar, MD, PhD, FCRS; David Smadja, MD; Tanya Trinh, MBBS, FRANZCO; and Roger Zaldivar, MD, MBA, also delve into the agnostic digital health ecosystem for streamlining ophthalmological services and enhancing patient care, explore the potential of biomarkers for personalizing patient care and developing point-of-care diagnostic kits, and the evolution of training in refractive surgery. 

Host Parag Majmudar, MD, discusses best practices in managing patients with a history of radial keratotomy and those who underwent LASIK in the early 1990s and 2000s with Bret L. Fisher, MD; Hercules Logothetis, MD; and Marguerite B. McDonald, MD, FACS. Together, the surgeons delve into the challenges and complexities that can arise when treating these patients, their most common visual complaints, and frequent presenting challenges. Don't forget to check out the April issue of CRST for more information on this topic: https://crstoday.com/articles/apr-2023. 

Moderator Florian T.A. Kretz, MD, FEBO, shares the microphone with Kjell Gunnar Gundersen, MD, PhD, and Andrea Russo, MD, PhD, to discuss how expanding your portfolio of procedures and technologies can help build your practice and benefit the bottom line. They discuss both corneal and lens-based refractive correction, presbyopia solutions, and technologies that aid in streamlining workflow and boosting efficiency.  

In this episode, host Rosa Braga-Mele, MD, and guests David J. Felsted, DO; Masara Laginaf, MBBS, BSc(Hons), FRCOphth, CertLRS; and Rupa Wong, MD, discuss the importance of self-care, work-life balance, and time management for ophthalmologists. The panelists share their personal experiences and practical strategies for avoiding burnout and achieving balance. To read their articles featured in the March issue of CRST, visit: https://crstoday.com/articles/mar-2023/the-importance-of-work-life-balance.