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Today’s EHRs can create click fatigue, notebloat, and disconnected workflows, but what would it take to build an EHR designed for the AI era from the ground up? In this episode of the OIS Podcast, host Firas Rahhal, MD speaks with retina specialist Dr. Andy Gonzalez, joined by Dr. Kevin Talbot, about the challenges of legacy EHR systems and his work building Retinex. They discuss what an AI-native EHR could look like, from FHIR-first data and interoperability to prior authorization, billing, and a more seamless clinical workflow for eye care practices.   In this episode, learn about: 🔹 Why legacy EHR systems create technical debt, click fatigue, and notebloat 🔹 Retinex’s approach to building an AI-native EHR and what clinicians actually need from their technology 🔹 Why interoperability and structured clinical data are critical to creating more connected workflows 🔹 How prior authorization, payer contracts, billing, and other administrative challenges could be integrated into the EHR 🔹 What’s next for Retinex, including its pilot rollout, MVP development, and plans for continued clinician-driven innovation

Inherited retinal diseases can profoundly affect a child’s vision and development, yet there are no approved drug treatments for most of these conditions in children. In this episode of Eye on Innovation, host Carey Powers speaks with Carmen Carrichio, CEO and founder of RareSight, about why pediatric inherited retinal diseases have historically received less attention and investment than adult diseases — and how advances in genetic testing and clinical assessment are beginning to change that. In this episode, learn about:  Why treatments developed for adults cannot simply be applied to childrenWhere gene therapy may fit into the future of careRareSight’s approach to developing treatments designed to remain in the eye longerHow these treatments will change the trajectory of a child’s life  RESOURCES:  Carey Powers: Carey Powers, MBA | Ophthalmology Innovation Source

Firas Rahhal, M.D., partner of ExSight Ventures and Retina Vitreous Associates Medical Group, and Scott Usiak, co-founder of ExSight Ventures, join host Carey Powers on the Eye on Innovation podcast to discuss their new venture, ExSight Catalyst. They dive into the services they provide to investors and colleagues, how they're filling a gap that a fund alone cannot fulfill, and what a client walks away with from their experience at Catalyst.    In this episode, learn about:   How compliance, risk, and operations from a global financial institution translate into advising early-stage ophthalmic innovators Conducting due diligence on companies how that’s helped with Catalyst What to expect from Catalyst in the next year The importance of being a doer and operator for an enterprise

PANELIST (TITLE and AFFILIATION):   Richard L. Beckman, M.D., Principal, RLB, M.D. Consulting, LLC Malvina Eydelman, M.D., CEO, The Collaborative Community on Ophthalmic Innovation MODERATOR: Barbara Wirostko, M.D., FARVO, CMO and Co-Founder, Qlaris Bio  Description: How should you design your first-in-human study? Richard L. Beckman, M.D., principal of RLB, M.D. Consulting, LLC, and Malvina Eydelman, M.D., CEO of the Collaborative Community on Ophthalmic Innovation, sit down on a panel at OIS Ignite 2025, moderated by Barbara Wirostko, M.D., FARVO, CMO and co-founder, Qlaris Bio, to discuss what goes into designing first-in-human studies, including the preclinical work, the right people to advise you, and considering the population and patients. Also, stay tuned for updates on the next OIS Ignite, taking place on March 2027!    In this episode, learn about:   How the FDA can help and if it’s ever “too early” to reach out to them The FDA’s perspective  Establishing a target product profile If a DSMB is recommended for trials   RESOURCES:     Barbara Wirostko: https://ois.net/barbara-wirostko-md-farvo/   Richard L. Beckman: https://ois.net/richard-rick-l-beckman-md/   Malvina Eydelman: https://ois.net/malvina-eydelman/

Gordon Bethwaite, head of marketing of eye care at Viatris, joins the Eye on Innovation podcast with host Carey Powers, M.B.A. to discuss Viatris’ footprint and impact on ophthalmology on a global scale. Bethwaite shares details on the company’s overall strategic vision for eye care, their fifth anniversary, and how it handles the “noisy category” that is dry eye.   In this episode, learn about:  Viatris’ acquisitions and license agreements with different companiesWhat Tyrvaya brings to the table for clinicians and patientsHow Viatris is tackling unmet marketsWhat innovation means to Viatris in the context of ophthalmology  RESOURCES:  Carey Powers: https://ois.net/carey-powers/       Gordon Bethwaite: https://ois.net/gordon-bethwaite/

Rakhi Melvani, M.D., board-certified cornea and cataract and refractive surgeon at Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute, joins the Eye on Innovation podcast with host Carey Powers, M.B.A. to discuss innovative corneal treatments and how they’re changing the way patients receive treatment. Their conversation explores the FDA approval of Epioxa, an epithelium-on corneal collagen cross-linking therapy to treat progressive keratoconus, as well as refractive surgery and dry eye therapies.     In this episode, learn about:   Ray tracing-based customization technology and how it’s different from Lasik Collagen mimetic peptides and how they work ST100 and the patients that would benefit from it   RESOURCES:   Carey Powers: https://ois.net/carey-powers/

Ehsan Sadri, M.D., CEO and founder of Visionary Eye Institute, joins the Eye on Innovation podcast to discuss the advancements of interventional glaucoma. With host Carey Powers, their conversation delves into how Sadri has changed patient care and management, the advancements he’s most excited for, and his thoughts on those who have yet to adopt interventional glaucoma as a practice mainstay.    In this episode, learn about:   The burden of drops on practices The characteristics to look for when choosing a minimally invasive procedure Metrics to evaluate success for interventional glaucoma procedures How patient education has evolved How interventional glaucoma procedures contribute positively toward patient adherence and engagement   RESOURCES:   Carey Powers: https://ois.net/carey-powers/      Dr. Ehsan Sadri: https://ois.net/ehsan-sadri-md/

Peter Michael Benz, Ph.D., joins The Rob & Jai Show, an edition of the OIS podcast, to discuss Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH’s ambitious goals for the ophthalmology field, particularly on glaucoma, and the reasons behind the company’s partnership with Ravana Therapeutics, as well as offer advice on what makes for a good partnership.  In this episode of the OIS podcast, learn about:   Boehringer emerging from stealth mode for eye health projects  Their plans for their investments in the U.S. Why it was so important for Boehringer to partner up with Ravana What makes a good partnership RESOURCES:   Dr. Rob Rothman: https://ois.net/robert-rothman-md/  Dr. Jai Parekh: https://ois.net/jai-g-parekh-md-mba/  Dr. Peter Michael Benz: https://ois.net/peter-michael-benz-phd/

Malvina Eydelman, M.D., CEO of The Collaborative Community on Ophthalmic Innovation (CCOI), joins The Rob & Jai Show, an edition of the OIS podcast, to discuss what innovation in the industry looks like in the next 30 years—and if we’re hitting a saturation mark. Plus, a deep dive into Eydelman’s career in the FDA, her current role at the CCOI, and a big announcement of her next initiative.    In this episode of the OIS podcast, learn about:   Eydelman’s time at the FDA and the many hats she wore The goal and plans of the CCOI The role of AI in digital management and getting more patients into the system Details about Eydelman’s next big initiative   RESOURCES:   Dr. Rob Rothman: https://ois.net/robert-rothman-md/  Dr. Jai Parekh: https://ois.net/jai-g-parekh-md-mba/   Dr. Malvina Eydelman: https://ois.net/malvina-eydelman/

Adrienne Graves, Ph.D. returns, this time on The Rob & Jai Show, an edition of the OIS podcast. As a trailblazer of the industry, Dr. Graves shares her insights and lessons learned as a CEO and board member of several companies. She also discusses getting treatment to areas around the world that need it the most, how AI will affect and continue to impact eyecare and healthcare at large, and utilizing ophthalmic data for systemic disease diagnosis and management.    In this episode of the OIS podcast, learn about:   Getting affordable and accessible ophthalmological therapies across the world The differences between being a CEO and a board member The impact of AI on eyecare and how it applies to practices The next hot topic of ophthalmology   RESOURCES:   Dr. Rob Rothman: https://ois.net/robert-rothman-md/  Dr. Jai Parekh: https://ois.net/jai-g-parekh-md-mba/   Adrienne Graves, Ph.D.: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriennegraves

Theresa Heah, M.D., MBA, co-founder, vice-chair, and CEO of Eyexora, speaks with host Carey Powers at this year’s Ophthalmology Innovation Summit about her company’s fresh approach to building an ophthalmology company that centralizes R&D, clinical, regulatory, and commercial expertise into a “one-stop shop.” Heah delves into the advantages of the hub and spoke model and how it will help overcome the gaps in the eye care landscape, as well as their plans to expand to the UK.  In this episode of the OIS podcast, learn about:   · Eyexora’s mission as a unique hub and spoke company dedicated to accelerating clinical innovation  ·  The barriers in the ophthalmology field and how Eyexora’s approach will help overcome them  ·  The advantages of building relationships on a global scale  ·  Milestones and scientific areas to look out for in 2026  RESOURCES:   Carey Powers: https://ois.net/carey-powers/   Theresa Heah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresaheah   Eyexora: https://eyexora.com/

Grace Ambrose-Zaken, Ph.D., president and CEO of Safe Toddles, speaks with host Robert Rothman about her mission to create a safer, easier-to-navigate world for children—perhaps one of the most underserved patients in eye care. Dr. Ambrose-Zaken discusses her breakthrough invention, the Pediatric Belt Cane, and how it transformed early mobility for blind children.    In this episode of the OIS podcast, learn about:   Why we need to have empathy and understanding for the visually impaired, especially children The advantages of the belt cane over the white cane The impediments of getting the belt cane to patients How to support the visually impaired and Safe Toddles’ mission

What are the key qualities to being effective teammates? David Esposito, President and CEO of ONL Therapeutics, and Connie Chang, Chief Operating Officer of ONL Therapeutics, chat with host James Murray on the importance and value of transparency, trustworthiness, vulnerability, and candor amongst leadership to establish a strong company foundation. In this episode of the OIS podcast, learn about: Handling the little problems before they become big problemsThe ability to execute big ideas effectively and efficientlyBuilding trust between companies, investors, and all other partiesNavigating the challenges of scaling

At this year’s Retina Innovation Summit, industry experts and leaders gathered in a two-part discussion on investment trends, regulatory environment and FDA changes, emerging therapies in ophthalmology, and more. Panelists include: Laura Feinleib, Managing Director at Redmile Group; Derrick Li, Chief Strategy Officer at ODC Life Sciences; Cameron Taylor, Managing Director at BofA Securities | Life Sciences; Wayne Caulder, Vice President & General Manager of Surgical (U.S. & Canada) at Bausch + Lomb; Paul Hallen, Vice President & Distinguished Fellow at Alcon; Nida Sen, MD, VP, Ophthalmology Strategy & Development Head at Sanofi; and Julian Smith, General Manager Portfolio Commercial Strategy - Eye Care at AbbVie. In this panel learn about: 🔹Investment trends in public and private markets 🔹Regenerative therapies, such as gene therapy and cell therapy 🔹The impact of patient and therapy adoption challenges—and how to navigate them 🔹Advice for entrepreneurs and start-ups on the best key strategies on driving partnership interest and networking

Join Dr. Robert Rothman as he talks with Rajan Shukla about his journey from a family legacy in ophthalmology to pioneering new treatments for anterior segment diseases. Rajan shares how Vital Tears is making serum tears accessible nationwide and how Bright Star Therapeutics is developing innovative therapies like BrightMEM™ to transform ocular surface care. In this episode, learn about: The story behind Vital Tears and Bright Star TherapeuticsBrightMEM™ and its impact on treating limbal stem cell deficiencyThe future of ocular surface and retinal therapiesHear how innovation is shaping the future of eye care.