The following transcript has been edited for clarity:

Hi, I’m Dr. Diana Do of Retinal Physician. I have the pleasure of speaking with Gaurav Shah, MD, from West Coast Retina. You’ve also been instrumental in planning the whole American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) meeting in Long Beach. We had a heavy emphasis on surgical cases and surgical instruction. Tell us about how you planned this, and what the response has been.

Dr. Shah: Diana, ASRS is all things retina—both medical and surgical—and I think in the last few years we’ve lost that balance. You and I went into retina to do surgery, so we’re just trying to reestablish the balance. By today’s great crowds at the surgical sessions, I think this is what people want, and I think we have to give them what they want.

Dr. Do: The panels were amazing, with so many great experts giving tips and tricks. What do you think is the most useful for the busy retina specialist to take during this session?

Dr. Shah: I think during the sessions today, we’ve learned that amniotic membrane transplant—we have to refine that technique, but that is going to be there. Also, the use of methotrexate for PVR, either prevention or use with PVR, is going to be a hot topic for surgical retina. There’s going to be amazing medical things that come out tomorrow.

Dr. Do: We really thank you for your leadership in ASRS and bringing the topic of surgery back to medical education; it’s so instrumental.

Dr. Shah: Thank you, Diana. I appreciate the opportunity, and we always appreciate the support. RP