JVRD Author's Forum Podcast
Welcome to the Journal of Vitreoretinal Diseases (JVRD) Author’s Forum. JVRD is the official scientific peer-reviewed journal of the American Society of Retina Specialists, offering the highest quality and most impactful research and clinical information in the field.
Join JVRD's Editor-in-Chief Dr. Timothy Murray as he discusses cutting-edge developments featured in the journal with authors who share clinical research and explore its significance for advancing patient care.
Audio episodes are available on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast directories. You can also visit our YouTube channel to watch the dynamic conversations in each episode.
Clinical Use of Home OCT Data to Manage Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration
On this episode of the JVRD Author’s Forum podcast, Dr. Jeffrey Heier of Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston discusses ‘Clinical Use of Home OCT Data to Manage Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration,' published in the March/April 2025 issue of JVRD. Host Dr. Timothy Murray and Dr. Heier discuss the clinical use of home optical coherence tomography (OCT) for managing patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Dr. Heier shares study findings showing that 42% of patients would have had a different treatment decision based on home OCT monitoring, highlighting the technology’s potential to catch fluid recurrence earlier and safely extend treatment intervals, from an average of 8 weeks to over 15 weeks. They also discuss the high usability of home OCT devices, with over 95% of patients successfully setting up and using the device independently. The conversation underscores how home OCT can improve outcomes, reduce undertreatment, and drive meaningful cost savings.
Tractional Retinal Detachment in a Patient with a History of Methamphetamine Use
On this episode of the JVRD Author’s Forum podcast, Dr. John Kitchens of Retina Associates of Kentucky discusses 'Tractional Retinal Detachment in a Patient with a History of Methamphetamine Use,' published in the March/April 2025 issue of JVRD. Host Dr. Timothy Murray and Dr. Kitchens discuss a complex case of tractional retinal detachment initially thought to be a complication of diabetes. Despite good glycemic control (A1c 6.7), further investigation revealed the underlying cause was severe vascular damage from methamphetamine use, not diabetes. Dr. Kitchens shares insights on the importance of thorough history-taking, recognizing when clinical findings don’t align with expectations, and the value of timely surgery in achieving favorable outcomes even in complex cases.
Tractional Retinal Detachment in a Patient with a History of Methamphetamine Use
On this episode of the JVRD Author’s Forum podcast, Dr. John Kitchens of Retina Associates of Kentucky discusses 'Tractional Retinal Detachment in a Patient with a History of Methamphetamine Use,' published in the March/April 2025 issue of JVRD. Host Dr. Timothy Murray and Dr. Kitchens discuss a complex case of tractional retinal detachment initially thought to be a complication of diabetes. Despite good glycemic control (A1c 6.7), further investigation revealed the underlying cause was severe vascular damage from methamphetamine use, not diabetes. Dr. Kitchens shares insights on the importance of thorough history-taking, recognizing when clinical findings don’t align with expectations, and the value of timely surgery in achieving favorable outcomes even in complex cases.
Multifocal Torpedo Maculopathy Complicated by Choroidal Neovascularization
On this episode of the JVRD Author’s Forum podcast, Dr. Matthew G. J. Trese of Associated Retina Consultants of Royal Oak, MI, discusses ‘Multifocal Torpedo Maculopathy Complicated by Choroidal Neovascularization,’ published in the March/April 2025 issues of JVRD.
Host Dr. Timothy Murray and Dr. Trese discuss the rare and complex presentation of torpedo maculopathy in a pediatric patient, the evolving role of imaging and anti-VEGF therapy in young children, and the value of case reports in expanding our understanding of this condition.
On this episode of the JVRD Author’s Forum podcast, Dr. Katherine E. Talcott of the Cole Eye Institute at the Cleveland Clinic discusses ‘Predictors of Vision Loss After Lapse in Antivascular Endothelial Growth Factor Treatment in Patients With Diabetic Macular Edema,’ published in the March/April 2025 issue of JVRD.
Host Dr. Timothy Murray and Dr. Talcott discuss the clinical implications of treatment lapses in patients with diabetic macular edema, as well as the importance of identifying individuals at higher risk for vision loss. Dr. Talcott highlights key predictors of vision loss, such as longer lapses, diabetic foot disease, and Medicaid insurance, and discusses how these insights can guide personalized care, improve patient counseling, and support proactive interventions to preserve vision in this vulnerable population.
So Many Injections, So Much Waste: Understanding the Environmental Impact of Intravitreal Injections
On this episode of the JVRD Author’s Forum podcast, Dr. Geoff G. Emerson of Retina Consultants of Minnesota discusses ‘So Many Injections, So Much Waste: Understanding the Environmental Impact of Intravitreal Injections,’ published in the March/April 2025 issue of JVRD.
Host Dr. Timothy Murray and Dr. Emerson discuss the significant environmental impact of intravitreal (IVT) injections, highlighting the waste generated from packaging, single-use materials, and patient travel. They examine actionable strategies, such as adopting reusable materials, electronic instructions, and multidose packaging, to reduce the carbon footprint while maintaining high standards of patient care.
On this episode of the JVRD Author's Forum podcast, Dr. Ivana K. Kim of Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston discusses ‘Confirmatory Cytopathology and Potential Impact on the Predictive Value of Gene Expression Profiling in Patients With Uveal Melanoma,' published in the March/April 2025 issue of JVRD.
Host Dr. Timothy Murray and Dr. Kim discuss research on the utility of gene expression profiling (GEP) in diagnosing uveal melanoma, particularly in cases where cytopathology results are non-diagnostic. The study found that even in small tumors where cytopathology may not be practical, GEP alone can still provide valuable prognostic information, making it a reliable tool for clinical decision-making.
The Economics of Emergency Retinal Surgery and Declining Access to Care
On this episode of the JVRD Author’s Forum podcast, Dr. John Thompson, JVRD associate editor-in-chief, discusses ‘The Economics of Emergency Retinal Surgery and Declining Access to Care,’ published in the January/February 2025 issue of JVRD.
Host Dr. Timothy Murray and Dr. Thompson discuss 5 manuscripts published in JVRD that evaluate the economics of retina care and portend an impending crisis for access to emergency surgical retinal care. The research shows that hospitals and surgery centers are losing money on retinal detachment repair, leading many to limit emergency cases. As a result, more patients are being funneled to academic centers, which can create barriers to timely care. Drs. Murray and Thompson explore the increasing reliance on academic centers for emergency cases and the need for policy changes to maintain high-quality retinal care.
Trends in Medicare Reimbursement and Service Volume of Vitreoretinal Procedures: 2000 to 2021
On this episode of the JVRD Author’s Forum podcast, Dr. Ron Adelman, consultant and chair of ophthalmology at Mayo Clinic, Florida, discusses ‘Trends in Medicare Reimbursement and Service Volume of Vitreoretinal Procedures: 2000 to 2021,’ published in the January/February 2025 issue of JVRD.
Host Dr. Timothy Murray and Dr. Adelman examine more than two decades of Medicare reimbursement trends for vitreoretinal procedures. Drawing from a comprehensive 21-year analysis, they discuss how increasing procedure volumes—especially intravitreal injections—have coincided with significant declines in inflation-adjusted reimbursements. Dr. Adelman explains how treatment advances, such as intravitreal injections for diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), have led to decreased use of more invasive procedures such as cryotherapy and laser, significantly altering the balance of in-office treatments and surgical procedures. He also highlights the growing challenges in accessing operating rooms and the broader implications of diminishing reimbursement for patient care and physician recruitment in the field.
On this episode of the JVRD Author's Forum podcast, Dr. Clio Armitage Harper III of Austin Retina Associates, in Austin, Texas, discusses ‘Improvement in Cystoid Macular Edema Secondary to Systemic Bevacizumab in a Patient With Coats Plus Syndrome,' published in the January/February 2025 issue of JVRD.
Host Dr. Timothy Murray and Dr. Harper discuss a case report of a patient with Coats plus syndrome who presented with cystoid macular edema and severe anemia. Initially treated with intravitreal Bevacizumab, the patient's condition improved significantly after systemic Bevacizumab was introduced. Drs. Murry and Harper touch on the importance of thorough genetic testing, the role of imaging under anesthesia for young patients and the use of wide-field fluorescein angiography in diagnosing and managing complex pediatric retinal diseases.
Early Presentation of Successive Acute Retinal Necrosis Decades After Initial Infection
On this episode of the JVRD Author's Forum podcast, Dr. Warren Sobol of Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio discusses ‘Early Presentation of Successive Acute Retinal Necrosis Decades After Initial Infection,' published in the January/February 2025 issue of JVRD.
Host Dr. Timothy Murray and Dr. Sobol discuss the case of a 60-year-old patient with significant uveitis and suspicious-looking areas of white, fluffy material in the retina, leading to a suspicion of acute retinal necrosis (ARN). Diagnostic tests, including an anterior chamber tap for PCR, confirmed the diagnosis. Dr. Sobol highlighted the challenges of PCR testing, including potential delays and errors, and the importance of immediate treatment due to the small window of potential success. A key takeaway from the case is the importance of collecting a thorough history when complex inflammatory disease is present, as the patient's history often plays a crucial role in diagnosis and treatment.
Serial OCT Imaging of Spontaneous Closure of a Pediatric Traumatic Macular Hole
In this episode of the JVRD Author's Forum podcast, R.V. Paul Chan, MD, MSc, MBA, FACS, of the Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, Chicago, discusses 'Serial OCT Imaging of Spontaneous Closure of a Pediatric Traumatic Macular Hole,' published in the November/December 2024 issue of JVRD.
Host Dr. Timothy Murray and Dr. Chan discuss this case report featuring serial spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT) imaging of the spontaneous closure of a traumatic macular hole (MH) in an 8-year-old girl. The hole closed by the 3-month follow-up but was associated with epiretinal membrane that reduced by month 5, recovering VA to 20/30. Anecdotally, retina specialists have considered topical carbonic anhydrase inhibition in this setting. If a posttraumatic inflammatory condition is present, topical steroids have also been used.
In this episode of the JVRD Author's Forum podcast, Dr. Nimesh Patel of Massachusetts Eye and Ear in Boston discusses 'Choriocapillaris Loss in a Pediatric Patient With Congenital Cytomegalovirus Seen on Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography,' published in the November/December 2024 issue of JVRD.
Host Dr. Timothy Murray and Dr. Patel discuss this case of a 14-year-old girl with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, developmental delay, and a maculopathy of the right eye. At 7 years of age, the VA was noted to be 20/20 OU. Blood testing from newborn dried-blood spots was possible with polymerase chain reaction and confirmed suspected congenital cytomegalovirus. While not possible with all pediatric patients, the authors incorporated SD-OCT and OCTA imaging to document the macular scar, RPE alterations, and disruption of the outer retinal layers accompanied by choriocapillary atrophy.
On this episode of the JVRD Author's Forum podcast, Dr. Michael A. Klufas of the Wills Eye Hospital discusses 'Outcomes of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Repair in Pseudophakic Eyes With Multifocal vs Monofocal Intraocular Lenses,' published in the November/December 2024 issue of JVRD.
Host Dr. Timothy Murray and Dr. Klufas examine how multifocal lenses can complicate surgical views and outcomes, with a notable difference in primary surgical success rates—76% for multifocals versus 87% for monofocals—while stressing the importance of adapting techniques such as adding scleral buckle or encircling laser to optimize outcomes.
On this episode of the JVRD Author's Forum podcast, Dr. Jose J. Echegaray, Retina Consultants of Orlando, discusses 'Resolution of Anterior Uveal Infiltration of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia After Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy,' published in the November/December 2024 issue of JVRD.
Host Dr. Timothy Murray and Dr. Echegaray discuss the key takeaways from this rare presentation of leukemia in the uveal tract, including the importance of early and accurate diagnosis through clinical and tissue-based assessments to guide treatment, and the potential of CAR T-cell therapy in treating systemic leukemia and uveal infiltration despite the risk for side effects, such as cytokine release syndrome, which must be carefully managed.
Aggressive Onset of FEVR Phenotype in Child With Mutations in LRP5 and TSPAN12
On this episode, Dr. Michael J. Shapiro, from Retina Consultants, in Chicago, IL, discusses the aggressive onset of familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR)–like vascular disease in a 3-year-old patient with mutations in LRP5 and TSPAN12 and a 16-year follow-up after laser ablation. Listen in for a discussion on mutational alterations associated with FEVR that suggest genetic testing is becoming the norm for atypical pediatric retinal diseases.
Real-World Outcomes of the 0.19 mg Fluocinolone Acetonide Implant for DME
On this episode, David S. Boyer, MD, from Retina Vitreous Associates Medical Group (LA Retina) Los Angeles, CA, discusses real-world outcomes for use of the 0.19 mg fluocinolone implant in treating diabetic macular edema in 148 eyes, documenting stable VA, decreased central subfield thickness, and a reduced need for intravitreal anti-VEGF. Listen in for a discussion on why the 0.19 mg fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant provided long-term stabilization of VA and macular anatomy in patients with DME, despite a significant reduction in treatment frequency.
On this episode of the JVRD Author's Forum, Dr. Timothy Murray joins John T. Thompson, MD, Associate Editor-in-Chief, to discuss a JVRD article from the March/April 2024 issue on the updated application of the 2020 spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) consensus to the preoperative classification of macular hole and other macular pathologies to determine whether SD-OCT classification can be useful in determining visual outcomes.
Ophthalmologic Presentations of Incontinentia Pigmenti
On this episode of the JVRD Author's Forum, Dr. Timothy Murray joins Philip J. Ferrone, MD, FASRS, to discuss a JVRD case report from the March/April 2024 issue updating our understanding of treatments and outcomes in 36 eyes of 18 patients with incontinentia pigmenti.
Chronic Effects of e-Cigarette Aerosol Inhalation on Macular Perfusion
In this episode, Dr. Lejla Vajzovic discusses the impact of e-cigarette use on macular perfusion employing optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in a study of 25 patients. Learn if there are differences in retinal microvasculature measurements in patients using e-cigarettes compared to nonsmoker control groups.
Gene Expression Profile Class Change in a Case of Aggressive, Recurrent Melanoma
In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Aye discusses a case of recurrent aggressive ciliochoroidal melanoma requiring enucleation after brachytherapy elsewhere for recurrence at the biopsy site. The tumor showed progression from gene expression profiling (GEP) class 1A, PRAME negative to GEP Class 1b.
In this episode, Steven Yeh, MD, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Truhlsen Eye Institute, discusses 3 cases of retinopathy secondary to ritonavir use in the treatment of HIV. The review identified 3 patients with a history of HIV treated with antiretroviral therapy including ritonavir who had been evaluated for bilateral vision loss in both eyes. Explore why ritonavir toxicity should be considered in the differential diagnosis of retinopathy among patients with an exposure history.
On this episode, Dr. Murray welcomes Andre Witkin, MD, Associate Professor, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, and chair of the ASRS ReST Committee, to discuss the article, Retinal Vasculitis After Intravitreal Pegcetacoplan: Report From the ASRS Research and Safety in Therapeutics (ReST) Committee.
On February 17, 2023, pegcetacoplan 15mg (Syfovre – Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Waltham MA) was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Beginning in April 2023, the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) Research and Safety in Therapeutics (ReST) Committee began receiving reports of intraocular inflammation (IOI) following intravitreal pegcetacoplan administration. In addition to cases of IOI without retinal vascular involvement, several reported cases included retinal vasculitis resulting in occlusive retinal vasculopathy and significant vision loss. The American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) Research and Safety in Therapeutics (ReST) Committee, as well as an expert panel, performed a retrospective review of cases of retinal vasculitis reported to the ASRS. Clinical and imaging characteristics were reviewed for evidence of retinal vasculitis and analyzed.
Primary ASCT for Unilateral Primary CNS Lymphoma–Ophthalmic Variant
On this episode, Dr. Murray welcomes Colin McCannel, MD, from Stein Eye and Doheny Institutes, University of California, Los Angeles, to discuss a case report on the long-term outcomes of 2 cases of primary autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) for the treatment of primary central nervous system lymphoma–ophthalmic variant (PCNSL-O) or primary vitreoretinal lymphoma (PVRL). Learn about the testing methods when there was no systemic or central nervous involvement on the workup, and explore the treatment and management of these patients.
On this episode, Dr. Murray welcomes Aleksandra Rachitskaya, MD, FASRS, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, to explore the effect of syringe type on developing sustained intraocular pressure (IOP) increases. Learn how the type of syringe may or may not affect outcomes.
Retina Controversy: Biosimilar to Biosimilar Anti-VEGF Switching for Retinal Diseases
On this episode, Dr. Murray welcomes Dr. Kuppermann, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California, Irvine, to explore evidence from other specialties regarding cross-switching between biosimilars, and learn if there are any foreseen patient safety concerns for retina specialists.
PPV for VMT Resulting in Persistent Postop Loculated Foveal Subretinal Fluid
On this episode, Dr. Murray welcomes R. Rishi Gupta, MD, FRCSC, FASRS, associate professor at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, to discuss a case report on how a case of postoperative persistent loculated subretinal fluid (SRF) developed after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for vitreomacular traction (VMT) syndrome. Explore the management decisions that were used for this rare complication.
On this episode, Dr. Timothy Murray welcomes Xuejing Chen, MD, assistant professor at Boston University School of Medicine, to discuss a study on how the pandemic affected people from variable demographics. Explore the data and learn if the pandemic affected access to intravitreal injection treatments.
Valsalva Retinopathy Associated With COVID-19: Diagnosis and Surgical Management
On this episode, Dr. Timothy Murray welcomes Sean D. Adrean, MD, from Retina Consultants of Orange County, to discuss a case of retinopathy secondary to intense coughing and vomiting as symptoms of COVID-19. Learn about the diagnosis and eventual surgical management.
On this episode, Dr. Timothy Murray welcomes Daniel M. Miller, MD, PhD, FASRS, of Cincinnati Eye Institute, to discuss a surgical technique that affects patients with port delivery system implants who experience a conjunctival erosion.
On this episode, Dr. Timothy Murray welcomes Sharon Fekrat, MD, FACS, FASRS, Duke University, to discuss a case involving a 29-year-old, obese, hypertensive man who presented with a 10-day history of progressive vision loss in the left eye with no history of trauma. The visual acuity was 20/25 OD and hand motions OS. Learn the importance of one condition in association with PLR does not exclude the presence of another concurrent etiology.
Impact of Prefilled Syringes and Masking on Post Intravitreal Injection Endophthalmitis
On this episode, Dr. Timothy Murray welcomes Charles C. Wykoff, MD, PhD, FASRS, Retina Consultants of Texas, to discuss the study on the comparison of rates of endophthalmitis (1) following intravitreal injection of antivascular endothelial growth factor therapies with glass-vial preparation (GVP) vs prefilled syringes (PFS) and (2) before and after masking protocols were implemented. Learn if PFS use affected endophthalmitis cases and whether the use of surgical face masks impacts the rate of endophthalmitis.
Retinopathy of Prematurity Screening of Preterm Infants With Icteric Vitreous
On this episode, Dr. Timothy Murray welcomes Dr. Audina Berrocal from Bascom Palmer Eye Institute to discuss a recent JVRD case report from the Sept./Oct. issue on preterm newborns with ROP and vitreous opacification thought to be caused by hyperbilirubinemia. Because of vitreous opacification, these patients could not be properly examined for ROP. Explore how treatment with an intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor injection might be considered to delay disease development.
Opportunity Cost of Vitreoretinal Surgeries
On this episode, Dr. Timothy Murray welcomes Dr. Ella Leung, from Georgia Retina, to discuss Medicare reimbursements for the physician work component of vitreoretinal surgeries as a significant opportunity cost for the physician relative to office-based patient care of equivalent time. Explore how the current analysis compares Medicare physician reimbursements for the most common vitreoretinal surgeries against the potential reimbursements the physician could have generated by managing patients in the office.
On this episode, Dr. Timothy Murray welcomes Dr. Caroline Awh, an ophthalmology resident, to discuss a recent JVRD case report from the Sept./Oct. issue on a rare cause of fungal endophthalmitis. Learn how this case poses significant diagnostic and management challenges.
Evolving Treatment Patterns in Diabetic Macular Edema Between 2015 and 2020
On this episode, Dr. Timothy Murray welcomes Dr. Paul Hahn of NJ Retina to discuss an article from the May/June issue of JVRD on DME treatments between 2015 and 2020 by US retina specialists. Learn whether practice patterns align with conclusions from major randomized DME clinical trials. Real-world outcomes and clinical trial outcomes will be compared.
Effect of Macular Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling on Single Surgery Success Rates of Vitrectomy
On this episode, Dr. Timothy Murray welcomes Dr. Mark Seamone from the University of Alberta to discuss an article from the May/June issue of JVRD on surgery success rates of vitrectomy with a macular-off retinal detachment. Learn whether peeling the ILM is the right approach for patients in certain subsets of retinal detachments. Discover whether ILM peeling of the macula in primary, uncomplicated macula-off RRD has a statistically significant benefit in reducing the risk of recurrent RRD.