Late-Breaking Talks at AAO '25: Gene Therapy for RP and NPDR
Could optogenetics represent the innovative thinking needed to restore some function in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients? Allen Ho, MD, joins us to discuss the state of play in optogenetics, specifically regarding MCO-010 (Nanoscope Therapeutics). What have we seen in the several years since the first patients with RP were dosed with MCO-010 in the RESTORE study? And Charles Wykoff, MD, PhD, joins us to review data assessing the safety and efficacy of sura-vec (Regenxbio/AbbVie) for the treatment of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. What do patients look like at 2 years after a single suprachoroidal injection? Listen in to find out.
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New Retina Radio Journal Club w/ VBS: Time-Driven Cost Analysis of PRP: Dollars, Minutes, and Patient Care
How do costs and reimbursements shape practice patterns regarding panretinal photocoagulation (PRP)? Niki Kothari, MD, moderates a discussion with Jesse Sengillo, MD, and Nicholas Farber, MD, about a new time-driven activity-based costing study by Berkowitz et al. The panel explores how procedure time, margins, and CMS reimbursement affect the role of PRP versus anti-VEGF therapy, and reflects on how these financial realities may alter clinical decision-making, practice logistics, and advocacy efforts in retina care.
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The Nuts and Bolts of GA Therapy: The Opening Sessions
How do retina specialists first broach the topic of complement inhibition for GA therapy? In episode 1 of this miniseries, moderator Charles Wykoff, MD, PhD, speaks with Maryam Ghiassi, MD, MHS, and Matthew Cunningham, MD, about timing treatment conversations, managing patients with one good and one bad eye, and addressing whether patients can maintain driving. Editorially independent content, supported by an educational grant from Apellis Pharmaceuticals.
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Keeping Patients at the Center of GA Therapy: Preserving Vision vs Restoring Vision
How should retina specialists reframe their approach to GA therapy? In the final episode of this New Retina Radio miniseries, moderator John Kitchens, MD joins experts Margaret Chang, MD, MS; David Eichenbaum, MD; and Ferhina Ali, MD, MPH, to explore how to shift doctor mindsets from restoring vision to preserving it. The panel discusses challenges of counseling without clear imaging endpoints, the role of AI and microperimetry in demonstrating treatment value, and why some providers remain hesitant to adopt complement inhibitors. They also consider lessons from past therapies, tissue preservation as a meaningful endpoint, and how innovation may soon deliver more potent options.This content is editorially independent, supported by Astellas Pharma.
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Keeping Patients at the Center of GA Therapy: Dosing Schedules, AREDS Vitamins, and Photobiomodulation
Should GA therapy start monthly—or is less-than-monthly treatment enough? In episode 3 of this New Retina Radio miniseries, moderator John Kitchens, MD joins David Eichenbaum, MD; Margaret Chang, MD, MS; and Ferhina Ali, MD, MPH, to share best practices in real-world GA care. The panel debates dosing strategy in light of long-term data, compares safety/efficacy considerations for pegcetacoplan vs avacincaptad pegol (including first-injection inflammation risk), and offers tips for initiating therapy in monocular patients. They also unpack evidence around AREDS vitamins and early experiences with photobiomodulation.This content is editorially independent, supported by Astellas Pharma.
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