Inherited Retinal Disease Academic Session Syllabus

Lectures:

IRD session

Thursday 7 am

Weekly

 

Machemer Rounds

Wednesday 7 am

Weekly

Optional for IRD fellow

Medical Retina Rounds

Wednesday 7am

Monthly

 

Ground Rounds

Thursdays PM

Monthly

 

Invited Lectures

 

Monthly

 

 

IRD morning session: Thursdays, 8:00am

IRD Team + Rotating Trainees

Module 1: IRD Testing Technologies (August – September 2025)

Date

Time & Location

Topic

Week 1

8:00 am

Electrophysiology: Full-Field ERG

Week 2

 

8:00 am

Electrophysiology: Multifocal ERG

Week 3

8:00 am

Electrophysiology: FST, EOG, VEP

Week 4

8:00 am

Electrophysiology: Review of Classic and/or Pathognomonic Signs and Diagnostics

Week 5

8:00 am

Multi-modal Imaging: OCT, FAF, Fundus Photography, Retro-Mode

Week 6

8:00 am

Perimetry: Visual Fields, Microperimetry, Dark Adaptometry

Week 7

8:00 am

Hands-On Electrophysiology: Best Practices and Troubleshooting in the Electrophysiology Unit and in the OR

Week 8

8:00 am

Multimodal Testing in Action: IRD Case-Based-Decision-Making and Interpretation

 

Module 2: Genetic Testing & Analysis (October 2025)

Date

Time & Location

Topic

Week 9

 

8:00 am

Principles of Genetic Testing in IRD

Week 10

8:00 am

Types of Genetic Tests & Panel Selection

Week 11

8:00 am

Variant Interpretation: Pathogenicity, Databases, and Pitfalls

Week 12

8:00 am

Genetic Counseling in IRD Clinic

Week 13

8:00 am

Case-Based Workshop: From Genotype to Phenotype

Module 3: IRD Treatment Landscape (November – December 2026)

Date

Time & Location

Topic

Week 14

8:00 am

FDA-Approved Therapies – Outcomes and Challenges

Week 15

8:00 am

Gene Therapy Treatment Clinical Trial Landscape

Week 16

8:00 am

Vector Delivery Methods

Week 17

8:00 am

Non-Gene Therapy Treatment Clinical Trial Landscape – Visual Cycle Modulators, Neuroprotective Agents, Stem Cell-Based Therapies, Optogenetics

Week 18

8:00 am

Low Vision Rehabilitation in IRD

Week 19

8:00 am

Evidence Based Nutritional and Vitamin Supplementation in IRDs

Week 20

8:00 am

Management of Cystoid Macular Edema and Complications in IRD

 

Module 4: Case Reports from Clinic & Research Article Review (January – June 2026)

Date

Time & Location

Topic

Week 21

8:00 am

Clinic Case Report

Week 22

8:00 am

Research Article Review

Week 23

8:00 am

Clinic Case Report

Week 24

8:00 am

Research Article Review

Week 25

8:00 am

Clinic Case Report

Week 26

8:00 am

Research Article Review

Week 27

8:00 am

Clinic Case Report

Week 28

Week 29

8:00 am

Clinic Case Report