Ophthalmologist and vision science researcher Dr. Brian Ballios provides an overview of stem cell therapies for inherited retinal diseases, including Retinitis Pigmentosa. Dr. Ballios further discusses the importance of genetic testing, highlighting that knowledge of a patient’s underlying mutation is often required to access clinical trials and approved therapies. About the guest: Dr. Brian G. Ballios, MD, PhD, FRCSCAssistant Professor, Department of Ophthalmology and Vision SciencesThe J. Ardeth Hill – Fighting Blindness Canada Professor in Ocular Genetics ResearchAcquired and Inherited Diseases of the Retina, Vitreous and Choroid Dr. Ballios is a fellowship-trained clinician scientist, with a focus on medical …

Stem Cell Therapies, Retinitis Pigmentosa, and Pathways Of Care In Ophthalmology – Dr. Brian Ballios Read more »

In this episode, Ophthalmology and visual science researcher Dr. Yves Sauvé gives an overview of how vision works in the eye and in the brain, highlighting normal and pathological changes in these structures that can alter the visual experience. Dr. Sauvé further describes modifiable lifestyle factors that can influence vision as we age, as well as various related topics that he covers in depth in his book, Feeling the Meaning Of Life. About the guest: Dr. Sauvé is a recently retired neurophysiologist from the University of Alberta. He authored 97 peer-reviewed papers on vision, developed and taught sensory physiology …

How The Retina Changes With Age and What You Can Do About It – Dr. Yves Sauvé Read more »

In this episode, Dr. Carlos Quezada Ruiz describes the evolution and challenges of clinical trials from his unique perspective as an active retina specialist who also oversees modules of some of the world’s most impactful clinical trials in Ophthalmology in his role as Senior Medical Director at Genentech. Dr. Quezada Ruiz further highlights the importance of a patient-centric approach for everyone working in the field of Ophthalmology, including industry professionals, basic scientists, and clinicians. About the guest: CARLOS QUEZADA-RUIZ, M.D., F.A.S.R.S.Senior Medical Director, Clinical Science Ophthalmology Carlos Quezada-Ruiz, M.D. is a Senior Medical Director on Genentech’s Ophthalmology Clinical Science …

Clinical Trials In Ophthalmology: One Doctor’s Unique Perspective – Dr. Carlos Quezada Ruiz Read more »

For this episode, Bruno was joined by Dr. Rubens Belfort as a guest editor to have a candid conversation with Dr. Arun Singh. Dr. Singh has more than 250 articles published in peer reviewed journals. He is the editor of British Journal of Ophthalmology, and a manuscript reviewer for 14 national and international journals. We dove into the intricacies of scientific publications, discussing what works, and what can be improved. About the guest: Arun D. Singh, MD is the director of the Department of Ophthalmic Oncology in the Cole Eye Institute at Cleveland Clinic. He is well-published researcher with …

An Insider Perspective Into the World of Scientific Publishing – Dr. Arun Singh Read more »

In this episode, Dr. Allan Slomovic provides a high level overview of current and emerging therapies for corneal and ocular surface diseases. Dr. Slomovic further shares stories of mentorship and philanthropy, as well as a very personal experience with COVID-19 as a patient himself. About the guest: Dr. Slomovic is the University Health Network Marta and Owen Boris Endowed Chair in Cornea and Stem Cell Research, as well as Research Director of the Cornea/External Disease Service at Toronto Western Hospital. He is the past President of the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) and past Chair of CPD and the Canadian …

Cornea and External Disease, the Importance of Great Mentors and Giving Back – Dr. Allan Slomovic Read more »

Dr. Sukhai shares his journey from congenitally blind newborn to visually impaired biomedical researcher with a deep passion for science and inclusion. Dr. Sukhai further highlights recent research data surrounding the impact of COVID-19 on people with low vision. 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 Blind), having previously served as a researcher at the University Health Network in Toronto. Dr. Sukhai also holds an adjunct faculty appointment in the Department of …

COVID-19 and The Low Vision Community: Perspectives Of A Congenitally Blind Researcher – Dr. Mahadeo Sukhai Read more »

Tom Brunner, President and CEO of Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF), shares the history of ophthalmic laser technology and how he ended up leading a global organization dedicated to funding promising Glaucoma research. Tom further provides a detailed overview of Glaucoma onset and progression, highlighting risk factors and the importance of early diagnosis. Some of the most significant clinical trials in Glaucoma in recent decades—funded by GRF—are also discussed. Nine Years of Innovation Catalyst for a Cure Report Glaucoma Research Foundation learn more and donate About the guest: Tom Brunner joined Glaucoma Research Foundation in 2003 after a successful 30-year …

How the Glaucoma Research Foundation Has Impacted Patient Care For More Than Four Decades – Tom Brunner Read more »

Mike May is the Chief Evangelist at Goodmaps, founder of the Sendero group, a paralympic World Record holder in downhill skiing, and a serial entrepreneur who regained some vision after 43 years of blindness thanks to a novel corneal stem cell therapy. Mike discusses the impact of regaining some vision, highlighting the need for a diverse skill set to thrive in business, sports and life. About the guest: Mike May is Chief Evangelist for Good Maps, Inc., a pedestrian navigation company with an emphasis on accessible navigation for people who are blind or visually impaired including indoor navigation. He …

Corneal Stem Cell Treatment, Paralympic Skiing and Blindness VS Low Vision – Mike May Read more »

In this episode, Jim Thoune describes his journey from a young boy who lost his vision due to Retinoblastoma to becoming a world class blind chess competitor. Jim discusses highlights from his career, how parents can help their blind children succeed, his passion for scuba diving, and much more. About the guest: Not a blind man, but a man who happens to be blind as well as five feet 8 inches tall, with gray-white, curly hair and a medium build. Totally blind since age 5 due to Retinoblastoma, I am a 71-year-old retired Government employee, where I divided my …

Blind Chess: Stories From Three Time US Champion Jim Thoune Read more »

In this episode, Surgical and Medical Retina Specialist Dr. Charles Wykoff gives a detailed overview of Diabetic Retinopathy, with a particular focus on the importance of screening and early diagnosis to prevent blindness. Dr. Wykoff further discusses current treatments and therapies, his group’s latest research findings, and how technology is changing the landscape for Diabetic Retinopathy and other ophthalmic diseases. About the guest: Dr. Wykoff is Director of Research at Retina Consultants of Texas; Chairman of Research & Clinical Trials, Retina Consultants of America; and Deputy Chair of Ophthalmology for Blanton Eye Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital. He received his …

Diabetic Retinopathy: Causes, Risk Factors, Treatment, and The Importance Of Early Diagnosis – Dr. Charles Wykoff Read more »