Straight From The Cutter's Mouth: A Retina Podcast
Health, Fitness & Longevity
About
An informal yet insightful commentary featuring interviews and perspectives from leaders in vitreoretinal surgery as well as the next generation of retinal specialists
Episodes
- Episode 502: Masterpiece Retina Returns with Drs. Ajay Kuriyan and Will Parke
Masterpiece Retina Returns features discussions with Drs. Ajay Kuriyan and Will Parke.
- Episode 501: May 2026 Retinal Physician Preview Including Discussion of Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment and Screening and Note on the PRIMA Implant
Drs. Mohsin Ali and Akshay Thomas preview the May 2026 Retinal Physician, discussing diabetic retinopathy management, AI screening, and the PRIMA subretinal implant.
- Episode 500: Listener Questions, and Retina Podcast Musings with Dr. Jay Sridhar
Retina Podcast celebrates 500 episodes with host Dr. Jay Sridhar, joined by Drs. Louie Cai and Justin Ma. The episode features listener questions and reflections on the podcast's influential history.
- Episode 499: Career Perspective and Wearable Technology for Retinal Disease with Dr. Mitul Mehta
Dr. Mitul Mehta shares insights on retina careers and wearable technology for retinal disease, highlighting his company Eyedaptic. Dr. Mehta disclosed a financial interest in Eyedaptic.
- Episode 498: Retina Careers Abroad with Dr. Adrian Fung
Dr. Adrian Fung discusses opportunities for retina specialists abroad and developments in digital education for the field.
- Episode 497: Journal Club Including Anti-VEGF Before Diabetic Surgery, ILM Flaps for Macular Holes, Protocol AC Post-Hoc Analysis
In this journal club episode of Straight From The Cutter's Mouth, Drs. Akshay Thomas and Sarwar Zahid review studies on Anti-VEGF and vitreous hemorrhage surgery, long-term outcomes of ILM flaps for macular holes, and a post-hoc analysis o…
- Episode 496: Discussion of Academic Chair Leadership with Dr. Sunil Srivastava
Dr. Sunil Srivastava discusses his new role as chair of the Cole Eye Institute and provides advice for aspiring academic leaders. The podcast also announces an upcoming Q&A session for listener questions.
- Episode 495: March 2026 Retinal Physician preview including Bicistronic Gene Therapy, Photobiomodulation, Uveitis Fellowship, and Polypoidal Vascular Choroidopathy
Drs. Kat Talcott and Priya Vakharia review the March 2026 edition of Retinal Physician. Topics include bicistronic gene therapy, photobiomodulation, uveitis fellowships, and polypoidal vascular choroidopathy.
- Episode 494: Recap of the 2026 Ophthalmology Residency Match
Drs. Zubair Ansari and Kat Talcott join the podcast to review the 2026 ophthalmology residency match, with a focus on the declining match rate for first-time applicants. The episode also announces an upcoming 500th episode Q&A session and…
- Episode 493: Journal Club Including Hemorrhagic PVD Follow-Up, GLP-1 Agonists and AMD, Preoperative Anti-VEGF for Diabetic Vitrectomy
In this journal club episode, Drs. Kat Talcott and Nita Valikodath discuss three recent publications concerning Hemorrhagic PVD Follow-Up, the relationship between GLP-1 Agonists and AMD, and the use of preoperative Anti-VEGF for diabetic…
- Episode 492: Artificial Intelligence in Ophthalmology and Retina Discussion with Drs. Louie Cai and Ted Leng
Drs. Louie Cai and Ted Leng discuss the state of artificial intelligence in ophthalmology as of February 2026.
- Episode 491: Journal Club Including Racial/Ethnic Disparities and Diabetic Retinopathy Outcomes, Physician Age and Quality Outcomes, and IRIS Registry IOFB Study
In this journal club episode, Drs. Kat Talcott and Nita Valikodath discuss three recent publications: one concerning racial/ethnic disparities and diabetic retinopathy outcomes, another on physician age and quality outcomes, and a third on…
- Episode 490: Retina Fellowship Supply and Demand Discussion with Drs. Avni Finn and Yoshihiro Yonekawa
Drs. Avni Finn and Yoshihiro Yonekawa join the podcast to discuss statistics and their thoughts on the supply and demand for retina fellowships.
- Episode 489: January 2026 Retinal Physician preview including OCT Angiography, Wearables for Retinal Health, Heads-Up Display, and Endogenous Fungal Endophthalmitis
Drs. Akshay Thomas and Sarwar Zahid discuss the January 2026 issue of Retinal Physician. Topics include OCT angiography, wearables for retinal health, heads-up display technology in surgery, and endogenous fungal endophthalmitis.
- Episode 488: Prognosticating Retina in the Rest of the 2020s with Dr. David Eichenbaum, and Adventures of a Chess Girl with Katie Kormanik
Dr. David Eichenbaum shares his predictions for retina developments in the 2020s. Katie Kormanik discusses her book "Adventures of a Chess Girl".
- Episode 487: Masterpiece Retina Returns with Drs. Ajay Kuriyan and Will Parke
In episode 487 of Straight From The Cutter's Mouth, Drs. Ajay Kuriyan and Will Parke revisit the Masterpiece Retina segment to discuss retina-related topics.
- Episode 486: AAO 2025 Retina News Recap with Drs. Priya Vakharia and Sarwar Zahid
In episode 486, Drs. Priya Vakharia and Sarwar Zahid review key topics from AAO 2025, such as geographic atrophy, emerging pipeline products, practice consolidation trends, and the concept of whole eye transplantation.
- Episode 485: Journal Club Including Fellow Eye PVD, Can You Compare Syfovre and Izervay?, and Litigation Involving Intravitreal Injections
In this journal club episode, Drs. Akshay Thomas and Sarwar Zahid review three publications covering Fellow Eye PVD, a comparison of Syfovre and Izervay, and litigation related to intravitreal injections.
- Episode 484: November 2025 Retinal Physician preview including TKIs, Fluorinated Gas and Sustainability, Best Practices for Clinical Trial Sites, and Fellowship Selection Advice
Drs. Kat Talcott and Sarwar Zahid discuss the December 2025 Retinal Physician. Topics include TKIs for retinal disease, fluorinated gas and sustainability, best practices for clinical trial sites, and advice on fellowship selection.
- Episode 483: Bonus Episode, Live Q+A With Dr. Albert Lin and Dr. Jay Sridhar at University of Mississippi
Drs. Albert Lin and Jay Sridhar held a live question and answer session on medical and surgical retina topics at the University of Mississippi. This episode was recorded in October 2025.
- Episode 482: Journal Club Podcast Including Functional Benefit in Geographic Atrophy Treatment, GLP-1 Agonists and Uveitis, Metformin and AMD
Drs. Priya Vakharia and Sarwar Zahid discuss recent journal articles covering functional benefits in geographic atrophy treatment, the relationship between GLP-1 agonists and uveitis, and metformin's effect on age-related macular degenerat…
- Episode 481: Retflix and Chill Crossover Live Episode at ASRS 2025 Discussing Current State of Retina Including Practice Management and Economics
Recorded live at ASRS 2025, this crossover episode of Straight From The Cutter's Mouth features Drs. Kat Talcott, Akshay Thomas, and Sarwar Zahid discussing the current state of retina practice management and economics.
- Episode 480: October Retinal Physician preview including Inherited Retinal Disease, Gene Therapy, and Sickle Retinopathy
Drs. Marianeli Rodriguez and Kat Talcott review the October 2025 issue of Retinal Physician, discussing the treatment pipeline for inherited retinal diseases, advancements in gene therapy, and systemic treatments for sickle cell disease an…
- Episode 479: Journal Club Episode Including Cannabis Use and PVR Risk, Neovascular AMD Presentation, Macular Hole Closure Without Gas, OKAPS Score and Board Exam Results
In this journal club episode, Drs. Sarwar Zahid and Safa Rahmani review research on the association between cannabis use and PVR risk, neovascular AMD presentation, macular hole closure without gas, and the OKAPS score.
- Episode 478: September Retinal Physician Preview Including Port Delivery System, AI for Retinopathy of Prematurity, Suprachoroidal Injections
This episode previews the September 2025 edition of Retinal Physician, featuring discussions on port delivery systems, AI for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), and suprachoroidal injections with Drs. Akshay Thomas and Sarwar Zahid.
- Episode 477: Solo Retina Practice Redux with Drs. Steve Christiansen, Alex Ringeisen, and Sarwar Zahid
Drs. Steve Christiansen, Alex Ringeisen, and Sarwar Zahid discuss recent updates and their experiences in solo retina practice on Straight From The Cutter's Mouth: A Retina Podcast.
- Episode 476: Ophthalmology Residency Match Update Including Preference Signaling Discussion with Drs. Zubair Ansari and Basil Williams
Drs. Zubair Ansari and Basil Williams discuss the current state of the ophthalmology residency match, covering topics such as declining match rates and the implementation of preference signaling.
- Episode 475: ASRS 2025 Recap with Dr. Kat Talcott
Drs. Kat Talcott and Jay discuss presentations from the 2025 ASRS Annual Meeting held in Long Beach, California.
- Episode 474: Journal Club Including Generation of Fluorescein Angiogram Images, Industry Trial Sponsorship and Results, GLP-1 Agonists and Neovascular AMD, Burnout Among Uveitis Specialists
In this journal club episode, Drs. Kat Talcott and Sarwar Zahid discuss several ophthalmology topics, including the generation of fluorescein angiogram images, industry sponsorship and results in clinical trials, the role of GLP-1 agonists…
- Episode 473: July 2025 Retinal Physician Preview with Surgical Video Pearls, PFO Management, GRT, Buckle Complications, Secondary IOLs
Drs. Safa Rahmani and Sarwar Zahid discuss the July 2025 issue of Retinal Physician, highlighting surgical cases and pearls. Financial disclosures were not relevant.
- Episode 472: What is the state of Geographic Atrophy Treatment? Discussion of Complement Inhibition and More with Drs. M. Ali Khan and Ajay Kuriyan
Drs. M. Ali Khan and Ajay Kuriyan discuss the current sentiment in the retina community regarding geographic atrophy treatment, with a specific focus on complement inhibition. Financial disclosures for Dr. Sridhar are noted.
- : State of Retina in 2025 with ASRS President Dr. Michael Jumper
ASRS President Dr. Michael Jumper discusses 2025 issues for retinal specialists, covering focused practice designation, Good Days funding, operating room access, and practice consolidation.
- Episode 470: Journal Club Discussion Including Visual Fields in Diabetic Retinopathy, Gender Differences in Case Volume, and Private Equity Practices and Retinal Detachment Volume
In this journal club episode, Drs. Akshay Thomas and Sarwar Zahid review three articles covering visual fields in diabetic retinopathy, gender differences in case volume, and the relationship between private equity practices and retinal de…
- Episode 469: Surgical Retina Education with Dr. James Rice
Dr. James Rice from Capetown, South Africa discusses surgical education with Jay, covering preparation and affordable methods for practicing surgical techniques outside the operating room.
- Episode 468: June 2025 Retinal Physician Preview Including GLP-1RAs and Diabetic Retinopathy, DRCR.net Update, CRAO Protocol, Early Career Advice
Drs. Ramsudha Narala, Kat Talcott, and Sarwar Zahid discuss the June 2025 Retinal Physician preview. They cover GLP-1RAs and diabetic retinopathy, DRCR.net trial updates, CRAO protocol, and advice for early-career physicians.
- Episode 467: Personal Finance Refresher with Dr. Chirag Shah
Dr. Chirag Shah joined Straight From The Cutter's Mouth to discuss personal finance. The conversation focused on current market conditions and best practices for trainees nearing graduation.
- Episode 466: Journal Club Discussion Including Faricimab Switch Study, Gender Differences in Communication, Private Equity Acquisitions and Industry Payments, Sustainability and Cataract Surgery
Drs. Safa Rahmani, Jesse Sengillo, and Kat Talcott discuss several studies in this journal club episode, including the Faricimab Switch Study, gender differences in communication, private equity acquisitions and industry payments, and sust…
- Episode 465: May 2025 Retinal Physician Preview Including Stem Cells, Microbots, Artificial Intelligence, and More
Drs. Akshay Thomas and Sarwar Zahid discuss the May 2025 issue of Retinal Physician, covering advancements in stem cells, microbots, and artificial intelligence.
- Episode 464: Vit-Buckle Society Annual Meeting Pearls with Drs. Avni Finn and Jordan Deaner
In episode 464 of Straight From The Cutter's Mouth, Drs. Avni Finn and Jordan Deaner discuss clinical pearls and insights from the 2025 Vit-Buckle Society Annual Meeting.
- Episode 463: The Great Retinal Detachment Game with Drs. Kyle Kovacs and Matthew Starr
Drs. Kyle Kovacs and Matthew Starr discuss a current trend in retina: managing a specific retinal detachment scenario.
- Episode 462: April 2025 Retinal Physician Preview Focusing on Current and Future Therapies for Neovascular AMD (and a Mention of Biosimilars for Uveitis)
Drs. Akshay Thomas and Priya Vakharia preview the April 2025 edition of Retinal Physician. The discussion focuses on current and future therapies for neovascular AMD, with a mention of biosimilars for uveitis.
- Episode 461: Artificial Intelligence and Retinopathy of Prematurity Screening with Dr. Pete Campbell
Dr. Pete Campbell from Casey Eye Institute discusses the use of artificial intelligence in screening for retinopathy of prematurity. Dr. Campbell is CEO of Siloam Vision, a company developing UWF-OCT, UWF-SLO, and AI for ROP.
- Episode 460: Journal Club Discussion Including Macula-Off Retinal Detachment Outcomes, Progression to PDR from NPDR after Cataract Surgery, and Sexual Harassment in Ophthalmology.
Drs. Rebecca Soares, Akshay Thomas, and Sarwar Zahid discuss three ophthalmology journal articles on macula-off retinal detachment prognosis, the progression from non-proliferative to proliferative diabetic retinopathy following cataract s…
- Episode 459: March 2025 Retinal Physician Preview Focusing on PBM for Intermediate AMD, Complement Inhibition for GA, and Deep Learning for GA Imaging
Drs. Katherine Talcott and Akshay Thomas review the March 2025 issue of Retinal Physician. Topics include photobiomodulation for intermediate AMD, complement inhibition for geographic atrophy (GA), and the use of deep learning in GA imagin…
- Episode 458: Journal Club Including GLP-1 Agonists and AMD, Distribution of US Ophthalmologists, Representation Quotients in Ophthalmology Residency, Photobiomodulation Viewpoint
In this episode, Drs. Akshay Thomas and Sarwar Zahid review four recent articles from ophthalmology journals, covering topics such as GLP-1 agonists and their relation to AMD, the distribution of ophthalmologists in the US, representation…
- Episode 457: Solo Retina Practice Revisited with Drs. Kruti Dajee, Andrew Hsia, and Nadeem Vaidya
In Episode 457, Drs. Kruti Dajee, Andrew Hsia, and Nadeem Vaidya discuss the topic of solo retina practice in 2025.
- Episode 456: From Chair to CEO with Dr. Jay Duker
Dr. Jay Duker shares his experience transitioning from an ophthalmology department chair to President & CEO of Eyepoint Pharmaceuticals. Relevant disclosures are included.
- Episode 455: Photobiomodulation Discussion with Dr. David Boyer
Dr. David Boyer joins Straight From The Cutter's Mouth to discuss the FDA approval of Lumithera Valeda, a photobiomodulation device. The conversation covers the significance of this approval for retina specialists and patients. Dr. Boyer h…
- Episode 454: Journal Club Discussion Including Pneumatic Retinopexy IRIS Registry Analysis, Macular Perfusion Over Time in Stable PDR, and Introduction of Female Speakers at Grand Rounds
Straight From The Cutter's Mouth features Drs. Kat Talcott, Akshay Thomas, and Sarwar Zahid discussing three ophthalmology journal articles: Pneumatic Retinopexy IRIS Registry analysis, Macular Perfusion Over Time in Stable PDR, and the in…
- Episode 453: January 2025 Retinal Physician Preview with Drs. Safa Rahmani and Sarwar Zahid Including Home OCT, Intraoperative OCT, and Ang-2 Inhibition Discussion
The January 2025 edition of Retinal Physician is previewed by Drs. Safa Rahmani and Sarwar Zahid. Topics include Home OCT, Intraoperative OCT, and Ang-2 Inhibition.