Podcast Summary: Hadley Presents: A Conversation with the Experts

Episode: A Chat with a Retina Specialist
Host: Ricky Enger
Guest: Dr. Matt McCumber, Retina Specialist and Professor at Rush University
Release Date: August 28, 2025

Overview

This episode delves into the world of retina specialists, exploring their vital role in diagnosing and treating various retinal conditions that can threaten vision. Host Ricky Enger sits down with Dr. Matt McCumber to discuss the types of diseases retina specialists manage, how patients find the right eye doctor, current and emerging treatments—including clinical trials—and practical advice for those visiting a retina specialist.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Introducing Dr. Matt McCumber and the Retina Specialty

• Dr. McCumber is a retina specialist at Illinois Retina Associates, Chicago’s largest retina surgical practice, and a professor at Rush University.
• He became interested in retina work during medical school at Johns Hopkins and has practiced in Chicago for 29 years.
  • "Illinois Retina Associates is the largest retina surgical practice in Illinois...This year we celebrated our 50th year." (Dr. McCumber, 00:57)

What Conditions Do Retina Specialists Treat? (01:34 – 03:13)

• Common Retinal Diseases:
  • Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
  • Diabetic retinopathy (leading cause of blindness in the US)
  • Retinal vascular diseases (e.g., branch/central vein occlusion)
  • Inherited retinal diseases (e.g., retinitis pigmentosa, Leber's congenital amaurosis, Stargardt’s disease)
  • Retinal detachment (an emergency condition)
  • Ocular tumors and inflammatory diseases (uveitis)
  • Retinopathy of prematurity in infants
• New and evolving therapies, including clinical trials, are increasingly available.
  • "We take care of a number of the conditions that unfortunately can lead to blindness...There's a wide range of patients that we see." (Dr. McCumber, 01:57)

Finding the Right Retina Specialist (03:13 – 04:59)

• Referral Process:
  • Most patients are referred by optometrists or general ophthalmologists when specialized care is needed.
  • Patients can also be referred by internists, found through family/friend networks, or via the practice’s website.
  • “We also have patients referred from internists, for instance, particularly if they have diabetes, because all diabetics should have an ophthalmic examination.” (Dr. McCumber, 03:54)
• Website Access & Clinical Trials:
  • Illinoisretina.com provides info on physicians, clinical trials, and can be used by anyone (trials are international).
  • Some clinical trials offer transportation—even airfare—for participants.
  • “Many of the clinical trials are multi center...even Canada, Europe, other places in the world...some...provide transportation...sometimes even airfare.” (Dr. McCumber, 05:10)

Common Patient Concerns & Advice (05:47 – 09:18)

• Fear of Blindness: The most prevalent concern.
• Diagnosis & Prognosis: Patients want to know their diagnosis, likelihood of vision loss, and treatment options.
  • “Almost everyone is worried about becoming blind...the first thing they want to know is what's their diagnosis, what's their problem, what's the prognosis?” (Dr. McCumber, 06:22)
• Progress in Treatment:
  • Dramatic improvements in AMD treatments over the past 15-20 years have shifted outcomes from frequent legal blindness to much improved prognosis.
  • Emerging treatments for advanced dry AMD (geographic atrophy).
  • “When I started...we unfortunately frequently just saw patients slowly go blind...but luckily...now have treatments that usually can prevent blindness for age related macular degeneration.” (Dr. McCumber, 07:22)
• Early Detection:
  • Early intervention is critical. Patient education about symptoms and when to seek care emphasized.
  • Even with untreatable inherited diseases, support and low vision aids offer hope and functionality.

How to Prepare for an Appointment and Questions to Ask (09:18 – 11:57)

• Overwhelm & Information Processing:
  • Patients are often overwhelmed; bringing a list of questions is helpful.
  • Bringing a companion to take notes or help ask questions is advised.
  • Patients should feel free to ask additional questions after the visit via phone or online portals.
  • “I advise them that it's often helpful to bring a family member or a friend...or may think of something that they don't think of while they're there.” (Dr. McCumber, 09:59)
• Key Questions to Ask:
  • Available treatments and their effectiveness
  • Clinical trial participation
  • How the condition affects lifestyle/work/driving
  • Post-surgical support and planning
  • “They should ask if their condition would affect their lifestyle over time...provide questions about how they should manage in the post op period and then in the long term.” (Dr. McCumber, 10:45)

The Research Frontier: Exciting Developments (11:57 – 18:13)

• Macular Degeneration Innovations:
  • Current treatments rely heavily on intraocular injections (quick but frequent).
  • Long-acting therapies: Such as “port delivery system” and upcoming drugs requiring fewer injections (every 6+ months).
  • Gene therapy: Trials nearing approval may eliminate need for repeat injections.
    • “We have three clinical trials at our Oak Park, Illinois office for gene therapy...the eye can start making the medicine on its own...it's real.” (Dr. McCumber, 13:56)
• Diabetic Retinopathy:
  • New therapies, including oral treatments, laser, and surgery.
  • Current studies may lead to accessible, low-cost prevention strategies worldwide.
• Inherited Retinal Diseases:
  • FDA-approved therapies like Luxturna for Leber’s congenital amaurosis set the stage for similar treatments.
  • A pill for Stargardt’s is likely forthcoming.
  • “People with those conditions shouldn't give up hope. There's a number of exciting things on the horizon.” (Dr. McCumber, 16:06)
• Surgical Advances:
  • Ongoing studies to refine timing for surgeries, such as for epiretinal membranes.
• Advocacy:
  • Ongoing funding for the National Eye Institute/NIH is crucial; listeners are encouraged to contact lawmakers.
  • “Please...contact your congressman, Senator and stress how important it is...to continue funding...we can continue these clinical trials.” (Dr. McCumber, 16:57)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On clinical trial accessibility:
  “Some of our clinical trials even would provide transportation from farther away, sometimes even airfare, if they wanna see us.” (Dr. McCumber, 05:10)
• On the importance of hope:
  “If you have an eye condition which is maybe threatening your vision or has affected your vision, consider seeing a retina specialist...don’t give up hope. You know, there's a lot of things that could be done.” (Dr. McCumber, 17:56)
• On eye injections:
  “I've done it over 10,000 times. It just takes a second or two. And most people are anxious about it initially, but then realize that it's really not as difficult as they expect.” (Dr. McCumber, 13:24)
• Setting expectations:
  “Bring questions, but if you have further ones, we always tell people, feel free to follow up and ask later.” (Dr. McCumber, 11:51)

Resources & Final Thoughts (18:13 – End)

• Key Resources:

  • illinoisretina.com: Info on conditions, treatments, and clinical trials.
  • American Academy of Ophthalmology: Offers Iwiki for detailed eye disease info.
  • American Society of Retina Specialists: Reliable treatment info.
  • Low Vision Services: Locally—Chicago Lighthouse, Spectrios, and Hadley.
  • “And a nice thing about Hadley is there's a phone number and you can call and get a person. And sometimes you just need to talk to someone you know and hear a calming voice that can give you more information.” (Dr. McCumber, 19:32)

• Closing Message:

  • There are continually advancing options for diagnosis and treatment—patients should seek out specialists, ask questions, consider clinical trials, and stay hopeful.
  • Don’t hesitate to use community resources and reach out with questions even after appointments.

Episode Highlights (Timestamps)

• Introduction & Dr. McCumber’s Background: 00:01 – 01:34
• Conditions Treated by Retina Specialists: 01:34 – 03:13
• Finding a Retina Specialist and Clinical Trials: 03:13 – 05:47
• Common Concerns and Consultant Advice: 05:47 – 09:18
• Making the Most of Your Appointment: 09:18 – 11:57
• Exciting Advances & The Future of Retina Care: 11:57 – 18:13
• Resources & Final Thoughts: 18:13 – End

For more info or to discuss the episode:
Email: podcast@HadleyHelps.org
Phone: 847-784-2870