CRST: The Podcast

In this special live-recorded episode, Drs. Neda and Neda explore the clinical and practical impact of the Light Adjustable Lens (RxSight) in modern cataract surgery. They share compelling patient cases that illustrate the transformative potential of adjustability, particularly for individuals uncertain about their visual goals. The discussion includes practical strategies for counseling candidates and candid insights into premium lens adoption and patient-centered decision-making.

Drs. Neda and Neda sit down with Alyson Carrel, Clinical Professor of Law at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law and Codirector of its nationally-ranked Center on Negotiation, Mediation, and Restorative Justice, to explore the strategy—and psychology—behind negotiating your first job offer. From overcoming fear and understanding your value, to asking the right questions and crafting creative win-win outcomes, Professor Carrel shares practical tools to help approach negotiations with confidence, curiosity, and clarity. 

CRST’s Chief Medical Editors—Drs. McCabe, Weinstock, and Wiley—share their real-world experiences and strategies for thriving in high-volume cataract surgery. From clinic efficiency and OR scheduling to team empowerment and patient engagement, they reflect on how to scale surgical volume without compromising quality or compassion.

Join Preeya Gupta, MD, and Chris Starr, MD, for a deep dive into the many new additions in the world of dry eye disease therapy, including those recently FDA-approved and those in the pipeline. 

Brandon D. Ayres, MD, continues this series exploring the best practices in keratoconus management by inviting John Berdahl, MD, to share his experience with crosslinking. The two discuss the bilateral nature of keratoconus and share their thought processes and approaches for managing the disease in both eyes. They also review the role of the referring optometrist and how to become a keratoconus detective to find proof of disease progression before treatment.

Neda Nikpoor, MD, and Neda Shamie, MD, examine the key elements of successful practice partnerships in ophthalmology. They discuss how junior and senior partners can build strong, collaborative relationships through mentorship, strategic recruitment, clear communication, and aligned expectations. They highlight the importance of trust, flexibility, and long-term vision in fostering a thriving and sustainable practice.

Carrie Jacobs, COE, CPSS, OCS, and Scott LaBorwit, MD, explore innovative practice management strategies for premium cataract surgery. In this episode, Carrie shares insights on how operational excellence can be seamlessly integrated with patient care to create an efficient, patient-centered practice, while Dr. LaBorwit shares his experience streamlining consultations through a dedicated cataract-only clinic and leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and outcomes. 

Neda Nikpoor, MD, and Neda Shamie, MD, sit down with Kendall E. Donaldson, MD, MS, to explore the evolving landscape of academic ophthalmology. Dr. Donaldson shares her unique career journey—from her time as a resident and fellow at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute to her current leadership role in expanding academic satellite practices.

In the next installment of Best Practices in Keratoconus Management, Brandon Ayres, MD, invites Eva Kim, MD, to share tips and tricks for optimizing one’s practice for keratoconus treatment scheduling. Dr. Kim highlights important considerations for documenting disease progression to improve efficiencies in treatment and practice workflow. Test Your Knowledge HERE

In this episode of CRST: The Podcast, William F. Wiley, MD, joins John F. Doane, MD, FACS, and Michael D. Greenwood, MD, to tackle some of the most persistent myths in refractive surgery. From misconceptions about LASIK and astigmatism correction to patient expectations and the role of pupil size, the conversation sheds light on how far the field has come and where challenges remain.