Advertise on podcast: CRST: The Podcast

Drs. Neda and Neda explore how modern refractive surgery is evolving beyond a one-size-fits-all LASIK model. They discuss next-generation laser vision correction based on highly personalized eye measurements, share real-world pearls on screening and counseling patients, and explain why they now frame patient visits as vision correction consultations rather than LASIK consults. They also touch on when lens-based options may be a better choice and how to build a truly comprehensive refractive practice.

Neda Nikpoor, MD, and Neda Shamie, MD, reframe refractive surgery as a comprehensive vision-correction mindset rather than a single procedure, exploring how advanced diagnostics and disciplined risk stratification guide candidacy and smart decision-making across refractive options. They outline when to pivot—or defer—and emphasize expectation-setting, patient motivation, and screening for medical and psychosocial factors that influence satisfaction.

Uday Devgan, MD, FACS, FRCS, speaks with Christopher E. Starr, MD, FACS, and Brian Shafer, MD, in two short segments drawn from CRST's October cover focus, "Refractive Cataract Roundtables." Dr. Starr reviews a practical approach to preoperative ocular surface optimization—key exam steps, stop-rules before biometry, and simple readiness markers. Dr. Shafer outlines his IOL decision framework, balancing spectacle independence and image quality, who is not a candidate for diffractive optics, and options for residual refractive error. Related perspectives appear in the October issue of CRST.

In this Best Practices in Keratoconus Management podcast episode, Brandon D. Ayres, MD, welcomes Tomas Navratil, PhD, to examine the crucial role of oxygen in corneal crosslinking. Dr. Navratil explains the underlying science of oxygen’s involvement in the crosslinking reaction and how varying oxygen levels can affect treatment efficacy. The discussion highlights emerging strategies and new technologies that aim to optimize oxygen delivery and enhance outcomes for patients with keratoconus.

In this podcast, Audrey Talley Rostov, MD, and Nandini Venkateswaran, MD, discuss the following topics to help you get started with SMILE: What is SMILE Why they prefer SMILE  How to get started with SMILE Common issues when getting started with SMILE: Centration, Identifying Surgical Planes, Difficult Dissections SMILE pre and post operative regimens  Where each doctor positions SMILE in their practice

Dagny Zhu, MD, joins Neda Nikpoor, MD, for a discussion on how a refractive surgeon can build an authentic, patient-facing brand on social media. They cover what actually drives consults—relatable education, selective personal storytelling, and platform fit—plus how to address anti-LASIK noise with evidence, handle trolls without grandstanding, and keep a sustainable cadence you’ll stick to.

Suphi Taneri, MD, FEBOS-CR; Radhika Rampat, MBBS, BSc(Hons), FRCOphth, CertLRS, FWCRS; Gilles Lesieur, MD; Paul Dupeyre, MSc; Ben LaHood, MBChB, PGDipOphth, PhD, FRANZCO, FWCRS; Aylin Kiliç, MDRecorded live at ESCRS 2025 in Copenhagen, this special edition of CRST: The Podcast, presented by Eyetube’s Meeting Coverage, features leading voices reflecting on the innovations and discussions shaping this year’s meeting. Topics highlighted include: Emerging presbyopia-correcting IOL technologies (Suphi Taneri, MD, FEBOS-CR); Sustainability in ophthalmology and unconscious gender bias (Radhika Rampat, MBBS, BSc[Hons], FRCOphth, CertLRS, FWCRS); Frameworks to simplify premium IOL selection (Gilles Lesieur, MD, and Paul Dupeyre, MSc); Strategies for toric IOL optimization (Ben LaHood, MBChB, PGDipOphth, PhD, FRANZCO, FWCRS); and Advances in tissue addition techniques (Aylin Kiliç, MD)

Neda Nikpoor, MD, sits down with Rupa K. Wong, MD, to unpack how an intentional, authentic brand can strengthen patient trust and fuel broader impact. Dr. Wong shares how speaking directly to her core audience (millennial parents) keeps education relatable, explains why blending personal and professional presence works in a small community, and shows how mentorship grew organically into larger initiatives such as the Pediatric Ophthalmology Mentorship Program through the AAO Leadership Development Program. 

Kevin Barber, MD, speaks with Cynthia Matossian, MD, and Sara O’Connor, MD, MPH, about strategies to address workforce shortages and training gaps in ophthalmic care. Dr. Matossian outlines the American College of Eye Technicians and its technician training model to expand career awareness and technical competency, and Dr. O’Connor describes ACE Global’s ophthalmic technician program in Honduras and a community health worker curriculum. Dr. Barber reviews distance surgical mentorship, a smartphone-to-microscope telementoring approach that supports ophthalmologists in low-resource settings as they transition to independent cataract surgery. Together, these initiatives illustrate a scalable, team-based pipeline to build capacity and reduce preventable blindness; related perspectives appear in CRST’s June 2025 “Bridging the Gap” issue. Related reading: "A Workforce Solution to Expand Access to Eye Care" "Scaling Surgical Mentorship Across Borders"

Building on their first discussion Neda Shamie, MD, revisits the topic with Tanya Trinh, MBBS, FRANZCO, FWCRS, shifting from recognition to implementation. The conversation covers building inclusive programs (diversifying panels and thoughtfully limiting repeat speakers to create space), engaging male allies and role models, applying blinded selection where feasible, and auditing outcomes.

In this episode, experts in administrative support join Brandon D. Ayres, MD, to discuss their role in facilitating patient treatment for keratoconus. Susan DeGroot, MBA, executive director at Vance Thompson Vision, and Vivian Cole, BA, director of administrative services at Horizon Eye Specialists, explain their approaches to bringing patients into their practices, securing approval for crosslinking treatment, coordinating with referring doctors, and more. Test Your Knowledge HERE

This special edition of CRST: The Podcast, recorded live at AECOS Europe 2025 in London, features six discussions from Eyetube’s Meeting Coverage. Topics include patient selection and long-term outcomes in presbyopia correction, advances in keratorefractive lenticule extraction, innovation in IOL customization, automated slit lamp imaging integration, solid-state laser technology, adjustable lens use in complex cases, and keratopigmentation techniques.

Neda Shamie, MD, sits down with George O. Waring IV, MD, FACS, for a conversation about his journey from academic medicine to founding the Waring Vision Institute in Charleston, South Carolina. They explore his philosophy toward refractive care, the origin and impact of the term dysfunctional lens syndrome, and how his practice uniquely blends research, surgical innovation, and patient-centered care.

Jai Parekh, MD, MBA, FAAO, chief commercial officer for Nordic Pharma Inc., and Phil Gioia, president of Nordic Pharma Inc., invite Darrell White, MD, to share his real-world experiences with LACRIFILL® Canalicular Gel.

In this episode, Drs. Waring and Chu share clinical insights and real-world experience from the first year of using the Teneo 317 excimer laser for correcting myopia and myopic astigmatism. As the first excimer platform to receive FDA approval in over 15 years, the Teneo 317 introduces modern performance to U.S. practices with its compact design, fast ablation speed, and intuitive user interface. The conversation covers key findings from the FDA clinical trial and early post-market use, including exceptional visual acuity outcomes, improved night vision, and high levels of patient satisfaction. Sponsored by Bausch + Lomb©2025 Bausch + Lomb  TEN.0014.USA.25