In this episode of RetinUp, Clorinda Walley of Good Days joins hosts John Kitchens, MD, and Scott Krzywonos to explain how the patient assistance organization works, who qualifies, and how retina specialists can help sustain its funding.

The episode also introduces the inaugural Image of the Month, with Prof. Paulo Stanga presenting a papillophlebitis case that demonstrates how pre-visit ultra-widefield RGB imaging with the Optos Silverstone RGB can redirect a diagnosis before the physician enters the room.

Hosts: John Kitchens, MD, and Scott Krzywonos

Topics Covered

Good Days in 2026 (Clorinda Walley)

• What is Good Days?

• Types of assistance (copay, premium, and travel support across multiple disease categories) and who is eligible for support

• Funding sources for Good Days

• How retinal vascular disease assistance operates separately from GA assistance

• What happens when a program is funded—and when funding runs out

• Good Days' advocacy in DC and beyond

• Getting your patients enrolled in Good Days

Image of the Month: Papillophlebitis (Prof. Paulo Stanga)

• Case presentation: patient referred for a clinical trial with presumed branch retinal vein occlusion

• Ultra-widefield RGB imaging with the Optos Silverstone upon referral

• Final diagnosis: papillophlebitis

• Clinical workflow advantages of pre-visit imaging

Key Takeaways

Good Days is a critical safety net for Medicare patients who cannot afford their retinal treatments, but its programs depend entirely on ongoing donations — funding can close without warning. Retina specialists can directly support Good Days by getting on the notification list, posting donation signage, and advocating with pharma partners for continued funding. Retina practice as we know it is supported by Good Days—but Good Days itself is only around as long as their donation base shows up.

Ultra-widefield imaging captured early in an appointment changes clinical workflow: Prof. Stanga's case demonstrates that RGB imaging can redirect a diagnosis before the physician enters the room. True-color RGB ultra-widefield imaging with swept-source OCT provides a more complete picture of the retina than two-channel systems, particularly at the vitreoretinal interface and in patients with media opacity.

Sponsors

RetinUp is an editorially independent podcast supported with advertising.

This episode is sponsored by Ocular Therapeutix. Learn more at OCUTX.com. This episode is sponsored by Genentech, maker of Vabysmo (faricimab-svoa). Watch the Purple Chair series at Vabysmo-HCP.com.

The images featured in this episode were captured using the Optos Silverstone RGB. Learn more about Silverstone RGB at Optos.com/products/silverstone.