Since its founding in 1982, the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) has grown exponentially in size and influence, making it a powerful national advocate and primary source of clinical and scientific information and education for its members. It does, in fact, represent all things retina. Listen in as ASRS founders, Drs. Jerald Bovino, Roy Levit and Allen Verne, discuss their quest to create an open, egalitarian organization to serve the ongoing professional, educational and social needs of all fellowship-trained retina specialists. Through their sheer determination, courage and initiative, the Vitreous Society – later renamed the American Society of Retina Specialists -- was born.Learn more at www.retinahistory.asrs.org.About the History of RetinaThe History of Retina is brought to you by the Foundation of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) in an effort to preserve the history and heritage of retina for generations to come. Trace the journey of the specialty's dynamic evolution by exploring milestones in technology, instrumentation, and techniques and hearing first-hand accounts from retina pioneers whose innovative spirit and pivotal contributions laid the framework for the advanced sight-saving retinal care of today and the enormously promising treatments of tomorrow.

Daniel Martin, MD, FASRS, has focused much of his extraordinary career on the design and execution of clinical trials to evaluate new drugs and therapeutic strategies for retinal disease. He has been – and is still -- at the helm of some of the most influential retina research of our time. His contributions have not only guided treatment practices, but have built a framework on which future research will be undertaken. In this compelling discussion, Dr. Martin details his early work on transformative treatments for Cytomegalovirus (or CMV) retinitis associated with AIDS, his leadership of the groundbreaking CATT Trial and expansion of the DRCR Retina Network. He also shares the pivotal role of his mentors and how they shaped his own leadership philosophy that has guided the development of a world-class team at the Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic.Learn more at www.retinahistory.asrs.org.About the History of RetinaThe History of Retina is brought to you by the Foundation of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) in an effort to preserve the history and heritage of retina for generations to come. Trace the journey of the specialty's dynamic evolution by exploring milestones in technology, instrumentation, and techniques and hearing first-hand accounts from retina pioneers whose innovative spirit and pivotal contributions laid the framework for the advanced sight-saving retinal care of today and the enormously promising treatments of tomorrow.

Few people have thought as deeply about retina’s most perplexing questions as Richard Spaide, MD. He is a brilliant innovator and ‘retinal philosopher’ whose research and novel theories on the pathophysiology of retinal disorders have spawned nearly 400 peer-reviewed publications, including many of the most-cited and influential papers in the field. Listen in as Dr. Spaide discusses his professional journey, his proudest accomplishments and the inspiration behind many of his most notable papers.Learn more at www.retinahistory.asrs.org.About the History of RetinaThe History of Retina is brought to you by the Foundation of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) in an effort to preserve the history and heritage of retina for generations to come. Trace the journey of the specialty's dynamic evolution by exploring milestones in technology, instrumentation, and techniques and hearing first-hand accounts from retina pioneers whose innovative spirit and pivotal contributions laid the framework for the advanced sight-saving retinal care of today and the enormously promising treatments of tomorrow.

Beyond his operating room wizardry and passion for patient care, Donald J. D’Amico, MD, FASRS, is recognized for his gift of oratory which has made him a world-renowned lecturer, moderator and educator. In this compelling interview, Dr. D’Amico recounts fascinating stories of his early days in practice, including his experience operating with the Freeman/Schepens inversion table, and what he wants the next generation to know about those who led the way in the early days of retina.Learn more at www.retinahistory.asrs.org.About the History of RetinaThe History of Retina is brought to you by the Foundation of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) in an effort to preserve the history and heritage of retina for generations to come. Trace the journey of the specialty's dynamic evolution by exploring milestones in technology, instrumentation, and techniques and hearing first-hand accounts from retina pioneers whose innovative spirit and pivotal contributions laid the framework for the advanced sight-saving retinal care of today and the enormously promising treatments of tomorrow

A recognized pioneer in retinal imaging, Lawrence A. Yannuzzi, MD, is a revered practitioner and educator who has earned an international reputation for his keen observational skills, inquisitive mind and the ability to publish findings at lightning speed. In this Leaders & Legends interview, Dr. Yannuzzi shares interesting insights into his career, including ‘stalking’ his mentor, Dr. Donald Gass, during residency and his early involvement with fluorescein angiography. Listen as he discusses some of his most notable findings and publications, as well as the advent of the world-acclaimed, web-based Yannuzzi Rounds.Learn more at www.retinahistory.asrs.org.About the History of RetinaThe History of Retina is brought to you by the Foundation of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) in an effort to preserve the history and heritage of retina for generations to come. Trace the journey of the specialty's dynamic evolution by exploring milestones in technology, instrumentation, and techniques and hearing first-hand accounts from retina pioneers whose innovative spirit and pivotal contributions laid the framework for the advanced sight-saving retinal care of today and the enormously promising treatments of tomorrow

In this inspiring interview you’ll hear from the remarkable Carol L. Shields, MD, FASRS, a true pioneer in every sense of the word. Listen in as she recalls her childhood making house calls with her physician father, her years captaining Notre Dame’s first championship varsity women's basketball team, her induction into the Academic Hall of Fame, to her extraordinary personal and professional journey with husband Jerry. This world-renowned power duo has defined the field of ocular oncology and they are among the field’s most prolific, writers, lecturers and educators. Dr. Shields details her transformative work on treatment for blinding retinoblastoma and shares insights on the importance of teamwork and how she has managed to balance her demanding professional career while raising 7 children.Learn more at www.retinahistory.asrs.org.About the History of RetinaThe History of Retina is brought to you by the Foundation of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) in an effort to preserve the history and heritage of retina for generations to come. Trace the journey of the specialty's dynamic evolution by exploring milestones in technology, instrumentation, and techniques and hearing first-hand accounts from retina pioneers whose innovative spirit and pivotal contributions laid the framework for the advanced sight-saving retinal care of today and the enormously promising treatments of tomorrow

Retina pioneer and innovator Gary W. Abrams, MD, FASRS, discusses his inspiring professional journey spanning numerous groundbreaking advancements in the field, from the advent of the air pump and endolaser, to gas, silicone oil, perfluorocarbon liquid, vitrectomy and wide-angle viewing. Listen as he recalls his memorable job interview with Robert Machemer, MD, and the ‘Aaberg-Abrams’ years that built the Medical College of Wisconsin into a powerhouse of innovation in the 1980s.Learn more at www.retinahistory.asrs.org.About the History of RetinaThe History of Retina is brought to you by the Foundation of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) in an effort to preserve the history and heritage of retina for generations to come. Trace the journey of the specialty's dynamic evolution by exploring milestones in technology, instrumentation, and techniques and hearing first-hand accounts from retina pioneers whose innovative spirit and pivotal contributions laid the framework for the advanced sight-saving retinal care of today and the enormously promising treatments of tomorrow.

In 1971, Dr. Robert Machemer, Anton Banko and Jean-Marie Parel designed the vitreous infusion cutter (VISC), one of the first commercially available instruments to remove vitreous during a vitrectomy. Shortly thereafter, Mark Mandelcorn, MD, FRCSC, arrived at Bascom Palmer from Toronto and became Dr. Machemer’s first fellow, working directly alongside him and Bascom’s trailblazing faculty. In this interview, ASRS History of Retina Co-Chair Timothy G. Murray, MD, MBA, FASRS, talks with Dr. Mandelcorn as he recalls his experience in Miami during a time of exciting discoveries, and his return to Canada where he was the first to use the VISC, and later trained a generation of retinal surgeons to employ this revolutionary invention to help save vision across the country.‍Learn more at www.retinahistory.asrs.org.About the History of RetinaThe History of Retina is brought to you by the Foundation of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) in an effort to preserve the history and heritage of retina for generations to come. Trace the journey of the specialty's dynamic evolution by exploring milestones in technology, instrumentation, and techniques and hearing first-hand accounts from retina pioneers whose innovative spirit and pivotal contributions laid the framework for the advanced sight-saving retinal care of today and the enormously promising treatments of tomorrow.

A fascinating conversation with Dr. Harry Flynn who recounts his stellar career. A visionary surgeon who has introduced numerous innovations and new technologies to the operating room, he discusses the evolution of small-gauge surgery, his collaborations with the legendary Jean-Marie Parel, Ing. ETS-G, PhD, his love of research, working with residents and fellows and the coming of age of the ASRS.Learn more at www.retinahistory.asrs.org.About the History of RetinaThe History of Retina is brought to you by the Foundation of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) in an effort to preserve the history and heritage of retina for generations to come. Trace the journey of the specialty's dynamic evolution by exploring milestones in technology, instrumentation, and techniques and hearing first-hand accounts from retina pioneers whose innovative spirit and pivotal contributions laid the framework for the advanced sight-saving retinal care of today and the enormously promising treatments of tomorrow.

An extraordinary look back with George Williams, MD, FASRS, who discusses his experience during the Aaberg-Abrams era at the Medical College of Wisconsin, his groundbreaking exploration of pharmacological ways to manipulate the vitreous and the birth of retinal pharmacology. A staunch crusader on behalf of retina, Dr. Williams is a recognized health policy expert who shares interesting insights on the business of retina past and present.Learn more at www.retinahistory.asrs.org.About the History of RetinaThe History of Retina is brought to you by the Foundation of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) in an effort to preserve the history and heritage of retina for generations to come. Trace the journey of the specialty's dynamic evolution by exploring milestones in technology, instrumentation, and techniques and hearing first-hand accounts from retina pioneers whose innovative spirit and pivotal contributions laid the framework for the advanced sight-saving retinal care of today and the enormously promising treatments of tomorrow.

Audina Berrocal, MD, FASRS, is one of the world’s leading experts in the surgical management of retinopathy of prematurity and pediatric vitreoretinal disorders. She is also the youngest daughter of Jose Berrocal, MD, who was the first retina fellow at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in 1963 and went on to be the first retina surgeon in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. In this Leaders & Legends segment, Dr. Berrocal shares details about her extraordinary upbringing during which she and her sister Maria, also an internationally recognized retina surgeon, mingled with a who’s who of retina giants. She discusses her early pursuit of a career in politics before finding her true calling in retina where she has served as a powerful role model and mentor for women and minorities. Hear the story behind how she became the first retina specialist to treat a pediatric patient with anti-VEGF and the first to treat the youngest pediatric patient with the first FDA-approved gene therapy.Learn more at www.retinahistory.asrs.org.About the History of RetinaThe History of Retina is brought to you by the Foundation of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) in an effort to preserve the history and heritage of retina for generations to come. Trace the journey of the specialty's dynamic evolution by exploring milestones in technology, instrumentation, and techniques and hearing first-hand accounts from retina pioneers whose innovative spirit and pivotal contributions laid the framework for the advanced sight-saving retinal care of today and the enormously promising treatments of tomorrow.

Since vision issues and blindness were first diagnosed and documented, scientists have sought a cure. In this video, ASRS Foundation President Timothy G. Murray, MD, MBA, FASRS, talks with Mark S. Humayun, MD, PhD, an internationally recognized pioneer in vision restoration who assembled a multidisciplinary team of experts to develop the first FDA-approved artificial retina, Argus II, for sight restoration. Drs. Murray and Humayun discuss what inspired the invention of the artificial retina, the obstacles overcome in developing the prosthesis and what other sight-restoring breakthroughs may be on the horizon.Learn more at www.retinahistory.asrs.org.About the History of RetinaThe History of Retina is brought to you by the Foundation of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) in an effort to preserve the history and heritage of retina for generations to come. Trace the journey of the specialty's dynamic evolution by exploring milestones in technology, instrumentation, and techniques and hearing first-hand accounts from retina pioneers whose innovative spirit and pivotal contributions laid the framework for the advanced sight-saving retinal care of today and the enormously promising treatments of tomorrow.

History of Retina Co-director Kirk H. Packo, MD, FASRS, hosts an all-star panel of retina giants, who recount the coming of age of vitrectomy surgery. Listen in as Drs. Thomas Aaberg, Sr., Gary Abrams, Steve Charles, Gene de Juan, and Wayne Fung share their compelling first-hand accounts of vitrectomy from the early days of open sky and the Vail Vitrectomy Course through the monumental advances of the ‘Roaring 80’s’ to today’s era of advanced visualization and micro-incisional surgery.Learn more at www.retinahistory.asrs.org.About the History of RetinaThe History of Retina is brought to you by the Foundation of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) in an effort to preserve the history and heritage of retina for generations to come. Trace the journey of the specialty's dynamic evolution by exploring milestones in technology, instrumentation, and techniques and hearing first-hand accounts from retina pioneers whose innovative spirit and pivotal contributions laid the framework for the advanced sight-saving retinal care of today and the enormously promising treatments of tomorrow.

In this interview with one of retina’s true giants, Mike Trese, MD, details his remarkable 45-year career spearheading revolutionary developments in both pediatric and adult retina. He shares the challenges of navigating blinding diseases with the youngest and most vulnerable patients and the amazing advances that have increased the success rate for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) from 50% to 90%. He also touches on his strong desire to make a contribution to the field and to his patients that has spawned the development of key innovations in retinal instrumentation and surgery.Learn more at www.retinahistory.asrs.org.About the History of RetinaThe History of Retina is brought to you by the Foundation of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) in an effort to preserve the history and heritage of retina for generations to come. Trace the journey of the specialty's dynamic evolution by exploring milestones in technology, instrumentation, and techniques and hearing first-hand accounts from retina pioneers whose innovative spirit and pivotal contributions laid the framework for the advanced sight-saving retinal care of today and the enormously promising treatments of tomorrow.

An extraordinary conversation with Thomas Aaberg Sr., MD, FASRS, and son Thomas Aaberg Jr., MD, who share a rare look inside the early years in retina. Tom Aaberg Sr., discusses his remarkable career, early innovations that moved the needle, and his friendship and collaborations with Robert Machemer, MD. Tom Aaberg Jr., MD, adds his recollections from growing up with a ring-side seat during the early evolution of vitrectomy and the development of his own remarkable career in retina.Learn more at www.retinahistory.asrs.org.About the History of RetinaThe History of Retina is brought to you by the Foundation of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) in an effort to preserve the history and heritage of retina for generations to come. Trace the journey of the specialty's dynamic evolution by exploring milestones in technology, instrumentation, and techniques and hearing first-hand accounts from retina pioneers whose innovative spirit and pivotal contributions laid the framework for the advanced sight-saving retinal care of today and the enormously promising treatments of tomorrow.

Invention of the vitreous infusion suction cutter (VISC) for vitrectomy surgery revolutionized the field of retina in the 1970s. Now, more than 50 years later, the VISC remains central to every retinal surgeons armamentarium and no one is more surprised than the man behind its development -- Jean-Marie Parel, Ing.ETS-G, PhD, FARVO. In this extraordinary conversation, Dr. Parel traces his journey to the United States, discusses his introduction to Edward Norton, MD, his pivotal partnership with Robert Machemer, MD, and the development of numerous advances in instrumentation during a remarkable era of creativity and innovation at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami.  Learn more at www.retinahistory.asrs.org.About the History of RetinaThe History of Retina is brought to you by the Foundation of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) in an effort to preserve the history and heritage of retina for generations to come. Trace the journey of the specialty's dynamic evolution by exploring milestones in technology, instrumentation, and techniques and hearing first-hand accounts from retina pioneers whose innovative spirit and pivotal contributions laid the framework for the advanced sight-saving retinal care of today and the enormously promising treatments of tomorrow.

Few stories in our field are as unique as that of the Berrocal’s, a multigenerational retina tour de force. In this Leaders & Legends segment, Maria Berrocal, MD, FASRS, daughter of the late Jose Berrocal, MD, an internationally renowned retina pioneer who was the first retina surgeon in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, shares stories about her extraordinary upbringing during which she and her sister Audina, an internationally recognized retina surgeon in her own right, mingled with a who’s who of retina giants and witnessed the evolution of the field from scleral buckling to OCT and microincision surgery. She discusses her educational journey in the United States and her decisions to return to Puerto Rico to work alongside her father. Dr. Berrocal discusses her passion for innovating new techniques and surgical approaches to managing complex ocular disease. A highly respected researcher and educator, she has performed live surgery in more than 25 countries and has blazed a trail for women and minorities in ophthalmology.Learn more at www.retinahistory.asrs.org.About the History of RetinaThe History of Retina is brought to you by the Foundation of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) in an effort to preserve the history and heritage of retina for generations to come. Trace the journey of the specialty's dynamic evolution by exploring milestones in technology, instrumentation, and techniques and hearing first-hand accounts from retina pioneers whose innovative spirit and pivotal contributions laid the framework for the advanced sight-saving retinal care of today and the enormously promising treatments of tomorrow.

It would be hard to imagine retina surgery today without the contributions of Steve Charles, MD, FACS, FICS, FASRS . Over the course of his amazing career, he has amassed over 100 patents, introducing among other things, scissor segmentation, the linear vacuum, disposable cutters, retinectomy, the Ocutome 8000, and ‘medium term PFO.’ Listen as he discusses his love of engineering and medicine, his insatiable appetite for learning and passion for innovation that have revolutionized retina instrumentation and techniques.Learn more at www.retinahistory.asrs.org.About the History of RetinaThe History of Retina is brought to you by the Foundation of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) in an effort to preserve the history and heritage of retina for generations to come. Trace the journey of the specialty's dynamic evolution by exploring milestones in technology, instrumentation, and techniques and hearing first-hand accounts from retina pioneers whose innovative spirit and pivotal contributions laid the framework for the advanced sight-saving retinal care of today and the enormously promising treatments of tomorrow.

Julia Haller, MD, FASRS is a world-renowned retina surgeon and scientist who has innovated significant translational advances against blindness. She discusses her remarkable journey in academic and organized medicine, including being among the first to administer gene therapy and to inject anti-VEGF in a human eye. A trailblazer for women in retina, she reflects on her experiences in practice and as the first female president of the Vitreous Society (now ASRS) at the dawn of the anti-VEGF era.Learn more at www.retinahistory.asrs.org.About the History of RetinaThe History of Retina is brought to you by the Foundation of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) in an effort to preserve the history and heritage of retina for generations to come. Trace the journey of the specialty's dynamic evolution by exploring milestones in technology, instrumentation, and techniques and hearing first-hand accounts from retina pioneers whose innovative spirit and pivotal contributions laid the framework for the advanced sight-saving retinal care of today and the enormously promising treatments of tomorrow.

A truly fascinating discussion with Kirk H. Packo, MD, FACS, FASRS, an internationally renowned vitreoretinal surgeon whose unique creativity, intellect and story-telling abilities have made him a legendary teacher of retina. Listen as Dr. Packo reflects on his mentors, and his experience coming of age in retina during the ‘heyday’ of instrument development. He discusses his inventions and his pivotal role in the commercialization of intraocular gas. A past president and 18-year Board member of the ASRS, Dr. Packo is credited with transforming the small, meeting-based Vitreous Society into the ASRS of today, encompassing all things retina. He describes his deep commitment to the ASRS and offers his perspective on the most impactful developments in the field.Learn more at www.retinahistory.asrs.org.About the History of RetinaThe History of Retina is brought to you by the Foundation of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) in an effort to preserve the history and heritage of retina for generations to come. Trace the journey of the specialty's dynamic evolution by exploring milestones in technology, instrumentation, and techniques and hearing first-hand accounts from retina pioneers whose innovative spirit and pivotal contributions laid the framework for the advanced sight-saving retinal care of today and the enormously promising treatments of tomorrow.