CRST: The Podcast

Cathleen McCabe, MD, speaks with Sean Ianchulev, MD, MPH, about his recent article in CRST’s January issue, “AI Beyond the Clinic,” which provides a deep dive on how regulation and reimbursement accelerate AI and home monitoring beyond exam lanes and into patients' homes. Dr. Ianchulev shares insights into where AI currently impacts his clinic and the innovation he implements to elevate patient care. Related perspectives appear in the January issue of CRST.

Brandon D. Ayres, MD, continues this series exploring the best practices in keratoconus management with the discussion of the recent FDA approval of Epioxa, an advancement in corneal cross-linking for the treatment of keratoconus. Kenneth Beckman, MD, explains what excites him about Epioxa and how it can improve patient comfort and minimize recovery time. The two surgeons also review the role of supplemental oxygen during the procedure and review the Phase 3 pivotal trial data behind Epioxa.

Drs. Neda and Neda explore how modern refractive surgery is evolving beyond a one-size-fits-all LASIK model. They discuss next-generation laser vision correction based on highly personalized eye measurements, share real-world pearls on screening and counseling patients, and explain why they now frame patient visits as vision correction consultations rather than LASIK consults. They also touch on when lens-based options may be a better choice and how to build a truly comprehensive refractive practice.

Neda Nikpoor, MD, and Neda Shamie, MD, reframe refractive surgery as a comprehensive vision-correction mindset rather than a single procedure, exploring how advanced diagnostics and disciplined risk stratification guide candidacy and smart decision-making across refractive options. They outline when to pivot—or defer—and emphasize expectation-setting, patient motivation, and screening for medical and psychosocial factors that influence satisfaction.

Uday Devgan, MD, FACS, FRCS, speaks with Christopher E. Starr, MD, FACS, and Brian Shafer, MD, in two short segments drawn from CRST's October cover focus, "Refractive Cataract Roundtables." Dr. Starr reviews a practical approach to preoperative ocular surface optimization—key exam steps, stop-rules before biometry, and simple readiness markers. Dr. Shafer outlines his IOL decision framework, balancing spectacle independence and image quality, who is not a candidate for diffractive optics, and options for residual refractive error. Related perspectives appear in the October issue of CRST.