The Oculofacial Podcast

In this episode, ASOPRS Immediate Past President, Dr. Wendy Lee, moderates a candid roundtable with Drs. Don Kikkawa, John Holds, Evan Black, and Reza Vagefi, as they discuss ACGME accreditation of fellowship training. The panel weighs external validation, standardized training, and the potential for a new ABO subspecialty certification in the setting of ACGME requirements and some program director concerns about those requirements. Both ACGME accreditation of fellowships and participation in ABO Continuing Certification are two key components of an ABMS-compliant certification. Whether you're a member or simply invested in the future of oculofacial plastic surgery, this conversation is essential listening.

Moderator: Cat Burkat, MD FACS (Professor at Univ of Wisconsin-Madison) Guests · Dr. Elizabeth Bradley, Associate Professor at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester · Dr. François Codère Associate Professor from the Université de Montréal in Canada · Dr. Richard Allen, Professor at Baylor in Texas In this Surgical Spotlight TOP podcast episode: "Myogenic Ptosis: Is It Really Any Different?", we are diving into a topic that most oculoplastic surgeons encounter—but rarely explore in depth: the surgical management of myogenic ptosis in progressive conditions such as Oculopharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy and Chronic Progressive External Ophthalmoplegia. We'll explore how the natural history of myogenic ptosis may change surgical decision-making. Should timing and the selected procedure be driven not just by the exam—but by disease trajectory? Does earlier onset signal a more aggressive course, pushing us toward more proactive surgery rather than a traditional stepwise approach? And how should we rethink concepts like recurrence, failure, and even surgical success when progression is expected? Tune in as we discuss the challenge of correcting myogenic ptosis—for today, and where the patient will be years from now.

About This Episode ASOPRS President Dr. John Ng moderates a panel discussion on subspecialty board certification, why it matters now, and what it would mean for members. Panelists Dr. Ken Morgenstern — Board Certification Liaison, Former ASOPRS President Dr. Stuart Seiff — Executive Vice President, Former ASOPRS President Dr. Jennifer Murdock — ASOPRS Member Dr. George Bartley — CEO, American Board of Ophthalmology Dr. Jill Foster — Former ASOPRS President Key Topics Covered Why credentialing, legal, and advocacy pressures have made board certification a priority for ASOPRS to support The case for ABO subspecialty certification One member's firsthand experience regarding denial of ASC privileges The ABO's commitment to making ophthalmic plastic & reconstructive surgery the first ophthalmology subspecialty ACGME fellowship requirements: Key differences, challenges, and potential solutions Disclaimer: The opinions and perspectives expressed by participants are their own and are shared for informational discussion purposes only. Statements made during the podcast may not be those of ASOPRS or the ASOPRS Board of Directors.

ASOPRS Website: Click Here Host: Dr. Jamie Keen Panelists: Dr. Stuart R. Seiff, Dr. Erin Shriver, and Dr. Kathryn (Katie) Winkler Producer: Seanna Grob In this episode of The Oculofacial Podcast Journal Club, host Dr. Jamie Keen is joined by an esteemed panel of leaders in oculoplastic surgery; Dr. Stuart Seiff, Dr. Erin Shriver, and Dr. Katie Winkler to review and discuss three impactful studies from the March/April 2026 issue of the OPRS Journal. The conversation explores long-term brow lift outcomes through a systematic review and meta-analysis, evaluates key predictors of facial asymmetry in unilateral anophthalmia and microphthalmia, and examines the relationship between socioeconomic factors and periocular basal cell carcinoma treated with Mohs surgery. Each expert brings thoughtful insight into the strengths, limitations, and real-world implications of these studies, offering valuable perspective on how emerging research may influence clinical decision-making and patient care in oculofacial plastic surgery.

Discover the latest findings on basal cell carcinoma presentations across different ethnicities and the role of modifiable risk factors. Essential insights for medical professionals and patients alike. In this episode, we discuss skin health, where a topic that often arises is basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common form of skin cancer. With increasing rates of skin cancers noted globally, understanding how BCC presents across different demographics is crucial. In this blog post, we delve into a study that analyzed patterns of BCC presentation using data from the National Institutes of Health's All of Us database, focusing on ethnic differences—such as non-White patients being younger and more likely to have non-facial BCC—and modifiable risk factors like alcohol intake, which showed a dose-dependent increase in facial BCC risk. Explore cutting-edge insights on predicting dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON), a serious complication of thyroid eye disease. Vital knowledge for clinicians and those affected by thyroid disorders. In this segment, we turn to orbital health, highlighting DON, which impacts 5-8% of thyroid eye disease patients and can lead to vision loss if undetected. Early identification through imaging is key, and this post examines a study evaluating subjective assessments of eight CT features in 258 orbits to predict DON. Key findings emphasize apical crowding as the strongest predictor, alongside extraocular muscle enlargement, vascular congestion, and medial wall bowing, offering practical tools for risk stratification in clinical practice.

ASOPRS Website: Click Here In this episode, Dr. Deepak Ramesh discusses interpretation and evaluation of hearing and audiograms in relation to the field of oculoplastics. He is joined by Dr. Eric Sandler and Michele Schechter, audiologist who have experience both in clinical trials and in clinical practice with ototoxic medication such as teprotumumab.

ASOPRS Website: Click Here Dr. Natalie Hoesly hosts Dr. Anne Barmettler, Dr. Michael Kazim, and Dr. Reza Vagefi to a discussion of the nuances of lower eyelid retraction repair and a debate of the pros and cons of different spacer graft materials, including hard palate, ear cartilage and acellular dermal matrix.

ASOPRS Website: Click Here In this episode of the Oculofacial podcast, host Dr. Cat Burkat engages with Dr. Francois Codere, Dr. Peter Dolman, and Prof. Geoffrey Rose who are all experts in the field of DCR (Dacryocystorhinostomy) to explore the complexities of tear drainage, surgical techniques, and the evolving understanding of the lacrimal system. The conversation covers the physiological aspects of tear drainage, the importance of surgical nuances, the role of silicone intubation, and the challenges faced in DCR surgeries. The experts share their insights, experiences, and light bulb moments that have shaped their approaches to DCR, while also addressing unanswered questions in the field.

ASOPRS Website: Click Here In this engaging episode of The Oculofacial Podcast, host Dr. Christopher Dermarkarian and a distinguished panel explore the current research in oculofacial surgery, particularly focusing on the evolving role of artificial intelligence, the impacts of TED treatment with teprotumumab and the pitfalls of posterior ptosis repair. This episode draws rich insights from experts Dr. David Jordan, Dr. Louise Mawn, and Dr. Richard Allen as they dissect recent peer-reviewed studies, share practical experiences, and debate the shifting landscape of oculoplastic surgery and patient care. The episode opens with an in-depth analysis of a recent study on artificial intelligence's application in oculoplastics, highlighting its potential to outperform human analysis in certain diagnostic tasks. Dr. Louise Mawn leads the conversation, detailing how AI is being used from clinical photographs to smartphone videos, emphasizing the need for transparency and ethical considerations as technology advances. Dr. Richard Allen underscores the healthcare implications of AI's integration, while Dr. David Jordan expresses cautious optimism, highlighting the necessity for continued clinical involvement and the ethical complexities that come with use of AI. Further discussion shifts to thyroid eye disease, particularly focusing on teprotumumab. Dr. Allen leads this conversation, noting that Tepezza is not the "smoking gun" it was originally made out to be. The panel provides contrasting views, with Dr. Mawn lauding the drug's potential and Dr. Allen critiquing its financial burden. The conversation ties into broader themes about balancing innovation with traditional surgical expertise, exploring how new drugs might alter training and practice standards. The final discussion navigates the complexities of posterior ptosis repair. This discussion is led by Dr. David Jordan. Interestingly, Dr. Jordan and Mawn shy away from posterior ptosis repair and Dr. Allen uses it regularly. What makes this more interesting is that all three come from similar clinical backgrounds, suggesting their experiences have truly guided their clinical practice. Dr. Allen notes how the posterior ptosis approach may be detracting from trainees' ability to perform a good anterior ptosis repair.

ASOPRS Website: Click Here Have you ever wanted to know more about aesthetic lasers, but don't know where to start? Confused by the lingo? Join Dr. Nicole Langelier as she takes Dr. Christina Choe and Dr. Sandy Zhang-Nunes through a whirlwind tour of laser physics, laser terminology, and laser-tissue interactions. We'll explain how lasers work, discuss selective photothermolysis, cover basic skin anatomy, and define workhorse terms like chromophore, wavelength, joules, watts, fluence, thermal relaxation time, and pulse width. Consider this the prequel to upcoming episodes on the clinical uses of ablative laser resurfacing, non-ablative laser resurfacing, light and energy based devices. By understanding the language and core scientific concepts of lasers, we hope to make you a safer and more educated laser provider! Corrections/Clarifications: - Blood vessels are lined by endothelium (not epithelium) - The skin registers pain from heat at 45C, but may occur between 43-44C with variability based on the time of exposure and area of exposure (I stated it occurs at 42C) https://www.cardinalhealth.com/content/dam/corp/web/documents/whitepaper/cardinal-health-localized-temperature-therapy%20White%20Paper.pdf - The exact number varies by source, but waters absorbs the erbium 2940nm wavelength 10-20 times more efficiently than it absorbs the CO2 10,600nm wavelength (I said 30 times) - Clarification: Eyelid skin is thinner closer to the lashes and on the medial aspect of the eyelid as compared to skin further from the lashes and the lateral aspect of the eyelid. A study in Korean skin by Hwang et al found the thickest part of the eyelid to be just below the eyebrow (1.127 +/- 238um) with the thinnest skin near the ciliary margin 320 +/- 49um). Jeong et al found that epidermal thickness is similar between genders while men had thicker reticular dermis than women and skin thickness was not correlated with BMI. - The UV wavelengths range from 100nm - 400nm. UVC: 100nm - 280nm; UVB: 280nm-315nm; UVA: 315-400. (I used single wavelength numbers rather than a range for ease of explanation). Citations for skin thickness: Full thickness punch biopsies from cadaver heads processed with paraffin-embedded slides: Karan Chopra, Daniel Calva, Michael Sosin, Kashyap Komarraju Tadisina, Abhishake Banda, Carla De La Cruz, Muhammad R. Chaudhry, Teklu Legesse, Cinithia B. Drachenberg, Paul N. Manson, Michael R. Christy, A Comprehensive Examination of Topographic Thickness of Skin in the Human Face, Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 35, Issue 8, November/December 2015, Pages 1007–1013, https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjv079 Ultrasonographic measurements in live participants: Jeong KM, Seo JY, Kim A, Kim YC, Baek YS, Oh CH, Jeon J. Ultrasonographic analysis of facial skin thickness in relation to age, site, sex, and body mass index. Skin Res Technol. 2023 Aug;29(8):e13426. doi: 10.1111/srt.13426. PMID: 37632182; PMCID: PMC10370326. Cut and trichrome stained specimens from fresh cadavers Hwang, Kun MD, PhD*; Kim, Dae Joong PhD†; Hwang, Se Ho†. Thickness of Korean Upper Eyelid Skin at Different Levels. Journal of Craniofacial Surgery 17(1):p 54-56, January 2006. | DOI: 10.1097/01.scs.0000188347.06365.a0

ASOPRS Foundation: https://www.asoprsfoundation.org/donate In this episode, we dive into Trans-Orbital Neuro-Endoscopic Surgery, or TONES — a cutting-edge approach to accessing the skull base via the orbit. We're joined by leading experts to explore the indications, techniques, and future of this rapidly growing field. Whether you're a seasoned surgeon or just curious about the frontiers of orbital surgery, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Explore the journey of launching a solo oculoplastics practice with Dr. Deepak Ramesh, alongside experts Dr. Srini Iyengar and Dr. Mahsa Sohrab. Delve into their personal experiences, discussing challenges and strategies in establishing successful practices in various locales, from New Jersey to Connecticut. Discover insights into financial planning, staff management, and balancing functional and cosmetic procedures. Whether you're a medical trainee or a seasoned physician, learn why betting on your expertise can be a rewarding path in the world of oculoplastic surgery.

In this exclusive podcast, world-renowned experts engage in high-level discussion on the nuances of East Asian blepharoplasty, exploring refined techniques, critical anatomical principles, cultural considerations, and their tips on managing epicanthal and aesthetic complications. If you're an ASOPRS Member, Surgeon or Trainee and are interesting in hosting a podcast episode, please submit your idea by visiting: www.asoprs.memberclicks.net/podcast