<![CDATA[RetinUp Podcast]]>4704abc4-662f-50dd-9f7e-d5fcbd6a53caThu, 30 Apr 2026 21:40:03 +0000Captivate.fmRetinUp Podcast, LLChttps://artwork.captivate.fm/531c49b8-57e5-4dbb-9c69-38c0f87414a3/r-e-t-i-n-u-p-13.pngRetinUp PodcastRetinUp Podcast, LLCRetinUp Podcast, LLCRetinUp is a podcast exploring the latest in retina science and ophthalmology. Hosted by John Kitchens, MD, and Scott Krzywonos, each episode features expert insights, research breakthroughs, and practical discussions designed for ophthalmologists, retina specialists, and vision science researchers.https://retinup.captivate.fmfalseepisodicnopodcastClorinda Walley, President & CEO of Good Days, on Patient Assistance Funding | Plus, Image of the Month with Prof. Paulo Stanga: Papillophlebitis on the Silverstone RGBClorinda Walley, President & CEO of Good Days, on Patient Assistance Funding | Plus, Image of the Month with Prof. Paulo Stanga: Papillophlebitis on the Silverstone RGBGuests: Clorinda Walley – President & CEO, Good Days | Prof. Paulo Stanga – Founder & Chief Medical Officer, The Retina Clinic London; Professor of Ophthalmology, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology

Show Summary

This episode of RetinUp pulls back the curtain on Good Days, one of the most important — and least understood — resources in retina practice. Clorinda Walley, Good Days President & CEO, joins John and Scott to explain how the organization works, how it's funded, who qualifies, and what retina specialists can do to help sustain it. The conversation covers everything from the mechanics of fund allocation to the policy threats currently on Good Days's radar.

The episode then moves to the inaugural Image of the Month, featuring Prof. Paulo Stanga, who presents a case of papillophlebitis initially referred as a branch retinal vein occlusion. The case demonstrates how ultra-widefield RGB imaging with the Optos Silverstone RGB changed the clinical picture before the patient ever entered the exam room.

Hosts: John Kitchens, MD, and Scott Krzywonos

Topics Covered

Good Days in 2026 (Clorinda Walley)

  • What is Good Days?
  • Types of assistance (copay, premium, and travel support across multiple disease categories) and who is eligible for support
  • Funding sources for Good Days
  • How retinal vascular disease assistance operates separately from GA assistance
  • What happens when a program is funded—and when funding runs out
  • Good Days’ advocacy in DC and beyond
  • Getting your patients enrolled in Good Days

Image of the Month: Papillophlebitis (Prof. Paulo Stanga)

  • Case presentation: patient referred for a clinical trial with presumed branch retinal vein occlusion
  • Ultra-widefield RGB imaging with the Optos Silverstone upon referral
  • Final diagnosis: papillophlebitis
  • Clinical workflow advantages of pre-visit imaging

Key Takeaways

  • Good Days is a critical safety net for Medicare patients who cannot afford their retinal treatments, but its programs depend entirely on ongoing donations — funding can close without warning.
  • Retina specialists can directly support Good Days by getting on the notification list, posting donation signage, and advocating with pharma partners for continued funding.
  • Retina practice as we know it is supported by Good Days—but Good Days itself is only around as long as their donation base shows up.
  • Ultra-widefield imaging captured early in an appointment changes clinical workflow: Prof. Stanga's case demonstrates that RGB imaging can redirect a diagnosis before the physician enters the room.
  • True-color RGB ultra-widefield imaging with swept-source OCT provides a more complete picture of the retina than two-channel systems, particularly at the vitreoretinal interface and in patients with media opacity.

Sponsors

RetinUp is an editorially independent podcast supported with advertising.

This episode is sponsored by Ocular Therapeutix. Learn more at OCUTX.com.

This episode is sponsored by Genentech, maker of Vabysmo (faricimab-svoa). Watch the Purple Chair series at Vabysmo-HCP.com.

The images featured in this episode were captured using the Optos Silverstone RGB. Learn more about Silverstone RGB at Optos.com/products/silverstone.

Credits Production & Marketing: Laura Brown | Business Operations: Liz Hogan

Listen at RetinUp.com | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

]]>Guests: Clorinda Walley – President & CEO, Good Days | Prof. Paulo Stanga – Founder & Chief Medical Officer, The Retina Clinic London; Professor of Ophthalmology, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology

Show Summary

This episode of RetinUp pulls back the curtain on Good Days, one of the most important — and least understood — resources in retina practice. Clorinda Walley, Good Days President & CEO, joins John and Scott to explain how the organization works, how it's funded, who qualifies, and what retina specialists can do to help sustain it. The conversation covers everything from the mechanics of fund allocation to the policy threats currently on Good Days's radar.

The episode then moves to the inaugural Image of the Month, featuring Prof. Paulo Stanga, who presents a case of papillophlebitis initially referred as a branch retinal vein occlusion. The case demonstrates how ultra-widefield RGB imaging with the Optos Silverstone RGB changed the clinical picture before the patient ever entered the exam room.

Hosts: John Kitchens, MD, and Scott Krzywonos

Topics Covered

Good Days in 2026 (Clorinda Walley)

  • What is Good Days?
  • Types of assistance (copay, premium, and travel support across multiple disease categories) and who is eligible for support
  • Funding sources for Good Days
  • How retinal vascular disease assistance operates separately from GA assistance
  • What happens when a program is funded—and when funding runs out
  • Good Days’ advocacy in DC and beyond
  • Getting your patients enrolled in Good Days

Image of the Month: Papillophlebitis (Prof. Paulo Stanga)

  • Case presentation: patient referred for a clinical trial with presumed branch retinal vein occlusion
  • Ultra-widefield RGB imaging with the Optos Silverstone upon referral
  • Final diagnosis: papillophlebitis
  • Clinical workflow advantages of pre-visit imaging

Key Takeaways

  • Good Days is a critical safety net for Medicare patients who cannot afford their retinal treatments, but its programs depend entirely on ongoing donations — funding can close without warning.
  • Retina specialists can directly support Good Days by getting on the notification list, posting donation signage, and advocating with pharma partners for continued funding.
  • Retina practice as we know it is supported by Good Days—but Good Days itself is only around as long as their donation base shows up.
  • Ultra-widefield imaging captured early in an appointment changes clinical workflow: Prof. Stanga's case demonstrates that RGB imaging can redirect a diagnosis before the physician enters the room.
  • True-color RGB ultra-widefield imaging with swept-source OCT provides a more complete picture of the retina than two-channel systems, particularly at the vitreoretinal interface and in patients with media opacity.

Sponsors

RetinUp is an editorially independent podcast supported with advertising.

This episode is sponsored by Ocular Therapeutix. Learn more at OCUTX.com.

This episode is sponsored by Genentech, maker of Vabysmo (faricimab-svoa). Watch the Purple Chair series at Vabysmo-HCP.com.

The images featured in this episode were captured using the Optos Silverstone RGB. Learn more about Silverstone RGB at Optos.com/products/silverstone.

Credits Production & Marketing: Laura Brown | Business Operations: Liz Hogan

Listen at RetinUp.com | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

]]>a3ac1fb9-eec5-48ac-a9e6-346395ded6acThu, 30 Apr 2026 17:40:00 -040033:42falsefull1616Darius Moshfeghi, MD, on the SOL-1 Study | Plus, Heads-Up 3D Visualization and Medicare Cut ConcernsDarius Moshfeghi, MD, on the SOL-1 Study | Plus, Heads-Up 3D Visualization and Medicare Cut ConcernsShow Summary

This episode of RetinUp opens with a timely policy discussion between the hosts about proposed Medicare and Medicaid funding cuts, exploring what they could mean for retina practices and their most vulnerable patients.

The Vitreoretinal View segment features John Kitchens, MD, sharing his decade-long experience with heads-up 3D visualization. He reviews what makes it transformative for training and surgical outcomes, why widespread adoption has been slower than expected, and what might finally tip the scales.

In the main interview, Stanford's Darius Moshfeghi, MD, joins Scott and John to break down the SOL-1 Phase 3 superiority study on Axpaxli (OTX-TKI), Ocular Therapeutix's investigational bioresorbable intravitreal hydrogel incorporating axitinib. He discusses his unique role as an independent rescue monitor, explains the study's novel design, unpacks what the superiority outcome over aflibercept actually means for clinical practice, and previews what the SOL-R study may tell us next.

Hosts: John Kitchens, MD, Scott Krzywonos

Guests: Darius Moshfeghi, MD – Chief, Retina Division; Professor, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine

Topics Covered

SOL-1 Study: Design, Findings & Context (Darius Moshfeghi, MD)

  • The independent rescue monitor role: what it is, how it worked, and why it was created for SOL-1
  • SOL-1’s study design, superiority outcome, and floaters data (and why they were not clinically concerning)
  • Superiority vs. non-inferiority: implications for labeling, step therapy avoidance, and physician adoption
  • How retina specialists could integrate Axpaxli into their practice protocols
  • How SOL-R differs from SOL-1, and what SOL-R might show us

Vitreoretinal View: Heads-Up 3D Visualization

  • Origins of heads-up 3D: TruVision and Alcon NGenuity
  • Zeiss and Heidelberg heads-up visualization systems
  • Why John adopted NGenuity early and continues to use it
  • Key benefits: surgical video quality, fellow training, and real-time coaching
  • Cost considerations and other reasons why adoption has remained low
  • The anterior segment opportunity: how cataract surgery economics may drive broader uptake

Medicare & Managed Care Policy Concerns

  • Proposed $200 billion in federal budget cuts and the potential impact on Medicare and Medicaid
  • Risk of increased step therapy, Avastin-first policies, and tiered drug coverage
  • Access-to-care concerns for Medicaid patients, particularly at academic medical centers
  • The difference between traditional Medicare and managed Medicare (Medicare Advantage)
  • Historical context: past Congressional threats to Medicare reimbursement and how they've played out

Key Takeaways

  • The independent rescue monitor role pioneered in SOL-1 reflects a novel, collaborative approach to adjudicating vision-threatening events in clinical trials.
  • Physicians will likely adapt AXPAXLI into existing treat-and-extend protocols; SOL-R's more traditional design may generate data that resonates more directly with clinical practice.
  • SOL-1 is the first superiority study in retina/ophthalmology, demonstrating that a single injection of Axpaxli (Ocular Therapeutix) outperforms aflibercept 2mg (Regeneron) on vision maintenance — with durability extending well beyond current approved dosing intervals.
  • Heads-up 3D visualization offers meaningful advantages for surgical training and video quality, but high costs for integrated systems and declining surgery center reimbursements continue to limit adoption.
  • Proposed federal budget cuts to Medicare and Medicaid represent a real threat to retina practices and patient access, particularly for drug coverage and underserved populations.

Credits Production & Marketing: Laura Brown | Business Operations: Liz Hogan

]]>Show Summary

This episode of RetinUp opens with a timely policy discussion between the hosts about proposed Medicare and Medicaid funding cuts, exploring what they could mean for retina practices and their most vulnerable patients.

The Vitreoretinal View segment features John Kitchens, MD, sharing his decade-long experience with heads-up 3D visualization. He reviews what makes it transformative for training and surgical outcomes, why widespread adoption has been slower than expected, and what might finally tip the scales.

In the main interview, Stanford's Darius Moshfeghi, MD, joins Scott and John to break down the SOL-1 Phase 3 superiority study on Axpaxli (OTX-TKI), Ocular Therapeutix's investigational bioresorbable intravitreal hydrogel incorporating axitinib. He discusses his unique role as an independent rescue monitor, explains the study's novel design, unpacks what the superiority outcome over aflibercept actually means for clinical practice, and previews what the SOL-R study may tell us next.

Hosts: John Kitchens, MD, Scott Krzywonos

Guests: Darius Moshfeghi, MD – Chief, Retina Division; Professor, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine

Topics Covered

SOL-1 Study: Design, Findings & Context (Darius Moshfeghi, MD)

  • The independent rescue monitor role: what it is, how it worked, and why it was created for SOL-1
  • SOL-1’s study design, superiority outcome, and floaters data (and why they were not clinically concerning)
  • Superiority vs. non-inferiority: implications for labeling, step therapy avoidance, and physician adoption
  • How retina specialists could integrate Axpaxli into their practice protocols
  • How SOL-R differs from SOL-1, and what SOL-R might show us

Vitreoretinal View: Heads-Up 3D Visualization

  • Origins of heads-up 3D: TruVision and Alcon NGenuity
  • Zeiss and Heidelberg heads-up visualization systems
  • Why John adopted NGenuity early and continues to use it
  • Key benefits: surgical video quality, fellow training, and real-time coaching
  • Cost considerations and other reasons why adoption has remained low
  • The anterior segment opportunity: how cataract surgery economics may drive broader uptake

Medicare & Managed Care Policy Concerns

  • Proposed $200 billion in federal budget cuts and the potential impact on Medicare and Medicaid
  • Risk of increased step therapy, Avastin-first policies, and tiered drug coverage
  • Access-to-care concerns for Medicaid patients, particularly at academic medical centers
  • The difference between traditional Medicare and managed Medicare (Medicare Advantage)
  • Historical context: past Congressional threats to Medicare reimbursement and how they've played out

Key Takeaways

  • The independent rescue monitor role pioneered in SOL-1 reflects a novel, collaborative approach to adjudicating vision-threatening events in clinical trials.
  • Physicians will likely adapt AXPAXLI into existing treat-and-extend protocols; SOL-R's more traditional design may generate data that resonates more directly with clinical practice.
  • SOL-1 is the first superiority study in retina/ophthalmology, demonstrating that a single injection of Axpaxli (Ocular Therapeutix) outperforms aflibercept 2mg (Regeneron) on vision maintenance — with durability extending well beyond current approved dosing intervals.
  • Heads-up 3D visualization offers meaningful advantages for surgical training and video quality, but high costs for integrated systems and declining surgery center reimbursements continue to limit adoption.
  • Proposed federal budget cuts to Medicare and Medicaid represent a real threat to retina practices and patient access, particularly for drug coverage and underserved populations.

Credits Production & Marketing: Laura Brown | Business Operations: Liz Hogan

]]>bb3e8d9d-acdd-4a3c-aad8-c061f981edb5Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:20:00 -040045:01falsefull15152026 Vit Buckle Society Meeting Preview2026 Vit Buckle Society Meeting PreviewThis episode of RetinUp is a special deep dive into the Vit-Buckle Society (VBS), tracing its origins and previewing what’s ahead for the 2026 meeting.

In the first segment, Ross Lakhanpal, MD, shares the founding story of VBS — from informal dinner discussions among fellows to one of the most distinctive and influential meetings in retina. What began as an effort to preserve surgical retina education has evolved into a meeting known for its creativity, honesty, and strong sense of community.

The episode then shifts to Aleksandra Ratchitskaya, MD, who outlines the agenda and structure of the 2026 VBS meeting, including expanded programming for trainees, new educational tracks, and the continued emphasis on open discussion and real-world clinical challenges.

Across both conversations, a consistent theme emerges: VBS succeeds because it prioritizes authenticity, collaboration, and the full experience of being a retina specialist — not just the science.

Hosts:

John Kitchens, MD

Scott Krzywonos

Guests:

Ross Lakhanpal, MD, FACS – Founding Member, Vit-Buckle Society (VBS); Retina Care Center (Maryland)

Aleksandra Ratchitskaya, MD, – President, Vit-Buckle Society (VBS)

Topics Covered

The Founding of VBS (Ross Lakhanpal, MD,)

  • Origins in 2004–2006 among fellows seeking more surgical retina focus
  • Early dinner meetings piggybacking on major conferences (ASRS, AAO)
  • Initial industry support from Bausch + Lomb and later Alcon
  • The role of key mentors including Timothy Murray, MD, and Harry Flynn, MD,
  • Transition from informal gatherings to a standalone national meeting
  • Early challenges with organization, funding, and defining a clear vision

Building a Distinctive Retina Meeting

  • Introduction of debates, live surgery, and unconventional formats
  • The importance of creativity, energy, and peer-driven programming
  • Balancing innovation with professionalism as the meeting grew
  • The role of medical conference planners (MCPI) in scaling the event
  • How VBS differentiated itself from traditional, science-heavy meetings

Leadership Transition and Growth

  • Decision to hand leadership to the next generation
  • Evolution of programming under new leadership
  • Increased focus on year-round education, social media, and engagement
  • Current leadership structure and succession planning
  • Why maintaining a strong culture and relationships is critical to continuity

2026 VBS Meeting Preview (Aleksandra Ratchitskaya, MD,)

  • Expanded Thursday programming for fellows, trainees, and early-career specialists
  • “VBS Silver” sessions for more experienced physicians
  • Fellows Forum-style competitions, including surgical video presentations
  • Awards, including Lifetime Achievement and Mentorship recognition
  • Dedicated sessions on practice management, advocacy, and wellness

Signature VBS Elements

  • Surgical case discussions focused on complications and real-world challenges
  • Debates on controversial clinical and professional topics
  • A strong emphasis on honesty and open dialogue
  • Social programming built around the Alice in Wonderland theme
  • Networking that reflects the collaborative, peer-driven culture of VBS

Key Takeaways

  • VBS was founded to address a gap in surgical retina education and has grown into a broader platform for professional development.
  • The meeting’s success is rooted in its culture of openness, creativity, and peer collaboration.
  • Leadership transition to younger physicians has strengthened the organization and expanded its reach.
  • VBS continues to stand out by addressing the full scope of retina practice, including clinical, personal, and professional challenges.

Credits

Production & Marketing: Laura Brown

Business Operations: Liz Hogan

Listen at RetinUp.com | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

]]>This episode of RetinUp is a special deep dive into the Vit-Buckle Society (VBS), tracing its origins and previewing what’s ahead for the 2026 meeting.

In the first segment, Ross Lakhanpal, MD, shares the founding story of VBS — from informal dinner discussions among fellows to one of the most distinctive and influential meetings in retina. What began as an effort to preserve surgical retina education has evolved into a meeting known for its creativity, honesty, and strong sense of community.

The episode then shifts to Aleksandra Ratchitskaya, MD, who outlines the agenda and structure of the 2026 VBS meeting, including expanded programming for trainees, new educational tracks, and the continued emphasis on open discussion and real-world clinical challenges.

Across both conversations, a consistent theme emerges: VBS succeeds because it prioritizes authenticity, collaboration, and the full experience of being a retina specialist — not just the science.

Hosts:

John Kitchens, MD

Scott Krzywonos

Guests:

Ross Lakhanpal, MD, FACS – Founding Member, Vit-Buckle Society (VBS); Retina Care Center (Maryland)

Aleksandra Ratchitskaya, MD, – President, Vit-Buckle Society (VBS)

Topics Covered

The Founding of VBS (Ross Lakhanpal, MD,)

  • Origins in 2004–2006 among fellows seeking more surgical retina focus
  • Early dinner meetings piggybacking on major conferences (ASRS, AAO)
  • Initial industry support from Bausch + Lomb and later Alcon
  • The role of key mentors including Timothy Murray, MD, and Harry Flynn, MD,
  • Transition from informal gatherings to a standalone national meeting
  • Early challenges with organization, funding, and defining a clear vision

Building a Distinctive Retina Meeting

  • Introduction of debates, live surgery, and unconventional formats
  • The importance of creativity, energy, and peer-driven programming
  • Balancing innovation with professionalism as the meeting grew
  • The role of medical conference planners (MCPI) in scaling the event
  • How VBS differentiated itself from traditional, science-heavy meetings

Leadership Transition and Growth

  • Decision to hand leadership to the next generation
  • Evolution of programming under new leadership
  • Increased focus on year-round education, social media, and engagement
  • Current leadership structure and succession planning
  • Why maintaining a strong culture and relationships is critical to continuity

2026 VBS Meeting Preview (Aleksandra Ratchitskaya, MD,)

  • Expanded Thursday programming for fellows, trainees, and early-career specialists
  • “VBS Silver” sessions for more experienced physicians
  • Fellows Forum-style competitions, including surgical video presentations
  • Awards, including Lifetime Achievement and Mentorship recognition
  • Dedicated sessions on practice management, advocacy, and wellness

Signature VBS Elements

  • Surgical case discussions focused on complications and real-world challenges
  • Debates on controversial clinical and professional topics
  • A strong emphasis on honesty and open dialogue
  • Social programming built around the Alice in Wonderland theme
  • Networking that reflects the collaborative, peer-driven culture of VBS

Key Takeaways

  • VBS was founded to address a gap in surgical retina education and has grown into a broader platform for professional development.
  • The meeting’s success is rooted in its culture of openness, creativity, and peer collaboration.
  • Leadership transition to younger physicians has strengthened the organization and expanded its reach.
  • VBS continues to stand out by addressing the full scope of retina practice, including clinical, personal, and professional challenges.

Credits

Production & Marketing: Laura Brown

Business Operations: Liz Hogan

Listen at RetinUp.com | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

]]>f7698265-ebcf-414c-8bcf-f5e1f7e3dfa1Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:30:00 -040033:46falsefull1414Emergency Pod: Biogen to Acquire ApellisEmergency Pod: Biogen to Acquire ApellisIn this breaking news episode, John Kitchens, MD, and Scott Krzywonos react to the announcement that Biogen will acquire Apellis Pharmaceuticals for $5.6 billion, an approximately 8x revenue multiple driven largely by Syfovre (pegcetacoplan), which accounts for the majority of Apellis’ srevenue.

The discussion focuses on what this acquisition could mean for the future of geographic atrophy (GA) treatment, including concerns around strategic priorities, industry support programs, and whether Biogen will maintain Apellis’ current momentum in retina.

Bottom Line

This acquisition has the potential to reshape the geographic atrophy landscape — but its success will depend on whether Biogen maintains Apellis’ clinical focus, physician relationships, and commitment to innovation in retina.

Hosts:

John Kitchens, MD

Scott Krzywonos

Listen now at RetinUp.com or wherever you get your podcasts.

]]>In this breaking news episode, John Kitchens, MD, and Scott Krzywonos react to the announcement that Biogen will acquire Apellis Pharmaceuticals for $5.6 billion, an approximately 8x revenue multiple driven largely by Syfovre (pegcetacoplan), which accounts for the majority of Apellis’ srevenue.

The discussion focuses on what this acquisition could mean for the future of geographic atrophy (GA) treatment, including concerns around strategic priorities, industry support programs, and whether Biogen will maintain Apellis’ current momentum in retina.

Bottom Line

This acquisition has the potential to reshape the geographic atrophy landscape — but its success will depend on whether Biogen maintains Apellis’ clinical focus, physician relationships, and commitment to innovation in retina.

Hosts:

John Kitchens, MD

Scott Krzywonos

Listen now at RetinUp.com or wherever you get your podcasts.

]]>73fc3a7e-f891-4722-81a4-543ec054196dTue, 31 Mar 2026 17:10:00 -040008:55falsefull1313Marion Munk on Photobiomodulation in AMD | Plus Oliver Hvidt on Norlase and Laser TechnologyMarion Munk on Photobiomodulation in AMD | Plus Oliver Hvidt on Norlase and Laser TechnologyThis episode of RetinUp combines clinical innovation and device engineering, starting with a discussion on photobiomodulation (PBM) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), followed by a deep dive into the future of ophthalmic laser technology.

First, Marion Munk, MD, shares her extensive real-world experience using the Valeda Light Delivery System (Alcon) for PBM, including patient selection, treatment protocols, and functional outcomes. With over 300 patients treated, she provides one of the most comprehensive perspectives currently available on how PBM is being implemented in clinical practice.

The episode then shifts to Oliver Hvidt, co-founder and CEO of Norlase, who explains how his training in economics led him to develop a next-generation, portable laser systems. The conversation explores how engineering, economics, and workflow design intersect to improve efficiency in retina practices.

The episode opens with a brief discussion on optometric scope expansion in Kansas, where John explains that fears surrounding scope changes may be overblown.

Hosts:

John Kitchens, MD

Scott Krzywonos

Guests:

Marion Munk, MD – Medical Retina & Uveitis Specialist, Gutblick Group (Switzerland)

Oliver Hvidt – Co-Founder & CEO, Norlase

Topics Covered

Scope Expansion in Optometry

  1. Kansas legislation expanding optometric procedural scope
  2. Real-world experience from Kentucky following similar changes
  3. Why expanded scope has had limited impact on retina practice
  4. The evolving role of optometry as general ophthalmology declines

Photobiomodulation in AMD (Marion Munk, MD)

  1. Differences between general “red light therapy” and medical PBM
  2. The Valeda Light Delivery System and evidence from LIGHTSITE trials
  3. Real-world outcomes from 300+ treated patients
  4. Ideal patient profiles (drusen-predominant AMD, non–center-involving GA)
  5. Reported benefits: improved dark adaptation, contrast, and daily function
  6. ~50–60% of patients reporting subjective improvement
  7. Challenges in correlating functional gains with OCT or structural changes
  8. Implementation strategies: standardized imaging, AI-assisted analysis, and patient tracking
  9. When to continue vs. discontinue treatment in non-responders

Norlase and the Future of Laser Technology (Oliver Hvidt)

  1. Founding story: from engineering collaboration to ophthalmic application
  2. Redesigning laser architecture using semiconductor technology
  3. Miniaturization and portability (headset-based indirect laser systems)
  4. MEMS-based pattern scanning vs. traditional galvanometer systems
  5. Designing equipment around workflow efficiency, not just performance
  6. Addressing increasing patient volume with limited clinical resources
  7. Funding challenges in a post-COVID, AI-dominated investment landscape
  8. Future roadmap: software-driven upgrades and multi-specialty applications

Key Takeaways

  1. Photobiomodulation is gaining traction, but patient selection and expectation-setting are critical.
  2. Functional improvements in AMD may not always correlate with structural imaging.
  3. Device innovation in retina is increasingly focused on efficiency, portability, and workflow integration.
  4. The future of ophthalmic technology will depend as much on practice economics as clinical performance.

Sponsor Acknowledgment

This episode includes a segment made possible with support from Alcon, featuring technologies like UNITY VCS designed to enhance surgical performance and efficiency.

Credits:

Production & Marketing: Laura Brown

Business Operations: Liz Hogan

Listen at RetinUp.com | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

]]>This episode of RetinUp combines clinical innovation and device engineering, starting with a discussion on photobiomodulation (PBM) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), followed by a deep dive into the future of ophthalmic laser technology.

First, Marion Munk, MD, shares her extensive real-world experience using the Valeda Light Delivery System (Alcon) for PBM, including patient selection, treatment protocols, and functional outcomes. With over 300 patients treated, she provides one of the most comprehensive perspectives currently available on how PBM is being implemented in clinical practice.

The episode then shifts to Oliver Hvidt, co-founder and CEO of Norlase, who explains how his training in economics led him to develop a next-generation, portable laser systems. The conversation explores how engineering, economics, and workflow design intersect to improve efficiency in retina practices.

The episode opens with a brief discussion on optometric scope expansion in Kansas, where John explains that fears surrounding scope changes may be overblown.

Hosts:

John Kitchens, MD

Scott Krzywonos

Guests:

Marion Munk, MD – Medical Retina & Uveitis Specialist, Gutblick Group (Switzerland)

Oliver Hvidt – Co-Founder & CEO, Norlase

Topics Covered

Scope Expansion in Optometry

  1. Kansas legislation expanding optometric procedural scope
  2. Real-world experience from Kentucky following similar changes
  3. Why expanded scope has had limited impact on retina practice
  4. The evolving role of optometry as general ophthalmology declines

Photobiomodulation in AMD (Marion Munk, MD)

  1. Differences between general “red light therapy” and medical PBM
  2. The Valeda Light Delivery System and evidence from LIGHTSITE trials
  3. Real-world outcomes from 300+ treated patients
  4. Ideal patient profiles (drusen-predominant AMD, non–center-involving GA)
  5. Reported benefits: improved dark adaptation, contrast, and daily function
  6. ~50–60% of patients reporting subjective improvement
  7. Challenges in correlating functional gains with OCT or structural changes
  8. Implementation strategies: standardized imaging, AI-assisted analysis, and patient tracking
  9. When to continue vs. discontinue treatment in non-responders

Norlase and the Future of Laser Technology (Oliver Hvidt)

  1. Founding story: from engineering collaboration to ophthalmic application
  2. Redesigning laser architecture using semiconductor technology
  3. Miniaturization and portability (headset-based indirect laser systems)
  4. MEMS-based pattern scanning vs. traditional galvanometer systems
  5. Designing equipment around workflow efficiency, not just performance
  6. Addressing increasing patient volume with limited clinical resources
  7. Funding challenges in a post-COVID, AI-dominated investment landscape
  8. Future roadmap: software-driven upgrades and multi-specialty applications

Key Takeaways

  1. Photobiomodulation is gaining traction, but patient selection and expectation-setting are critical.
  2. Functional improvements in AMD may not always correlate with structural imaging.
  3. Device innovation in retina is increasingly focused on efficiency, portability, and workflow integration.
  4. The future of ophthalmic technology will depend as much on practice economics as clinical performance.

Sponsor Acknowledgment

This episode includes a segment made possible with support from Alcon, featuring technologies like UNITY VCS designed to enhance surgical performance and efficiency.

Credits:

Production & Marketing: Laura Brown

Business Operations: Liz Hogan

Listen at RetinUp.com | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

]]>8a823629-53c4-4042-8334-5e59af933371Thu, 19 Mar 2026 14:00:00 -040035:14falsefull1212RetinUp Mailbag – Cash Pay Models, Emerging Therapies, and Tech Adoption During Reimbursement ReductionsRetinUp Mailbag – Cash Pay Models, Emerging Therapies, and Tech Adoption During Reimbursement ReductionsHosts:

John Kitchens, MD

Scott Krzywonos

Show Summary

In this special RetinUp Mailbag episode, John Kitchens and Scott Krzywonos answer listener questions from retina specialists around the country about three issues: cash-pay diversification, the future of emerging therapies in light of payer realities, and how practices can realistically adopt expensive new technology as reimbursements decline.

The conversation explores whether concierge retina models could emerge in certain markets, how insurers may respond to high-cost innovations like gene therapy and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and what practical frameworks practices use when deciding whether to invest in new surgical or imaging equipment.

Throughout the episode, a central theme emerges: innovation in retina continues to accelerate, but reimbursement pressure is forcing practices to rethink business models, technology adoption, and long-term sustainability.

Topics Covered

Cash-Pay Diversification in Retina

Listener question from Jed Assam, MD (VRA Vision, Sioux Falls, South Dakota)

  1. Whether concierge retina could work, and whether VIP-style care models might translate to retina practices
  2. Potential cash-pay services such as photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy
  3. Operational considerations for scheduling concierge visits separately from standard clinic flow
  4. Geographic limitations for cash-pay models in smaller markets

Future Therapies and Insurance Coverage

Listener question from Deepak Sambhara, MD (Eye Clinic of Wisconsin, Wausau, Wisconsin)

  1. How payers may respond to upcoming therapies such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors and gene therapy
  2. The likelihood of step therapy policies changing
  3. Pricing challenges for long-duration treatments
  4. Economic implications of one-time gene therapy approaches

Technology Adoption in an Era of Declining Reimbursement

Listener question from Priya Vakharia, MD (Retina Vitreous Associates of Florida, Tampa, Florida)

  1. How practices decide when to adopt new surgical technology
  2. Cost pressures from declining surgical reimbursement
  3. Evaluating investments in surgical and imaging equipment
  4. The potential role of AI-driven analysis in improving efficiency and clinical decision-making

Key Takeaways

  1. Concierge-style retina care may be viable in affluent metropolitan markets but remains niche.
  2. Insurance economics will strongly influence how quickly new therapies reach patients.
  3. Practices increasingly rely on ROI analysis and efficiency gains when deciding whether to adopt new technologies.
  4. Artificial intelligence may help practices manage growing data complexity, though its financial model remains uncertain.

Have a Question for the Next Mailbag?

RetinUp listeners can submit questions by sending a voice memo to info@retinup.com, leaving a comment on YouTube, or connecting with John and Scott on LinkedIn.

Sign up for our newsletter at RetinUp.com.

]]>Hosts:

John Kitchens, MD

Scott Krzywonos

Show Summary

In this special RetinUp Mailbag episode, John Kitchens and Scott Krzywonos answer listener questions from retina specialists around the country about three issues: cash-pay diversification, the future of emerging therapies in light of payer realities, and how practices can realistically adopt expensive new technology as reimbursements decline.

The conversation explores whether concierge retina models could emerge in certain markets, how insurers may respond to high-cost innovations like gene therapy and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and what practical frameworks practices use when deciding whether to invest in new surgical or imaging equipment.

Throughout the episode, a central theme emerges: innovation in retina continues to accelerate, but reimbursement pressure is forcing practices to rethink business models, technology adoption, and long-term sustainability.

Topics Covered

Cash-Pay Diversification in Retina

Listener question from Jed Assam, MD (VRA Vision, Sioux Falls, South Dakota)

  1. Whether concierge retina could work, and whether VIP-style care models might translate to retina practices
  2. Potential cash-pay services such as photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy
  3. Operational considerations for scheduling concierge visits separately from standard clinic flow
  4. Geographic limitations for cash-pay models in smaller markets

Future Therapies and Insurance Coverage

Listener question from Deepak Sambhara, MD (Eye Clinic of Wisconsin, Wausau, Wisconsin)

  1. How payers may respond to upcoming therapies such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors and gene therapy
  2. The likelihood of step therapy policies changing
  3. Pricing challenges for long-duration treatments
  4. Economic implications of one-time gene therapy approaches

Technology Adoption in an Era of Declining Reimbursement

Listener question from Priya Vakharia, MD (Retina Vitreous Associates of Florida, Tampa, Florida)

  1. How practices decide when to adopt new surgical technology
  2. Cost pressures from declining surgical reimbursement
  3. Evaluating investments in surgical and imaging equipment
  4. The potential role of AI-driven analysis in improving efficiency and clinical decision-making

Key Takeaways

  1. Concierge-style retina care may be viable in affluent metropolitan markets but remains niche.
  2. Insurance economics will strongly influence how quickly new therapies reach patients.
  3. Practices increasingly rely on ROI analysis and efficiency gains when deciding whether to adopt new technologies.
  4. Artificial intelligence may help practices manage growing data complexity, though its financial model remains uncertain.

Have a Question for the Next Mailbag?

RetinUp listeners can submit questions by sending a voice memo to info@retinup.com, leaving a comment on YouTube, or connecting with John and Scott on LinkedIn.

Sign up for our newsletter at RetinUp.com.

]]>edd8901b-2dc1-490d-a900-8133e2e530b3Thu, 05 Mar 2026 14:30:00 -040028:41falsefull1111Retina Wealth Strategy ft. David Mandell; ASRS Biz Recap + Maria Berrocal on Surgical TechRetina Wealth Strategy ft. David Mandell; ASRS Biz Recap + Maria Berrocal on Surgical TechHosts:

John Kitchens, MD

Scott Krzywonos

Guests:

Thomas Stone, MD – Program Committee Chair, ASRS Business of Retina Meeting

Maria Berrocal, MD – CEO, Drs. Berrocal & Associates; Associate Professor, University of Puerto Rico

David Mandell, JD, MBA – Co-Founder & Partner, OJM Group

Show Summary

RetinUp brings together three distinct but interconnected conversations focused on the business, surgical innovation, and financial realities of retina practice.

First, Tom Stone joins the show to preview the upcoming ASRS Business of Retina Meeting in Houston (March 20–22). He outlines this year’s agenda, which covers staffing strategies, AI in practice operations, drug inventory management, coding updates, and a new full-day clinical trials workshop designed to help practices launch research programs from the ground up.

Next, in the Vitreoretinal View segment, Maria Berrocal discusses her experience using the Alcon UNITY VCS system, focusing on flow-based vitrectomy, 30,000 cpm performance, and the evolution of 27-gauge surgery. She also shares early observations comparing case times and complication rates versus legacy systems.

For the long-form interview, David Mandell of the OJM Group offers a structured framework for physician wealth management across career stages—covering early-career planning, mid-career tax strategy and asset protection, and retirement-phase portfolio positioning.

Topics Covered

ASRS Business of Retina Meeting

  1. The 2026 meeting agenda: staffing, AI implementation, and drug inventory strategy
  2. Coding updates and compliance (including Modifier -25)
  3. Launch of the Clinical Trials Workshop (capped at 80 participants, so register soon!)
  4. Dedicated business curriculum for fellows

Vitreoretinal View – Surgical Innovation

  1. Transition from vacuum-based to flow-based vitrectomy on Alcon UNITY VCS
  2. 27-gauge adoption and surface vitrectomy precision
  3. Reduced instrument frustrations

Physician Wealth Strategy

  1. Why retina specialists are unique when it comes to wealth strategy
  2. Early-career debt balancing, disability protection, and lifestyle creep
  3. Mid-career tax optimization and liability protection
  4. Retirement red-zone portfolio repositioning
  5. Assessing private equity offers

Key Takeaways

  1. The Business of Retina Meeting is will be in Houston March 20-22. Registration link below.
  2. Flow-based vitrectomy may meaningfully refine 27-gauge surgery.
  3. Financial discipline—not peak income—is what ultimately determines long-term security.

Resources Mentioned

  1. ASRS Business of Retina Meeting – Register Here
  2. OJM Group – ojmgroup.com
  3. Use the code RetinUp26 to get a free copy of the book Wealth Planning for the Modern Physician: Residency to Retirement at the OJM Bookstore.

]]>Hosts:

John Kitchens, MD

Scott Krzywonos

Guests:

Thomas Stone, MD – Program Committee Chair, ASRS Business of Retina Meeting

Maria Berrocal, MD – CEO, Drs. Berrocal & Associates; Associate Professor, University of Puerto Rico

David Mandell, JD, MBA – Co-Founder & Partner, OJM Group

Show Summary

RetinUp brings together three distinct but interconnected conversations focused on the business, surgical innovation, and financial realities of retina practice.

First, Tom Stone joins the show to preview the upcoming ASRS Business of Retina Meeting in Houston (March 20–22). He outlines this year’s agenda, which covers staffing strategies, AI in practice operations, drug inventory management, coding updates, and a new full-day clinical trials workshop designed to help practices launch research programs from the ground up.

Next, in the Vitreoretinal View segment, Maria Berrocal discusses her experience using the Alcon UNITY VCS system, focusing on flow-based vitrectomy, 30,000 cpm performance, and the evolution of 27-gauge surgery. She also shares early observations comparing case times and complication rates versus legacy systems.

For the long-form interview, David Mandell of the OJM Group offers a structured framework for physician wealth management across career stages—covering early-career planning, mid-career tax strategy and asset protection, and retirement-phase portfolio positioning.

Topics Covered

ASRS Business of Retina Meeting

  1. The 2026 meeting agenda: staffing, AI implementation, and drug inventory strategy
  2. Coding updates and compliance (including Modifier -25)
  3. Launch of the Clinical Trials Workshop (capped at 80 participants, so register soon!)
  4. Dedicated business curriculum for fellows

Vitreoretinal View – Surgical Innovation

  1. Transition from vacuum-based to flow-based vitrectomy on Alcon UNITY VCS
  2. 27-gauge adoption and surface vitrectomy precision
  3. Reduced instrument frustrations

Physician Wealth Strategy

  1. Why retina specialists are unique when it comes to wealth strategy
  2. Early-career debt balancing, disability protection, and lifestyle creep
  3. Mid-career tax optimization and liability protection
  4. Retirement red-zone portfolio repositioning
  5. Assessing private equity offers

Key Takeaways

  1. The Business of Retina Meeting is will be in Houston March 20-22. Registration link below.
  2. Flow-based vitrectomy may meaningfully refine 27-gauge surgery.
  3. Financial discipline—not peak income—is what ultimately determines long-term security.

Resources Mentioned

  1. ASRS Business of Retina Meeting – Register Here
  2. OJM Group – ojmgroup.com
  3. Use the code RetinUp26 to get a free copy of the book Wealth Planning for the Modern Physician: Residency to Retirement at the OJM Bookstore.

]]>4d79a6c7-37e4-4147-978a-262265753287Thu, 19 Feb 2026 12:45:00 -040051:30falsefull1010Breaking News: SOL-1 Superiority Data for Axpaxli in Wet AMDBreaking News: SOL-1 Superiority Data for Axpaxli in Wet AMDHosts:

John Kitchens, MD

Scott Krzywonos

Show Summary:

In this emergency episode of RetinUp, John and Scott break down the newly announced SOL-1 study data evaluating Axpaxli (Ocular Therapeutix) for the treatment of wet AMD.

The superiority trial compared a single Axpaxli injection to a single Eylea injection (after all eyes received a pair of monthly Eylea doses) in patients with wet AMD. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients maintaining vision at 36 weeks (defined as losing fewer than 15 ETDRS letters).

Key findings include:

  1. 74% of Axpaxli patients maintained vision at 36 weeks vs. 59% in the Eylea arm
  2. Approximately 75% of Axpaxli patients required no rescue treatment through 36 weeks
  3. Durable disease control extending 24–36 weeks, with some patients reaching 52 weeks

John and Scott discuss:

  1. How the SOL-1 study design (FDA-aligned superiority endpoint) shaped the results
  2. What this means for durability beyond traditional anti-VEGF therapies
  3. Why the market reaction diverged from clinical enthusiasm
  4. How to talk to your patients who hear about study data
  5. What to expect next from the SOL-R study and a potential FDA submission

Why It Matters:

For the first time in years, retina specialists may be looking at a new mechanism of action — a tyrosine kinase inhibitor — with the potential to significantly extend treatment intervals after a single injection.

More detailed analysis and expert commentary coming soon on RetinUp.

Listen & Subscribe:

RetinUp.com | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

Credits:

Production & Marketing: Laura Brown

Business Operations: Liz Hogan

]]>Hosts:

John Kitchens, MD

Scott Krzywonos

Show Summary:

In this emergency episode of RetinUp, John and Scott break down the newly announced SOL-1 study data evaluating Axpaxli (Ocular Therapeutix) for the treatment of wet AMD.

The superiority trial compared a single Axpaxli injection to a single Eylea injection (after all eyes received a pair of monthly Eylea doses) in patients with wet AMD. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients maintaining vision at 36 weeks (defined as losing fewer than 15 ETDRS letters).

Key findings include:

  1. 74% of Axpaxli patients maintained vision at 36 weeks vs. 59% in the Eylea arm
  2. Approximately 75% of Axpaxli patients required no rescue treatment through 36 weeks
  3. Durable disease control extending 24–36 weeks, with some patients reaching 52 weeks

John and Scott discuss:

  1. How the SOL-1 study design (FDA-aligned superiority endpoint) shaped the results
  2. What this means for durability beyond traditional anti-VEGF therapies
  3. Why the market reaction diverged from clinical enthusiasm
  4. How to talk to your patients who hear about study data
  5. What to expect next from the SOL-R study and a potential FDA submission

Why It Matters:

For the first time in years, retina specialists may be looking at a new mechanism of action — a tyrosine kinase inhibitor — with the potential to significantly extend treatment intervals after a single injection.

More detailed analysis and expert commentary coming soon on RetinUp.

Listen & Subscribe:

RetinUp.com | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

Credits:

Production & Marketing: Laura Brown

Business Operations: Liz Hogan

]]>c737e4f8-5060-43d3-8f87-c380c57576d4Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:35:00 -040008:14falsefull99Dr. Thomas Albini on Angiogenesis '26: AI, GA Pipelines, Gene Therapy, and What Not to MissDr. Thomas Albini on Angiogenesis '26: AI, GA Pipelines, Gene Therapy, and What Not to MissHosts:

John Kitchens, MD

Scott Krzywonos

Guest:

Thomas Albini, MD

Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute

Course Co-Organizer, Angiogenesis, Exudation, and Degeneration Meeting

Show Summary:

In this episode, RetinUp offers pre-meeting coverage of the 2026 Angiogenesis, Exudation, and Degeneration meeting with one of its long-time course co-leaders, Thomas Albini, MD. John and Scott sit down with Tom to help listeners navigate what can be an overwhelming, marathon agenda—and to highlight the sessions most likely to shape retina care and research in the year ahead.

The conversation spans the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence in retina, early-phase geographic atrophy studies, durability strategies in wet AMD, and a packed slate of gene therapy and inherited retinal disease (IRD) updates. Tom also explains why the meeting remains fully virtual, how talks are selected, and why Angiogenesis continues to serve as a global preview of where retina research is heading.

Topics Covered:

  1. Why the Angiogenesis meeting remains virtual—and how attendance has doubled
  2. How to prepare for a one-day, 80+-talk retina marathon
  3. The growing role of AI and machine learning in imaging and clinical trials
  4. When AI may realistically impact everyday clinical practice
  5. Early-phase geographic atrophy data and emerging systemic therapies
  6. Oral and non-intravitreal treatment strategies—and their safety tradeoffs
  7. Complement vs. non-complement targets in GA
  8. Advances in wet AMD durability
  9. What to watch in gene therapy, including delivery routes and inflammation risk
  10. Inherited retinal disease sessions, including optogenetics and gene-agnostic approaches
  11. Home OCT, imaging innovation, and AI-inferred fluorescein angiography
  12. Landmark trials reaching their final chapters—and why they matter
  13. How Angiogenesis fits alongside meetings like ASRS, AAO, and the Vit-Buckle Society

Key Quotes:

  1. “You could say this is a lot of [AI] talks, but I think it's the tip of the iceberg. I would imagine it's going to be grow exponentially over the years.” — Thomas Albini, MD
  2. “If there's any hour to not miss in this meeting, I've bookmarked that 2:45 to 3:45 hour because you literally get every single gene therapy talk in a single hour.” — John Kitchens, MD

]]>Hosts:

John Kitchens, MD

Scott Krzywonos

Guest:

Thomas Albini, MD

Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute

Course Co-Organizer, Angiogenesis, Exudation, and Degeneration Meeting

Show Summary:

In this episode, RetinUp offers pre-meeting coverage of the 2026 Angiogenesis, Exudation, and Degeneration meeting with one of its long-time course co-leaders, Thomas Albini, MD. John and Scott sit down with Tom to help listeners navigate what can be an overwhelming, marathon agenda—and to highlight the sessions most likely to shape retina care and research in the year ahead.

The conversation spans the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence in retina, early-phase geographic atrophy studies, durability strategies in wet AMD, and a packed slate of gene therapy and inherited retinal disease (IRD) updates. Tom also explains why the meeting remains fully virtual, how talks are selected, and why Angiogenesis continues to serve as a global preview of where retina research is heading.

Topics Covered:

  1. Why the Angiogenesis meeting remains virtual—and how attendance has doubled
  2. How to prepare for a one-day, 80+-talk retina marathon
  3. The growing role of AI and machine learning in imaging and clinical trials
  4. When AI may realistically impact everyday clinical practice
  5. Early-phase geographic atrophy data and emerging systemic therapies
  6. Oral and non-intravitreal treatment strategies—and their safety tradeoffs
  7. Complement vs. non-complement targets in GA
  8. Advances in wet AMD durability
  9. What to watch in gene therapy, including delivery routes and inflammation risk
  10. Inherited retinal disease sessions, including optogenetics and gene-agnostic approaches
  11. Home OCT, imaging innovation, and AI-inferred fluorescein angiography
  12. Landmark trials reaching their final chapters—and why they matter
  13. How Angiogenesis fits alongside meetings like ASRS, AAO, and the Vit-Buckle Society

Key Quotes:

  1. “You could say this is a lot of [AI] talks, but I think it's the tip of the iceberg. I would imagine it's going to be grow exponentially over the years.” — Thomas Albini, MD
  2. “If there's any hour to not miss in this meeting, I've bookmarked that 2:45 to 3:45 hour because you literally get every single gene therapy talk in a single hour.” — John Kitchens, MD

]]>2c870d1c-1f08-4754-a0b5-3ef0336dc140Tue, 03 Feb 2026 15:10:00 -040049:10falsefull88Elizabeth Cifers on Coding Risk, Modifier -25 Enforcement, and the Rise of Pre-Pay AuditsElizabeth Cifers on Coding Risk, Modifier -25 Enforcement, and the Rise of Pre-Pay AuditsHosts:

John Kitchens, MD

Scott Krzywonos

Guest:

Elizabeth Cifers

Founder & Principal Consultant, Elizabeth Cifers Consulting

Show Summary:

In this episode, RetinUp introduces a new recurring segment, Vitreoretinal View, focused on surgical innovation and next-generation vitrectomy platforms. John breaks down where vitreoretinal surgery is headed, and comments on Alcon’s UNITY VCS system, flow-based vitrectomy, and his expectations for the next wave of surgical innovation.

But first, the conversation kicks off with a discussion of drug access and policy, as John and Scott revisit Outlook Therapeutics’ unsuccessful attempt to secure FDA approval for ONS-5010, an ophthalmic formulation of bevacizumab. They explain why continued access to compounded bevacizumab remains critical for affordability and patient choice.

In the second half, the hosts sit down with Elizabeth Cifers, one of the country’s leading ophthalmic coding and compliance experts. Elizabeth offers a clear-eyed assessment of Modifier -25 and Modifier -59, why enforcement has intensified, and how CMS’s shift from post-pay recovery to pre-pay, AI-driven audits is fundamentally changing compliance risk for retina practices heading into 2026. (Do you think your practice’s billing and coding staff would find this episode helpful? If so, share it with them—and tell them to send us feedback by emailing us at info@retinup.com.)

Topics Covered:

Why Outlook Therapeutics’ FDA rejection preserves access to compounded bevacizumab

Economic and regulatory risks of an FDA-approved bevacizumab alternative

Launch of the Vitreoretinal View surgical segment

Next-generation vitrectomy platforms and workflow efficiency

Alcon UNITY VCS vs. the legacy Constellation systems

Flow-based vs. Venturi-based vitrectomy

Surgical innovation amid declining reimbursement

What Modifier -25 actually requires — and common misconceptions

Proper and improper use of Modifier -59

Documentation gaps that trigger audits

CMS’s shift to AI-based anomaly detection

Pre-pay vs. post-pay audits and what practices should expect

How retina practices can prepare for changes in coding enforcement without overcorrecting

Key Quotes:

“The medicine is usually good. It’s the documentation that doesn’t support what’s being billed.” — Elizabeth Cifers

“With the algorithms CMS has now, [the question of whether you’ll be hit with an audit] is not an if — it’s a when.” — Elizabeth Cifers

“Compounded bevacizumab remains one of the most important access tools we have in retina.” — John Kitchens, MD

Guest Info:

Visit elizabethcconsulting.com to learn about how Elizabeth Cifers.

Sign up for her newsletter here, where Elizabeth shares actionable tips and strategies to help you run a more efficient, compliant, and profitable retina practice.

]]>Hosts:

John Kitchens, MD

Scott Krzywonos

Guest:

Elizabeth Cifers

Founder & Principal Consultant, Elizabeth Cifers Consulting

Show Summary:

In this episode, RetinUp introduces a new recurring segment, Vitreoretinal View, focused on surgical innovation and next-generation vitrectomy platforms. John breaks down where vitreoretinal surgery is headed, and comments on Alcon’s UNITY VCS system, flow-based vitrectomy, and his expectations for the next wave of surgical innovation.

But first, the conversation kicks off with a discussion of drug access and policy, as John and Scott revisit Outlook Therapeutics’ unsuccessful attempt to secure FDA approval for ONS-5010, an ophthalmic formulation of bevacizumab. They explain why continued access to compounded bevacizumab remains critical for affordability and patient choice.

In the second half, the hosts sit down with Elizabeth Cifers, one of the country’s leading ophthalmic coding and compliance experts. Elizabeth offers a clear-eyed assessment of Modifier -25 and Modifier -59, why enforcement has intensified, and how CMS’s shift from post-pay recovery to pre-pay, AI-driven audits is fundamentally changing compliance risk for retina practices heading into 2026. (Do you think your practice’s billing and coding staff would find this episode helpful? If so, share it with them—and tell them to send us feedback by emailing us at info@retinup.com.)

Topics Covered:

Why Outlook Therapeutics’ FDA rejection preserves access to compounded bevacizumab

Economic and regulatory risks of an FDA-approved bevacizumab alternative

Launch of the Vitreoretinal View surgical segment

Next-generation vitrectomy platforms and workflow efficiency

Alcon UNITY VCS vs. the legacy Constellation systems

Flow-based vs. Venturi-based vitrectomy

Surgical innovation amid declining reimbursement

What Modifier -25 actually requires — and common misconceptions

Proper and improper use of Modifier -59

Documentation gaps that trigger audits

CMS’s shift to AI-based anomaly detection

Pre-pay vs. post-pay audits and what practices should expect

How retina practices can prepare for changes in coding enforcement without overcorrecting

Key Quotes:

“The medicine is usually good. It’s the documentation that doesn’t support what’s being billed.” — Elizabeth Cifers

“With the algorithms CMS has now, [the question of whether you’ll be hit with an audit] is not an if — it’s a when.” — Elizabeth Cifers

“Compounded bevacizumab remains one of the most important access tools we have in retina.” — John Kitchens, MD

Guest Info:

Visit elizabethcconsulting.com to learn about how Elizabeth Cifers.

Sign up for her newsletter here, where Elizabeth shares actionable tips and strategies to help you run a more efficient, compliant, and profitable retina practice.

]]>e789901d-7697-4e69-ad46-c91c15127116Thu, 22 Jan 2026 12:43:00 -040048:52falsefull77Leading Retina at Harvard, ft. Rishi P. Singh, MD; CMS GLOBE Model, EYLEA HD’s Expanded LabelLeading Retina at Harvard, ft. Rishi P. Singh, MD; CMS GLOBE Model, EYLEA HD’s Expanded LabelHosts:

John Kitchens, MD

Scott Krzywonos

Guest:

Rishi P. Singh, MD

Chair, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School

Chair, Department of Ophthalmology, Mass General Brigham

Show Summary:

In this episode, John and Scott break down two major developments affecting retina practices nationwide before welcoming one of the field’s most influential leaders. The discussion opens with the newly announced CMS GLOBE Model, a Medicare Part B demonstration project designed to lower drug prices through most-favored-nation pricing, and what it could mean for buy-and-bill retina practices. They then turn to the FDA’s expanded label for EYLEA HD, which now includes retinal vein occlusion and allows monthly dosing for certain patients.

In the second half, the hosts are joined by Rishi P. Singh, MD, newly appointed Chair of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School. Rishi reflects on stepping into leadership at one of the most storied institutions in medicine, his path from retina specialist to hospital CEO and back to academia, and how academic centers must adapt amid policy shifts, private equity pressure, and rapid technological change.

Topics Covered:

  1. The CMS GLOBE Model and most-favored-nation drug pricing
  2. Potential administrative and financial impact on practices in affected regions
  3. The FDA’s expanded EYLEA HD label for RVO and monthly dosing
  4. How label flexibility may change first-line treatment decisions
  5. Insurance lag and real-world adoption challenges after label changes
  6. Leadership transition at Mass Eye and Ear and Mass General Brigham
  7. Balancing clinical care, research, and training in academic medicine
  8. The role of academic centers in advocacy, innovation, and policy influence
  9. Physician recruitment, culture, and servant leadership
  10. Private equity’s role in modern ophthalmology
  11. Industry collaboration, integrity, and long-term impact on patient care
  12. The future of ophthalmology drug access under Part B and Part D reform

Key Quotes:

  1. “The biggest issue for any of us is if buy-and-bill medicine disappears from our practices.” — Rishi P. Singh, MD
  2. “We’ve been too focused on reactionary medicine and not enough on prevention.” — Rishi P. Singh, MD
  3. “Anything that substantially disrupts drug pricing is going to have downstream consequences for practices.” — John Kitchens, MD

Credits:

Production & Marketing: Laura Brown

Business Operations: Liz Hogan

Listen and Subscribe:

🎧 RetinUp.com | Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube

]]>Hosts:

John Kitchens, MD

Scott Krzywonos

Guest:

Rishi P. Singh, MD

Chair, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School

Chair, Department of Ophthalmology, Mass General Brigham

Show Summary:

In this episode, John and Scott break down two major developments affecting retina practices nationwide before welcoming one of the field’s most influential leaders. The discussion opens with the newly announced CMS GLOBE Model, a Medicare Part B demonstration project designed to lower drug prices through most-favored-nation pricing, and what it could mean for buy-and-bill retina practices. They then turn to the FDA’s expanded label for EYLEA HD, which now includes retinal vein occlusion and allows monthly dosing for certain patients.

In the second half, the hosts are joined by Rishi P. Singh, MD, newly appointed Chair of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School. Rishi reflects on stepping into leadership at one of the most storied institutions in medicine, his path from retina specialist to hospital CEO and back to academia, and how academic centers must adapt amid policy shifts, private equity pressure, and rapid technological change.

Topics Covered:

  1. The CMS GLOBE Model and most-favored-nation drug pricing
  2. Potential administrative and financial impact on practices in affected regions
  3. The FDA’s expanded EYLEA HD label for RVO and monthly dosing
  4. How label flexibility may change first-line treatment decisions
  5. Insurance lag and real-world adoption challenges after label changes
  6. Leadership transition at Mass Eye and Ear and Mass General Brigham
  7. Balancing clinical care, research, and training in academic medicine
  8. The role of academic centers in advocacy, innovation, and policy influence
  9. Physician recruitment, culture, and servant leadership
  10. Private equity’s role in modern ophthalmology
  11. Industry collaboration, integrity, and long-term impact on patient care
  12. The future of ophthalmology drug access under Part B and Part D reform

Key Quotes:

  1. “The biggest issue for any of us is if buy-and-bill medicine disappears from our practices.” — Rishi P. Singh, MD
  2. “We’ve been too focused on reactionary medicine and not enough on prevention.” — Rishi P. Singh, MD
  3. “Anything that substantially disrupts drug pricing is going to have downstream consequences for practices.” — John Kitchens, MD

Credits:

Production & Marketing: Laura Brown

Business Operations: Liz Hogan

Listen and Subscribe:

🎧 RetinUp.com | Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube

]]>b681487e-5ab9-4f5a-bf31-d97c0c4bda5cThu, 08 Jan 2026 12:33:00 -040042:05falsefull66Inside Cencora GPO: How GPOs Leverage Scale to Help Retina Practices Thrive, ft. Shane DixonInside Cencora GPO: How GPOs Leverage Scale to Help Retina Practices Thrive, ft. Shane DixonHosts:

John Kitchens, MD

Scott Krzywonos

Guest:

Shane Dixon, Vice President of Vision, Strategic Advancement & Business Development, Cencora Specialty GPO

Show Summary:

In this episode, John and Scott continue their coverage of the Cencora Vision Exchange meeting with an in-depth conversation about the economic, policy, and operational forces reshaping retina practices. The discussion opens with key takeaways from the meeting’s opening sessions, including a deep dive into drug pricing policy, the downstream impact of federal legislation on how retina practices are reimbursed for care, and the coding and billing changes showcased at the Cencora Vision Exchange meeting.

John then sits down with Shane Dixon, VP at Cencora Specialty GPO, to unpack what a Group Purchasing Organization actually does—and why its role has become increasingly critical. Drawing on his experience as a physician assistant, former Regeneron launch leader for Eylea, practice executive, private equity operator, and now GPO executive, Shane offers a rare, 360-degree view of how drugs move from manufacturer to patient, how contracts are structured, and how practices can survive tightening margins.

Topics Covered:

  1. Key takeaways from the Cencora Vision Exchange meeting
  2. Federal drug pricing policy and “Most Favored Nation” pricing
  3. How government policy is reshaping retina drug economics
  4. Coding and billing risk, including increased scrutiny of Modifier 25
  5. CMS’s use of AI for claim detection, audits, and recovery
  6. Declining surgical reimbursement and its impact on access to care
  7. The collapse of the Good Days patient assistance fund and what replaces it
  8. What a Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) is and how it works
  9. How Cencora’s GPO leverages scale, segmentation, and contracts
  10. Differences between private practice and large aggregators

Key Quotes:

  1. “The way we get paid for drugs is going to fundamentally change—and it’s going to change fast.” — John Kitchens, MD
  2. “We’re not just doing contracts. We’re helping practices think strategically about how they operate.” — Shane Dixon
  3. “Documentation isn’t optional anymore. ‘I didn’t know’ is not going to cut it.” — John Kitchens, MD

Credits:

Production & Marketing: Laura Brown

Business Operations: Liz Hogan

Listen and Subscribe:

RetinUp.com | Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube

]]>Hosts:

John Kitchens, MD

Scott Krzywonos

Guest:

Shane Dixon, Vice President of Vision, Strategic Advancement & Business Development, Cencora Specialty GPO

Show Summary:

In this episode, John and Scott continue their coverage of the Cencora Vision Exchange meeting with an in-depth conversation about the economic, policy, and operational forces reshaping retina practices. The discussion opens with key takeaways from the meeting’s opening sessions, including a deep dive into drug pricing policy, the downstream impact of federal legislation on how retina practices are reimbursed for care, and the coding and billing changes showcased at the Cencora Vision Exchange meeting.

John then sits down with Shane Dixon, VP at Cencora Specialty GPO, to unpack what a Group Purchasing Organization actually does—and why its role has become increasingly critical. Drawing on his experience as a physician assistant, former Regeneron launch leader for Eylea, practice executive, private equity operator, and now GPO executive, Shane offers a rare, 360-degree view of how drugs move from manufacturer to patient, how contracts are structured, and how practices can survive tightening margins.

Topics Covered:

  1. Key takeaways from the Cencora Vision Exchange meeting
  2. Federal drug pricing policy and “Most Favored Nation” pricing
  3. How government policy is reshaping retina drug economics
  4. Coding and billing risk, including increased scrutiny of Modifier 25
  5. CMS’s use of AI for claim detection, audits, and recovery
  6. Declining surgical reimbursement and its impact on access to care
  7. The collapse of the Good Days patient assistance fund and what replaces it
  8. What a Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) is and how it works
  9. How Cencora’s GPO leverages scale, segmentation, and contracts
  10. Differences between private practice and large aggregators

Key Quotes:

  1. “The way we get paid for drugs is going to fundamentally change—and it’s going to change fast.” — John Kitchens, MD
  2. “We’re not just doing contracts. We’re helping practices think strategically about how they operate.” — Shane Dixon
  3. “Documentation isn’t optional anymore. ‘I didn’t know’ is not going to cut it.” — John Kitchens, MD

Credits:

Production & Marketing: Laura Brown

Business Operations: Liz Hogan

Listen and Subscribe:

RetinUp.com | Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube

]]>95f719f7-a4f9-45a6-a884-9c73dfeefabaThu, 18 Dec 2025 11:55:00 -040029:34falsefull55How Cencora and Besse Medical Help Retina Specialists Thrive, ft. Eric Besse, VP at Besse MedicalHow Cencora and Besse Medical Help Retina Specialists Thrive, ft. Eric Besse, VP at Besse MedicalHosts:

John Kitchens, MD; Scott Krzywonos

Guest:

Eric Besse, Vice President & General Manager, Besse Medical (a Cencora company)

Show Summary:

In this episode, Scott and John return from the Cencora Vision Exchange meeting in Dallas and sit down with Eric Besse, VP and General Manager of Besse Medical, to unpack the unseen infrastructure that keeps retina practices running. Eric shares how his family’s corner pharmacy grew into one of the most influential specialty distributors in the country and explains why drug distribution is far more than logistics — it’s practice support, financial stewardship, technology integration, and practice-level partnership.

The conversation spans everything from cold-chain handling and inventory management to sustainability and the future of practice support. For retina specialists, this is a rare, behind-the-curtain look at the systems that make allow retina practices to operate smoothly. 

Topics Covered:

  • What the Cencora Vision Exchange meeting is and who attends
  • The family origins of Besse Medical and its growth into a national distributor
  • How Cencora and Besse Medical fit together
  • Why distributors manage more than just shipping 
  • Technology platforms such as CubixxMD and PODIS
  • How drug distributors support retina workflows, billing, and compliance
  • The importance of stable, long-tenured support teams for practices
  • Cencora’s new recyclable, corrugated cold-chain packaging initiative

Key Quotes:

  • “We don’t want to be viewed as a distributor that picks, packs, and ships product. We want to be more than that, and we push ourselves to be more than that.” — Eric Besse
  • “If the soda fountain down the street puts two cherries on top, you put three. If they put three, you put four.” — Eric Besse, on his family’s philosophy of service
  • “If I were starting a practice today, [Cencora] would be the first place I would turn to partner.” — John Kitchens, MD


]]>Hosts:

John Kitchens, MD; Scott Krzywonos

Guest:

Eric Besse, Vice President & General Manager, Besse Medical (a Cencora company)

Show Summary:

In this episode, Scott and John return from the Cencora Vision Exchange meeting in Dallas and sit down with Eric Besse, VP and General Manager of Besse Medical, to unpack the unseen infrastructure that keeps retina practices running. Eric shares how his family’s corner pharmacy grew into one of the most influential specialty distributors in the country and explains why drug distribution is far more than logistics — it’s practice support, financial stewardship, technology integration, and practice-level partnership.

The conversation spans everything from cold-chain handling and inventory management to sustainability and the future of practice support. For retina specialists, this is a rare, behind-the-curtain look at the systems that make allow retina practices to operate smoothly. 

Topics Covered:

  • What the Cencora Vision Exchange meeting is and who attends
  • The family origins of Besse Medical and its growth into a national distributor
  • How Cencora and Besse Medical fit together
  • Why distributors manage more than just shipping 
  • Technology platforms such as CubixxMD and PODIS
  • How drug distributors support retina workflows, billing, and compliance
  • The importance of stable, long-tenured support teams for practices
  • Cencora’s new recyclable, corrugated cold-chain packaging initiative

Key Quotes:

  • “We don’t want to be viewed as a distributor that picks, packs, and ships product. We want to be more than that, and we push ourselves to be more than that.” — Eric Besse
  • “If the soda fountain down the street puts two cherries on top, you put three. If they put three, you put four.” — Eric Besse, on his family’s philosophy of service
  • “If I were starting a practice today, [Cencora] would be the first place I would turn to partner.” — John Kitchens, MD


]]>e18b8016-f5b1-4e89-a6bb-0da60e74084eThu, 04 Dec 2025 13:45:00 -040030:39falsefull44Episode 3: Shutdown’s Effects on FDA ft. Alec Gaffney from POLITICO | Plus, PRIMA Implant + GLP-1 Data DumpEpisode 3: Shutdown’s Effects on FDA ft. Alec Gaffney from POLITICO | Plus, PRIMA Implant + GLP-1 Data DumpRetinUp – Episode 3: Shutdown’s Effects on FDA ft. Alec Gaffney from POLITICO | Plus, PRIMA Implant + GLP-1 Data Dump

Hosts:

John Kitchens, MD

Scott Krzywonos

Guest:

Alexander Gaffney, VP of Regulatory Policy & Intelligence, Agency IQ / POLITICO

Show Summary:

In this episode, Scott calls in from the Outer Banks to discuss two major clinical headlines before turning to federal policy. First up is the PRIMA retinal prosthesis, a wireless subretinal chip that helped patients with geographic atrophy regain partial reading vision. Then, Scott and John analyze the rapidly expanding — and often contradictory — body of research on GLP-1 receptor agonists and their links to retinal disease.

In the second half, they welcome Alexander Gaffney from POLITICO’s Agency IQ for a deep dive into how the ongoing government shutdown and widespread staff reductions are affecting the FDA’s ability to review and approve ophthalmic therapies. From PDUFA carry-over funds to workforce attrition, Alec explains why the true impact may not be the shutdown itself, but the backlog that follows.

Topics Covered:

  • PRIMA retinal implant: wireless innovation and its surgical challenges
  • The trade-off between functional vision gains and expanded atrophy area
  • GLP-1 receptor agonists: mixed data on AMD, DR, and DME risk
  • FDA shutdown implications for ophthalmic trials and approvals
  • The reduction in force across FDA divisions and its effect on review capacity
  • How new leadership and the National Priority Voucher Program aim to modernize the agency
  • Why backlogs could extend into 2026 for gene therapy and TKI programs

Key Quotes:

  • “I’m less worried about the shutdown itself — I’m worried about what happens afterward.” — Alexander Gaffney
  • “You might not be able to read or drive, but that peripheral vision is what lets you move through the world. Losing more of that matters.” — John Kitchens, MD
  • “We don’t always know what we’ve lost — how much faster certain drugs might have reached patients.” — Scott Krzywonos

Credits:

Production & Marketing: Laura Brown

Business Operations: Liz Hogan

Listen and Subscribe:

 RetinUp.com | Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube


]]>RetinUp – Episode 3: Shutdown’s Effects on FDA ft. Alec Gaffney from POLITICO | Plus, PRIMA Implant + GLP-1 Data Dump

Hosts:

John Kitchens, MD

Scott Krzywonos

Guest:

Alexander Gaffney, VP of Regulatory Policy & Intelligence, Agency IQ / POLITICO

Show Summary:

In this episode, Scott calls in from the Outer Banks to discuss two major clinical headlines before turning to federal policy. First up is the PRIMA retinal prosthesis, a wireless subretinal chip that helped patients with geographic atrophy regain partial reading vision. Then, Scott and John analyze the rapidly expanding — and often contradictory — body of research on GLP-1 receptor agonists and their links to retinal disease.

In the second half, they welcome Alexander Gaffney from POLITICO’s Agency IQ for a deep dive into how the ongoing government shutdown and widespread staff reductions are affecting the FDA’s ability to review and approve ophthalmic therapies. From PDUFA carry-over funds to workforce attrition, Alec explains why the true impact may not be the shutdown itself, but the backlog that follows.

Topics Covered:

  • PRIMA retinal implant: wireless innovation and its surgical challenges
  • The trade-off between functional vision gains and expanded atrophy area
  • GLP-1 receptor agonists: mixed data on AMD, DR, and DME risk
  • FDA shutdown implications for ophthalmic trials and approvals
  • The reduction in force across FDA divisions and its effect on review capacity
  • How new leadership and the National Priority Voucher Program aim to modernize the agency
  • Why backlogs could extend into 2026 for gene therapy and TKI programs

Key Quotes:

  • “I’m less worried about the shutdown itself — I’m worried about what happens afterward.” — Alexander Gaffney
  • “You might not be able to read or drive, but that peripheral vision is what lets you move through the world. Losing more of that matters.” — John Kitchens, MD
  • “We don’t always know what we’ve lost — how much faster certain drugs might have reached patients.” — Scott Krzywonos

Credits:

Production & Marketing: Laura Brown

Business Operations: Liz Hogan

Listen and Subscribe:

 RetinUp.com | Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube


]]>4536d554-2bde-4073-a480-cac5d8c6756eTue, 11 Nov 2025 11:28:00 -040040:06falsefull33Episode 2: AAO RecapEpisode 2: AAO RecapHosts:

Scott Krzywonos

John Kitchens, MD

Show Summary:

In this episode, Scott and John pick up where they left off — talking about the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) meeting and how innovation is reshaping the field. They explore their favorite AAO host cities, the atmosphere of this year’s meeting, and the under-the-radar conversations shaping the future of retina.

Scott shares insights from iCelerator, his favorite ophthalmology meeting, which highlights how technology, AI, and macroeconomic forces are influencing eye care. The two discuss “oculomics” — using retinal data to understand systemic diseases — and the potential of multimodal AI systems that combine imaging, genetics, and longitudinal data.

John then breaks down the next wave of therapies: gene therapy, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), and how FDA study design changes could reshape how new drugs are approved. The discussion dives into superiority studies, the logic of targeting diabetic retinopathy (DR) instead of diabetic macular edema (DME), and what these shifts mean for patients and clinicians.

They wrap with a preview of the Cencora (formerly AmerisourceBergen) meeting — a behind-the-scenes look at the often-overlooked but crucial role drug distributors play in retina care.

Credits:

Production & Marketing: Laura Brown

Business Operations: Liz Hogan

Listen and Subscribe:

🎧 RetinUp.com | Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube

]]>Hosts:

Scott Krzywonos

John Kitchens, MD

Show Summary:

In this episode, Scott and John pick up where they left off — talking about the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) meeting and how innovation is reshaping the field. They explore their favorite AAO host cities, the atmosphere of this year’s meeting, and the under-the-radar conversations shaping the future of retina.

Scott shares insights from iCelerator, his favorite ophthalmology meeting, which highlights how technology, AI, and macroeconomic forces are influencing eye care. The two discuss “oculomics” — using retinal data to understand systemic diseases — and the potential of multimodal AI systems that combine imaging, genetics, and longitudinal data.

John then breaks down the next wave of therapies: gene therapy, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), and how FDA study design changes could reshape how new drugs are approved. The discussion dives into superiority studies, the logic of targeting diabetic retinopathy (DR) instead of diabetic macular edema (DME), and what these shifts mean for patients and clinicians.

They wrap with a preview of the Cencora (formerly AmerisourceBergen) meeting — a behind-the-scenes look at the often-overlooked but crucial role drug distributors play in retina care.

Credits:

Production & Marketing: Laura Brown

Business Operations: Liz Hogan

Listen and Subscribe:

🎧 RetinUp.com | Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube

]]>6eba5cf7-2d20-4dfa-b23d-c2937a03f8a7Thu, 06 Nov 2025 10:55:00 -040029:48falsefull22Welcome to RetinUp: AAO recap and interview with Cedric FrancoisWelcome to RetinUp: AAO recap and interview with Cedric FrancoisIn the debut episode of RetinUp, Drs. Scott Krzywonos and John Kitchens introduce their vision for the show—unfiltered conversations between retina specialists that capture the hallway and after-hours discussions rarely heard on stage.

They kick off by recapping highlights from the AAO Annual Meeting, including the first-ever full eye transplant, updates on Alcon’s Unity vitrectomy system, the LumiThera photobiomodulation platform, and the coming wave of AREDS 3 vitamins.

The episode then turns to a one-on-one interview with Cedric Francois, founder and CEO of Apellis Pharmaceuticals, whose journey from surgeon to biotech innovator led to the creation of Syfovre, the first approved treatment for geographic atrophy. Francois shares how a chance encounter at the Macula Society set his career in motion, the origins of complement inhibition research, and what it means to lead a mission-driven biotech as both a scientist and physician.

Key Topics

  • AAO 2024 highlights:
  • The world’s first whole-eye transplant — and what it could mean for future nerve regeneration research.
  • Alcon’s new Unity vitreoretinal platform — first major system since Constellation.
  • The promise and controversy of photobiomodulation in dry AMD care.
  • Previewing AREDS 3 — a reformulated vitamin blend with added B vitamins and lower zinc.
  • Inside the Apellis Story:
  • How a Belgian surgeon became a biotech CEO in Kentucky.
  • The early experiments that led to complement inhibition research.
  • The role of serendipity at the Macula Society—and how a single conversation led to Apellis’s first investment.
  • Lessons learned from Potentia’s first molecule (POT-4/APL-1) to Syfovre (pegcetacoplan)
  • The transition from Louisville to Boston’s biotech hub.
  • Why physician-founders bring unique empathy—and accountability—to innovation.

Takeaway

From the first eye transplant to the first therapy for geographic atrophy, Episode 1 sets the tone for RetinUp— candid, curious, and clinically relevant. Drs. Krzywonos and Kitchens explore how preparation meets luck, and how visionaries like Cedric Francois turn bold ideas into breakthroughs for patients.

Credits

Hosts: Scott Krzywonos and John Kitchens, MD

Guest: Cedric Francois, MD, PhD (Apellis Pharmaceuticals)

Business Operations: Liz Hogan

Production & Marketing: Laura Brown

🎧 Listen to RetinUp wherever you get your podcasts, or visit RetinUp.com to subscribe to our newsletter.

]]>In the debut episode of RetinUp, Drs. Scott Krzywonos and John Kitchens introduce their vision for the show—unfiltered conversations between retina specialists that capture the hallway and after-hours discussions rarely heard on stage.

They kick off by recapping highlights from the AAO Annual Meeting, including the first-ever full eye transplant, updates on Alcon’s Unity vitrectomy system, the LumiThera photobiomodulation platform, and the coming wave of AREDS 3 vitamins.

The episode then turns to a one-on-one interview with Cedric Francois, founder and CEO of Apellis Pharmaceuticals, whose journey from surgeon to biotech innovator led to the creation of Syfovre, the first approved treatment for geographic atrophy. Francois shares how a chance encounter at the Macula Society set his career in motion, the origins of complement inhibition research, and what it means to lead a mission-driven biotech as both a scientist and physician.

Key Topics

  • AAO 2024 highlights:
  • The world’s first whole-eye transplant — and what it could mean for future nerve regeneration research.
  • Alcon’s new Unity vitreoretinal platform — first major system since Constellation.
  • The promise and controversy of photobiomodulation in dry AMD care.
  • Previewing AREDS 3 — a reformulated vitamin blend with added B vitamins and lower zinc.
  • Inside the Apellis Story:
  • How a Belgian surgeon became a biotech CEO in Kentucky.
  • The early experiments that led to complement inhibition research.
  • The role of serendipity at the Macula Society—and how a single conversation led to Apellis’s first investment.
  • Lessons learned from Potentia’s first molecule (POT-4/APL-1) to Syfovre (pegcetacoplan)
  • The transition from Louisville to Boston’s biotech hub.
  • Why physician-founders bring unique empathy—and accountability—to innovation.

Takeaway

From the first eye transplant to the first therapy for geographic atrophy, Episode 1 sets the tone for RetinUp— candid, curious, and clinically relevant. Drs. Krzywonos and Kitchens explore how preparation meets luck, and how visionaries like Cedric Francois turn bold ideas into breakthroughs for patients.

Credits

Hosts: Scott Krzywonos and John Kitchens, MD

Guest: Cedric Francois, MD, PhD (Apellis Pharmaceuticals)

Business Operations: Liz Hogan

Production & Marketing: Laura Brown

🎧 Listen to RetinUp wherever you get your podcasts, or visit RetinUp.com to subscribe to our newsletter.

]]>cdcdd432-982a-4674-9a88-5cbde8155093Thu, 30 Oct 2025 13:17:00 -040043:21falsefull11Welcome to RetinUpWelcome to RetinUpHosts: John Kitchens, MD & Scott Krzywonos

Duration: 2:15

Episode Summary

Welcome to RetinUp—the podcast where retina science meets real-world insight. Hosted by Dr. John Kitchens and Scott Krzywonos, RetinUp brings together leading voices in ophthalmology to explore new data, breakthrough research, and the stories behind the science shaping the future of retina care.

In this short trailer, John and Scott introduce the RetinUp mission, what listeners can expect from upcoming episodes, and how the show will connect researchers, clinicians, and innovators across the retina community.

Subscribe & Follow

Stay connected with RetinUp for upcoming interviews, conference recaps, and clinical discussions.

📱 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.\

🌐 Learn more at retinup.com

💬 Follow the conversation on LinkedIn with #RetinUpPodcast

About the Hosts

John Kitchens, MD is a vitreoretinal surgeon with decades of clinical and research experience.

Scott Krzywonos is an editor, educator, and longtime retina media producer. Together, they bring clarity, humor, and insight to every conversation.

]]>Hosts: John Kitchens, MD & Scott Krzywonos

Duration: 2:15

Episode Summary

Welcome to RetinUp—the podcast where retina science meets real-world insight. Hosted by Dr. John Kitchens and Scott Krzywonos, RetinUp brings together leading voices in ophthalmology to explore new data, breakthrough research, and the stories behind the science shaping the future of retina care.

In this short trailer, John and Scott introduce the RetinUp mission, what listeners can expect from upcoming episodes, and how the show will connect researchers, clinicians, and innovators across the retina community.

Subscribe & Follow

Stay connected with RetinUp for upcoming interviews, conference recaps, and clinical discussions.

📱 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.\

🌐 Learn more at retinup.com

💬 Follow the conversation on LinkedIn with #RetinUpPodcast

About the Hosts

John Kitchens, MD is a vitreoretinal surgeon with decades of clinical and research experience.

Scott Krzywonos is an editor, educator, and longtime retina media producer. Together, they bring clarity, humor, and insight to every conversation.

]]>5b142e2c-0fe7-463b-8489-e9fd174e048aMon, 27 Oct 2025 21:07:00 -040001:11falsefull