Aaron sits down with Sarah McCormick of HR for Health to make HR feel less intimidating. They discuss why every practice needs a current handbook, how to handle difficult employee conversations, the importance of clear expectations and documentation, and why addressing problems early can prevent much bigger issues later. To learn more about the common mistakes Sarah and her team sees in optometry practices, download this free guide: 8 Common Optometry HR Mistakes & How to Respond to Them (https://hrfh.hrforhealth.com/preventative-hr-care-dwld-optometry-optometry?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=common-mistakes-guide&partner_source=Vision%20Source) Connect with HR for Health: hrforhealth.com

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) management has changed dramatically. We have better imaging, better monitoring, more treatment options, and a deeper understanding of risk than ever before.

But having more technology doesn’t automatically translate into better patient care.

In this episode, Dr. Chris Wolfe takes a different approach to AMD. Rather than starting with the newest device, supplement, or treatment, he starts with a more important question:

What happens after you identify a patient with AMD or meaningful AMD risk?

The challenge for many practices isn’t a lack of knowledge or technology—it’s building a reliable system that connects what we know with what actually happens to the patient.

Chris discusses how AMD classification should drive management, where AREDS2 supplementation fits, how testing such as OCT, dark adaptometry, ERG, carotenoid testing, and remote monitoring can be incorporated intentionally, and where newer treatment options such as photobiomodulation may fit into the AMD management pathway.

Most importantly, he discusses why the comprehensive examination should be the entry point—not the endpoint—of AMD care.

You’ll hear about:

• Understanding AMD as a spectrum of disease rather than a single diagnosis
• Using AMD classification to determine risk and next steps
• The practical differences between AREDS and AREDS2
• Matching supplementation recommendations to the appropriate patient
• Why symptoms shouldn’t be your screening test for AMD
• Using the comprehensive examination to identify and capture patients who need additional AMD care
• Deciding when OCT, ERG, dark adaptometry, carotenoid testing, and other technologies add meaningful information
• Determining which patients may benefit from remote monitoring
• Where photobiomodulation may fit into modern dry AMD management
• Creating a management “ladder” rather than relying on a single test or treatment
• Developing repeatable clinical protocols so patients don’t simply disappear back into routine care

The goal isn’t to collect more widgets.

The goal is to build a pathway.

When a patient leaves your office with AMD, they should understand three things: their risk, their next step, and when you want to see them again.

Want to take these concepts beyond the podcast and actually build an AMD system for your practice?

Join Dr. Chris Wolfe for the AMD Implementation Workshop in Grapevine, Texas, on October 29, 2026.

This all-day workshop will take a deeper dive into creating an AMD management protocol for your individual practice—from identifying the right patients and establishing KPIs to integrating testing, supplementation conversations, patient education, treatment options, and staff workflows.

Learn more and register: https://www.practiceperformancepartners.com/amd-implementation-workshop/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email

Want to dive deeper into the clinical side before the workshop?

Podcast listeners can access the Complete Clinical AMD Management Course Bundle FREE through October 31, 2026.

The course includes six educational modules designed to take a deeper dive into the clinical concepts discussed in this episode.

Access the course: https://www.eyecodeeducation.com/bundles/the-complete-clinical-amd-management-course-bundle

Podcast Listener Coupon Code: ece2026amdpromo

Offer expires October 31, 2026.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, share it with a colleague, and support those who support the show.

Tony Sommer joins Aaron to discuss finding purpose in eye care, advancing myopia management, and building a practice that creates lasting impact for patients and communities. Connect with Tony: LinkedIn (you need to follow him!): https://www.linkedin.com/in/tsommerjr/ Email: tony.sommer@treehouseeyes.com TreeHouse Eyes: www.treehouseeyes.com