Happy New Year! The next 12 months promise to be filled with innovation, exciting clinical trial data, surgical tips and tricks, and much more.
Before I dive head first into the year 2026, I happily reflect on a pair of incredible international meetings that occurred in December 2025. The FLORetina and International Congress on OCT and OCT Angiography (ICOOR) brought together retina specialists, scientists, and industry leaders from around the world to share insights on the diagnosis, management, and future therapies of retinal diseases. Under the leadership of Professor Stanislao Rizzo, Dr. Francesco Faraldi, and Dr. Daniela Bacherini, more than 1,500 scientific presentations and discussions were conducted during the 4-day congress. I was honored to be a faculty participant, and the ability to network and collaborate with colleagues from more than 70 countries was invaluable. In addition, the Asia-Pacific Vitreo-Retina Society held its annual meeting in Manila, Philippines, a few weeks ago. Dr. Harvey Uy and the leadership team brought together leading retina specialists and researchers to share insights and foster collaboration and research. Congratulations to both of these international meetings, which bring everyone together on a global stage.
As I read the articles from this edition of Retinal Physician, I am very appreciative of the knowledge being shared by so many retina leaders. Dr. Sidney Schechet and colleagues share insights on OCTA and how to integrate this noninvasive imaging technology in a busy retina clinic. Elizabeth Cifers discusses the new CPT code for OCTA and guidelines for supportive documentation. Our New Product Applications column reviews the newest ultrawidefield scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and spectral-domain retinal imaging device, the MonacoPro. This cutting-edge device provides high-resolution images that can enhance our diagnostic precision. This imaging theme is carried further by Drs. Jin Kyun Oh and Jesse Sengillo, who discuss the importance of multimodal imaging in the diagnosis and management of inherited retinal disorders (IRDs). The proper diagnosis of IRDs is important because many new therapeutic options may be available in the clinic in the near future. Drs. Sean Berkowitz and Katherine Talcott move us into the operating suite and evaluate the benefits and limitations of 3D digital viewing systems in retinal surgery. Furthermore, Dr. Sharon Fekrat and Raj Kundu discuss personal health monitors that may enable physicians to monitor ocular and systemic markers of retinal health in real time. This issue also includes a retinal conversation with Dr. Kapil Kapoor who shares his experience with home OCT monitoring. Finally, Drs. Arthi Venkat and Eleanor Burton summarize the treatment strategies in diagnosing and managing endogenous fungal endophthalmitis.
I am appreciative of all our contributors who have graciously shared their knowledge. Their hard work and generosity is essential to the success of this journal. Thank you for taking the time to read Retinal Physician—I am grateful for your partnership. RP
