In this episode, Dr. Jacque Duncan provides an overview of how The Foundation Fighting Blindness is funding critical research that could impact millions of patients with inherited and degenerative retinal diseases. Dr. Duncan further describes her research focus which aims to preserve vision and stimulate visual function. About the guest: Jacque L. Duncan, M.D., Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology and Interim Chair, Department of Ophthalmmology, is the director of the Retinal Degenerations Clinic at the University of California, San Francisco. She graduated with distinction and honors from Stanford University, then spent a year doing research at the University of Colorado …

How The Foundation Fighting Blindness Is Accelerating Research and Therapies For Blinding Retinal Diseases – Dr. Jacque Duncan Read more »

In this episode, Ophthalmologist Dr. Allen Roth gives an overview of corneal disease management and how these practices have changed in recent years. Dr. Roth also discusses his role as President of The Cleveland Eye Bank Foundation, highlighting cutting-edge research supported by the Foundation and explaining how the community can get involved. About the guest: Native to Northeast Ohio, Allen Roth, M.D., FACS, returned to Cleveland in 1988 following his fellowship at Tulane University. After 12 years of private practice, Dr. Roth joined Cleveland Clinic’s Eye Institute in January 1999, which soon after became the Cole Eye Institute. He …

The Evolution Of Managing Corneal Diseases, The Cleveland Eye Bank Foundation, and More – Dr. Allen Roth Read more »

Uncorrected refractive errors (i.e. myopia) represents almost half of the 2.2 billion people who are visually impaired worldwide. Dr. Cummings believes one of the best ways to address the problem is through refractive surgery. He founded The College of Refractive Surgery with the goal of helping more doctors, and bring the benefits of refractive surgery to more people. Dr. Arthur Cummings is Consultant Eye Surgeon at the Wellington Eye Clinic and Consultant Ophthalmologist at the Beacon Hospital. He has vast experience in LASIK and refractive and cataract surgery and is an internationally acclaimed expert on laser eye surgery, keratoconus, …

The Global Issue of Refractive Error – Dr. Arthur Cummings Read more »

Mr. Stenvers works as a CEO at the Eye Care Foundation while also working for the International Council of Museums, advising at UNESCO World Heritage and teaching at the Amsterdam University of the Arts and the Presidential program for Ministers of RANEPA in Russia. In this episode, we discuss how those seemingly distant roles are actually somehow related, and the skills he acquired during the years are being used to help the +200 million people with visual disabilities in developing countries. About the guest: Björn is CEO of the Eye Care Foundation. He combines this role with his many …

A Renaissance man on a mission to fight blindness – Björn Stenvers Read more »

As the president and CEO of the American Foundation for the Blind, Dr. Kirk Adams is a leader in the field of blindness and is committed to pursuing strategic relationships with peers, policymakers, employers, and other influencers to create a more inclusive and accessible world for the more than 20 million Americans with vision loss. About the guest: Kirk Adams Ph.D. President and CEO American Foundation for the Blind As president and chief executive officer of the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), Kirk Adams is a longtime champion of people who are blind or visually impaired and is …

Helping the visually impaired join the workforce – Kirk Adams Read more »

In this episode, Dr. Joel Schuman gives a detailed overview of how a team of collaborators from diverse academic backgrounds developed Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), a technology that was a leap forward in the field of Ophthalmology. Dr. Schuman further explores how curiosity lies at the center of his motivation to continue discovering and innovating even after co-developing a breakthrough medical technology. About the guest: Dr. Schuman was named Elaine Langone Professor and Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Ophthalmology at NYU Langone Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, in 2020. In 2016, he was appointed Professor …

Inventing Optical Coherence Tomography: A Story Of Curiosity and Collaboration – Dr. Joel Schuman Read more »

In this episode, Dr. David Pyott shares insights and lessons learned as the former Chairman of the Board and CEO of Allergan. David further details the genesis of The Ophthalmology Foundation, highlighting the importance of education and maintaining a global perspective in order to improve eye care and advance the preservation and restoration of vision for all. About the guest: David E.I. Pyott, CBE, MD (Hon.) OstJProfessional Director, Private Investor & PhilanthropistPresident of Ophthalmology FoundationFormer Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Allergan Inc. During his 17 year tenure, Allergan Inc. was transformed from a small eye care …

The Ophthalmology Foundation: Educating a Global Community Of Leaders and Eye Care Professionals – Dr. David Pyott Read more »

Lex Gillette, five-time Paralympian and 2020 Tokyo silver medalist in long jump, shares his experience from a young boy with sudden vision loss to world-class athlete. Lex gives an overview of his training, the importance of having the right mindset, and how anybody with a vision can do more than most dream is possible. About the guest: Lex Gillette is a globally recognized Paralympic track and field athlete for Team USA. Competing primarily in the long jump, Lex has amassed five Paralympic medals, four world championships, and he is the current world record holder in the event. He is …

No Need For Sight When You Have a Vision – Lex Gillette Read more »

Jay Newman, Head of U.S. Commercial at Spark Therapeutics provides a detailed overview of gene therapy for inherited retinal disease. Jay discusses the challenges associated with gaining regulatory approval and how this approval has impacted the company and the low vision community at large. About the guest: Jay Newman General Manager & Head of US Commercial Jay Newman has over 30 years of commercial experience in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. He currently leads all aspects of Spark Therapeutics US Commercial business. As Spark’s Head of US Market Access, Jay envisioned, developed, and directed the execution of Spark’s innovative …

Spark Therapeutics: Gene Therapy For Inherited Retinal Disease – Jay Newman Read more »

Dr. Mahadeo Sukhai shares his experience as a visually impaired student who was fast tracked through high school and entered university at age 15, highlighting the numerous challenges and the benefit of a growth mindset. Dr. Sukhai further describes new initiatives in low vision research and shares advice for people who are striving for success in life and work while dealing with a visual impairment. About the guest: Dr. Mahadeo Sukhai is the world’s first congenitally blind biomedical research scientist. Mahadeo is Director of Research and Chief Inclusion and Accessibility Officer for the CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the …

Low Vision, Building a Successful Career, and The Evolution Of Adaptive Technologies – Dr. Mahadeo Sukhai Read more »