The Retina Channel Podcast

In this episode of The Retina Channel Podcast, Dr. Mrinali Gupta joins me for a practical, case-based discussion on retinal detachment surgery. We start with an inferior retinal detachment in a pseudophakic patient and debate vitrectomy versus scleral buckle, before diving into vitreous shaving, tamponade selection, postoperative positioning, and the role of 360-degree laser. We discuss when scleral buckling still has an important role in modern retinal detachment repair and when to combine a buckle with vitrectomy. We then tackle more complex surgical scenarios, including PVR and diabetic tractional retinal detachments, with practical insights on preoperative anti-VEGF, membrane peeling, and surgical decision-making in these challenging cases.

Dr. Brian Ballios from the University of Toronto and Toronto Western Hospital returns to The Retina Channel for a comprehensive update on inherited retinal diseases (IRDs). We discuss the evolving landscape of gene therapy, including long-term experience with RPE65 therapy and emerging treatments for IRDs including antisense oligonucleotides, optogenetics, new therapies for Stargardt disease, stem cell and photoreceptor replacement strategies, and the importance of natural history studies in designing future clinical trials. Brian was the second-ever guest on The Retina Channel back in 2017, making his return for Episode 98 nearly nine years later a particularly special one. A fascinating discussion about how far the field has come — and where IRD treatment may be heading next.

In this episode of The Retina Channel Podcast, Dr. Keyvan Koushan sits down with renowned retina specialist John Kitchens to discuss the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in ophthalmology and medicine. Dr. Kitchens shares his practical experience using AI platforms such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Perplexity, offering insights into how these tools can enhance clinical practice, education, research, communication, and everyday productivity. The conversation explores both the opportunities and limitations of AI, provides real-world examples of its use in ophthalmology, and offers a thoughtful look at how physicians can prepare for a future increasingly shaped by intelligent technologies. Whether you're an AI enthusiast or just beginning to explore these tools, this episode offers a practical and engaging perspective on one of the most important technological shifts in modern medicine.

In this episode of The Retina Channel Podcast, Dr. Jennifer Sun joins Dr. Keyvan Koushan to discuss the Phase 2 results of DRCR Retina Network Protocol AN evaluating tonabersat for diabetic macular edema. Dr. Sun reviews the rationale behind targeting connexin-43–mediated inflammatory pathways in DME, the key efficacy and safety findings from the study, and the potential implications of this novel oral therapy for future diabetic retinal disease management. The conversation also explores broader trends in DRCR clinical research and emerging treatment paradigms in diabetic eye disease.