For the first episode in our podcast series, Retina Rounds podcast co-host, Steven Schwartz, MD interviews an innovator, surgical pioneer and one of the fathers of modern vitreoretinal surgery: Steve Charles, MD. Dr. Charles has developed many of the machines and tools we use every day in the operating room, which is one of the many reasons he received the Laureate Recognition Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology . In this interview, Dr. Charles talks about his path in ophthalmology, shares insights on the early days of developing a modern vitreoretinal surgical platform, and provides valuable clinical pearls for both comprehensive ophthalmologists and retina specialists. The interview is filled with many interesting stories and anecdotes, which you will love!