In this episode, Dr. Mona Kaleem speaks with Dr. Ethan Lester, a clinical psychologist and Assistant Professor of Psychology in Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School who works with patients at Mass Eye and Ear navigating chronic eye disease and vision loss. Together, they discuss the bi-directional relationship between chronic eye conditions (such as glaucoma) and mental health and the impact they each have on the other. The discussion also covers the importance and availability of services designed to support mental wellbeing, what those services/sessions look like, and how patients can access them. Please visit www.ethanlesterphd.com to learn more about Dr. Lester’s work.

In this episode, Dr. Mona Kaleem speaks with Dr. Sandra Sieminski, a glaucoma specialist and expert in laser-based glaucoma surgery, who currently serves as Interim Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at the University at Buffalo’s Ross Eye Institute. Together, they explore cyclophotocoagulation (CPC) and its evolution from traditional transscleral approaches to modern micropulse laser techniques. Their discussion covers the history of CPC, glaucoma types most appropriate for the procedure, potential risks and complications, anesthesia options for the procedure, and essential aspects of post-procedural care. Check out Dr. Sieminski's work at https://medicine.buffalo.edu/faculty/profile.html?ubit=sandrafe

In this episode, Dr. Mona Kaleem interviews Dr. Reena Garg, a glaucoma specialist and clinician-educator in Rockville, Maryland. They discuss the XEN Gel Stent—a newer surgical option—and contrast it with traditional trabeculectomy. The conversation covers differences in candidacy for each procedure, their respective advantages and limitations, and the differences in postoperative recovery.