EnVision Summit 2025: Lana Rifkin, MD, on the unique role of uveitis specialists

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Lana Rifkin, MD, a uveitis specialist at Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston, shared insights into her work and her role as committee chair of the uveitis section for the upcoming EnVision Summit, which will be held from February 14 to 17, 2025, at the Caribe Hilton San Juan in Puerto Rico. Rifkin treats a wide range of uveitis cases, both pediatric and adult.

She highlighted the tailored nature of uveitis management, stating, “Pediatric and adult uveitis are completely different. The treatment options really have to be geared towards the specific patient.” In pediatric cases, she emphasized the importance of steroid-sparing strategies to avoid complications like cataracts and glaucoma in a vulnerable population.

Rifkin expressed her passion for collaboration, noting that uveitis care requires close teamwork with specialists across cornea, glaucoma, and retina. “Uveitis encompasses all of the specialties,” she said, adding that both the disease itself and its treatments often intersect with these fields. This multidisciplinary approach is reflected at EnVision Summit, where specialists convene to share insights and advance patient care.

Regarding innovations in uveitis management, Rifkin underscored the importance of reducing reliance on steroids due to their significant side effects. She remarked, “There are multiple things in the pipeline that are steroid sparing, not only with topical but also systemic options.” She described the field as dynamic, with constant advancements offering hope for improved outcomes.

Finally, Rifkin celebrated the unique atmosphere of the EnVision Summit, calling it “an amazing event” for education and networking. She also praised its family-friendly environment, sharing that it’s an opportunity for her children to see her thrive professionally while balancing her role as a parent. “Mom really can be both a doctor and a mom at the same time,” she said.