CRST: The Podcast

Join Neda Nikpoor, MD, and Neda Shamie, MD, as they delve into their personal journeys of industry involvement in ophthalmology. They discuss the motivations behind their partnerships, the impact of authentic collaboration on patient care and innovation, and offer valuable advice for young ophthalmologists seeking to engage with industry. Tune in to hear their experiences, the challenges they face...

William Wiley, MD, and Luke Rebenitsch, MD, describe why SMILE is their preferred refractive surgery method, highlighting ideal patient criteria, surgical outcomes, and enhancement rates. Dr. Wiley shares advice for surgeons new to SMILE, giving pearls for how to gain skills and work through the learning curve. Dr. Rebenitsch discusses the growth of SMILE volume in recent years and describes techn...

On this episode of CRST: The Podcast, hosts Amir Arbisser, MD, and Lisa Brothers Arbisser, MD, dive deep into the art of practice development with guests Michael Patterson, DO, and Emily Schehlein, MD. Together, they explore the journey of building a successful ophthalmology practice from the ground up, sharing their invaluable insights on growth strategies, patient care, and adapting to the evolv...

In this episode of Neda Squared, hosts Neda Shamie, MD, and Neda Nikpoor, MD, talk with Vance Thompson, MD, about the culture and brand he has built at Vance Thompson Vision. Dr. Thompson describes his journey from solo practitioner to the leader of a team of nearly 400, with an emphasis on the importance of creating a family-like environment and providing exceptional patient care through authenti...

In this episode of CRST: The Podcast, host Marguerite B. McDonald, MD, FACS, convenes a panel of contributors to CRST’s January cover series on the future of corneal surgery to delve into some revolutionary advances. George O. Waring IV, MD, FACS; Marcela Feltrin de Barros, MD; and Steven E. Wilson, MD, FARVO discuss cutting-edge techniques such as refractive indexing and the potential of topical...

In the premiere episode of Neda Squared, hosts Neda Nikpoor, MD, and Neda Shamie, MD, weave through their personal and professional journeys in ophthalmology, highlighting the serendipitous meetings and shared values that have shaped their careers. They delve into the transformative power of mentorship, the impact of global medicine initiatives, and their commitment to authentic patient care.

In this episode of CRST: The Podcast, host William F. Wiley, MD, and Wesam Silk, MD, take a deep dive into the evolving world of hyperopic LASIK and its alternatives. They explore the technological advances that have reshaped the treatment of hyperopia, examine the shift toward lens-based solutions, and speculate about future innovations in refractive surgery. 

Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, and William Wiley, MD, describe using the VisuMax Femtosecond Laser (ZEISS), emphasizing the positive experience their patients have had during the procedure. Dr. Williamson further discusses pearls and shares his experience using the system. Dr. Wiley explains the foundational difference between using VisuMax versus other technologies.

In this episode of CRST: The Podcast, host Dr. Joaquin De Rojas explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into ophthalmology with Drs. Taj Nasser, Gurpal Virdi, and Matthew Hirabayashi. The discussion centers on Dr. Naser’s team’s development of AI solutions aimed at refining ophthalmic practices, including the Vault algorithm for ICL sizing accuracy, the Perfect Test for predicting...

Join John A. Hovanesian, MD; George O. Waring IV, MD, FACS; and Beeran Meghpara, MD, as they take an in-depth look at the latest advancements in refractive lensectomy. Topics include differentiating dysfunctional lens syndrome from cataracts, the impact of these conditions on patient counseling, and the intersection of financial and ethical considerations in surgery. Learn more about Shifting Towa...

Nathan Radcliffe, MD, moderates a discussion with Deborah Ristvedt, DO, and John Kitchens, MD, about the future of geographic atrophy (GA) treatment and management, the history of GA care, considerations for managing cataracts and glaucoma, and more. This editorially independent episode is supported by Iveric Bio. 

Join host Nandini Venkateswaran, MD, as she explores cornea-centric considerations in cataract surgery with guests Joaquin O. De Rojas, MD, and Mina A. Farahani, MD, MS, MS. Dr. De Rojas delves into the merits of adopting a refractive mindset to enhance not just clarity but the overall quality of vision, and Dr. Farahani navigates through managing diseased corneas, showcasing recent technological...

In this special edition episode of CRST: The Podcast, James Katz, MD, moderates a discussion with Stephen Lin, MD, and Zarmeena Vendal, MD, to talk about innovations and technology on the horizon in ophthalmology. The three surgeons share insights into surgical planning software such as the SMARTCataract (Alcon) cloud-based platform and how it saves time and boosts efficiency in the practice. Drs....

Join host M. Amir Moarefi, MD, and a panel of experts—Susannah Rowe, MD, MPH, FACS; Madhura Shah, BS; and Drew Dickson, MD—as they delve into the intricate world of cataract surgery for patients with unique challenges.  This episode explores three key areas: cataract surgery in neurodiverse individuals, patients with physical disabilities, and those with extreme refractive errors. Don't miss this...

Host Ben LaHood, MBChB, PGDipOphth, PhD, FRANZCO, FWCRS, and guest Florian T.A. Kretz, MD, FEBO, discuss optimizing the A-constant and surgically induced astigmatism in cataract surgery—two topics featured in CRST’s recent cover focus on astigmatism management. Together they delve into the multifaceted nature of A-constant optimization and the complex challenges of surgically induced astigmatism....

In this podcast, David Lubeck, MD, moderates a roundtable discussion on the topic of performing cataract surgery at a more physiological IOP. Listen as an expert panel of anterior segment surgeons discusses the historical basis and detrimental effects of supraphysiologic-IOP cataract surgery, the potential benefits of a lower, more physiological IOP during cataract surgery, the evolution of techno...

Join host Eric Rosenberg, DO, MScEng, as he navigates the transformative landscape of digital technology in ophthalmology with guests Oliver Findl, MD, MBA, and Grayson W. Armstrong, MD, MPH. Together, they delve into the enormous potential of AI, machine learning, and teleophthalmology and highlight how these technologies are reshaping patient care, improving surgical outcomes, and revolutionizin...

Join this season’s expert panel of Kourtney Houser, MD; Mitch Ibach, OD; and Nandini Venkateswaran, MD, as they showcase a selection of fascinating cases across the ocular surface spectrum. 

Join host Richard L. Lindstrom, MD, as he dives into the world of physician-entrepreneurship in ophthalmology with guests Ashley Brissette, MD, MSc, FRCSC; Ranya Habash, MD; and John A. Hovanesian, MD. Together, they explore the stages of launching a startup as an ophthalmologist—from identifying unmet needs to navigating financial backing and industry partnerships to balancing clinical practice a...

Tune in to a unique episode of CRST: The Podcast, recorded live in Florence, Italy, at the 2023 AECOS Europe Symposium. We’ve partnered with AECOS to share this discussion of the hurdles women face in ophthalmology, the importance of inclusivity, and the process of turning ideas into products. Moderated by Radhika Rampat, MBBS, BSc(Hons), FRCOphth, and Riccardo Vinciguerra, MD, panelists Pooja Kha...

Host Parag Majmudar, MD, discusses best practices in managing patients with a history of radial keratotomy and those who underwent LASIK in the early 1990s and 2000s with Bret L. Fisher, MD; Hercules Logothetis, MD; and Marguerite B. McDonald, MD, FACS. Together, the surgeons delve into the challenges and complexities that can arise when treating these patients, their most common visual complaints...

Moderator Florian T.A. Kretz, MD, FEBO, shares the microphone with Kjell Gunnar Gundersen, MD, PhD, and Andrea Russo, MD, PhD, to discuss how expanding your portfolio of procedures and technologies can help build your practice and benefit the bottom line. They discuss both corneal and lens-based refractive correction, presbyopia solutions, and technologies that aid in streamlining workflow and boo...

In this episode, host Rosa Braga-Mele, MD, and guests David J. Felsted, DO; Masara Laginaf, MBBS, BSc(Hons), FRCOphth, CertLRS; and Rupa Wong, MD, discuss the importance of self-care, work-life balance, and time management for ophthalmologists. The panelists share their personal experiences and practical strategies for avoiding burnout and achieving balance. To read their articles featured in the...

 In this episode of CRST: The Podcast, host J. Morgan Micheletti, MD, dives into the complex world of IOL exchange with guests Brian M. Shafer, MD, and Gary Wörtz, MD, both contributors to CRST's February cover focus on IOL Exchange. Dr. Shafer shares his expert pearls for performing IOL exchange in even the most challenging cases, and Dr. Wörtz discusses his innovative ideas that could shape the...

I. Paul Singh, MD, hosts this special edition of CRST: The Podcast to discuss research surrounding the iStent inject (Glaukos) with Kevin Gillmann, MD, MBBS, FEBOphth, MArch, PgCert (HMS). Dr. Gillmann shares his clinical experience with the iStent inject and highlights details of a published study that examines the device’s effect on IOP and the anatomical structure of Schlemm canal based on OCT...