Little Eyes, Big Topics

Jennifer Galvin, MD, and medical student Nadia Abbas invite Dolly Ann Padovani-Claudio, MD, PhD, and Ore-Ofe Adesina, MD, to discuss diversity, equity, and inclusion and underrepresented individuals in medicine—specifically as it relates to pediatric ophthalmology and neuro-ophthalmology. Drs. Padovani-Claudio and Adesina share their experiences and advice for ophthalmic trainees from underrepresented backgrounds, reviewing strategies to navigate challenges, find a niche in the field, and excel in patient care.

In this episode, cohosts Jennifer Galvin, MD, and Christine Law, MD, invite a panel of pediatric ophthalmology experts to discuss approaches to managing retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Gil Binenbaum, MD, MSCE; Emily McCourt, MD; and Jennifer Jung, MD, provide insights on comprehensive ROP screening and treatment approaches at their respective children’s hospitals. They also share their excitement about future advancements in ROP treatment, earlier intervention, and improved examination techniques.

Jennifer Galvin, MD, sits down with the two co-chairs of the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group (PEDIG)—Stacy Pineles, MD, and Katherine Weise, OD, MBA, FAAO—to discuss the current and future clinical studies in pediatric ophthalmology and optometry. Drs. Pineles and Weise outline the collaborative network of PEDIG, dedicated to facilitating multicenter clinical research in all areas of children’s eye conditions such as strabismus, amblyopia, and more. They further discuss how a trainee in medical school or residency could get involved in pediatric eye research.

Gregory Ostrow, MD, joins Jennifer Galvin, MD, to discuss his entrepreneurism in pediatric ophthalmology and the starting of Sydnexis, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company he founded. He describes the journey to discovering a way to neutralize and stabilize compounded atropine eye drops to effectively treat myopia in pediatric patients. He also shares information from the STAR study, a phase 3 clinical trial evaluating the company’s patented formulation of low-dose atropine for myopia control.

Jennifer Galvin, MD, welcomes Honey Herce, MD, and Sylvia Yoo, MD, to the podcast to discuss the importance of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) members getting involved with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Drs. Herce and Yoo—pediatric ophthalmologists and leaders within the AAP—discuss their roles and highlight the benefits for residents and incoming fellows to be involved with the organization. They further discuss the value of physician advocacy and networking opportunities and share pearls for educational events.