For Jeffry D. Gerson, OD, FAAO, an early fascination with retinal disease—sparked during residency and shaped by mentorship and emerging OCT technology—led to a career focused on education and OD-MD collaboration.

Eichenbaum Acorns is an editorially independent series powered by Modern Retina and hosted by David A. Eichenbaum, MD, FASRS, partner and director of research at Retina Vitreous Associates of Florida. This podcast series explores the overlooked corners of the retina profession through candid conversations with thought leaders. Eichenbaum is the Yiddish translation for acorn tree, and the aim of this series is to plant acorns of insight that grow into oaks of understanding.

In this special cross-brand episode with Optometry Times, Eichenbaum speaks with Jeffry D. Gerson, OD, FAAO, about career development, mentorship, and collaboration between optometry and ophthalmology in retinal care.

Gerson practices in a collaborative OD-MD setting at Grin Eye Care in Olathe and Leawood, Kansas, where his work includes primary care as well as secondary care with an emphasis on retinal disease. His interest in retina began early in his career after completing optometry school and entering residency. At the time, therapeutic options were limited, but he found the field compelling and noted how much has changed. “Over the last few decades… there’s been a dramatic change in what there is available for our patients.” His experience working for several years in a retina referral practice further shaped his trajectory, where he says he “kind of got bitten by that bug and have been able to get rid of it ever since.”

Source: Modern Retina & Jeffry Gerson, OD, FAAO