EyeCode Media

Age-Related Macular Degeneration: From Detection to Implementation

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) management has changed dramatically. We have better imaging, better monitoring, more treatment options, and a deeper understanding of risk than ever before.

But having more technology doesn’t automatically translate into better patient care.

In this episode, Dr. Chris Wolfe takes a different approach to AMD. Rather than starting with the newest device, supplement, or treatment, he starts with a more important question:

What happens after you identify a patient with AMD or meaningful AMD risk?

The challenge for many practices isn’t a lack of knowledge or technology—it’s building a reliable system that connects what we know with what actually happens to the patient.

Chris discusses how AMD classification should drive management, where AREDS2 supplementation fits, how testing such as OCT, dark adaptometry, ERG, carotenoid testing, and remote monitoring can be incorporated intentionally, and where newer treatment options such as photobiomodulation may fit into the AMD management pathway.

Most importantly, he discusses why the comprehensive examination should be the entry point—not the endpoint—of AMD care.

In This Episode

You’ll hear about:

• Understanding AMD as a spectrum of disease rather than a single diagnosis
• Using AMD classification to determine risk and next steps
• The practical differences between AREDS and AREDS2
• Matching supplementation recommendations to the appropriate patient
• Why symptoms shouldn’t be your screening test for AMD
• Using the comprehensive examination to identify and capture patients who need additional AMD care
• Deciding when OCT, ERG, dark adaptometry, carotenoid testing, and other technologies add meaningful information
• Determining which patients may benefit from remote monitoring
• Where photobiomodulation may fit into modern dry AMD management
• Creating a management “ladder” rather than relying on a single test or treatment
• Developing repeatable clinical protocols so patients don’t simply disappear back into routine care

The goal isn’t to collect more widgets.

The goal is to build a pathway.

When a patient leaves your office with AMD, they should understand three things: their risk, their next step, and when you want to see them again.

AMD Implementation Workshop — October 29, 2026

Want to take these concepts beyond the podcast and actually build an AMD system for your practice?

Join Dr. Chris Wolfe for the AMD Implementation Workshop in Grapevine, Texas, on October 29, 2026.

This all-day workshop will take a deeper dive into creating an AMD management protocol for your individual practice—from identifying the right patients and establishing KPIs to integrating testing, supplementation conversations, patient education, treatment options, and staff workflows.

Learn more and register:
https://www.practiceperformancepartners.com/amd-implementation-workshop/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email

FREE Complete Clinical AMD Management Course for Podcast Listeners

Want to dive deeper into the clinical side before the workshop?

Podcast listeners can access the Complete Clinical AMD Management Course Bundle FREE through October 31, 2026.

The course includes six educational modules designed to take a deeper dive into the clinical concepts discussed in this episode.

Access the course:
https://www.eyecodeeducation.com/bundles/the-complete-clinical-amd-management-course-bundle

Podcast Listener Coupon Code: ece2026amdpromo

Offer expires October 31, 2026.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, share it with a colleague, and support those who support the show.

Tony Sommer joins Aaron to discuss finding purpose in eye care, advancing myopia management, and building a practice that creates lasting impact for patients and communities.

Connect with Tony:
LinkedIn (you need to follow him!): https://www.linkedin.com/in/tsommerjr/
Email: tony.sommer@treehouseeyes.com
TreeHouse Eyes: www.treehouseeyes.com

---------------------- For our listeners, use the code 'EYECODEMEDIA22' for 10% off at check out for our Premiere Billing & Coding bundle or our EyeCode Billing & Coding course. Sharpen your billing and coding skills today and leave no money on the table! questions@eyecode-education.com https://coopervision.com/our-company/news-center/press-release/coopervision-and-aoa-join-forces-launch-myopia-collective Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts  Show Sponsors: CooperVision MacuHealth

Brooke Parker joins MDP participants Shelby Newsome and Kristin Morris to discuss how the program helps optometric professionals build leadership skills, make data-driven decisions, and create meaningful change in their practices.

For more information on the MDP program:
email Brooke Parker: brooke.carrasco@essilorusa.com
MDP Website (https://leonardo.essilorluxottica.com/content/public/mdp)
Complete MDP Interest Form (https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=96jRx0YFDEqM9T3a6_l9UXa-f3NkLU5OgShOc4DZWR5UMU1QOTE5RjBRSTJES0I3Wk84NldWMTgyNiQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl)

 summary

In this episode, Dr. Christopher Wolfe discusses ocular aesthetics and the science behind Oculus with Dr. Brenda Fonseca from MacU Health. They explore how skincare ingredients work, clinical expectations, and practical ways for eye care professionals to incorporate aesthetic treatments into their practice.

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For our listeners, use the code 'EYECODEMEDIA22' for 10% off at check out for our Premiere Billing & Coding bundle or our EyeCode Billing & Coding course. Sharpen your billing and coding skills today and leave no money on the table! questions@eyecode-education.com

https://coopervision.com/our-company/news-center/press-release/coopervision-and-aoa-join-forces-launch-myopia-collective

Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts 

Show Sponsors: CooperVision MacuHealth

Dave MacKinnon of Promethean One explains why cybersecurity matters for small practices and shares practical ways to protect patient data, reduce vulnerabilities, and prevent costly breaches.

Connect with Dave:
e: david.mackinnon@promethean.one
https://www.promethean.one/

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For our listeners, use the code 'EYECODEMEDIA22' for 10% off at check out for our Premiere Billing & Coding bundle or our EyeCode Billing & Coding course. Sharpen your billing and coding skills today and leave no money on the table! questions@eyecode-education.com

https://coopervision.com/our-company/news-center/press-release/coopervision-and-aoa-join-forces-launch-myopia-collective

Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts 

https://www.practiceperformancepartners.com/

Show Sponsors: CooperVision MacuHealth

"Aaron Werner and Cory Pinegar discuss how optometric practices can combine in-office teams, remote workers, automation, and AI to improve efficiency without sacrificing the patient experience. They explore jobs-to-be-done thinking, simplifying workflows, matching people to the right roles, and using technology to strengthen—not replace—the human element.

Click Here (https://www.hireteem.com/aaron-werner-podcast/) to learn more about TEEM"

 

https://youtu.be/uCMji1AxY5I

https://youtu.be/zYIXGRFtEng

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For our listeners, use the code 'EYECODEMEDIA22' for 10% off at check out for our Premiere Billing & Coding bundle or our EyeCode Billing & Coding course. Sharpen your billing and coding skills today and leave no money on the table! questions@eyecode-education.com

https://coopervision.com/our-company/news-center/press-release/coopervision-and-aoa-join-forces-launch-myopia-collective

Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts 

https://www.practiceperformancepartners.com/

Show Sponsors: CooperVision MacuHealth

"Aaron Werner and Cory Pinegar discuss how optometric practices can combine in-office teams, remote workers, automation, and AI to improve efficiency without sacrificing the patient experience. They explore jobs-to-be-done thinking, simplifying workflows, matching people to the right roles, and using technology to strengthen—not replace—the human element.

Click Here (https://www.hireteem.com/aaron-werner-podcast/) to learn more about TEEM"

----------------------
For our listeners, use the code 'EYECODEMEDIA22' for 10% off at check out for our Premiere Billing & Coding bundle or our EyeCode Billing & Coding course. Sharpen your billing and coding skills today and leave no money on the table! questions@eyecode-education.com

https://coopervision.com/our-company/news-center/press-release/coopervision-and-aoa-join-forces-launch-myopia-collective

Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts 

https://www.practiceperformancepartners.com/

Show Sponsors: CooperVision MacuHealth