Interview with the editors of Ryan’s Retina, 7th Edition
What is the most exciting aspect of Ryan’s Retina, 7th Edition? What chapter or topic covered in the new edition are you most excited about?
Dr. Sadda: I am especially excited about the new chapter on Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI is poised to create sweeping changes to the field of retina. Every retina practitioner has to have solid foundational understanding of AI and its potential applications and this chapter provides a great overview.
Dr. Wilkinson: I’m most excited about all of our authors’ efforts to provide the very best updates that we have within our profession. The progress that has occurred is well documented in new and improved illustrations and expanded bibliographies. It’s apparent to all readers that advances in “medical retina” are currently enjoying the most exciting chapters that are resulting in dramatic therapeutic outcomes.
In the volume devoted to surgery that I co-edited with Peter Wiedemann, the major improvements include the new illustrations (including videos), improved equipment and techniques, and up-to-date bibliographies.
What is currently driving the field forward? What is your “big picture” vision for the field over the next 5 years?
Dr. Wiedemann: Retinal surgeons should find a way to repair intraretinal damage after detachment surgery. To achieve adequate eye care for everyone by 2030, ophthalmologists must find opportunities and strategies to effectively advocate and drive change in government policy and practice.
What problem do you hope the future generations of ophthalmologists will be able to solve?
Dr. Wilkinson: In medical retina, the obvious need for extended drug-release pharmacologic agents. In surgical retina, the ability to avoid or at least manage the dreaded complication of PVR (proliferative vitreoretinopathy). Secondly, improvement in surgical results regarding all disorders.
What advice would you give to today’s ophthalmology residents?
Dr. Wiedemann: Today every resident has (online) access to an enormous treasure of knowledge, e.g., this book. But most important is that you strive to be a good physician, who cares for one’s patients. Find a mentor to help you. You must not fool yourself about your capacities and readiness for work. The idea of self-education is crucial to keep up with the latest developments through continuing medical education and collaboration.
Dr. Sadda: It is said that medical knowledge now doubles every 73 days. In ophthalmology and retina, it is probably faster than that given the pace of innovation and new discovery. Diseases that were previously untreatable two decades ago can now be cured. This is an amazing time to be an ophthalmologist and my advice to ophthalmology residents of today is to be unafraid of the mountain of information they need to be absorb, and to soak it all in, build on it, and leave their mark on our great field.
About the Editors
SriniVas R. Sadda, MD, Professor of Ophthalmology, Doheny Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA
C.P. Wilkinson, MD, Distinguished Emeritus Chairman, Department of Ophthalmology, Greater Baltimore Medical Center; Professor (Retired), Department of Ophthalmology, John Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Peter Wiedemann, MD, FEBO, Professor of Ophthalmology, Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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