Ophthalmology off the Grid by Eyetube: Recent Episodes
Eyetube
Open. Outspoken. It's Ophthalmology off the Grid - an honest look at controversial topics in the field.
Marnix Heersink, MD, joins Gary Wörtz, MD, and Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, and shares his experiences and philosophy behind building his business in ophthalmology, philanthropy, and more. Dr. Heersink breaks down his career path, from his first practice to his growth in business ventures beyond medicine. He shares advice for young physicians just getting started in practice, and comments on his outlook for the future of ophthalmology.
Joseph Gira, MD, joins Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, and Gary Wörtz, MD, to share his experience with building and growing a business in ophthalmology. He outlines his career history, commenting on his skills for working and collaborating with other doctors and the benefits of working with optometry as a backbone for success. Dr. Gira also describes his experience working in private equity, sharing potential pitfalls and successes for younger surgeons to consider.
Farrell “Toby” Tyson, MD, FACS, joins the podcast to speak with Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, and Gary Wörtz, MD, about the lessons he has learned from expanding his practice. Dr. Tyson shares critical elements to success in expansion, including the value of location visibility, the pros and cons of having an optical shop, and strategies to manage cash flow, drive more revenue, and attract top talent.
Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, continues the topic from a previous episode about ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). In this episode, Taylor Strange, DO, discusses his career journey from starting a new practice, increasing surgical volume, and eventually building an ASC as a long-term business strategy. Stephen Sheppard, from Medical Consulting Group, shares insights into the most appropriate road map and timeline for young physicians to anticipate if they are interested in investing in an ASC.
Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, sits down with Priyanka Sood, MD; Sahar Bedrood, MD, PhD; Cristos Ifantides, MD; and Brent Kramer, MD, to compare the differences between private practice and an academic setting. Dr. Sood shares her career experience working in both settings and explains why she found academia to be a better fit. Dr. Bedrood discusses how her personal goals more closely aligned with private practice. Drs. Ifantides and Kramer share how their private practice experiences still involve some aspects of academia, such as performing research and training surgeons.
Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, hosts a new installment of Survive & Thrive with guests Arjan Hura, MD; Usiwoma Abugo, MD; and David Felsted, DO. The panel addresses a key question for surgeons in training and early years of residency: Should you pursue a fellowship? Listen as Drs. Hura, Abugo, and Felsted share their experiences and discuss how they arrived at their decisions based on individual passions and professional goals.
Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, and cohost Michael Patterson, DO, invite Andrew Maller, MBA, COE, from BSM Consulting, to discuss critical information for young surgeons about the potential to buy into an ambulatory surgery center (ASC). The trio shares insights into the value of being business-minded to maintain a successful practice and address common questions to determine opportunities to find a path to ownership.
Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, hosts another installment of Survive & Thrive with guests Brenton Finklea, MD; Rahul Tonk, MD; Camila Albo, MD; and Mike Zein, MD, to share advice for ophthalmology resident applicants as the match approaches. Drs. Albo and Zein share advice as PGY-1 ophthalmology residents who have recently gone through the match process, commenting on what to look for when researching different programs. Drs. Finklea and Tonk share perspectives from the other side of the interview table and touch on how to have a strong, authentic, and memorable interview.
Cohosts Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, and Darrell E. White, MD, invite guest Karl G. Stonecipher, MD, to the podcast to discuss the relationship between his work in ophthalmology and his personal life. The trio of surgeons discusses how to incorporate personal activities into a busy professional schedule and the importance of taking time to focus on family and friends.
Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, hosts another installment of Survive & Thrive with guests John P. Berdahl, MD, and Robert J. Weinstock, MD, to discuss the topic of clinical research in private practice. Drs. Berdahl and Weinstock share pearls and insights for those who have a research interest but are unsure how to get started outside of academia. Listen to learn more about the types of research one can conduct in this setting to help advance the field of ophthalmology.
Darrell E. White, MD, joins Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, as cohost for this episode of Ophthalmology off the Grid. They invite Maria C. Scott, MD, and Lisa K. Feulner, MD, PhD, to share unique experiences with their career paths in ophthalmology. The panel discussion touches on how each surgeon balances personal and professional goals and how their individual goals have evolved over the course of their careers.
This special episode of Ophthalmology off the Grid was screened during the 2022 MillennialEYE Live meeting in Austin, Texas. Andriy Kovalov, MD, PhD, joined Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, from Kyiv, Ukraine, and discussed how he and his family have supported the civil defense efforts of his home country. Dr. Kovalov, with a 40-year established career in ophthalmology, explains how the Russian invasion has caused hospitals to shift from providing routine patient care to emergency services only. He further discusses ongoing challenges with communication and infrastructure as he cares for ocular trauma patients. To support Dr. Kovalov in helping to provide supplies and medical services to the citizens of Ukraine, you can donate to https://www.gofundme.com/f/c5mxd-help-for-ukraine.
Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, and Darrell E. White, MD, welcome guest Preeya K. Gupta, MD, to discuss the benefits and challenges of running a private practice. Dr. Gupta, who recently became a private practitioner, discusses her decision to leave academia, why she decided to take a leap of faith and bet on herself, and the importance of setting expectations when first starting out in private practice.
Hosts Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, and Gary Wörtz, MD, invite Erik L. Mertens, MD, FEBOphth, and Gregory D. Parkhurst, MD, FACS, to share their experiences with the recently FDA-approved EVO Visian ICL (STAAR Surgical). The surgeons discuss the excitement surrounding this technology, and Drs. Mertens and Parkhurst provide insights into the ideal patient candidates for this procedure and how ophthalmic surgeons can start to incorporate the EVO into their practices.
Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, and Gary Wörtz, MD, welcome Ben LaHood, MD, MBChB(dist), PGDipOphth(dist), FRANZCO, to learn his perspectives on the similarities and differences in ophthalmology from his side of the world in Adelaide, Australia. Dr. LaHood shares his path from medical student in New Zealand to his current position as an ophthalmic surgeon, his passion for achieving optimum outcomes in astigmatism management, and more.
Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, welcomes Gary Wörtz, MD, and Keith Walter, MD, to discuss and challenge some of the dogmas commonly faced in everyday practice. The trio reconsiders some of the traditional methods and timetables used within their practices to avoid stretching themselves too thin in the clinic and to push the ophthalmic practice forward.
Presbyopia is inevitable for all patients, but with new products hitting the market and coming down the pipeline, it is becoming increasingly easier to manage. Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, and his cohost, Neda Nikpoor, MD, welcome Karl G. Stonecipher, MD, for an in-depth discussion about how they currently treat presbyopia and how they expect the management of this condition to evolve as new mechanisms of action are developed, FDA approved, and released.
In certain clinical cases, there is a blurred line regarding the proper direction to take when diagnosing and treating patients with refractive errors. Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, and Neda Nikpoor, MD, welcome William B. Trattler, MD, to the podcast for a deep dive on keratoconus and a discussion on how the AvaGen Genetic Eye Test (Avellino) can provide a clearer path to meet refractive goals.
Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, and his co-host, Neda Nikpoor, MD, welcome Guy Kezirian, MD, MBA, FACS, to the podcast for an open look at the evolution of modern refractive surgery. The trio discuss the factors that led to the globalization and modernization of refractive surgery, the roles of organizations like ASCRS in this evolution, and much more.
Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, is joined by Shehzad Batliwala, DO; Leti Alto MD; Kenji Asakura, MD; and Dixon Davis to discuss financial freedom for physicians. The panelists explain how to utilize investment properties to create passive cashflow, the steps to achieving financial freedom, and how extra income can change the way physicians practice.
Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, and Tal Raviv, MD, welcome Allon Barsam for this episode of Ophthalmology off the Grid. Allon Barsam is the director and founding partner of OCL vision—a bespoke private ophthalmic surgery practice in London—and joins the show to share what it’s like to operate a private practice within the UK’s National Health Service. The trio also discusses practice growth strategies, IOLs available in the United Kingdom and Europe, and more.
Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, and Tal Raviv, MD, are joined by Graham Barrett, MD—a world-renowned ophthalmologist and professor from Australia—to discuss his autonomous set of IOL formulas, the Barrett Suite, and his process for designing his own IOL.
Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, and his new co-host, Tal Raviv, MD, welcome Jennifer Loh, MD, to another episode of Ophthalmology off the Grid for a discussion on the challenges faced when opening a private practice. Dr. Loh walks through the process of opening her practice in Miami, some of the common challenges faced when opening your own practice, as well as the changing landscape for women in ophthalmology.
Blake Williamson, MD, hosts a panel of fellow ophthalmologists, including Shani Esparaz, MD; Allison Early, MD; David Felsted, MD; and Gary Wortz, MD, on the keys to a balanced life outside the clinic. They discuss a wide range of topics, including the importance of hobbies, finding time for family, managing maternity leave, and more.
Andy Corley and Blake Williamson, MD, welcome Louis Probst, MD—a renowned, board-certified LASIK surgeon—for this episode of Ophthalmology off the Grid. They discuss Dr. Probst’s decision to ditch cataract surgery and exclusively perform LASIK, how he manages unhappy patients, and his choice to step away from the podium.
Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, welcomes a panel of ophthalmologists with diverse professional backgrounds to try and tackle a common question for those looking for jobs after finishing their residencies and fellowships: private practice or academia? The panelists discuss the driving forces behind the professional direction they chose, compare the day-to-day and longer-term aspects of their jobs, weigh in on work-life balance, and more.
In this episode of Ophthalmology off the Grid, Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, and Andy Corley welcome two pioneers of phaco—Chuck Williamson, MD, and Jim Little, MD. The quartet discusses the origins of phaco in cataract surgery, the subsequent learning curve within the OR, and how those initial cornerstones compare to today's usage.
In this episode of Ophthalmology off the Grid: Survive & Thrive, Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, welcomes Nandini Venkateswaran, MD, Nicole Fram, MD, and Arsham Sheybani, MD, to discuss the best practices for gaining and sharpening surgical skills. The group chats about visualization, adding MIGS techniques to your repertoire, and the benefits that come from visiting other surgeons in the OR.
In this episode of Ophthalmology off the Grid, Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, and Andy Corley are joined by Eric Topol, MD, to discuss the changes technology brings to health care. Together, they share their thoughts on how doctors can synonymously embrace technological advancements and provide a more empathetic approach with patients.
In this episode of Ophthalmology off the Grid: Survive and Thrive, Dr. Blake Williamson is joined by Nick Sideris, Dr. Valentina Lozano, and Dr. Luke Rebenitsch to discuss their experiences using social media. They touch on social media’s networking benefits, how they’ve used it to grow their practices, different methods for different platforms, and how to optimize algorithms for visibility.
In the latest episode of Ophthalmology off the Grid, Ashley Brissette, MD, MSc, FRCSC, is joined by Ruth Williams, MD, to dispel some of the most common myths in ophthalmology. The pair break down cannabis as glaucoma treatment, blue light filtering glasses, the efficacy of laser vision correction, and how to gracefully dismiss misinformation to patients.
In this episode, Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, is joined by cohost Ashley Brissette, MD, MSc, FRCSC, and guest Will Flanary, MD—famously known as Dr. Glaucomflecken on Twitter and TikTok—to discuss the value of being a physician with a sense of humor. They discuss how humanity can break down barriers between physicians and patients, and the fine line between humor and professionalism.
In this episode, Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, is joined by cohost Ashley Brissette, MD, MSc, FRCSC, to discuss the IOLs that have recently become available in the United States. Francesco Carones, MD, joins the conversation to lend his insight into these latest technologies.
In this episode of the Survive & Thrive series, Gary Wörtz, MD, is joined by Cherie Fathy, MD, and David Felsted, DO, and special guest Bilal Ahmed, BS, a fourth-year medical student at the University of Toledo School of Medicine. They each share their experiences applying for ophthalmology residency, and Bilal tells his story about finding ophthalmology and creating his podcast, Honestly Bilal, where he connects with others in the field and chronicles his journey to becoming an ophthalmologist.
In this episode of the Survive & Thrive series, Gary Wörtz, MD, is joined by Nandini Venkateswaran, MD; Dagny Zhu, MD; Cherie Fathy, MD; and David Felsted, DO, to talk about the one challenge that every young doctor inevitably faces: the job hunt. They discuss what to consider when choosing a job, how to handle contract negotiations, and navigating all of the anxieties that go along with this complicated process.
In this special Thanksgiving episode of Ophthalmology Off the Grid, host Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, invites his colleagues to join him in expressing their gratitude. Hear from Dr. Williamson; Richard L. Lindstrom, MD; Evan Schoenberg, MD; Iqbal Ike K. Ahmed, MD, FRCSC; and Zaina Al-Mohtaseb, MD, on what has them feeling thankful in these particularly challenging times.
In this episode of the Survive & Thrive series, Gary Wörtz, MD, is joined by Nandini Venkateswaran, MD; Dagny Zhu, MD; and guest Preeya Gupta, MD, to talk about one of the big decisions faced by young ophthalmologists: private practice or academia? They weigh the pros and cons of each career path and share their own experiences in navigating this choice.
In this podcast of the Survive & Thrive series, Gary Wörtz, MD, is joined by Cherie Fathy, MD; Nandini Venkateswaran, MD; David Felsted, DO; Dagny Zhu, MD; and guest Uday Devgan, MD, FACS, to talk about performing surgery alone for the first time. Drs. Venkateswaran and Felsted share their recent experiences as first-time solo surgeons, and the others weigh in with advice for the early days of operating independently.
Cohosts Gary Wörtz, MD, and Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, invite cornea specialist Ed Holland, MD, of the Cincinnati Eye Institute to discuss his career-long passion for treating patients with limbal stem cell deficiency. Dr. Holland shares how this passion led to the development of his Cincinnati Protocol and the creation of the Holland Foundation for Sight Restoration.
In this webcast of the Survive & Thrive series, moderators Gary Wörtz, MD, and Lisa Nijm, MD, JD, are joined by Cherie Fathy, MD; Nandini Venkateswaran, MD; David Felsted, DO; and Ashley Brissette, MD, MSc, FRCSC, for a conversation about gender equality in ophthalmology. They touch on the barriers faced by women in ophthalmology, the importance of representation across subspecialties, and how to support and encourage women colleagues going forward.
In this episode, cohosts Gary Wörtz, MD, and Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, are joined by ophthalmology’s favorite comedian, Dr. Glaucomflecken. Dr. G talks about how comedy started as his creative outlet and led to him becoming the comedic voice of medicine on Twitter. He also shares how he has used humor to help him cope with personal adversity.
In this episode, host Gary Wörtz, MD, is joined by Cherie Fathy, MD, and Nandini Venkateswaran, MD, along with special guest Bill Trattler, MD, for a discussion about how to network in a way that is enjoyable and leads to genuine and lasting relationships.
Cohost Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, invites Raymond Stein, MD, from Bochner Eye Institute in Toronto for a conversation about the PanOptix, a presbyopia-correcting IOL that was first approved by the FDA last year. Dr. Stein draws on his extensive experience and shares surgical pearls for US-based surgeons who are acclimating to this new technology.
In this episode, host Gary Wörtz, MD, is joined by residents Cherie Fathy, MD, and David Felsted, DO. They discuss finding their voices as young ophthalmologists and share how they are beginning to establish their own personal brands.
Gary Wörtz, MD, is joined by contributors Nandini Venkateswaran, MD, and Dagny Zhu, MD. Listen as they describe their experiences in ophthalmology training and discuss the challenges of navigating the transition to practice.
Hosts Gary Wörtz, MD, and Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, connect with William P. Bahnfleth, PhD, PE, FASHRAE, FASME, FISIAQ, and Traci Hanegan, PE, FASHRAE, to discuss HVAC systems and COVID-19 transmission.
In this episode, cohosts Gary Wörtz, MD, and Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, are joined by leaders from the AAO, AOA, and ASCRS. George Williams, MD; William Reynolds, OD; and Terry Kim, MD, provide status updates on their societies' respective annual meetings and discuss the lasting impact they expect the current crisis will have on medicine.
Hosts Gary Wörtz, MD, and Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, check in with Neda Shamie, MD, and Daniel Durrie, MD, to hear about practice changes they have implemented in light of COVID-19.
Leaders in academia join cohosts Gary Wörtz, MD, and Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on their training programs. Royce Chen, MD; Uday Devgan, MD; Kendall Donaldson, MD; Preeya Gupta, MD; and Thomas Oetting, MD, talk about how their programs have changed as well as how residents and fellows can keep their skills sharp during this unprecedented time.
Cohosts Gary Wörtz, MD, and Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, are joined by Iqbal Ike K. Ahmed, MD, FRCSC; John Kitchens, MD; and Justin Schweitzer, OD, to discuss COVID-19's impact across eye care. Drs. Ahmed, Kitchens, and Schweitzer share their predictions for how the current situation will alter the future of their areas of expertise.
In this episode of the Ophthalmology off the Grid Survive & Thrive series, young ophthalmologists Nandini Venkateswaran, MD; Dagny Zhu, MD; Cherie Fathy, MD; and Dave Felsted, DO, discuss how the day-to-day aspects of their training and practice have shifted in this time of uncertainty.
Cohosts Gary Wörtz, MD, and Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, invite ophthalmic leaders to recount their experiences overcoming past obstacles. Robert Maloney, MD; Sheri Rowen, MD; Stephen Slade, MD; and Charles Williamson, MD, share how the lessons learned apply to their COVID-19 response.
Cohosts Gary Wörtz, MD, and Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, invite three ophthalmologists to walk viewers through a virtual consultation on their preferred telemedicine platforms. Watch and learn with Nikola Ragusa, MD; David Goldman, MD; and Cathleen McCabe, MD.
Cohosts Gary Wörtz, MD, and Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, connect with rheumatologist Randy Q. Cron, MD, PhD, to discuss cytokine storm syndrome in patients with COVID-19. They are joined by Laura Periman, MD, and William B. Trattler, MD.
Cohosts Gary Wörtz, MD, and Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, speak with Allison Shuren, JD, MSN; Paul Rudolf, MD, JD; and Thomas Gustafson, PhD, regarding updates on Medicare waivers and other provisions during the COVID-19 public health emergency. They discuss the Hospitals Without Walls initiative, telehealth guidelines, and advanced payments from CMS.
Cohosts Gary Wörtz, MD, and Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, connect with London-based ophthalmologists Saurabh Jain, FRCOphth, FHEA, and Arun Kirupakaran. They shed light on the current state of affairs in their city and describe their experiences of being called to the front lines to assist in caring for patients with COVID-19.
Cohosts Gary Wörtz, MD, and Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, touch base with practice management experts Bruce Maller and Matt Jensen. They shed light on key areas of concern for practice leaders, including how to best support staff members during this time and what actions to take to ensure long-term business survival.
Ophthalmology off the Grid cohosts Gary Wörtz, MD, and Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, invite political experts Jeffrey Kimbell, Kenneth Hodge, and Keith Studdard, from Jeffrey J. Kimbell & Associates, to the broadcast to share insights into recent legislation from Washington, DC.
Ophthalmology off the Grid cohosts Gary Wörtz, MD, and Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, touch base with Robert Weinstock, MD, and Elizabeth Yeu, MD, to discuss weathering the COVID-19 storm. Drs. Weinstock and Yeu detail the crisis' impact on their practices and comment on efforts to support their staff members in this time of need.
In the first episode of Off the Grid's Survive & Thrive series, contributors Cherie Fathy, MD, and Dave Felsted, DO, offer insight on what it is like to be an ophthalmology resident in the current era.
Cohosts Gary Wörtz, MD, and Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, check in with three ophthalmologists who tested positive for COVID-19. Gino Gabianelli, MD; Alan Kozarsky, MD; and Matthew Kruger, MD, share their stories of contracting and combating the novel coronavirus.
In the second episode of the special COVID-19 series, cohosts Gary Wörtz, MD, and Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, discuss COVID-19 transmission with Karl Stonecipher, MD, and Julie Schallhorn, MD, MS. Drs. Stonecipher and Schallhorn share tactics for protecting staff, family members, and physicians from contracting the virus, and urge listeners to remind their friends and family that this is not a drill.
In this episode of Ophthalmology off the Grid, host Gary Wörtz, MD, provides a preview of Survive & Thrive, an upcoming series within this podcast designed to fast-track the transition from residency and fellowship to successful ophthalmic practice. Learn more about this interactive offering and meet regular contributors Nandini Venkateswaran, MD; Cherie Fathy, MD, MPH; Dagny Zhu, MD; and Dave Felsted, DO.
In this special Thanksgiving episode of Off the Grid, host Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, and several of his colleagues take a moment to share why they feel thankful to be in ophthalmology and which mentors they are most grateful to have in their lives.
In this episode of Off the Grid, host Gary Wörtz, MD, is joined on stage at MillennialEYE Live in Louisville by his partner, Lance Ferguson, MD, and William F. Wiley, MD. In this interview, they discuss recent cuts to cataract surgery reimbursement, offering historical perspectives on the issue and covering practical solutions for managing a practice and staying optimistic in times like these.
Host Gary Wörtz, MD, talks with Ashley Brissette, MD, MSc, FRCSC, and John Hovanesian, MD, about what physicians can do to keep their minds and bodies in peak condition for performing surgery.
In this episode of Off the Grid, Jim Loden, MD, draws on his own experience to offer candid advice on everything from business and finances to family and relationships. He also talks about what he's doing now to ensure that he can pass down all that he has learned to his two sons.
Host Gary Wörtz, MD, sits down with Uday Devgan, MD, to discuss his dedication to teaching others through surgical videos, methods for navigating surgical complications, and the importance of recording and sharing all cases-from basic to complex.
First-time cohost Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, and guests Nate Radcliffe, MD, and I. Paul Singh, MD, discuss a subject near and dear to all of them: music. They delve into the stories of some of their favorite blind musicians and talk about the important role music plays in their lives.
Kevin Waltz, OD, MD, talks to host Gary Wörtz, MD, about his recent experience as an ophthalmic patient. He shares his personal story as a way to help his fellow physicians better understand what their patients experience when undergoing surgery.
Host Gary Wörtz, MD, covers the topic of private equity with two different guests. First, Jim Loden, MD, offers some historical perspective on the subject, then later, Tal Raviv, MD, gives his thoughts on the potential benefits and drawbacks of private equity in ophthalmology.
Host Gary Wörtz, MD, speaks to Ken Beckman, MD, about his contributions to innovations taking place in the cornea space. He touches on different topics surrounding corneal crosslinking and the challenges the treatment presents.
Host Gary Wörtz, MD, takes some time this Thanksgiving to talk about the people who have helped him become the ophthalmologist he is today and invites others to share stories of what they're thankful for.
Listen as Marjan Farid, MD, and host Gary Wörtz, MD, discuss the late Roger Steinert, MD, an icon in the field of ophthalmology who passed away last year. Farid describes the valuable lessons she learned from watching him work and how she tries to emulate him in her daily interactions with patients.
Live from the 2018 AAO meeting in Chicago, host Gary Wörtz, MD, catches up with John Hovanesian, MD, and David Goldman, MD. Drs. Hovanesian and Goldman comment on the new IOL technologies changing the cataract space, the importance of creating a positive practice environment, the potential impact of private equity, and more.
Audrey Talley Rostov, MD, talks to Gary Wörtz, MD, about her passion for working with organizations such as SightLife and Ophthalmic World Leaders. She also describes spending time as a child at her grandfather's dermatology practice and the strategic early career choices that helped her land in the right position.
Listen as Karl Stonecipher, MD, speaks with host Gary Wörtz, MD, about the bold individuals in the field of ophthalmology who helped pave a pathway forward for others, and why it's important to be open to new ideas. Dr. Stonecipher is a clinical associate professor at the University of North Carolina, and he has a private practice where he specializes in cataract and refractive surgery.
Host Gary Wörtz, MD, sits down with Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, at MillennialEYE Live for another live Ophthalmology off the Grid interview. Dr. Williamson, a legacy ophthalmologist in practice with his father, talks about the challenges he faced early on as a student, what it means to be a millennial in the field, and the pros and cons of working with family.
Sumitra Khandelwal, MD, joins Gary Wörtz, MD, to talk about the mentors who helped guide her early in her career. She also discusses what led her to pursue ophthalmology and the valuable advice she passes on to her residents today.
Host Gary Wörtz, MD, sits down with Jay Sridhar, MD, Associate Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and host of Straight From the Cutter's Mouth: A Retina Podcast. Dr. Sridhar talks about starting his own podcast and sheds light on his own journey into ophthalmology, his passion for working with residents, and what he thinks makes a good trainee.
William Wiley, MD, and Neda Shamie, MD, speak with Gary Wörtz, MD, about what drives them to go to meetings and which meetings they most enjoy. Listen as they discuss how big meetings compare to boutique meetings, how to use these events to make meaningful connections, and what's in store for ME Live 2018 in Austin.
Parag Majmudar, MD, joins Gary Wörtz, MD, to talk about the occasions when it might be best to say no to a patient seeking care. They discuss the red flags to watch out for when meeting a new patient and the importance of looking beyond the eye and considering the patient's overall well-being.
Celebrating the 30th anniversary of laser vision correction, Gary Wörtz, MD, speaks to Marguerite McDonald, MD, about performing the first PRK procedure. Dr. McDonald shares the trials and tribulations of pioneering a new technique and the criticism she endured in the process.
The landscape of medicine is rapidly changing, and physicians need to adapt. Jai G. Parekh, MD, speaks with Gary Wörtz, MD, about the business side of ophthalmology, the relationship between physicians and industry, and where he thinks ophthalmologists fit into the overall health care equation.
Laura M. Periman, MD, joins Gary N. Wörtz, MD, to discuss management approaches for dry eye and ocular surface disease. Dr. Periman says that treating dry eye is akin to unraveling a ball of yarn—treating symptoms while encountering a few "knots" along the way. She also shares details of her passion project, DryEyeMaster—an educational resource dedicated to providing treatment pearls, research, and other tools to help in the fight against dry eye.
Gary Wörtz, MD, invites Leela Raju, MD, and her father, VK Raju, MD, to discuss their family's history of charitable contributions in ophthalmology. Dr. VK Raju describes his accomplished career, highlighting his extensive background in charitable work in his home country of India. Dr. Leela Raju shares her perspective of growing up with her father as a mentor in ophthalmology and comments on her own efforts to combat preventable blindness.
Uday Devgan, MD, speaks with Gary Wörtz, MD, about the importance of lifelong learning in the field of ophthalmology and beyond. Listen as Dr. Devgan discusses his dedication to ophthalmic education, shares insights into the next generation of ophthalmic leaders, and talks about his quest to strike a balance between work and life.
Jen Will, MD, and Katie Duncan, MD, speak with Gary Wörtz, MD, to discuss the inspiration behind Project Theia-a nonprofit organization that provides free medical and surgical care to underserved communities within the scope of oculoplastic, reconstructive, orbital, and facial surgery.
Darrell White, MD, joins Gary Wörtz, MD, to highlight the value of exercise to reduce physical and psychological stresses of ophthalmic surgery. Dr. White explains how CrossFit has helped him become a better surgeon—highlighting that the intense workout regimen has helped him not only to stay in peak physical shape but also on an emotional level.
Thomas Oetting, MD, speaks with Gary Wörtz, MD, about the value of promoting individuality when mentoring trainees. Dr. Oetting explains that education is the most important aspect of training, regardless of how the trainee learns a particular subject. Joshua Frenkel, MD, a senior resident at Tulane, also shares his perspective on ophthalmic training today.
From the floor of the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting in New Orleans, Gary Wörtz, MD, meets with Matt Jensen of Vance Thompson Vision. Listen as they discuss the process of creating a successful practice culture-from building effective leaders, to motivating staff members, to going the extra mile for top-notch patient care.
Gary Wörtz, MD, picks the brain of Inder Paul Singh, MD, on the topic of laser floater removal (LFR). Dr. Singh explains his transition from skeptic to advocate, comments on the advantages of laser vitreolysis, and details a retrospective study on patient satisfaction following LFR.
No life is without its turning points-the key is navigating them. In this episode, Neda Shamie, MD, recounts part of her life story with Gary Wörtz, MD, and shares how she has dealt with some major life-changing events. Find out what led Dr. Shamie down the path to becoming the successful ophthalmologist she is today.
Ike Ahmed, MD, recently joined Gary Wörtz, MD, for an on-stage interview at the ME Live meeting in Nashville. In this live recording, Dr. Ahmed explains how being different enabled him to think differently about glaucoma treatment. The two surgeons also share thoughts on life, MIGS, and more while fielding questions from the audience.
George Waring IV, MD, joins Gary Wörtz, MD, to talk about his recent career shift from academics to private practice. Dr. Waring walks through his thought process for making this major change and shares additional insights into Snellen acuity, in vivo IOL modification, and more.
When it comes to the evaluation of a new approach in ophthalmology, surgeons must be confident in their ability to make an informed decision. Robert Weinstock, MD, speaks with Gary Wörtz, MD, to explain his innovative mindset toward investments in the field. Listen as the two surgeons discuss how physicians can learn to trust their instincts when it comes to the investment in new technology.
Karolinne Rocha, MD, PhD, recounts her ophthalmology journey to Gary Wörtz, MD, and shares her experience training in Brazil and then retraining in the United States. Listen in as Dr. Rocha discusses her insights into spherical aberrations, premium lenses, and the importance of efficiency in being a successful practitioner, partner, and parent.
Steven Dell, MD, sits down with Gary Wörtz, MD, to discuss investment strategies--some financial, some mental, and some professional--for ophthalmologists. Dr. Dell also explains his motivations for creating the Dell questionnaire and offers insight into the future of presbyopia correction.
Sumit (Sam) Garg, MD, and James Mazzo sit down with Gary Wörtz, MD, to honor the legacy of Roger Steinert, MD. Discover the valuable role that Dr. Steinert played in the careers of Dr. Garg and Mr. Mazzo and gain an understanding of just how beloved he was as a mentor, colleague, and friend.
Bruna Ventura, MD, joins Gary Wörtz, MD, to talk about her practice and her family's role in ophthalmology in her home country of Brazil. Dr. Ventura, a third-generation ophthalmologist, comments on her experience with pediatric cataract surgery and explains the current technology and tools she utilizes in her practice.
Cynthia Matossian, MD, speaks with Gary Wörtz, MD, about her amazing life story-from her childhood in Beirut to opening her own ophthalmology practice in the United States. Listen as Dr. Matossian explains how her experiences have molded her into the influential surgeon she is today and hear more about her journey to starting her own practice.
In celebration of 30 episodes of Ophthalmology off the Grid, Gary Wörtz, MD, trades in his host status and is interviewed by Sean Ianchulev, MD, MPH. Listen as Dr. Wörtz shares insight into his background, the influential figures he has met throughout his career, and how he merges the mindsets of ophthalmologist and innovator.
Steve Charles, MD, joins Gary Wörtz, MD, to look back on his accomplished career in ophthalmology. Dr. Charles shares the story of his beginnings as a student in engineering school and details his path to becoming one of the brightest minds in the field. He also touches on how he has seen the ophthalmic industry evolve and predicts what might be in the pipeline for the future.
The field of ophthalmology is constantly evolving as new innovations in surgical devices and procedures pave the way to exceptional care for patients. In this episode, P. Dee G. Stephenson, MD, discusses her experience as an early adopter of one such innovation: intraoperative aberrometry. Listen as Dr. Stephenson shares her story of implementing this technology and how she came to build her boutique ophthalmology practice.
In this episode, Gary Wörtz, MD, sits down with Ashvin Agarwal, MD, to discuss his experience practicing what he calls complication care management. Dr. Agarwal shares why he spends his days tackling some of the toughest cases a cataract surgeon could ever see and describes what it was like growing up in a family of ophthalmologist, starting with his first cataract case at age 16.
From urology training in South Africa to cataract and refractive surgery in Dublin, Arthur Cummings, MD, FRCS, has a fascinating journey to share. In this episode, Dr. Cummings recounts the key events that shaped his personal and professional path. He also discusses what excites him most about ophthalmology today and why he thinks ophthalmologists and the ophthalmic industry have never been better aligned.
Greg Parkhurst, MD, speaks with Gary Wörtz, MD, to share his experience with cornea-based treatments for presbyopia correction. Dr. Parkhurst highlights three key milestones in vision development and explains the ever-growing options available to surgeons to address the aging eye and achieve optimal refractive outcomes.
In this episode, Gary Wörtz, MD, honors Dick Lindstrom, MD, as a pioneer in ophthalmology who blazed the trails for surgeons in the field. Listen as Dr. Lindstrom speaks with Dr. Wörtz about his experience and how he has seen eye care evolve throughout his career. The two surgeons also discuss what lies ahead for the next generation of ophthalmologists.
Surgeons tend to encounter unique constraints in ophthalmology-whether due to limitations with technology or the availability of certain treatments. Sean Ianchulev, MD, MPH, joins Gary Wörtz, MD, to share insights into the ophthalmic problem solving he has tackled throughout his career. Listen as Dr. Ianchulev explains how he approaches solutions to the problems that physicians face in the field.
US surgeons are often envious of the range of IOLs available to physician colleagues abroad. However, while waiting for an indeterminate approval date, ophthalmologists should still take the time to learn about these lenses. Erik Mertens, MD, speaks with Gary Wörtz, MD, about the new IOL technologies he is working with in Belgium and shares insight into how he implements these lenses into practice.
Gary Wörtz, MD, continues the discussion of physician startups and pipeline projects by inviting John Berdahl, MD, and Damien Goldberg, MD, to share their insights. Dr. Berdahl shares advice on how to determine if your innovative idea is worth pursuing and Dr. Goldberg provides pearls for uncovering the potential unmet needs in ophthalmology.
Warren Hill, MD, FACS, speaks with Gary Wörtz, MD, regarding the Hill-RBF Calculator-an advanced, self-validating method for IOL power selection. Dr. Hill explains the genesis of the calculator and how the project has been optimized and developed since its inception. The two physicians discuss how this method of IOL power calculation could be the next big advancement in ophthalmology.
Now approved for use in the United States, the Tecnis Symfony IOL (Abbott) offers a long-awaited treatment option for patients looking to achieve spectacle independence without compromising near vision. In this episode, Kevin Waltz, MD, shares his experience with this lens, from the first clinical trial in Honduras to today. Jason Jones, MD, also provides pearls for using the Symfony IOL and discusses the future applications of this technology.
In this episode, Malik Kahook, MD, provides Gary Wörtz, MD, with details about his pursuit of innovation in ophthalmology. Listen as Dr. Kahook discusses how he finds time to explore many different paths and shares what inspires and motivates him when setting out to turn an idea into a reality.
Whitney Hauser, OD, speaks with Gary Wörtz, MD, to address some unanswered questions regarding dry eye disease. Listen as Dr. Hauser discusses her efforts to improve physicians' understanding of this condition and learn about Dry Eye Coach-an educational resource for ophthalmologists and optometrists seeking information on the ocular surface.
James Katz, MD, discusses his experience with the Acrysof IQ Restor +2.5 D multifocal IOL (Alcon) for the correction of presbyopia. Dr. Katz explains why this lens deserves a fresh look from physicians who have used previous Restor IOLs, and he highlights which patients are likely to experience the most positive outcomes with this technology.
Gary Wörtz, MD, speaks with Jeffrey Machat, MD, and Joel Gaslin, Executive Vice President of Sightpath Medical, about ways in which surgeons can differentiate their practices by going premium. Dr. Machat describes his experience implementing a new offering for presbyopia correction, and Mr. Gaslin shares strategies for investing in and incorporating premium technologies.
Diversity in leadership can help advance ophthalmic innovation and patient care. In this episode, Gary Wörtz, MD, speaks with two female leaders in the field to learn more about the Ophthalmic Women Leaders (OWL) organization. Listen as Bindu Manne, of Imprimis, and Jennifer Loh, MD, discuss the advancement of women in eye care and efforts to expand the scope of OWL beyond gender.
Gary Wörtz, MD, explores ongoing efforts to combat global blindness in the developing world. Cathleen McCabe, MD, details her medical mission work and how the experience affects her on a personal and professional level. Shira Shafir, PhD, Director of Social Innovation and Impact at TOMS, discusses the company's one-for-one business model with regard to eyewear.
John Doane, MD, joins Gary Wörtz, MD, to share his thoughts on the safety and efficacy of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). The two surgeons discuss how this procedure compares to LASIK and how to achieve the best outcomes possible when treating patients. Dr. Doane also discusses IOL technology in the current era of refractive cataract surgery.
A partnership between a cataract surgeon and a retina specialist offers distinct benefits. In this episode, John Kitchens, MD, and Gary Wörtz, MD, explain how they have teamed up in order to provide the best possible outcomes for patients. The two surgeons share how this cooperation between subspecialties improves how they manage complex surgical cases.
Gary Wörtz, MD, invites three surgeons to share their perspectives on the evolution of LASIK technology. Asim Piracha, MD, remarks on how far LASIK has advanced since 1999 when he first performed the surgery. Bill Wiley, MD, discusses his experience with topography- and wavefront-guided LASIK, and Karl Stonecipher, MD, shares the outcomes he has seen with Contoura Vision.
Gary Wörtz, MD, asks Ike Ahmed, MD, to share his thoughts on technologies in the pipeline for microinvasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). Dr. Ahmed provides an overview of surgical techniques and procedures to help alleviate potential uncertainty with these new devices. John Berdahl, MD, also shares his perspective on the exciting state of MIGS innovations.
Gary Wörtz, MD, speaks with Jeffrey Machat, MD, about the process of implementing the AcuFocus Kamra inlay into practice. Dr. Machat helps separate fact from fiction when it comes to this method of presbyopia correction and its capabilities. Also, Joel Gaslin, Executive Vice President of Sightpath Medical, discusses strategies for investing in and incorporating premium technologies.
Looking for a new job? In this episode, Gary Wörtz, MD, asks David Goldman, MD, to share advice on what to look for, how to negotiate contracts, and more. Cristina Boggiano Lewis, of The Ophthalmic Associates, specializes in matching doctors with the right practices and also shares some advice for physicians who are currently looking for a professional change.
Gary Wörtz, MD, sits down with George O. Waring IV, MD, FACS, to discuss presbyopia and the opportunities to help those with this ubiquitous condition, which will affect 2 billion people worldwide by 2020. Dr. Waring weighs in on the need he saw to better understand and characterize the aging changes of crystalline lens and walks Dr. Wörtz through his approach to a range of clinical scenarios commonly faced in the management of presbyopia.
Gary Wörtz, MD, sits down with Sumitra Khandelwal, MD, to talk about posterior corneal measurements for toric IOLs and the most accurate tools for acquiring information. Dr. Wörtz also speaks with John Berdahl, MD, regarding astigmatismfix.com, a tool to help surgeons correct residual astigmatism caused by common measurement deviations.
Leading up to the recent FDA approval, Gary Wörtz, MD, invites Bill Trattler, MD, to talk about his experience with corneal collagen cross-linking and how it is becoming the new standard of care. Dr. Trattler explains the significance of having this treatment option for patients with ectasia and keratoconus and sheds light on the importance of early intervention.
Gary Wörtz, MD, invites Daniel Chang, MD, and Jay McDonald, MD, to discuss which method is more effective for correcting presbyopia-multifocality or monovision. Dr. Chang offers pearls for avoiding the much-dreaded unhappy multifocal IOL patient, and Dr. McDonald explains why he thinks monovision trumps multifocality.
In this Industry Spotlight, Gary Wörtz, MD, sits down with David Cox, Stefanie Dolan, and Laura O'Connor to shed light on Beye.com, a new online marketplace for eye care professionals that seeks to deliver a simplified shopping experience backed by peer reviews and online learning. The team explains the potential for Beye to streamline the product research and purchase process by providing detailed specifications, comparison tools, how-to videos, and user reviews.
In the opening episode of Ophthalmology Off the Grid, Gary Wörtz, MD, invites Bill Wiley, MD, and Mark Kontos, MD, to dissect the topic of dropless cataract surgery, specifically whether the convenience of this approach is worth the risk. Dr. Wiley shares his viewpoint on why physicians should adopt this regimen and explains specific benefits that he has seen in his practice. Dr. Kontos offers a different perspective, shedding light on potential complications that could arise by going dropless.