Sydnexis: Pearls from a pediatric ophthalmologist entrepreneur a decade in

Cohosts Jennifer Galvin, MD; Alexander Valentine, MD; and medical student Angela Ngo invite Courtney Kraus, MD, to the podcast to discuss what drew her to pediatric ophthalmology and what a typical week looks like in her pediatric and adult strabismus practice. She reviews her experience with the anterior segment in these patients and her approach to pediatric cataracts and glaucoma management. The group also reviews helpful resources to help increase the field’s exposure to medical students and residents.

Jennifer Galvin, MD, and medical student Nadia Abbas invite Dolly Ann Padovani-Claudio, MD, PhD, and Ore-Ofe Adesina, MD, to discuss diversity, equity, and inclusion and underrepresented individuals in medicine—specifically as it relates to pediatric ophthalmology and neuro-ophthalmology. Drs. Padovani-Claudio and Adesina share their experiences and advice for ophthalmic trainees from underrepresented backgrounds, reviewing strategies to navigate challenges, find a niche in the field, and excel in patient care.

In this episode, Jennifer Galvin, MD, invites an expert panel including Alex Valentine, MD; Michelle Falcone, MD; and Michael Puente, MD, to share perspectives on advocacy in pediatric ophthalmology, highlighting the importance of young ophthalmologists getting involved at the state and national levels. The panel also discusses Medicaid reimbursement, the pediatric ophthalmology workforce shortage, and more.

In this episode, cohosts Jennifer Galvin, MD, and Christine Law, MD, invite a panel of pediatric ophthalmology experts to discuss approaches to managing retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Gil Binenbaum, MD, MSCE; Emily McCourt, MD; and Jennifer Jung, MD, provide insights on comprehensive ROP screening and treatment approaches at their respective children’s hospitals. They also share their excitement about future advancements in ROP treatment, earlier intervention, and improved examination techniques.

Sruti Rachapudi, MD, MBA, hosts this episode in which Simon Fung, MD, MA(Oxon), FRCOphth, an expert in pediatric cornea and external eye disease, discusses the risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment of pediatric keratoconus. Dr. Fung shares clinical pearls about the differences in pediatric versus adult-onset keratoconus, explaining how pediatric cases require close monitoring and early intervention due to higher prevalence and rapid progression. He also describes the challenges of screening children at a young age and reviews treatment options to stabilize the disease and improve vision.

Jennifer Galvin, MD, sits down with the two co-chairs of the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group (PEDIG)—Stacy Pineles, MD, and Katherine Weise, OD, MBA, FAAO—to discuss the current and future clinical studies in pediatric ophthalmology and optometry. Drs. Pineles and Weise outline the collaborative network of PEDIG, dedicated to facilitating multicenter clinical research in all areas of children’s eye conditions such as strabismus, amblyopia, and more. They further discuss how a trainee in medical school or residency could get involved in pediatric eye research.

Pediatric ophthalmologist Maria Stunkel, MD, hosts this episode of Little Eyes, Big Topics to celebrate World Orthoptic Day. She invites Laura May, CO, an orthoptist at the University of Minnesota, and Kim Merrill, CO, an orthoptic fellowship director at the University of Minnesota, to share their experiences in the field. They describe a typical day as an orthoptist and how they help eye care physicians treat patients. They also outline the benefits and advantages of adding an orthoptist to a pediatric ophthalmology practice.

Gregory Ostrow, MD, joins Jennifer Galvin, MD, to discuss his entrepreneurism in pediatric ophthalmology and the starting of Sydnexis, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company he founded. He describes the journey to discovering a way to neutralize and stabilize compounded atropine eye drops to effectively treat myopia in pediatric patients. He also shares information from the STAR study, a phase 3 clinical trial evaluating the company’s patented formulation of low-dose atropine for myopia control.

Jennifer Galvin, MD, speaks with Megan Pfefferle, executive director of the Children's Eye Foundation (CEF) of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS). Ms. Pfefferle describes how the CEF acts as a two-way street with members of the AAPOS, not only through donations to support its programs but also serving as a voice and advocate for pediatric ophthalmologists. She then explains how AAPOS members can get involved at any level of philanthropy.

Jennifer Galvin, MD, welcomes Honey Herce, MD, and Sylvia Yoo, MD, to the podcast to discuss the importance of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) members getting involved with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Drs. Herce and Yoo—pediatric ophthalmologists and leaders within the AAP—discuss their roles and highlight the benefits for residents and incoming fellows to be involved with the organization. They further discuss the value of physician advocacy and networking opportunities and share pearls for educational events.