On this episode of the JVRD Author’s Forum podcast, retina specialist Miguel A. Busquets, MD, FACS, FASRS, discusses the article, “A Comparative Time-Based Profit Analysis of Retinal and Cataract Surgery in Ambulatory Surgery Centers,” published in the Journal of VitreoRetinal Diseases. 

Host Dr. Timothy Murray speaks with Dr. Busquets about the study’s examination of the financial dynamics of retinal and cataract surgery in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) and how those economics may contribute to growing challenges in accessing operating room time for urgent retinal procedures. The study used time-driven activity-based costing to compare reimbursement, costs, operative time, and profitability for more than 18,000 retinal surgeries and 880,000 cataract surgeries performed from 2021 through 2024. 

The discussion explores the study’s finding that although retinal surgery generates greater reimbursement and profit on a per-case basis, its substantially longer operative time results in much lower profitability per minute than cataract surgery. Dr. Busquets discusses how these financial pressures may influence ASC scheduling decisions, potentially contributing to delays in access to sight-saving retinal surgery, as well as the need for reimbursement approaches that better account for surgical time, complexity, and urgency.  

For more information, visit www.ASRS.org/JVRDForum.

Welcome to ASRS’s Journal of Vitreoretinal Diseases (JVRD) Author’s Forum. As the official peer-reviewed scientific journal of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS), JVRD delivers rigorous, clinically meaningful research that informs and advances retina care worldwide. Join Editor-in-Chief Dr. Timothy Murray as he engages leading investigators in thoughtful discussions about the latest studies published in JVRD — highlighting practical insights, clinical pearls, and the real-world impact of emerging innovations in our field.

On this episode of the JVRD Author’s Forum podcast, retina specialist Hong-Uyen Hua, MD, discusses the article, “A Newborn With Down-Klinefelter Syndrome and Bilateral Congenital Cataracts Harboring a Novel MAPKAPK3 Mutation,” published in the Journal of VitreoRetinal Diseases.

Host Dr. Timothy Murray speaks with Dr. Hua about the rare case of a 2-month-old infant with genetically confirmed Down-Klinefelter syndrome who presented with bilateral congenital posterior polar cataracts and was also found to have a novel MAPKAPK3 mutation. The discussion highlights the importance of early recognition of an abnormal red reflex, prompt referral, and comprehensive evaluation of both the lens and retina in infants with congenital cataracts.

Dr. Hua also discusses the role of genetic testing in children with atypical presentations and why an established chromosomal diagnosis should not preclude further genetic evaluation. The conversation explores surgical management of bilateral congenital cataracts, considerations surrounding intraocular lens implantation in infants, and the importance of multidisciplinary care and long-term follow-up for these patients.

For more information, visit www.ASRS.org/JVRDForum.

Welcome to ASRS’s Journal of Vitreoretinal Diseases (JVRD) Author’s Forum. As the official peer-reviewed scientific journal of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS), JVRD delivers rigorous, clinically meaningful research that informs and advances retina care worldwide. Join Editor-in-Chief Dr. Timothy Murray as he engages leading investigators in thoughtful discussions about the latest studies published in JVRD — highlighting practical insights, clinical pearls, and the real-world impact of emerging innovations in our field.

On this episode of the JVRD Author’s Forum podcast, retina specialist Karen Wai, MD, discusses the article, “Recurrent Macular Edema Associated With Belzutifan Therapy for Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma,” published in the Journal of VitreoRetinal Diseases.

Host Dr. Timothy Murray speaks with Dr. Wai about a case of recurrent cystoid macular edema in a patient receiving belzutifan for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. After developing blurred vision and macular edema shortly after beginning therapy, the patient experienced improvement following discontinuation of the drug. When belzutifan was restarted at a lower dose, the macular edema recurred, further supporting a potential association between the medication and the ocular findings.

The discussion explores the challenges of identifying ocular side effects associated with newer cancer therapies and the importance of collaboration among patients, oncologists, and retina specialists when balancing cancer treatment with vision-related concerns. Dr. Wai also discusses dose reduction as a potential strategy for managing ocular side effects and the need for greater awareness as belzutifan is used more widely.

For more information, visit www.ASRS.org/JVRDForum.

Welcome to ASRS’s Journal of Vitreoretinal Diseases (JVRD) Author’s Forum. As the official peer-reviewed scientific journal of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS), JVRD delivers rigorous, clinically meaningful research that informs and advances retina care worldwide. Join Editor-in-Chief Dr. Timothy Murray as he engages leading investigators in thoughtful discussions about the latest studies published in JVRD — highlighting practical insights, clinical pearls, and the real-world impact of emerging innovations in our field.

On this episode of the JVRD Author’s Forum podcast, retina specialist Talisa E. de Carlo Forest, MD, discusses the article, “Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Conversion From Intermediate to Advanced Age-Related Macular Degeneration,” published in the Journal of VitreoRetinal Diseases.

Host Dr. Timothy Murray speaks with Dr. Forest about the study’s investigation of whether menopausal hormone therapy is associated with progression from intermediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD) to advanced disease. The study followed female patients with intermediate AMD and evaluated conversion to both advanced non-neovascular AMD and neovascular AMD.

The discussion explores the potential role of hormonal factors in AMD and the study’s finding that a history of menopausal hormone therapy use was not associated with an increased risk of progression to either form of advanced AMD. Dr. Forest also discusses the importance of studying sex-specific factors in AMD and how further research may help clarify the complex relationship between hormones and disease progression.

For more information, visit www.ASRS.org/JVRDForum.

Welcome to ASRS’s Journal of Vitreoretinal Diseases (JVRD) Author’s Forum. As the official peer-reviewed scientific journal of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS), JVRD delivers rigorous, clinically meaningful research that informs and advances retina care worldwide. Join Editor-in-Chief Dr. Timothy Murray as he engages leading investigators in thoughtful discussions about the latest studies published in JVRD — highlighting practical insights, clinical pearls, and the real-world impact of emerging innovations in our field.

On this episode of the JVRD Author’s Forum podcast, retina specialist Manjot K. Gill, MD, MS, discusses her article, “Patients at Elevated Risk for Heart Failure Exhibit Reduced Retinal Perfusion,” published in the Journal of VitreoRetinal Diseases. 

Host Dr. Timothy Murray speaks with Dr. Gill about the emerging field of oculomics and the potential for retinal imaging to detect systemic disease before clinical symptoms develop. Using OCT angiography (OCTA), the study evaluated patients at elevated 10-year risk for heart failure and found reduced retinal perfusion compared with age-matched controls. 

The discussion highlights how retinal imaging may offer a noninvasive biomarker for identifying patients with subclinical cardiovascular disease, supporting earlier intervention and more personalized risk assessment. Dr. Gill also explores how advances in OCTA and artificial intelligence are expanding the role of the retina in understanding systemic health and disease.

For more information, visit www.ASRS.org/JVRDForum.

Welcome to ASRS’s Journal of Vitreoretinal Diseases (JVRD) Author’s Forum. As the official peer-reviewed scientific journal of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS), JVRD delivers rigorous, clinically meaningful research that informs and advances retina care worldwide. Join Editor-in-Chief Dr. Timothy Murray as he engages leading investigators in thoughtful discussions about the latest studies published in JVRD — highlighting practical insights, clinical pearls, and the real-world impact of emerging innovations in our field.

On this episode of the JVRD Author’s Forum podcast, retina specialist Sally Ong discusses her article, “The Impact of Socioeconomic Deprivation on Anti–Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy and Ocular Response in Patients With Diabetic Macular Edema,” published in the Journal of VitreoRetinal Diseases. 

 Host Dr. Timothy Murray speaks with Dr. Ong about how socioeconomic disadvantage may affect anti-VEGF treatment and outcomes in patients with diabetic macular edema. Using the Area Deprivation Index (ADI), the study found no significant differences in injection frequency or retinal anatomy between groups, though patients with less socioeconomic disadvantage had better visual acuity at two years and were more likely to undergo cataract surgery. The discussion also highlights the importance of patient education, coordinated diabetes care, and proactive follow-up to help patients preserve vision. 

For more information, visit www.ASRS.org/JVRDForum.

Welcome to ASRS’s Journal of Vitreoretinal Diseases (JVRD) Author’s Forum. As the official peer-reviewed scientific journal of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS), JVRD delivers rigorous, clinically meaningful research that informs and advances retina care worldwide. Join Editor-in-Chief Dr. Timothy Murray as he engages leading investigators in thoughtful discussions about the latest studies published in JVRD — highlighting practical insights, clinical pearls, and the real-world impact of emerging innovations in our field.

On this episode of the JVRD Author’s Forum podcast, retina specialist Alan J. Ruby discusses his study, “Outer Retinal Optical Coherence Tomography Changes Associated with Intraocular Silicone Oil Administration,” published in Journal of VitreoRetinal Diseases (JVRD).

Host Timothy G. Murray speaks with Dr. Ruby about the use of OCT imaging in patients undergoing silicone oil removal following retinal detachment repair. The discussion explores how subtle outer retinal and ellipsoid zone changes identified on preoperative OCT imaging frequently resolved after silicone oil removal, even when visual outcomes did not always correlate with the imaging findings.

Dr. Ruby explains how the study evaluated both macula-on and macula-off retinal detachments and highlights the importance of obtaining OCT imaging while silicone oil remains in the eye. The conversation also examines longstanding questions surrounding unexplained vision changes after silicone oil use, the potential role of imaging in guiding the timing of oil removal, and why routine postoperative imaging may improve surgical planning and patient management.

For more information, visit www.ASRS.org/JVRDForum.

Welcome to ASRS’s Journal of Vitreoretinal Diseases (JVRD) Author’s Forum. As the official peer-reviewed scientific journal of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS), JVRD delivers rigorous, clinically meaningful research that informs and advances retina care worldwide. Join Editor-in-Chief Dr. Timothy Murray as he engages leading investigators in thoughtful discussions about the latest studies published in JVRD — highlighting practical insights, clinical pearls, and the real-world impact of emerging innovations in our field.

On this episode of the JVRD Author’s Forum podcast, retina specialist Akshay S. Thomas, MD, MS, FASRS, of Tennessee Retina, discusses his study, “A Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing Analysis of New Uveitis Patient Visits,” published in JVRD.

Host Timothy G. Murray, MD, MBA, speaks with Dr. Thomas about his team’s analysis of the true costs associated with caring for new uveitis patients. Using time-driven activity-based costing, the study captures the full scope of work surrounding these visits, including pre-visit coordination, in-clinic care, and post-visit management, and compares those costs to current reimbursement models.

Dr. Thomas explains that uveitis care is highly time-intensive and often financially unsustainable under existing reimbursement structures, contributing to ongoing workforce shortages and challenges in recruiting specialists. As access to uveitis care becomes increasingly limited, the conversation underscores that addressing these challenges will require a coordinated effort across the retina and ophthalmology communities.

For more information, visit www.ASRS.org/JVRDForum.

Welcome to ASRS’s Journal of Vitreoretinal Diseases (JVRD) Author’s Forum. As the official peer-reviewed scientific journal of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS), JVRD delivers rigorous, clinically meaningful research that informs and advances retina care worldwide. Join Editor-in-Chief Dr. Timothy Murray as he engages leading investigators in thoughtful discussions about the latest studies published in JVRD — highlighting practical insights, clinical pearls, and the real-world impact of emerging innovations in our field.

On this episode of the JVRD Author’s Forum podcast, retina specialist Lisa J. Faia, MD, of Associated Retinal Consultants, discusses her case report, “Bilateral Peripheral Neovascularization in Hemoglobin C Trait Retinopathy,” published in JVRD.

Host Timothy G. Murray, MD, MBA, speaks with Dr. Faia about the evaluation of an asymptomatic 84-year-old patient referred for a suspected retinal tear, ultimately found to have bilateral peripheral neovascularization. The discussion highlights the diagnostic process, including a broad inflammatory and systemic workup, and the importance of considering hemoglobinopathies—even in older patients with atypical presentations.

Dr. Faia shares that in this case, careful observation was favored given the patient’s age, lack of symptoms, and stable findings. The conversation also explores how management decisions may differ in younger patients, the role of imaging in guiding care, and the importance of maintaining a broad differential diagnosis to identify unexpected but clinically meaningful findings in retina practice. 

For more information, visit www.ASRS.org/JVRDForum.

Welcome to ASRS’s Journal of Vitreoretinal Diseases (JVRD) Author’s Forum. As the official peer-reviewed scientific journal of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS), JVRD delivers rigorous, clinically meaningful research that informs and advances retina care worldwide. Join Editor-in-Chief Dr. Timothy Murray as he engages leading investigators in thoughtful discussions about the latest studies published in JVRD — highlighting practical insights, clinical pearls, and the real-world impact of emerging innovations in our field.

On this episode of the JVRD Author’s Forum podcast, retina specialist Sunir Garg, MD, FACS, FASRS, of Mid-Atlantic Retina and Wills Eye Hospital, discusses his study, “Short-Term Changes in Intraocular Pressure Following Intravitreal Injection of Pegcetacoplan,” published in JVRD.

Host Timothy G. Murray, MD, MBA, speaks with Dr. Garg about his team’s evaluation of short-term intraocular pressure (IOP) changes following higher-volume intravitreal injections and the implications for real-world clinical practice. The study examines the magnitude and duration of post-injection IOP elevations and whether routine monitoring is necessary in busy clinic settings.

Dr. Garg shares that while most patients experience transient IOP elevations that return to baseline relatively quickly, patients with preexisting glaucoma or ocular hypertension are more likely to experience higher and more prolonged pressure spikes. The discussion also highlights variability in injection techniques, considerations around post-injection monitoring and paracentesis, and the importance of identifying higher-risk patients to guide more tailored management strategies in retina care.

For more information, visit www.ASRS.org/JVRDForum.

Welcome to ASRS’s Journal of Vitreoretinal Diseases (JVRD) Author’s Forum. As the official peer-reviewed scientific journal of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS), JVRD delivers rigorous, clinically meaningful research that informs and advances retina care worldwide. Join Editor-in-Chief Dr. Timothy Murray as he engages leading investigators in thoughtful discussions about the latest studies published in JVRD — highlighting practical insights, clinical pearls, and the real-world impact of emerging innovations in our field.