On this episode of the JVRD Author’s Forum podcast, retina specialist Miguel A. Busquets, MD, FACS, FASRS, discusses the article, “A Comparative Time-Based Profit Analysis of Retinal and Cataract Surgery in Ambulatory Surgery Centers,” published in the Journal of VitreoRetinal Diseases.

Host Dr. Timothy Murray speaks with Dr. Busquets about the study’s examination of the financial dynamics of retinal and cataract surgery in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) and how those economics may contribute to growing challenges in accessing operating room time for urgent retinal procedures. The study used time-driven activity-based costing to compare reimbursement, costs, operative time, and profitability for more than 18,000 retinal surgeries and 880,000 cataract surgeries performed from 2021 through 2024.

The discussion explores the study’s finding that although retinal surgery generates greater reimbursement and profit on a per-case basis, its substantially longer operative time results in much lower profitability per minute than cataract surgery. Dr. Busquets discusses how these financial pressures may influence ASC scheduling decisions, potentially contributing to delays in access to sight-saving retinal surgery, as well as the need for reimbursement approaches that better account for surgical time, complexity, and urgency.

For more information, visit www.ASRS.org/JVRDForum.

Welcome to ASRS’s Journal of Vitreoretinal Diseases (JVRD) Author’s Forum. As the official peer-reviewed scientific journal of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS), JVRD delivers rigorous, clinically meaningful research that informs and advances retina care worldwide. Join Editor-in-Chief Dr. Timothy Murray as he engages leading investigators in thoughtful discussions about the latest studies published in JVRD — highlighting practical insights, clinical pearls, and the real-world impact of emerging innovations in our field.

On this episode of the JVRD Author’s Forum podcast, retina specialist Hong-Uyen Hua, MD, discusses the article, “A Newborn With Down-Klinefelter Syndrome and Bilateral Congenital Cataracts Harboring a Novel MAPKAPK3 Mutation,” published in the Journal of VitreoRetinal Diseases.

Host Dr. Timothy Murray speaks with Dr. Hua about the rare case of a 2-month-old infant with genetically confirmed Down-Klinefelter syndrome who presented with bilateral congenital posterior polar cataracts and was also found to have a novel MAPKAPK3 mutation. The discussion highlights the importance of early recognition of an abnormal red reflex, prompt referral, and comprehensive evaluation of both the lens and retina in infants with congenital cataracts.

Dr. Hua also discusses the role of genetic testing in children with atypical presentations and why an established chromosomal diagnosis should not preclude further genetic evaluation. The conversation explores surgical management of bilateral congenital cataracts, considerations surrounding intraocular lens implantation in infants, and the importance of multidisciplinary care and long-term follow-up for these patients.

For more information, visit www.ASRS.org/JVRDForum.

Welcome to ASRS’s Journal of Vitreoretinal Diseases (JVRD) Author’s Forum. As the official peer-reviewed scientific journal of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS), JVRD delivers rigorous, clinically meaningful research that informs and advances retina care worldwide. Join Editor-in-Chief Dr. Timothy Murray as he engages leading investigators in thoughtful discussions about the latest studies published in JVRD — highlighting practical insights, clinical pearls, and the real-world impact of emerging innovations in our field.

On this episode of the JVRD Author’s Forum podcast, retina specialist Karen Wai, MD, discusses the article, “Recurrent Macular Edema Associated With Belzutifan Therapy for Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma,” published in the Journal of VitreoRetinal Diseases.

Host Dr. Timothy Murray speaks with Dr. Wai about a case of recurrent cystoid macular edema in a patient receiving belzutifan for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. After developing blurred vision and macular edema shortly after beginning therapy, the patient experienced improvement following discontinuation of the drug. When belzutifan was restarted at a lower dose, the macular edema recurred, further supporting a potential association between the medication and the ocular findings.

The discussion explores the challenges of identifying ocular side effects associated with newer cancer therapies and the importance of collaboration among patients, oncologists, and retina specialists when balancing cancer treatment with vision-related concerns. Dr. Wai also discusses dose reduction as a potential strategy for managing ocular side effects and the need for greater awareness as belzutifan is used more widely.

For more information, visit www.ASRS.org/JVRDForum.

Welcome to ASRS’s Journal of Vitreoretinal Diseases (JVRD) Author’s Forum. As the official peer-reviewed scientific journal of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS), JVRD delivers rigorous, clinically meaningful research that informs and advances retina care worldwide. Join Editor-in-Chief Dr. Timothy Murray as he engages leading investigators in thoughtful discussions about the latest studies published in JVRD — highlighting practical insights, clinical pearls, and the real-world impact of emerging innovations in our field.