Macular Chats

Hear from Dr. April McCullough of Regeneron and Katherine Freund of Independent Transportation Network of America about the real-world barriers that prevent people with vision loss from accessing timely eye care. Together, they’ll explore how social determinants of health—specifically transportation—affect vision outcomes, and highlight innovative efforts such as Rides in Sight, a free national service helping connect people with reliable transportation to sight-saving medical appointments.

BrightFocus Foundation’s Macular Degeneration Research program is fueling the most promising scientific studies around the world to advance prevention, earlier detection, treatments, and ultimately a cure for macular degeneration. This year alone, we’ve invested $4.7 million in new funding for bold, forward-thinking research. In this session, learn about some of these pioneering projects and explore the exciting ideas shaping the future of vision research.

Clinical trials are essential to advancing care for age‑related macular degeneration (AMD) and geographic atrophy (GA). In this episode, Mathew MacCumber, MD, PhD, explains how clinical trials work, the potential benefits and challenges of participation, and key factors to consider when deciding whether a trial may be right for you. The discussion will also include a high-level overview of the GALLOP clinical trial for GA and what current research means for the future of vision health.

Researchers are exploring whether cell therapy—including stem cells and stem cell–derived treatments—could help repair or replace damaged retinal cells in macular degeneration and geographic atrophy. In this episode, we explain how these therapies are intended to work, how the cells may be delivered to the eye, and the potential risks.

In this interactive episode, Dr. Joshua Dunaief answers listener questions about macular degeneration. From understanding the different types of AMD to the role of supplements and nutrition, tips for daily living, and treatment options, this conversation is designed to address the topics that matter most to you. Join us to hear practical insights from a leading expert.

Staying on schedule with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) treatment is one of the most important ways to protect your vision. In this episode, Manuel Amador, MD, explains today’s wet AMD treatments and why consistency matters. He will also share practical tips on early detection, risk factors, and taking an active role in your eye health.

What if an artificial retina or another type of electronic implant could restore vision? Unlike current therapies that only slow the progression of the disease, retinal prostheses are designed to actually restore vision for people with retinal degeneration. In this Macular Chats episode, we explore this emerging field and break down the different types of implants in development, including the PRIMA implant—the only retinal prosthesis currently in production and the first viable treatment for geographic atrophy from AMD—and look ahead to what’s next in the research pipeline.

In recognition of National Caregivers Month, this episode explores the vital role of those who support individuals living with vision loss—whether family members, professionals, or volunteers. Our guests will discuss the emotional, physical, and financial challenges care partners face and share practical resources to help support them.

Stem cell research is offering new possibilities for treating age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss. In this Macular Chat, Dr. Jeffrey Stern and Dr. Sally Temple, Principal Investigators and Co-Founders of the Neural Stem Cell Institute, will explain what stem cells are, share the latest updates from clinical trials such as Luxa Biotechnology’s RPESC-RPE transplantation, and discuss the safety, outcomes, and future potential of stem cell therapies. They will also address what these advances mean for patients and caregivers today, what clinical trials are available, and what timelines might look like for making these treatments more widely accessible.

Geographic atrophy (GA), an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration, can lead to irreversible vision loss. New long-term data are offering hope that treatment can slow this decline and help preserve sight. Join Dr. Sara Fard, a retina specialist at Illinois Retina Associates, as she explains the benefits of sustained GA treatment, including slowing the rate of vision loss, protecting retinal tissue, and supporting daily visual function.