ASRS's History of Retina

Join us for an extraordinary Milestones in Retina expert panel discussion detailing the discovery and evolution of a treatment that truly revolutionized the field of retina and the lives of patients around the world – virtually overnight. That therapy is, of course, anti-VEGF.It goes without saying that there is an army of researchers, clinicians, patients and industry representatives who contributed mightily to the success of this pivotal therapy. This new Milestones segment celebrates and shares the amazing story of innovation by tracking anti-VEGF’s miraculous discovery and the extraordinary therapeutic development that followed through the compelling first-hand accounts of a few highly notable experts, Drs. Joan Miller, Julia Haller, Jeffrey Heier and Jay Duker.Learn more at www.HistoryofRetina.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.

The History of Retina is pleased to share this Leaders & Legends interview featuring the extraordinary life and career of Mark Blumenkranz, MD.  Dr. Blumenkranz is the HU Smead Professor Emeritus and co-director of the Ophthalmic Innovation Program at the Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine. In addition, he serves as manager director of Lagunita Biosciences and is co-founder and president of the Collaborative Community on Ophthalmic Imaging Foundation.Mark has been an innovator of vitrectomy surgery techniques and clinical drug studies that have helped usher in the modern era of intravitreal surgical and drug therapy. He has published more than 175 papers in peer reviewed journals and multiple book chapters and patents.Mark started his retina career as a fellow and then faculty at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute until 1985 when he was recruited away to Associated Retina Consultants in Royal Oak, Michigan. There he served as Chief of the Vitreoretinal Surgery Service at the Kresge Eye Institute and was founder and director of the Retina Fellowship Program at William Beaumont Hospital. In 1992, Mark transitioned to Stanford University where he served in a variety of positions, culminating in his being named chair of the Department of Ophthalmology in 1997. And almost immediately he began working on the planning, funding, and construction of the Byers Eye Institute of which he would become director. Learn more at www.HistoryofRetina.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.

Emily Y. Chew, MD, is director of the Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications and deputy clinical director of the National Eye Institute (NEI). She is also a senior investigator and Chief of the NEI’s Clinical Trials Branch. In this Leaders & Legends interview Dr. Chew shares fascinating experiences and perspectives from her extraordinary life and career. Born in Canton, China, Dr. Chew is a first-generation American, who has blazed a trail for women in the field while building a stellar career at one of the world’s leading health agencies. She  has worked on some of retina’s most pivotal multi-centered clinical trials, including the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study. In addition, she chaired the Age-Related Eye Disease Studies – (AREDS 1 and 2), and she directs the clinical portion of the international Macular Telangiectasia Project. She works with renowned experts across the globe and her groundbreaking research has changed the treatment paradigm and improved the lives of patients around the world. Learn more at www.HistoryofRetina.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.

Unlike most kids, Eugene de Juan, Jr., preferred his toys broken. Fascinated by his ophthalmologist father’s many gadgets and his grandfather’s workshop, Gene discovered his passion for fixing things at an early age. He went on to complete his ophthalmology and vitreoretinal training at world-class institutions including the Johns Hopkins University’s Wilmer Eye Institute and Duke University, and later channeled his medical expertise into his passion for innovation.Today, when we talk about pivotal innovators in retina, Dr. de Juan’s name is certainly always at the top of the list. He is the inventor or co-inventor of nearly 100 products, and holds nearly 450 US patents and patents pending. Among his many discoveries is what we know as the transconjunctival approach to 25-gauge vitrectomy, a discovery that revolutionized retinal surgery. In 2005, Dr. de Juan established ForSight Labs, a serial ophthalmic company incubator that has helped develop more than a dozen companies. Listen in as he shares fascinating stories and insights from his truly remarkable career. Learn more at www.HistoryofRetina.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.

Leaders & Legends is pleased to share an interview with a true dynamic duo in retina: Drs. Susan and Neil Bressler.  Susan and Neil’s personal and professional partnership started in their early days at John Hopkins medical school and, with thoughtful intention, they set out to build their life and careers together. They both pursued ophthalmology residency and medical retina fellowships at Harvard Medical School’s Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, followed by duo surgical fellowships at Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins. They joined the faculty at Wilmer in 1988 where they remain today. Both Susan and Neil share a deep interest in clinical trials. He has authored over 470 peer-reviewed publications and chaired multiple NIH-sponsored multicentered clinical trials. Susan has published over 250 peer-reviewed articles and 61 book chaptersTheirs is a truly a remarkable story of two stellar careers that make up one powerhouse partnership that has made an indelible mark on the field through enormous contributions to research, education and patient care. Learn more at www.HistoryofRetina.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.

Dr. Yale Fisher has had an undeniable impact on the field of retina. He led the way in the development of new techniques and instruments in the field, particularly in ultrasonography and vitreoretinal surgery. His pioneering work in ocular endoscopy has expanded the boundaries of what is possible in the field and he has shared his expertise extensively with audiences both nationally and internationally. Listen in as Dr. Fisher recalls the early 1970s, a time of extraordinary innovation in retina, and his important collaborations with world-renowned vitreoretinal surgeon and innovator Dr. Steve Charles. He shares details about his remarkable friendship with Victor Curtin, MD, as well as an unintentional encounter with a New York Times reporter in 1979 that raised the visibility of the extraordinary work of retinal surgeons.Learn more at www.HistoryofRetina.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.

Dr. Stuart L. Fine is world-renowned for his leadership in ophthalmology education, research, and patient care. A pioneering investigator, Dr. Fine helped shape the field of retina through his leadership of numerous National Eye Institute (NEI)-supported, multi-centered clinical trials to evaluate new and existing treatments for retinal disease. Among the many pivotal trials he chaired are the Macular Photocoagulation Study and the Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study. He also vice chaired the NEI-sponsored Comparison of Age-related Macular Degeneration Treatment Trials (CATT). He has received many of the field's highest honors but will tell you that he is most proud of his mentorship of two generations of medical students and house staff, many of whom have become national and international leaders in academic ophthalmology.Learn more at www.HistoryofRetina.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 episode, the History of Retina welcomes retina leader and legend, Morton F. Goldberg, MD, who shares stories from his extraordinary career. Listen in as he recalls co-hosting the 1968 Arlie House Symposium on the Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy with colleague Stuart Fine, MD. This groundbreaking international meeting of the world’s experts on diabetic retinopathy led to a major revolution in care for patients with the disease that had previously led to irreversible blindness. The Symposium spurred the creation and implementation of a new standardized classification of the disease and the first major, collaborative, prospective clinical trial in ophthalmology, the Diabetic Retinopathy Study.Learn more at www.HistoryofRetina.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 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.