New Retina Radio by Eyetube

Katherine E. Talcott, MD, sits down with retina mentors Yoshihiro Yonekawa, MD, and Adrienne W. Scott, MD, to discuss various strategies mentors and programs can implement to better support trainees who hale from diverse economic backgrounds.

How did patients with PDR fare after being lost to follow-up for at least 1 year and then returning to the clinic? Kyle Kovacs, MD, is joined by Matt Starr, MD, and Nita Valikodath, MD, MS, to explore a recent paper that leveraged the power the IRIS Registry to assess real-world outcomes for this important subset of patients. 

Podcast co-hosts David Fell, MD, and Justin Muste, MD, are joined by Joshua H. Uhr, MD, and Arnulfo Garza-Reyes, MD, to share their experiences with scleral buckling. They discuss the utility of buckling for various cases, encircling bands versus elements, and tips for surgical success. 

Join Dr. Nemo Patel, Dr. Matthew Donovan, and Dr. Danny Mammo as they share real-world insights on how the next generation of retina specialists are optimizing their patient care by adopting FDA-approved therapies for appropriate patients. Together, they explore how to navigate patient selection, safety monitoring, and workflow integration—while maintaining efficiency and patient confidence. The conversation highlights how practices are evolving to meet the growing need for GA management, from staff training and patient education to effective collaboration with referring optometrists.Listen in to gain actionable strategies that you can implement in your practice today. Please see full Prescribing Information at http://bit.ly/4jXHTsb. This episode is sponsored by Apellis Pharmaceuticals, which developed its content and compensated the speakers.

Are you ready to accelerate your understanding of retina care?Join Dr. Nemo Patel as he speaks with Dr. Patrick Staropoli, a fellow retina specialist and professional race car driver, in an engaging discussion about Geographic Atrophy (GA) secondary to AMD.In this episode, Dr. Staropoli shares how the principles of racing—split-second decision-making, teamwork, and maintaining focus under pressure—influence his approach to treating GA. Together, they'll explore the evolving GA treatment landscape and emphasize the critical role of early detection and timely referral. Please see full Prescribing Information at http://bit.ly/4jXHTsb. This episode is sponsored by Apellis Pharmaceuticals, which developed its content and compensated the speakers.

Dr. Nemo Patel is joined by Drs. Sam Minaker and Has Al-khersan, who share lessons learned early in their careers about connecting with patients, setting expectations, and integrating therapy for geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to AMD into their respective practices. Together they address how to discuss complex diseases with patients, involve family members in treatment discussions, and build rapport through empathy and transparency. The conversation also highlights practical approaches for team training, workflow efficiency, and addressing real-world challenges in GA care. Please see full Prescribing Information at http://bit.ly/4jXHTsb. This episode is sponsored by Apellis Pharmaceuticals, which developed its content and compensated the speakers.

What types of delays do Stargardt disease patients experience when it comes to diagnosis? And what are the implications for such delays? Alexis Warren, MD, is joined by Jesse Sengillo, MD, and Sruthi Arepalli, MD, to discuss findings from a recent paper quantifying delays in diagnosis and suggesting means by which such delays could be mitigated.

Podcast co-hosts David Fell, MD, and Justin Muste, MD, sit down with Wills Eye fellow Flavius Beca, MD, to discuss the highs and lows of fellowship training, including successful cases of uveitis, clinical pearls for pneumatic retinopexy, and the challenges of treating retinal tears and detachments with vitrectomy and scleral buckling.

How do we know when a retina fellow is truly ready for independent surgery? Nikisha Kothari, MD, moderates a discussion with Jesse Sengillo, MD, and Nicholas Farber, MD, about a new survey study comparing perspectives from fellowship program directors and recent graduates on surgical volumes, teaching tools, autonomy, and competency benchmarks. The group explores areas of agreement, gaps in current training, and the push for more systematic assessment models in retina training.

How should retina specialists integrate next-generation anti-VEGF agents into real-world DME care? In this episode of “Anti-VEGFs: The Next Generation,” David Miller, MD, speaks with Esther Kim, MD, and Ehsan Rahimy, MD, about first-line agent selection, when to transition to newer options, how to incorporate steroids thoughtfully, and crafting dosing strategies that balance durability, efficacy, and adherence for working-age patients—without overpromising outcomes.This editorially independent series is supported with advertising by Regeneron.

How should retina specialists integrate next-generation anti-VEGFs into everyday wet AMD care? In this episode of “Anti-VEGFs: The Next Generation,” David Miller, MD, speaks with Esther Kim, MD, and Ehsan Rahimy, MD, about real-world issues facing wet AMD care, such as navigating crowded drug fridges, attempting interval extensions, and switching from legacy agents to next-generations treatments.  This editorially independent series is supported with advertising by Regeneron.

Can smarter strategies to tame retinal fluid fluctuations actually improve long-term vision? In episode 3 of this miniseries, host Jay Sridhar, MD, and panelists Durga Borkar, MD, MMCi, and Christina Weng, MD, MBA, examine the data linking sustained delivery of therapy, reductions in retinal thickness changes, and positive long-term vision outcomes. After the break, the trio looks ahead to sustained TKI therapy via EYP-1901 (Duravyu, EyePoint Pharmaceuticals) by examining data from the DAVIO-2 study. Drs. Sridhar, Borkar, and Weng are paid consultants of EyePoint Pharmaceuticals; however, the statements made are the opinions of Drs. Sridhar, Borkar, and Weng for educational purposes only; their statements are not intended as medical advice or the opinion of EyePoint.

Do retinal fluid fluctuations quietly erode long-term vision? In episode 2 of a 3-part roundtable series, moderator Jay Sridhar, MD joins guests Maggie Runner, MD, and Veeral Sheth, MD, MBA, to translate key data into clinic-ready tactics. They unpack how volatility—not just volume—of fluid correlates with outcomes, which fluid compartments matter most, and why durability reduces “yo-yo” anatomy. Drs. Sridhar, Runner, and Sheth are paid consultants of EyePoint Pharmaceuticals; however, the statements made are the opinions of Drs. Sridhar, Runner, and Sheth for educational purposes only; their statements are not intended as medical advice or the opinion of EyePoint.

In this first episode of a 3-part roundtable series, moderator Jay Sridhar, MD, speaks with David Sarraf, MD, and Danny Mammo, MD, about retinal fluid fluctuation as a modifiable driver of outcomes in neovascular AMD and DME. The panel defines fluctuation across compartments, examines practical barriers to longitudinal OCT tracking, and assesses the undertreatment gap in real-world practice.  Drs. Sridhar, Mammo, and Sarraf are paid consultants of EyePoint Pharmaceuticals; however, the statements made are the opinions of Drs. Sridhar, Mammo, and Sarraf for educational purposes only; their statements are not intended as medical advice or the opinion of EyePoint.

How are the world's leading mind on GA management educating patients about GA so they follow-up with their providers? Host Anat Loewenstein, MD, convenes a roundtable with Jordi Monés, MD, PhD; Sobha Sivaprasad, MD; and Giovanni Staurenghi, MD, to review their specific approaches to GA management, patient conversations, and education for patients and caregivers. Plus, are AREDS supplements an option for GA patients? 

At what point in their disease do world-renowned retina specialists want to see patients with GA? Host Anat Loewenstein, MD, leads a candid roundtable with Jordi Monés, MD, PhD; Sobha Sivaprasad, MD; and Giovanni Staurenghi, MD, on modern referral patterns, monitoring intervals, and fellow-eye surveillance. The panel explores the utility of OCT and FAF imaging, discusses patient/caregiver education, and the promise of AI tools in caring for GA patients. 

Does antibiotic prophylaxis prior to intravitreal injection affect the risk of endophthalmitis? Join New Retina Radio Journal Club with VBS moderator Alexis Warren, MD, as she and panelists Sruthi Arepalli, MD, and Jesse Sengillo, MD, sort out the details of a recent paper and discuss whether these findings alter clinical practice. 

How do you decide when GA patients are ready for complement inhibition—and how do you keep them on therapy in the real world? In episode 3 of The Nuts and Bolts of GA Therapy, moderator Charles Wykoff, MD, PhD, speaks with Kenneth Fan, MD, MBA, and Sruthi Arepalli, MD, about early vs conservative initiation, nuanced counseling on expectations and safety, and how imaging informs treatment decisions. Editorially independent content, supported by an educational grant from Apellis Pharmaceuticals.

What do GLP-1 receptor agonists mean for the future of retinal disease? Aleksandra Rachitskaya, MD, joins us to review the ever-evolving data on the relationship between retinal disease and GLP-1 RA use. Could these drugs protect against the development of retinal disease? And Julia Haller, MD, explains her vision of what the future of retina looks like. Who needs to be included in the crafting of best practices to ensure that retina specialists offer the highest quality care? Join us on this episode to find out. 

Could a biologic that addresses uveitic macular edema (UME) change the treatment landscape for uveitis patients? Rahul Khurana, MD, joins us to review data from the MEERKAT and SANDCAT trials assessing vamikibart (Genentech/Roche) for UME.  And Arshad Khanani, MD, MA, joins us to review the open-label extension study of GATHER2. What effect does avacincaptad pegol (Izervay, Astellas) have 2 years after the initial study was completed? Join us to hear details about these late-breaking presentations from AAO 2025. 

The dry AMD pipeline is packed. Join New Retina Radio as we break it down with Peter Kaiser, MD, whose podium presentation at AAO 2025 offered a survey of developmental projects in dry AMD. What should we look forward to? And Michel Michaelides, MD, shares details from the DRAGON study, which examined the safety and efficacy of tinlarebant (Belite Bio) for the treatment of Stargardt disease. Could a once-daily oral tablet lead to positive outcomes for patients? Listen to the episode to learn more.

How do you create clear, durable treatment plans for real-world GA patients? In episode 2 of The Nuts and Bolts of GA Therapy, host Charles Wykoff, MD, PhD, joins Hasenin Al-khersan, MD, and Nakul Singh, MD, to dissect real-world cases and discuss choosing monthly or EOM week dosing regimens, engaging caregivers, and reconciling clinical trial data with real-world experiences.

Could optogenetics represent the innovative thinking needed to restore some function in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients? Allen Ho, MD, joins us to discuss the state of play in optogenetics, specifically regarding MCO-010 (Nanoscope Therapeutics). What have we seen in the several years since the first patients with RP were dosed with MCO-010 in the RESTORE study? And Charles Wykoff, MD, PhD, joins us to review data assessing the safety and efficacy of sura-vec (Regenxbio/AbbVie) for the treatment of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. What do patients look like at 2 years after a single suprachoroidal injection? Listen in to find out.  

How do costs and reimbursements shape practice patterns regarding panretinal photocoagulation (PRP)? Niki Kothari, MD, moderates a discussion with Jesse Sengillo, MD, and Nicholas Farber, MD, about a new time-driven activity-based costing study by Berkowitz et al. The panel explores how procedure time, margins, and CMS reimbursement affect the role of PRP versus anti-VEGF therapy, and reflects on how these financial realities may alter clinical decision-making, practice logistics, and advocacy efforts in retina care.

How do retina specialists first broach the topic of complement inhibition for GA therapy? In episode 1 of this miniseries, moderator Charles Wykoff, MD, PhD, speaks with Maryam Ghiassi, MD, MHS, and Matthew Cunningham, MD, about timing treatment conversations, managing  patients with one good and one bad eye, and addressing whether patients can maintain driving. Editorially independent content, supported by an educational grant from Apellis Pharmaceuticals.

How should retina specialists reframe their approach to GA therapy? In the final episode of this New Retina Radio miniseries, moderator John Kitchens, MD joins experts Margaret Chang, MD, MS; David Eichenbaum, MD; and Ferhina Ali, MD, MPH, to explore how to shift doctor mindsets from restoring vision to preserving it. The panel discusses challenges of counseling without clear imaging endpoints, the role of AI and microperimetry in demonstrating treatment value, and why some providers remain hesitant to adopt complement inhibitors. They also consider lessons from past therapies, tissue preservation as a meaningful endpoint, and how innovation may soon deliver more potent options.This content is editorially independent, supported by Astellas Pharma.

Should GA therapy start monthly—or is less-than-monthly treatment enough? In episode 3 of this New Retina Radio miniseries, moderator John Kitchens, MD joins David Eichenbaum, MD; Margaret Chang, MD, MS; and Ferhina Ali, MD, MPH, to share best practices in real-world GA care. The panel debates dosing strategy in light of long-term data, compares safety/efficacy considerations for pegcetacoplan vs avacincaptad pegol (including first-injection inflammation risk), and offers tips for initiating therapy in monocular patients. They also unpack evidence around AREDS vitamins and early experiences with photobiomodulation.This content is editorially independent, supported by Astellas Pharma.

How do you educate and empower patients to make informed decisions about geographic atrophy (GA) therapy? In episode 2 of this New Retina Radio miniseries, moderator John Kitchens, MD guides Ferhina Ali, MD, MPH; Margaret Chang, MD, MS; and David Eichenbaum, MD, through practical strategies for patient education. The panel covers plain-language analogies for GA, using OCT and fundus photos, coordinating with optometry, and setting realistic expectations for FDA-approved treatments. They also tackle real-world barriers—visit burden, transportation, and costs—sharing tips on benefits investigations, manufacturer portals, and charity-care pathways.This content is editorially independent, supported by Astellas Pharma.

What does it mean to truly keep patients at the center of geographic atrophy (GA) therapy? In this first episode of a four-part New Retina Radio miniseries, moderator John Kitchens, MD, leads a discussion with experts Ferhina Ali, MD, MPH; Margaret Chang, MD, MS; and David Eichenbaum, MD. The panel explores the social impact of GA and highlight the importance of early intervention, imaging, and patient education. Gain key insights into how clinicians can support patients navigating GA's challenges.This content is editorially independent, supported by Astellas Pharma.

What happens when patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) show suboptimal response to faricimab (Vabysmo, Genentech/Roche) and are switched to high-dose aflibercept (Eylea HD, Regeneron)? Ben Young, MD, moderates a discussion with Pheobe Mellen, MD, and Jordan Deaner, MD, exploring real-world outcomes from a retrospective study of 135 eyes. The group dives into the implications for clinical practice and tries to parse apparently conflicting data regarding anatomic changes. Drs. Mellen and Deaner reflect on their own approaches to treating recalcitrant cases and debate what this paper means for the future of anti-VEGF therapy.

What role does mitochondrial dysfunction play in the pathogenesis of AMD? And could intervention change the course of early disease progression. David Lally, MD, shares results from the ReCLAIM-2 study, the phase 2 trial that assessed elamipretide (Stealth BioTherapeutics) in patients with non-central GA. What positive treatment effects were observed?  And Ehsan Rahimy, MD, reviews findings from a retrospective analysis seeking to understand if continuous glucose monitoring could reduce the risk of NPDR progressing to more serious conditions. Listen in to learn what he and his colleagues found.  

What role does mitochondrial dysfunction play in the pathogenesis of AMD? And could intervention change the course of early disease progression. David Lally, MD, shares results from the ReCLAIM-2 study, the phase 2 trial that assessed elamipretide (Stealth BioTherapeutics) in patients with non-central GA. What positive treatment effects were observed?   And Ehsan Rahimy, MD, reviews findings from a retrospective analysis seeking to understand if continuous glucose monitoring could reduce the risk of NPDR progressing to more serious conditions. Listen in to learn what he and his colleagues found.  

Time flies: Some wet AMD patients have had the Port Delivery System with Ranibizumab (Susvimo, Genentech/Roche) for more than 5 years. How well does vision hold up at 5 years? And how do those numbers compare to 5-year endpoints in injection-based studies? John Kitchens, MD, reviews the dynamics around the PORTAL study, which assessed outcomes after 5 years of PDS treatment. And Krishna Mukkamala, MD, reviews data from a first-ever study validating longitudinal performance of AI-based home OCT (Scanly Home OCT, Notal Vision) compared with human experts. Just how sensitive and specific was home OCT compared with human graders? 

What happens when two systemic diseases collide? In this episode of New Retina Radio Journal Club with VBS, moderator Lediana Goduni, MD, is joined by Alexis Warren, MD, and Joshua Uhr, MD, to discuss a new retrospective cohort study by Rahimy et al. The panel explores how obstructive sleep apnea impacts the progression of diabetic retinopathy and elevates the risk for systemic vascular events such as stroke, heart attack, and death. With nearly 24,000 patients analyzed, the study sheds light on the importance of screening and managing comorbidities in patients with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy—and raises critical questions about what role retina specialists should play in addressing them.

Anat Loewenstein, MD; Paulo Eduardo Stanga, MD; Patricio G. Schlottmann, MD and Daniel Ting, MD, PhD, pick up where they left off in our previous episode, further exploring the value of setting expectations for patients with GA in nations without wide access to complement inhibitors. They also comment on which therapeutic approaches can be employed now and look toward possible forthcoming treatments. This podcast is part 2 of 2. 

The State of Geographic Atrophy Around the Globe: Part 1 of 2 DES: For what pathophysiologic reasons is targeting the complement pathway a viable therapeutic route for treating geographic atrophy? And which pipeline therapeutic approaches could be useful to patients in the future? Anat Loewenstein, MD is joined by a world-class trio of retina specialists—Daniel Ting, MD, PhD; Paulo Eduardo Stanga, MD; and Patricio G. Schlottmann, MD—for a discussion exploring the state of play in GA from a global perspective. This podcast is part 1 of 2. 

Are patients from lower-income households more likely to present with severe diabetic retinopathy (DR)? Ben Young, MD, moderates a discussion with Phoebe Mellen, MD, and Jordan Deaner, MD, about a new retrospective cohort study from the Duke Eye Center than examines differences in DR severity at presentation between patients from the lowest- and highest-income ZIP codes, explores how income-based barriers to care may impact disease progression, and discusses how this data might affect clinical care, screening strategies, and public health priorities.

What do you do when a patient with GA also has wet AMD? And how do you encourage patients on anti-complement therapy to stick with treatment? In part 2 of this 2-part series, moderator Judy Kim, MD, and panelists Rishi Singh, MD; Deepak Sambhara, MD, and Sunir Garg, MD, examine answers to these questions. 

How tightly should you stick to a GA therapy's label? Which complement inhibitor do you pick and why? And which candidates are best suited for treatment? In part 1 of this 2-part series, moderator Judy Kim, MD, and panelists Sunir Garg, MD; Deepak Sambhara, MD, and Rishi Singh, MD, explore these questions in a brief (but enlightening) discussion. 

 What conclusions can be drawn from the LIGHTSITE III study examining photobiomodulation for dry AMD? Moderator Barton Blackorby, MD, sits down with panelists Hong-Uyen Hua, MD, and Louis Cai, MD, to examine a recent opinion piece published in JAMA Ophthalmology exploring what researchers can (and cannot) confidently conclude based on the study's data. 

Duke faculty interview key lecturers from the 2025 Duke AVS Course about their podium talks. Jason Hsu, MD, discusses the best ways to manage proliferative vitreoretinopathy, Majda Hadziahmetovic, MD, shares new data on the effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists on diabetic retinopathy, Aleksandra V. Rachitskaya, MD, explains the value of multimodal Imaging in adults with a history of prematurity, and Gavin Tan, MD, PhD, FRCSed, discusses management approaches for myopic tractional maculopathy and macular holes.

Faculty from the 2025 Duke AVS Course ask key lecturers to share pearls from their presentations. Lejla Vajzovic, MD, discusses various pediatric retinal conditions that can manifest later in life, Jason Fan, MD, explains trends in anesthesia use for open-globe surgery, and Glenn J. Jaffe, MD, examines the role of AI in retina clinical trials.