ObjectiveEd Gamified Apps, BLV Steps, and Northern Illinois University Blindness Experience Course

Marty Schultz (ObjectiveEd - Miami Beach, FL)

Dr. Stacy Kelly (Northern Illinois University - DeKalb, IL)

 

11/1/2026 Podcast (Click Image Below)

Relationship Among Amblyopia, Nystagmus, and Fixation Instability And The AI-Guided Robotic Guide Dog, Milo

Dr. Fatema Ghasia (Cleveland Clinic - Cleveland, OH)

Dr. Florian Golemo (Mila Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute - Montreal, QC)

Joanna Wolski (Mila Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute - Montreal, QC)

Dr. Fatema Ghasia, Professor, Ophthalmology, Cleveland Clinic, Director, Visual Neurosciences and Ocular Motility Lab, Staff Physician, Cole Eye Institute, explains the relationship among amblyopia, nystagmus, and fixation instability.

Dr. Florian Golemo, Research Scientist, Mila Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute, and Joanna Wolski, Collaborating Researcher, Mila Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute, discuss the newly developed AI-guided robotic guide dog, Milo.

10/18/2026 Podcast (Click Image Below) 

Molecular Makeup of Sclera Affecting Glaucoma and Myopia And Erucamide Repairing Retinal Damage

Dr. Yi Hua (University of Mississippi - Oxford, MS)

Dr. Martin Friedlander (Scripps Research - San Diego, CA)

Dr. Yi Hua, Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Director of the Vision Laboratory, University of Mississippi, discusses how the molecular makeup of the outer wall of the eye, sclera, can have an effect on the development of glaucoma and myopia. 

Dr. Martin Friedlander, Professor, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Scripps Research Institute, Attending Physician, Scripps Clinic Department of Ophthalmology, President, Lowy Medical Research Institute, explains how a molecule, erucamide, helps the eye respond to retinal damage.

10/11/2026 Podcast (Click Image Below)

Stem Cell Therapy Without Suppressing Immune System To Treat Macular Degeneration

Dr. Trevor McGill (Oregon National Primate Research Center - Portland, OR)

Dr. Trevor McGill, Associate Professor, Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Joint Appointment, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, discusses upcoming research into developing stem cell therapy that would avoid suppressing the immune system to help treat the dry form of age-related macular degeneration.

10/4/2026 Podcast (Click Image Below) 

Blind Americans Return To Work Act and Using AI To Predict Progression Of Glaucoma

Justin Young (National Federation of the Blind - Baltimore, MD)

Dr. Ming Dong and Dr. Karim Dirani (Wayne State University - Detroit, MI)

Dr. Justin Young, government affairs specialist, National Federation of the Blind (NFB), discusses the proposed legislation, Blind Americans Return To Work Act and the Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act and their progress in being passed by Congress.

Dr. Karim Dirani, Resident Physician and Clinical Researcher, Kresge Eye Institute, Wayne State University, and Dr. Ming Dong, Professor of Computer Science, Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, Wayne State University, discuss how artificial intelligence can be used to predict the progression of glaucoma and visual field loss.

9/27/2026 Podcast (Click Image Below) 

The Blind Kitchen and Research Into Development Of Sharper Central Vision

Debra Erickson (The Blind Kitchen - Portland, OR)

Bob Johnston (Johns Hopkins University - Baltimore, MD)

Debra Erickson, Executive Chef and Founder, The Blind Kitchen, discusses overcoming visual challenges to learn how to cook, teaching others with visual challenges how to cook, and information available from its website.

Dr. Bob Johnston, Professor of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, explains how using lab-grown retinal tissue has shown how a Vitamin A-derivative and thyroid hormones lead to sharp central vision being developed by humans.

9/6/2026 Podcast (Click Image Below) 

Neuroprotective Genes For Retinitis Pigmentosa Treatment and The Foreseeable Future Foundation

Dr. Daniel Kerschensteiner (Washington University - St. Louis, MO)

Dr. Philip Ruzycki (Washington University - St. Louis, MO)

Foreseeable Future Foundation (Franklin, TN)

Dr. Daniel Kerschensteiner, Bernard Becker Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, and Dr. Philip Ruzycki, Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, discuss how the neuroprotective genes, UFD1 and UXT, were discovered to be tested in gene therapies to treat retinitis pigmentosa.

Then, Griffin Pinkow, CEO and Founder, Foreseeable Future Foundation, explains how the foundation provides programs to empower those who are blind or have low vision through sports and recreation.

 8/30/2026 Podcast (Click Image Below)

GLP-1 Drugs Effect On Ischemic Optic Neuropathy and AI-Assisted Tool To Mitigate African-American Disparities In Eye Care

Dr. Chintan Dave (Rutgers University - New Brunswick, NJ)

Dr. Alvin Liu (Johns Hopkins University - Baltimore, MD)

Dr. Chintan Dave, Associate Professor and Director of Health Outcomes, Policy, and Economics (HOPE), Rutgers University, explains how much the use of GLP-1 drugs affects the risk of developing ischemic optic neuropathy, which involves decreased or blocked blood flow to the optic nerve. 

Dr. Alvin Liu, Professor of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, discusses how an AI-assisted tool can be used to cut down on the disparities in eye care for diabetic African-Americans.

8/16/2026 Podcast (Click Image Below)

Mutation In Myocilin Associated With Glaucoma and Retinopathy Of Prematurity And Its Treatments

Dr. Iqbal Ahmad (University of Nebraska Medical Center - Omaha, NE)

Dr. Mary Elizabeth Hartnett (Stanford University - Palo Alto, CA)

 Dr. Iqbal Ahmad, Professor, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Associate Dean and Director of Postdoctoral Education, Chair of Scientific Research Oversight Committee, University of Nebraska Medical Center, explains how a mutation in the gene, myocilin, and the REDD1 molecule are significant in the development of glaucoma.

Then, Dr. Mary Elizabeth Hartnett, Marmor Professor of Retinal Science and Disease, Director of Pediatric Retina, Professor of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, discusses retinopathy of prematurity and its treatments.

8/2/2026 Podcast (Click Image Below)

Time Changes Affecting Eye Health and Schwann Cells Helping To Heal Corneas

Dr. Rukhsana Mirza (Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine - Chicago, IL)

Kyle Chan (Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine - Chicago, IL)

Dr. Royce Mohan (UConn Health - Farmington, CT)

 Kyle Chan, Ophthalmology Resident, and Dr. Rukhsana Mirza, Vice-Chair of Faculty Affairs, Department of Ophthalmology, Ryan-Pusateri Professor of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, discuss how biannual time changes disrupt circadian rhythms and could cause retinal vascular disease.

Dr. Royce Mohan, Professor of Neuroscience, UConn Health, explains how Schwann cells, which wrap themselves around nerve cells, can help in the healing of the cornea.

7/26/2026 Podcast (Click Image Below)

Regenerating Eye Tissue In Frogs And Delay In Web Accessibility Requirements Taking Effect

Dr. Kelly Tseng (University of Nevada - Las Vegas - Las Vegas, NV)

Chris Danielsen (National Federation of the Blind - Baltimore, MD)

Dr. Kelly Tseng, Professor, School Of Life Sciences, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, discusses how discovering the method in which frogs are able to regenerate eye tissue could lead to finding out how to replicate the process in humans.

Chris Danielsen, editor of the National Federation of the Blind Braille Monitor, discusses how web accessibility guidelines in accordance with title II of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) are being delayed in their implementation.

6/21/2026 Podcast (Click Image Below)

Significance Of ADOA Research In Rhesus Macaques For Human Treatment And Migraine Medication Possibly Helping With Glaucoma

Dr. Sara Thomasy (University of California - Davis, Davis, CA)

Dr. Chien-Hsiang Weng (Brown University - Providence, RI)

Dr. Sara Thomasy, Professor, Comparative Ophthalmology, University of California - Davis, explains how the OPA1 gene in rhesus macaques with similar eye structure to humans affects the mitochondria in eyes and is associated with ADOA, autosomal dominant optic atrophy.

Dr. Chien-Hsiang Weng, Clinical Associate Professor, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, discusses how certain migraine medications, calcitonin gene-related peptide inhibitors (CGRPi) could possibly reduce the risk of glaucoma.
 

6/7/2026 Podcast (Click Image Below)

Monarch Dynamic Tactile And Multiline Braille Tablet And Effect of Glucose Metabolism On Photoreceptors

Monarch (American Printing House For The Blind - Louisville, KY)

Dr. Anand Swaroop (National Eye Institute - Bethesda, MD)

Greg Stilson, Vice-President Of Digital Transformation, American Printing House For The Blind, discusses the Monarch, multiline braille device that renders tactile graphics.

Dr. Anand Swaroop, National Eye Institute, Senior Investigator and Chief of the Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration, and Repair Laboratory, and Chief of the Retinal Development, Genetics, and Therapy Section, explains how the process of glucose metabolizing affects photoreceptors.

5/24/2026 Podcast (Click Image Below) 

Digital Twin Eyes To Study Macular Degeneration and Eye Care Tips For Smart Device and Outdoor Activities

Dr. Kapil Bharti (National Eye Institute - Bethesda, MD)

Dr. Wesley Chamberlin (Visionworks, TN Doctors of Optometry, PLLC - Knoxville, TN)

Dr. Kapil Bharti, Senior Investigator, Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research Section, Scientific Director, National Eye Institute, discusses how "digital twins" of eye cells are developed to better understand and treat age-related macular degeneration.

Then, Dr. Wesley Chamberlin, President, of Visionworks, Tennessee Doctors of Optometry, PLLC, explains the importance of eye exams, potential dangers of too much screen time on the eyes, and tips for protecting your eyes during outdoor activities.
 

5/17/2026 Podcast (Click Image Below)

The Effects Of Space On Artificial Intraocular Lenses and Possibility of Cataract Surgery In Space

 

Dr. Morgan Micheletti (Berkeley Eye Center - Sugar Land, TX) and Dr. Liliana Werner (University of Utah - Salt Lake City)

Intraocular Lenses From Space

Dr. Liliana Werner, Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Co-Director, Intermountain Ocular Research Center, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah and Dr. Morgan Micheletti, Board Certified Ophthalmologist, Partner, Director Of Research, Fellowship Director, Berkeley Eye Center, Sugar Land, TX, discuss the effects that space can have on different artificial intraocular lenses and the possibility of cataract surgery being performed in space in the future.

5/3/2026 Podcast (Click Image Below)

Macrophages Effect On Mice's Eye Pressure and C. Mastitides Impact On Corneal Healing In Mice

Dr. Katy Liu (Duke Eye Center - Durham, NC)

Dr. Anthony St. Leger (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center - Pittsburgh, PA)

 Dr. Katy Liu, Assistant Professor, Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, discusses the effect of resident macrophages on the intraocular pressure of mice.

Then, Dr. Anthony St. Leger, Associate Professor, Ophthalmology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, explains how the microbe, C. Mastitidis, can help in corneal healing of mice.

4/19/2026 Podcast (Click Image Below)

Wisconsin's madAbility Accessibility Lab and Weight Loss Drug Linked To Lower The Severity of Diabetic Retinopathy

Dr. Yuhang Zhou (University of Wisconsin-Madison)

Dr. Szilard Kiss (Cornell Weill Medicine - New York, NY)

Dr. Yuhang Zhao, Assistant Professor, Computer Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, discusses the madAbility Lab, which focuses on enhancing the abilities of those with and without disabilities through novel technologies. 

Dr. Szilard Kiss, Ophthalmologist, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, talks about a weight loss drug linked to lowering the severity of diabetic retinopathy.

4/12/2026 Podcast (Click Image Below)

Removing Damaged Mitochondria To Save Photoreceptors And Novel ECP Device Tested On Cadaver Eyes To Treat Glaucoma

Dr. David Zacks (University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, MI)

Dr. Leo Seibold (University of Colorado Anschutz - Aurora, CO)

Dr. David Zacks, Edna H. Perkiss Professor Of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, discusses how removing damaged mitochondria can save photoreceptor cells. 

Dr. Leo Seibold, Professor, Ophthalmology, Director, Glaucoma Fellowship, Chief Of Glaucoma Service, University of Colorado Anschutz, talks about a novel endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) device tested on cadaver eyes could be used to treat glaucoma faster and more efficiently.

3/29/2026 Podcast (Click Image Below)

Bricks For The Blind Lego Set Instructions and Efficacy of Red-Light Laser Therapy To Treat Myopia

Bricks For The Blind (Newton, MA)

Dr. Lisa Ostrin (University of Houston - Houston, TX)

Matthew Shifrin, Founder and CEO, Bricks For The Blind, Newton, Massachusetts, discusses the nonprofit organization that provides free text-based Lego set building instructions to those with visual impairment.

Dr. Lisa Ostrin, Professor, University Of Houston College of Optometry, discusses the effectiveness of red-light laser therapy in treating children with myopia.

3/22/2026 Podcast (Click Image Below) 

Significance Of Intraocular Pressure In Determining Glaucoma Treatment and Limitations on Randolph-Sheppard Act

Dr. Ashley Polski (University Of Utah - Salt Lake City, UT)

Chris Danielsen (National Federation Of The Blind - Baltimore, MD)

 Dr. Ashley Polski, Glaucoma Fellow, University Of Utah John A. Moran Eye Center, discusses how much weight should be given to intraocular pressure in making decisions about individualized treatment for glaucoma.

Chris Danielsen, Director Of Public Relations for The National Federation of the Blind, explains limitations being put on the Randolph-Sheppard Act and blind vendors in not getting priority with Department of the Army dining facility contracts.

3/1/2026 Podcast (Click Image Below)

Targeting Lipids As Treatment For RPE Degeneration and Rewiring of Mouse Eyes With RP Using Rod Bipolar Cells

Dr. Michael Landowski (Wayne State University - Detroit, MI)

Dr. A.P. Sampath (University of California - Los Angeles)

Dr. Michael Landowski, Assistant Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University, discusses upcoming research targeting lipids as treatment for retinal pigment epithelium degeneration.

Dr. A.P. Sampath, Grace and Walter Lantz Professor and Associate Director, Department of Ophthalmology, Jules Stein Eye Institute, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, explains how eyes in mice with retinitis pigmentosa can be rewired with rod bipolar cells forming new functional connections with cones.

2/22/2026 Podcast (Click Image Below) 

Bioptic Driving Training and Requirements and VR Headsets Used To Examine Geographic Atrophy

Dr. Terri Call (University of Alabama at Birmingham)

Dr. Jesse Smith (University of Colorado Anschutz - Aurora, CO)

 

Dr. Terri Call, Associate Professor and Service Director, Primary Care Clinic, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry, discusses the training and requirements in the state of Alabama for bioptic driving, which uses special glasses with a small telescopic lens to enhance distance vision for driving purposes.

Dr. Jesse Smith, Associate Professor, Ophthalmology and Vitreoretinal Surgery, University of Colorado Anschutz, Aurora, explains how virtual reality headsets can be used to test the vision of geographic atrophy patients.

2/15/2026 Podcast (Click Image Below)

Targeting ELOVL2 Gene To Improve Visual Function and Stem Cell Based Retinal Implant To Treat Dry AMD

 

Dr. Dorota Skowronska-Krawczyk (University of California - Irvine)

Dr. Sun Young Lee (University of Southern California - Los Angeles, CA)

Dr. Dorota Skowronska-Krawczyk, Associate Professor, Physiology and Biophysics, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Brunson Center For Translational Vision Research, University of California-Irvine, discusses how targeting the ELOVL2 "aging gene" with fatty acids in mice could possibly reverse age-related vision loss.

Then, Dr. Sun Young Lee, Retina Specialist, USC Roski Eye Institute, part of Keck Medicine, University of Southern California, explains how a stem cell based retinal implant could possibly treat the dry form of age-related macular degeneration.

2/8/2026 Podcast (Click Image Below)

A11yShape 3-D Modeling Tool and Treating Adults With Amblyopia

Dr. Liang He (University of Texas at Dallas - Dallas, TX)

Jerry Zhang (University of Washington - Seattle, WA)

Dr. Mark Bear (Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Cambridge, MA)

Dr. Liang He, Assistant Professor, Computer Science, University of Texas at Dallas, and Jerry Zhang, Ph.D. candidate, University of Washington, discuss A11yShape, an AI assisted 3-D modeling tool designed to assist programmers who are blind or have low vision.

Dr. Mark Bear, the Picower Professor of Neuroscience, the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, explains amblyopia and how adults can be treated for the disorder.

1/11/2026 Podcast (Click Image Below)