1. What motivated you to specialize in retina and, more specifically, in pediatric retinal disease?

The retina is a fascinating and beautiful structure with amazing function; I have found the development of vision and the pathophysiology of pediatric retinal disease intriguing since I was first exposed to them.

2. In 1990, you founded the Association for Retinopathy of Prematurity and Related Diseases (ROPARD). Can you tell us about this organization and its efforts?

ROPARD was funded following a rejected National Eye Institute application for a study to examine retinal detachment in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). It seemed to me that raising private money for clinically relevant pediatric retinal research might be a better use of my time than grant writing, and that has proved true. We have funded more than $3 million in clinically relevant pediatric retinal research projects and opened the first pediatric retinal research lab dedicated solely to pediatric retinal vascular problems at Oakland University.

3. In your career, what has been, in your opinion, the most significant development in the treatment of ROP?

I would say laser treatment for stage 3 and lens-sparing vitrectomy for 4A ROP have been the most significant developments.

4. What surgical cases do you find most enjoyable to perform and why?

I most enjoy performing lens-sparing vitrectomy for 4A ROP because it potentially changes the child's entire life for the better.

5. If you had not pursed a career as an ophthalmologist, what profession might you have chosen outside of medicine?

In college, I wanted to be a professional football player until injury forced me to make another career choice.