Q&A: Inside Northwestern University’s “Dinner with the Experts” educational series with Robert S. Feder, MD

The Northwestern University Department of Ophthalmology is launching "Dinner with the Experts – Cases, Updates, and Clinical Pearls," a collaborative space for sharing ophthalmic knowledge and practical takeaways. (Image credit: AdobeStock/Harsha)

The Northwestern University Department of Ophthalmology is launching a new educational initiative, “Dinner with the Experts – Cases, Updates, and Clinical Pearls.” This virtual series offers ophthalmologists the chance to engage with leading experts in an informal Zoom setting, designed to spark discussion and deliver practical insights.

The series kicks off on September 9, 2025, with a glaucoma-focused session titled “Using OCT imaging and perimetry to detect glaucoma progression,” led by Angelo P. Tanna, MD.

READ MORE: Glaucoma-focused session with Angelo P. Tanna, MD, launches Northwestern University’s “Dinner with the Experts” series

Monthly sessions will follow from November 2025 through June 2026, each spotlighting a different subspecialty and speaker. All sessions are scheduled to take place from 6 to 7 pm Central time. To learn more or to register for any of the Dinner with the Expert sessions, email: ophevents@northwestern.edu

• Tuesday, September 9, 2025 | Glaucoma, Angelo P. Tanna, MD
• Tuesday, November 18, 2025 | Cataract and Refractive, Surendra Basti, MD
• Tuesday, December 16, 2025 | Uveitis, Timothy Janetos, MD
• Tuesday, January 20, 2026 | Oculoplastics, Liza M. Cohen, MD
• Tuesday, February 17, 2026 | Ocular Pathology, Paul J. Bryar, MD
• Tuesday, March 17, 2026 | Neuro-Ophthalmology, Nicholas J. Volpe, MD
• Tuesday, April 21, 2026 | Retina, Manjot K. Gill, MD
• Tuesday, May 19, 2026 | Ocular Oncology, R. Christopher Bowen, MD
• Tuesday, June 19, 2026 | Cornea, Robert S. Feder, MD

Although Tanna will lead the inaugural glaucoma session, the overall series is directed by Robert S. Feder, MD, who has helped shape the program’s vision and educational goals. The Eye Care Network caught up with Feder to learn more about what inspired the series, what participants can expect, and how it aims to enrich clinical practice.

Note: The transcript has been lightly edited for clarity and length.

As the course director for the “Dinner with the Experts,” what is your vision for this series?

Robert S. Feder, MD

Robert S. Feder, MD: As Vice Chair of Education in the Department of Ophthalmology, one of my goals is to widen the educational footprint beyond our department. Making use of modern technology, our great faculty can reach a much larger audience. A “Dinner with the Experts” program has been a great success in the gastroenterology department. It is our hope to have a 1-hour virtual interactive meeting with one of our accomplished faculty members to provide interesting cases, brief talks, and updates with useful takeaways. This would occur each month so that residents, fellows, and comprehensive eye physicians regionally, nationally, and internationally can count on an impactful learning experience at no charge.

The series lineup spans 9 subspecialties across ophthalmology. How did you decide on the topics and expert speakers for each session?

Feder: All of our experts are accomplished teachers, lecturers, and nationally recognized speakers in each subspecialty. We have given each expert the freedom to choose the topics and create the best experience for our audience.

The series begins in September and runs through next June. How do you see the progression of topics benefiting attendees over the course of the year?

Feder: Over the course of the year, the regular participants will have a broad educational experience. Participants will also have the flexibility to choose the subspecialties and topics in which they have the most interest. The calendar of speakers and subspecialties will be available as will the specific session goals and topics.

Each session covers a highly specialized area—from cataract and refractive surgery to ocular oncology. How do you ensure these sessions are valuable for a broad audience, including those outside each subspecialty?

Feder: Ophthalmologists of all subspecialties agree that being well rounded by keeping up to date on topics within other subspecialties is of great value. Our expert faculty understand the goals of this program and know just how to make these topics relevant to all our attendees.

Your own session in June 2026 will focus on cornea. Without giving too much away, what themes or advancements do you hope to highlight when it’s your turn in the spotlight?

Feder: I can't wait to have my 1-hour session! While it’s months away, I am already thinking of bringing educational cases, updates on corneal dystrophies, and/or tips and tricks for managing impending perforations. Obviously, these topics are subject to change.

Is there anything else you’d like to add that we haven’t touched on—or that you feel is especially important for our audience to know?

Feder: I look forward to seeing this program bring educational pearls and updates to as large an audience as possible. I expect this program participation to grow over time and plan to bring the best faculty and the best topics each month. We will make the registration process as easy as possible.