The Lens Pod

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Katherine Hu to learn how medical students and trainees can get involved in ophthalmology advocacy. Dr. Hu attended medical school at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, then completed her ophthalmology residency at the John A. Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah where she is currently completing a cornea fellowship. Listen now to learn about current legislative policies impacting the field of ophthalmology, improving your confidence in public speaking, and the power of storytelling in advocacy! Time stamps: 2:00- Check out Moran Eye Center’s “Moran Core” for foundational ophthalmology learning! 3:00- How do physicians, specifically ophthalmologists, contribute to advocacy? 4:00- The optometry scope expansion bill explained. 10:55- An avenue for medical students to get involved in ophthalmology advocacy. 15:00- Public speaking and how to feel more confident. 23:00- Advocacy reimagined. 27:00- The cardinal rule for being involved in advocacy work. 27:45- Believe in the power of your voice– especially as a trainee.

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week's research summary we discuss the misrepresentation of complex cataract surgery costs in Medicare reimbursements, the pros and cons of an ocular health community clinic in Michigan, and sexual dimorphism as it pertains to ocular tissue.

Too busy to read The Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here!  In this week's issue we discuss a prospective study comparing dichoptic therapy to patching in children with amblyopia, deep learning in ultra-widefield autofluorescence imaging in retinitis pigmentosa, plasma exchange in patients with optic neuritis of various etiologies, and postoperative triamcinolone acetonide for surgical repair of open globe trauma.   

Too busy to read The Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week's issue, we discuss the surprising misuse of the term "papilledema" in research publications, the benefit of 0.05% atropine compared to 0.01% when slowing myopic progression, and the distinction between ganglion cell layer monitoring and inner plexiform layer monitoring in glaucoma.

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Ben Szirth, PhD to learn about the utility of teleophthalmology in clinical practice and its relationship to artificial intelligence and community outreach in ophthalmology. Dr. Ben is the director of the TeleHealth Program at the New Jersey Medical School and leads the Vision Threatening Diseases screening community-based program at the Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science in Newark, NJ where he works with current medical students every week. Episode Timestamps 0:20- Introduction 2:18- Learning about EyeNuk, Inc.’s EyeArt® and its ability to screen for vision threatening diseases  3:24- Another interesting ophthalmology podcast recommendation! 5:40- Explaining how teleophthalmology in partnership with artificial intelligence allows us to bring advanced ocular care to disadvantaged communities 9:17- What is teleophthalmology? – Summarized. 10:00- A novel approach to monitoring Type 1 DM eye disease progression– at Disney World! 12:10- Dr. Ben’s open space model for his Vision Threatening Diseases Screening Program 15:20- Leveraging community leaders and peer advocates to establish and maintain lasting relationships within a community 17:30- Teleophthalmology offers a unique solution to improving access to care 18:31- Artificial intelligence research offers a system to validate the impact of teleophthalmology in ocular health and facilitates funding 22:20- Artificial intelligence and telehealth trend analysis 28:00- The surprising disadvantage of portable screening equipment 31:50- What does artificial intelligence research look like? 35:00- Deep learning explained 40:30- How medical students make a difference in community health 46:00- How teleophthalmology breeds innovation *No participants of this podcast have any financial disclosures pertaining to research, products, or equipment discussed in this episode.

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week's research summary, we discuss the rarity of vaccine associated uveitis, the potential role of diastolic blood pressure in glaucoma damage, the prohibitive cost of cenegermin, and the influence of CDK-1 on lens cell fiber denucleation. 

"Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here!"  In this week's research summary we discuss alcohol consumption increased risk of exfoliation glaucoma, tricyclic antidepressants, insulin, and class III antiarrhythmic agents and association with having to undergo surgical removal of cataracts, and fungal endophthalmitis after cataract surgery from contaminated visco and the benefit of early IOL removal .

“Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here!  In this week’s research summary we discuss selective laser trabeculoplasty vs. eye drops for initial glaucoma treatment, age and visual impairment, smoking and risks for surgical intervention in patients with thyroid eye disease, and chromosomal abnormalities and risk for metastasis in choroidal melanoma.

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week's research summary we discuss the anatomic and functional outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy, the complexities of cataract surgery in retinitis pigmentosa patients, and we revisit postoperative photorefractive keratectomy pain management.

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week's research summary we discuss a decreased risk of acanthamoeba keratitis with daily disposable contact lenses, how research prior to residency predicts research activity long-term, medications associated with needing cataract surgery, and using a DNA marker in uveal melanoma to predict metastasis.

Description:  In this episode, we speak with Dr. Jay Sridhar to learn what students should know before (or after) their first research project. Dr. Sridhar is an associate professor of clinical ophthalmology and the assistant residency program director at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. During this episode he imparts meaningful advice for all students and provides helpful tips for the research beginner. Episode Goals: -After this episode, medical students will understand the value of finding the right research mentor. -After this episode, students will learn the importance of time management, setting expectations early, and having a peer mentor or colleague proofread your work. -After this episode, students will learn simple questions to consider when preparing to write a manuscript. Time stamps: Part I: Intro, Icebreaker, & Life Advice 1:48- Dr. Sridhar’s hang-gliding excursion 4:28- Discussing our inner voice and Dr. Sridhar’s podcast recommendation 6:00- Dr. Sridhar’s non-ophthalmology book recommendations 7:15- Seize the day and the additions of small moments Part II: The Research Basics 10:20- The value of finding the right research mentor 13:20- Set expectations early, articulate how much time you can give, NEVER ghost 14:40- Early skills that any student can contribute 15:30- Have a peer mentor double check your work BEFORE sending to your PI 17:35- Don’t put all your research eggs in one basket/PI 18:20- Three branches of research: basic science, translational, clinical 20:55- Authorship order Part III: Navigating your First Project 22:35- Start with one project 24:40- Sending a “cold” email of interest to a potential PI 26:00- Case reports 26:38- What’s my target journal? 29:05- What’s my backup plan Part IV: Research as it applies to my residency application 31:28- How many publications do I need to be a competitive ophthalmology applicant? 34:00- Don’t participate in research at the expense of other medical student responsibilities 37:20- “Good medical students = good residents” 40:13- Helpful tips 46:00- Parting advice

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week's research summary we discuss space travel and its effects on the posterior pole, the evolution of surgical experience in residency, and bevacizumab vs dexamethasone in the setting of diabetic retinal disease.

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week's research summary we discuss the influence of gender and race in keratoplasty for Fuchs’ endothelial corneal dystrophy, the impact of optimal search engine practices, the relevance of Merkel cell polyomavirus in Merkel Cell Carcinoma, and metformin usage as it pertains to age-related macular degeneration. To subscribe to our weekly newsletter visit https://lensophthalmology.com 

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here!  In this week's research summary we discuss the Affordable Care Act's impact on eye-related ED visits, parental leave policies for ophthalmologists, the role of vitrectomy for vitreous opacities, and DMEK grafts. 

Episode 10: Introduction to Glaucoma (part 2) Description: In this episode, we speak with Dr. Andrew Pouw to get a broad overview of glaucoma. Dr. Pouw is a glaucoma specialist and clinical assistant professor at the University of Iowa and also the co-host of the popular ophthalmology podcast Eyes for Ears. Episode Goals: After listening to this episode, medical students should be able to: ● Acquire a general understanding of imaging tools and interpretation of visual fields and OCT ● Acquire knowledge of some pressure lowering drop mechanisms used in glaucoma management ● Acquire knowledge of laser and surgical management options for glaucoma Time Stamps: Limitations of perimetry - 0:50 Staging glaucoma using visual fields - 3:12 3 Questions for every visual field - 5:15 What is it? - 5:35 Is it real? - 8:26 Is this worse? - 12:34 Evidence based reliability indicies by Yohannan et al - 20:41 Which side is the nasal side in a VF print out? - 21:48 Eyes4Ears visual fields episode - 23:52 Cirrus OCT discussion - 26:24 Normal disc area and other parameters - 33:42 Neuroanatomical concordance in OCT and VF - 34:50 Discussion on pressure lowering drops - 35:47 Two categories for drops - 36:16 Glaucoma surgeries - 39:31 Pseudoexfoliative glaucoma and cataract surgery - 41:30 Laser options in clinic - 42:54 Tips for medical students in the glaucoma OR - 46:34 Advice for medical students on their glaucoma rotation - 50:11 Plug for Eyes4Ears and the Buddy Call Series - 51:22 Links:  Sample 24-2 Visual Field (http://eyerounds.org/tutorials/VF-testing/VF-tutorial-6.gif) Sample Cirrus OCT printout (https://media.springernature.com/lw685/springer-static/image/art%3A10.1186%2Fs40942-020-0208-5/MediaObjects/40942_2020_208_Fig1_HTML.png)  Yohannan et al on VF reliability indicies (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28676280/) Yohannan et al on OCT signal strength (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31648802/) Top cap reference (not 100% absolute rules) - https://www.optometrystudents.com/pearl/guide-cap-colors-commonly-prescribed-drugs/

Episode 10: Introduction to Glaucoma (part 1) Description: In this episode, we speak with Dr. Andrew Pouw to get a broad overview of glaucoma. Dr. Pouw is a glaucoma specialist and clinical assistant professor at the University of Iowa and also the co-host of the popular ophthalmology podcast Eyes for Ears. Episode Goals: After listening to this episode, medical students should be able to: ● Acquire a general understanding of the breadth of practice for glaucoma ● Acquire knowledge of the pathophysiology of glaucoma and aqueous humor generation and drainage pathways ● Describe the common examination techniques in glaucoma Time Stamps: Introductions - 0:41 Eyes for ears and Dr Steven Flynn recommendation for medical students and junior residents  - 2:47 What is the glaucoma subspecialty? - 3:32 Overview of aqueous humor pathways - 6:34 Can you drop IOP too low? - 9:29 Measuring IOP - 11:32 Central corneal thickness and IOP - 14:15 Why do eyes have different pressure goals? - 16:45 Pearl when to not measure IOP using Goldmann applanation tonometry - 19:17 Slit lamp exam findings in glaucoma - 19:54 Pearl about superior and inferior quadrants  - 26:52 Tilted optic nerves - 30:10 GONE project - 31:55 Drance hemorrhages - 33:53 Pearl about contextualizing cup to disc ratios - 36:40 What is gonioscopy? - 37:52 Gonioscopy.org - 43:48 Links: Eyes for Ears glaucoma episodes (https://eyesforears.net/episodes/category/Glaucoma)

Episode 9: Introduction to Ocular Oncology Description: In this episode, we speak with Dr. Carol Shields to get a broad overview of ocular oncology. Dr. Shields is Chief of the Ocular Oncology Service at Wills Eye Hospital and Professor of Ophthalmology at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. She completed her ophthalmology training at Wills Eye and subsequently did fellowship training in ocular oncology, oculoplastic surgery, and ophthalmic pathology. Episode Goals: After listening to this episode, medical students should be able to: ● Acquire a general understanding of the breadth of practice for ocular oncology ● Describe the common examination and imaging techniques in ocular oncology ● Describe common pathologies seen and procedures/surgeries performed in ocular oncology Time Stamps: Introductions - 0:30 What is ocular oncology? - 2:20 How did you discover ocular oncology?  - 3:30 How can students explore ocular oncology? - 5:00 How do you become an ocular oncologist? - 6:40 Overview of eyelid tumors - 9:05 Overview of conjunctival tumors - 15:05 Overview of conjunctival tumors - 15:05 Overview of orbital tumors - 23:25 Overview of intraocular tumors - 31:06 Additional resources - 42:50 Conclusions - 44:20 Links: https://www.willseye.org/

Episode 8: Clinic and OR Do's and Dont's Description: In this episode, we speak with Dr. Rishi Gupta to get some helpful tips that students can use when beginning a clinically or surgically based ophthalmology elective. Dr. Gupta attended medical school at University of Toronto and completed his ophthalmology residency at University of Ottawa. Following this, he completed his retina fellowship at McGill University. Dr. Gupta also has a keen interest in medical education, and has published a book called “Reflections of a Pupil” outlining his journey through medical training and practice. Episode Goals: After listening to this episode, medical students should be able to: ● Feel more comfortable in an OR setting ● Feel more comfortable in a clinical setting Time Stamps: Introductions - 0:30 Clinic resources and tips - 3:20 Reflections of a Pupil  - 6:50 Experiences from training - 7:05 Ophthalmology OR - 8:05 Tips for being an active learner - 10:00 Experiences in the OR - 13:25 Conclusions - 14:15 Links: Tim Root OphthoBook: https://timroot.com/ Slit lamp techniques: https://www.slideshare.net/optometristiem.lv/slit-lamp-illumination-techniques Also be sure to check out the book, Reflections of a Pupil by Dr. Rishi Gupta!

Episode 7: Introduction to Neuroophthalmology Description: In this episode, we speak with Dr. Kalla Gervasio to learn about what medical students should know before their first neuro-ophthalmology clinic and OR. Dr. Gervasio completed her ophthalmology residency at Wills Eye Hospital where she was selected as Chief Resident and Text Editor of the newest edition of the Wills Eye Manual. Episode Goals: After listening to this episode, medical students should be able to: Acquire a general understanding of the breadth of practice for the neuro-ophthalmology subspecialty. Describe the common examination and imaging techniques in the neuro-ophthalmology clinic Describe common pathologies seen and procedures/surgeries performed on the neuro-ophthalmology service. Time Stamps: Introductions - 0:30  What is Neuroophthalmology - 4:00 Tips for medical students - 7:30 Overview of anatomy - 9:15 Common examination techniques - 15:00 Minor procedures - 21:00 Blepherospasm - 21:30 Common pathologies to review before starting - 23:30 Origins of interest in neuroophthalmology - 30:00 Common questions on rotations - 33:00 Links: Tim Root OphthoBook: https://timroot.com/ Slit lamp techniques: https://www.slideshare.net/optometristiem.lv/slit-lamp-illumination-techniques

Episode 6: Introduction to Cornea Description: This week, we talk about the cornea subspecialty for the medical student learner with Dr. Jimmy Hu who is a private practice attending who also is an instructor at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary. Episode goals: After listening to this episode, medical students should be able to: - Acquire a general understanding of the breadth of practice for the cornea subspecialty - Describe the common examination and imaging techniques for the cornea - Describe common pathologies seen and procedures/surgeries performed on the cornea service Time stamps: 3:03 What is the cornea subspecialty and what makes it unique? 6:18 Brief overview of anatomy of the cornea 10:20 An intro to dye drops 13:01 Brief intro to corneal topography 14:03 What is regular versus irregular astigmatism? 17:25 An aside on keratoconus and Steph Curry 20:15 Working up corneal ulcers 27:21 Most common corneal surgeries 28:30 Corneal transplant surgeries (PK vs DALK, DMEK vs DSEK) 34:50 Dr.Hu’s advice for medical students in the OR 40:00 Dr.Hu’s youtube channel and patient info sheets Links: Tim Root OphthoBook: https://timroot.com/ Slit lamp techniques: https://www.slideshare.net/optometristiem.lv/slit-lamp-illumination-techniques Corneal ulcer example: https://www.reviewofcontactlenses.com/article/no-pain-no-gain  Dr. Hu’s youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7TWhyT-YahM_nJQUq41A2A Dr. Hu's patient infographs (to be added!)

Description: This week, we talk about the pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus sub-specialty for the medical student learner with Dr. Angeline Nguyen from the University of Southern California. Episode goals: After listening to this episode, medical students should be able to: Acquire a general understanding of the breadth of practice for the pediatric ophthalmology subspecialty Describe the pathophysiology of retinopathy of prematurity and when to screen newborns Describe the difference between amblyopia and strabismus and related treatment options Time stamps: 3:08 What is the connection between strabismus and pediatric ophthalmology? 4:30 Favorite aspects of pediatric ophthalmology and dispelling misconceptions 8:18 Most common reasons for patients to see a pediatric ophthalmologist 9:34 General advice and practical tips for a medical student rotating on pediatric ophthalmology 13:12 Retinopathy of prematurity introduction 17:00 The ROP exam 19:43 Treatment options for ROP 20:18 When to screen (30 weeks 1500 grams) 21:18 Amblyopia & Strabismus 25:42 Breaking down some of the jargon around gaze deviations 29:22 Clarifying misconceptions on tropias and phorias 30:50 Key parts of history for strabismus 31:38 The impact of verbal staging on examination 34:30 When to treat to prevent amblyopia 35:14 Surgical treatment options for strabismus 36:17 Botox for strabismus 38:20 The pediatric ophthalmology OR as a medical student 39:22 Final takeaways 40:30 Plug for Dr. Sudha Nallasamy at CHLA’s upcoming work Links: Who Moved My Cheese -  https://bookshop.org/books/who-moved-my-cheese-an-a-mazing-way-to-deal-with-change-in-your-work-and-in-your-life/9780399144462 Tim Root Website - https://timroot.com/ AAO simulators - https://www.aao.org/interactive Botox in strabismus - https://eyewiki.aao.org/Botulinum_Toxin_Use_In_Strabismus Sticker chart for kids - https://ortopadusa.com/product-category/shop/reward-posters/

Hello everyone, this was our first episode that we recorded so the format is slightly different, but we hope you enjoy it and find it educational all the same!  Description: This week, we talk about the retina sub-speciality for the medical student learner with Dr. Benjamin Young from the University of Michigan. Episode goals: After listening to this episode, medical students should be able to: Acquire a general understanding of the breadth of practice for the retina subspecialty Describe the common examination and imaging techniques for the posterior segment. Describe common pathologies seen and procedures/surgeries performed on the retina service. Time stamps: 0:55 What is retina subspecialty and what makes it unique? 3:14 Favorite aspects of retina subspecialty 4:27 Different methods of examining the posterior segment 12:46 Tips for indirect ophthalmoscopy and examining posterior segment 19:48 Common in-office procedures 23:38 Other procedures like PRP and laser retinopexy 27:00 What is a vitrectomy and when to perform 32:03 First time OR tips 32:57 Takeaways: top skills to practice 34:00 Closing remarks Links: Eyes For Ears Podcast: https://eyesforears.net/  Tim Root OphthoBook: https://timroot.com/ EyeRounds: https://eyerounds.org/ EyeWiki: https://eyewiki.org/Main_Page OCT anatomy review: https://www.octscans.com/anatomy-review.html EyeGuru OCT Essentials: https://eyeguru.org/essentials/interpreting-octs/

Description: This week, we talk about oculoplastics for the medical student learner with Dr. Andrea Tooley from the Mayo Clinic. Episode goals: After listening to this episode, medical students should be able to: Acquire a general understanding of the breadth of practice for the oculoplastics subspecialty Describe the common examination and imaging techniques in oculoplastics clinic Describe common pathologies seen and procedures/surgeries performed on the oculoplastics service. Time stamps: 2:59 What is oculoplastics and what makes it unique? 4:40 Tips for first-time medical learners in oculoplastics 7:30 Top anatomical structures to learn and know 11:12 Common examination techniques and skills to learn 19:19 In office or minor procedures 22:17 Related rotations/topics for oculoplastics 29:20 A brief aside on Teprotumumab for thyroid eye disease 31:45 Approach to eyelid lumps and bumps 36:12 Common surgeries in the oculoplastics OR 46:40 Surgeries performed outside academic centers 48:42 First time OR tips 51:32 Takeaways 53:34 Closing remarks Links: Practical Ophthalmology Text: https://store.aao.org/practical-ophthalmology-8th-edition.html Eyes for Ears Podcast: https://eyesforears.net/ AAO Oculoplastics Education Center (images of eyelid lumps and bumps): https://www.aao.org/oculoplastics-center/oculoplastics-education-center AAO Careers in Ophthalmology Oculoplastics Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wswGbU8ZUpU

Description: This week, we talk about ophthalmology emergencies and ED consults with Dr. Grayson Armstrong from Massachusetts Eye and Ear Episode goals: After listening to this episode, listeners should be able to: Appreciate the breadth of common ophthalmic emergencies and trauma Present a basic workup and have a differential for common ophthalmic complaints presenting to the ED Time stamps: 2:30 How common are eye emergencies? 3:45 What are some of your favorite parts of ophthalmology? 4:47 What do you enjoy most about managing eye emergencies? 5:56 Benign and worst case scenario for the AAO’s 6 causes of urgent referral for ophthalmology 9:23 Red flags and what information you should always get when evaluating a patient 12:39 The outside-in approach for working up ocular trauma patients 14:10 Lid lacs at the medical student level 15:52 Exam techniques when working up vision loss 17:47 Painful vision loss differential and assessment 20:20 Orbital compartment syndrome tidbits 22:00 Painless vision loss 24:45 Red eye 28:36 Takeaways and tips for eye ED consults Links: Tim Root’s website - https://timroot.com/ AAO medical student website - https://www.aao.org/medical-students AAO White Paper for things medical students should know - https://www.aao.org/Assets/edca7d7c-ccb0-4b97-bca4-66b4328a91fc/637157338302800000/appendix-of-ms-white-paper-with-links-pdf?inline=1 Video of cell and flare - https://timroot.com/cell-and-flare-in-the-eye-video/ Ophthalmic Edge Acronym app (great resource for rotations!!)- https://ophthalmicedge.org/physician/ophthalmic-acronyms-app-available-now/# Eye Tea Official Twitter - https://twitter.com/eyeteaofficial?lang=en

This week, we talk about comprehensive ophthalmology and general tips for the ophthalmology rotation for the medical student learner with Dr. Thomas Oetting from the University of Iowa Goal of episode: After listening to this episode, medical students should be able to: Acquire a general understanding of the breadth of practice in comprehensive ophthalmology Describe the basic work-up for an eye patient and “vital signs” of the eye Understand the basic functions of the slit lamp Describe some key patient considerations when evaluating cataracts Time stamps: 4:15 What is comprehensive ophthalmology? 7:59 Is there anything you recommend medical students should brush up on before their first day in comprehensive ophthalmology? 13:15 What can medical students do in comprehensive ophthalmology clinic that you have found helpful or useful, that was also beneficial for student learning? 23:20 Thoughts on the “vital signs of the eye” 33:00 A brief aside on hippus 35:58 Pearls and pitfalls for the slit lamp exam 43:10 Insight on cataract evaluation 52:05 Approaching the cataract OR 59:49 Takeaways 1:03:00 Closing remarks Links: Basic Eye Exam (including slit lamp) - https://webeye.ophth.uiowa.edu/eyeforum/atlas-video/basic-eye-exam.htm Cataract surgery for greenhorns - https://eyerounds.org/tutorials/cataract-oetting.htm AAO Careers in Ophthalmology: Comprehensive Ophthalmology https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vHrwcKk9S8 Hippus by Stanley Thompson: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/575589 https://lensophthalmology.com/the-lens-pod https://twitter.com/TheLens_oph

In episode 0 of season 1 of The Lens Pod, we introduce the podcast hosts - Chris Le, Anne Xuan-Lan Nguyen, Sunil Ruparelia, and Emily Xu - and discuss the goals of the podcast, and give a peak behind the scenes and some things to look forward to with the rest of our inaugural season.