Experts InSight

Host Dr. Jay Sridhar welcomes Dr. Sarwar Zahid to unpack a recent American Journal of Ophthalmology perspective essay on the growing segment of hospital-employed ophthalmologists. They examine the appeal of the hospitalist model—shift-based work, reduced administrative burden, and work-life balance—alongside potential drawbacks, including income ceilings, RVU pressure, and burnout. The conversation broadens to declining physician ownership, the challenges of hospital call coverage, and the downstream threat to residency training. The episode finally shifts to whether a focused practice designation (FPD) could help define subspecialty expertise, improve patient care, and give ophthalmologists a stronger seat at the bargaining table.
Discussed in this episode: Thomson M, Browning DJ. The Hospital Employed Ophthalmologist: A Growing Segment of the Profession. Am J Ophthalmol. 2026 Jan 18;284:208-215.
For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

Host Dr. Andrew Pouw welcomes glaucoma specialists Drs. Karam Alawa and Pujan Dave to discuss the sometimes bumpy transition from academia to private practice. The guests highlight clinical operations hurdles, such as navigating clunky EMR systems and prior authorizations, and managing finite staff and resources. Despite administrative hurdles, they emphasize the need for committed "chair time" to counsel patients and alleviate anxiety regarding disease progression.
For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

Host Dr. Jay Sridhar is joined by Drs. Naomi Gutkind and Ekjyot (Joey) Gill to discuss staffing ophthalmology residents in surgical training. The early-career faculty share insights on tailoring instruction to resident skill level, delivering feedback at the right moment, and handling complications with empathy. 
For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

Host Dr. Jay Sridhar welcomes Drs. Michael Ip and Sophie Bakri to discuss the challenges in caring for patients with macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO). The panel reviews the current approach to treatment using anti-VEGF agents and factors that may suggest a need for more intensive, long-term treatment.
For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

Drs. Roni Levin and Laura Enyedi join host Dr. Ben Young to review what we know about screen time for kids and its impact on visual development and general health. 
Today's episode draws largely from the EyeNet article, "Screen Time and Kids' Eye Health," which appeared in the December 2025 issue.
For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.