All posts by David Weinberg

David Weinberg is a retired academic vitreoretinal surgeon. He is emeritus Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Science at the Medical College of Wisconsin. 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 retired academic vitreoretinal surgeon. He is emeritus Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Science at the Medical College of Wisconsin. 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.
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.
Consumer WarningsOphthalmologyScience and Medicine

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.
CommentaryHumorSatire

We are not antivaccine, we are pro unattainable vaccine

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

/ February 6, 2025
Macular degeneration
Clinical TrialsOphthalmology

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
Clinical TrialsScience and Medicine

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
Science and Medicine

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
Clinical TrialsScience and Medicine

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
Science and Medicine

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
Science and Medicine

The p-hackers toolkit

P-hacking is a common and persistent problem in research, with impacts on the scientific literature, reporting, and practice in medicine. But what is it, really?

/ April 30, 2020
LegalScience and Medicine

Patients Blinded by Stem Cell Therapy: FDA (and consumers) win a legal victory!

The Food and Drug Administration just won a court case supporting the agency's ability to regulate stem cell clinics that rely on client-derived adipose tissues. This is a win for consumer protection, though too late to help those already harmed.

/ June 10, 2019
Health FraudScience and the MediaSurgical Procedures

Patients blinded by stem cell therapy: an update

An update on the tragic results of unproven stem cell treatments to treat macular degeneration.

/ May 10, 2019
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