Jul 27, 2026 — Ebony Johnson, Senior Partner Relations Director
The Eversight Young Physician Group (YPG) met in July, bringing together ophthalmology residents, fellows and early-career surgeons for another evening of case-based learning, collaborative discussion and peer-to-peer problem-solving.
Disclaimer: Medical information is not medical advice—read our disclaimer.
Moderated by Samera Ahmad, MD, of Cook County Health and University of Illinois Chicago, alongside forum leads Imane Tarib, MD, of Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Medicine, and Pauline Dmitriev, MD, of University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center, the session featured two complex corneal cases and an open discussion on current surgical challenges and clinical trends.
Managing neurotrophic keratitis after penetrating keratoplasty
Lakshman "Lucky" Mulpuri, MD, Cook County Health resident, presented a challenging case involving neurotrophic keratitis following penetrating keratoplasty (PKP). What initially appeared to be a straightforward corneal perforation led to a broader discussion about recognizing neurotrophic disease earlier in the patient's treatment course.
The presentation reviewed the latest neurotrophic keratitis staging criteria and highlighted strategies for optimizing the ocular surface before, during and after surgery. Topics included corneal sensation testing, preservative-free therapies, amniotic membrane, BrightMEM™, tarsorrhaphy technique and other interventions that can support epithelial healing and long-term graft success.
Key takeaways
- Always assess corneal sensation when evaluating persistent epithelial defects or delayed healing.
- Early recognition of neurotrophic keratitis can influence both surgical planning and postoperative management.
- A multimodal approach—including ocular surface optimization and adjunctive therapies—may improve healing and graft outcomes.
- Set patient expectations before surgery, particularly for patients at higher risk for delayed epithelialization.
Post-LASIK ectasia complicated by acute hydrops
Harry Levine, MD, MPH, University of Michigan cornea fellow, presented a complex case of post-LASIK ectasia complicated by acute corneal hydrops with fluid leaking beneath the LASIK flap. The case prompted discussion around emergency management, balancing conservative treatment with the potential need for surgical intervention.
Participants explored options including tissue adhesive, bandage contact lenses, aqueous suppressants, anterior segment OCT imaging and future surgical reconstruction while emphasizing individualized decision-making. Ultimately, applying tissue adhesive using a sterile punch drape resulted in an excellent visual outcome, reinforcing that surgery is not always the best first step.
Key takeaways
- Conservative management can be successful in carefully selected patients.
- Advanced imaging can help guide treatment decisions in unusual presentations.
- Long-term planning should include discussions about potential future reconstruction while allowing time for the eye to stabilize.
- Knowing when not to operate can be just as important as knowing when surgery is indicated.
Open discussion: Learning from shared experience
The meeting concluded with an open forum where attendees discussed current challenges facing corneal surgeons and trainees. Discussion topics included recent ophthalmic eye drop recalls, communicating recalls to patients, intraoperative complications during endothelial keratoplasty, malignant glaucoma management and strategies for navigating unexpected surgical scenarios.
As always, the discussion highlighted the value of bringing together physicians at different stages of training to openly exchange ideas, troubleshoot difficult cases, and share lessons learned from successes and complications.
The value of peer collaboration
One of the most valuable aspects of every YPG meeting is the opportunity for early-career ophthalmologists to learn from one another through candid conversation and real-world experience. Whether discussing complex cases, sharing surgical techniques or exploring new approaches to patient care, participants continue to strengthen their clinical knowledge while building lasting professional networks.
Looking ahead
The next Eversight Young Physician Group meeting will take place on November 10, 2026. Physicians interested in presenting a case, leading a discussion or sharing surgical videos are encouraged to submit their ideas in advance.
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