All posts by David Weinberg

David Weinberg is a full-time academic vitreoretinal surgeon, and professor of ophthalmology at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. His interest in the less-than-science-based aspects of medicine was sparked by inquiries from his patients. Investigation their questions led to his discovery of numerous grandiose claims for implausible, unproven treatments of potentially blinding eye diseases. All opinions expressed by Dr. Weinberg are his alone, and do not represent those of his employer or any other organization with which he is affiliated.

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  • David Weinberg is a full-time academic vitreoretinal surgeon, and professor of ophthalmology at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. His interest in the less-than-science-based aspects of medicine was sparked by inquiries from his patients. Investigation their questions led to his discovery of numerous grandiose claims for implausible, unproven treatments of potentially blinding eye diseases. All opinions expressed by Dr. Weinberg are his alone, and do not represent those of his employer or any other organization with which he is affiliated.

Timeline of the Diabetes Prevention Program & Outcomes Study from 1996 to present. Sections include Intensive Lifestyle, Metformin, and Placebo, transitioning to modified interventions and lifestyle sessions over time, ending with ongoing lifestyle education.

The tragic termination of the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study

An invaluable resource is being starved to death with no scientific or ethical justification

/ April 1, 2025

The use of placebo controls in clinical trials

Why the value of placebo controls is not an affirmation of a powerful placebo effect

/ March 20, 2025
Image of a USAID notification announcing a reduction-in-force affecting 1,600 personnel. Starting February 23, 2025, all direct hire personnel will be on administrative leave, except for specific designations.

Indiscriminate, Cruel, and Wasteful: Abandoning USAID clinical trials

The chaos and cruelty of its abrupt deconstruction are self-evident and already demonstrable

/ February 25, 2025
A person wearing white gloves holds several small Botox vials with purple, pink, and blue caps, labeled with various brands. The vials appear to contain injectable solutions.

Botulinum Toxin: A tale of medicine, beauty, and danger

When used responsibly botulinum toxin is very safe, but patients should be especially vigilant about cosmetic treatments done outside a medical setting.

/ February 10, 2025
Woman holding baby away from doctor trying to give shot.

We are not antivaccine, we are pro unattainable vaccine

When it comes to vaccines: “If it exists we resist.” 

/ February 6, 2025
Macular degeneration

Pegcetacoplan (Syfovre™) for macular degeneration: an update

SBM's guest contributor and ophthalmologist, Dr. David Weinberg, provides an update on the phase 3 trials of pegcetacoplan for macular degeneration. The results are still disappointing.

/ January 11, 2024

Pegcetacoplan, a new treatment for macular degeneration

FDA approves a new treatment for macular degeneration: the good, the bad, and the disappointing.

/ June 6, 2023

The Stem Cell Ophthalmology Treatment Study (SCOTS): Part 2

Today we continue an analysis of a dubious stem cell clinical trial, with an examination of the clinic and personnel involved.

/ March 26, 2022

The Stem Cell Ophthalmology Treatment Study

In this study we have 300 patients with 47 different diseases subject to 7 experimental treatments among 3 treatment groups and no control group. What could possibly go right?

/ December 27, 2021

Hydroxychloroquine, retinal toxicity, and COVID-19

Hydroxychloroquine is being promoted as a treatment or prevention for COVID-19 based on questionable evidence. The long-term impact of hydroxychloroquine on the retina introduces another reason to be cautious about its use outside of clinical trials.

/ May 1, 2020