CRST: The Podcast

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.

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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).