Discover the milestone 400th episode of the OIS podcast with Dr. Firas Rahhal and Dr. Robert Rothman, where they explore the impact of Ophthalmology Innovation Summit (OIS) on the investment ecosystem: Journey of OIS Rich Insights Collaboration Clinical Mastery Long-Term Relationships Humor and Admiration Future of Ophthalmology Tune in to this epi…

In this episode of Eye on Innovation Podcast, Carey Powers delves into the latest advancements in corneal crosslinking technology with expert guest Dr. Deepinder Dhaliwal. Dr. Dhaliwal, a renowned professor of ophthalmology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and director of refractive surgery at the UPMC Vision Institute, shares her…

In our latest episode, host Dr. Rob Rothman interviews Greg Kunst, CEO of Aurion Biotech, to delve into the forefront of cell therapy for corneal disease. Join us to discover: Greg's journey from pivotal roles at Alcon and Glaukos to leading Aurion Biotech The innovative allogenic cell therapy technology developed by Aurion How this technology addr…

This week's OIS Podcast features a compelling panel discussion from the Dry Horizons Symposium co-presented by Ora and OIS, held on May 3 in Seattle. The panel, comprising leading experts in ophthalmology and dry eye research, covered essential topics in the field: 🔹Advancements in Diagnostics: Insights into new tools and technologies for more accu…

Explore the cutting-edge world of ophthalmology with the Eye on Innovation Podcast. In the latest episode, Carey Powers hosts Dr. Rishi Singh and Dr. Michael Singer as they delve into how AI and robotics are transforming retina medicine, bringing unprecedented changes to diagnosis, clinical trials, and patient care. This insightful discussion provi…

In this compelling OIS podcast episode, host Dr. Rob Rothman engages in an insightful conversation with Dr. Malvina Eydelman, the Director of the FDA's Office of Ophthalmic, Anesthesia, Respiratory, ENT, and Dental Devices. Delve into Malvina's unique career journey and discover how her diverse background in engineering and ophthalmology has influe…

In the latest episode of the OIS podcast, host Dr. Rob Rothman delves into the transformative power of empathy with multi-Emmy award-winning actress and writer, Ellen Gould. Together, they explore the intersection of healthcare and storytelling, shedding light on the importance of patient-centered care and authentic narrative representation. Episod…

In this episode, Dr. Jai Parekh shares his journey from ophthalmology to business leadership in healthcare. Raised in New Jersey, he initially pursued cardiology before discovering his passion for ophthalmology. Specializing in cornea and refractive surgery, he transitioned into the commercial side of the field, leveraging his clinical expertise an…

Don't miss the latest episode of the OIS Retina Podcast, where we sit down with optometrist and ophthalmology researcher Brian Levy for an illuminating discussion on the future of eye care. In this episode, Brian takes us on a journey through his career, from his early days in vet school to his groundbreaking work at Presbyterian Medical Center, Ae…

Tune in to the latest episode of the Eye On Innovation podcast where Carey Powers dives into the dynamic world of biotech investor pitch decks with special guest Dr. Rob Rothman, Founding Partner of InFocus Capital Partners. Discover the top five mistakes to avoid when crafting your pitch deck and gain exclusive insights from Dr. Rothman's wealth o…

Join us this week on the OIS podcast as host Carey Powers sits down with Dr. Paul Karpecki to explore the latest advancements in presbyopia treatment strategies. Here's what you can expect from this insightful conversation: Insider Insights: Dr. Karpecki shares insider insights gleaned from his extensive clinical experience and research in the fiel…

In the latest episode of the OIS Podcast, host Dr. Robert Rothman engages in a captivating dialogue with Dr. Prasad Sunkara, CEO of Eyegenex. Key points discussed in the episode: Prasad's multifaceted background spanning agricultural sciences to pharmaceuticals. Eyegenex's pioneering work in gene and peptide therapies for ophthalmic conditions. The…

This panel discussion on startup commercial strategy explores key elements and insights from industry leaders, Paul Bresge, Aziz Mottiwala, Todd Pinkney, Cari Stone and Adam Szaronos, offering a comprehensive view of the journey from regulatory approval to commercialization. Beth Marsh, Lead of Sales and Marketing at Apellis, sets the stage by emph…

OIS Podcast host Carey Powers speaks with Dr. Adrienne Graves and Dr. Barbara Wirostko on 'Maximizing the Value of Your Board of Director' live from OIS XIII. Dr. Graves and Dr. Wirostko share valuable insights on: * Building effective boards * Significance of diversity * CEO and board member communications * Navigating decision-making * Board dyna…

By OIS Podcast

In this episode of the OIS Podcast, host Dr. Firas Rahhal, along with expert panelists, Dr. Robert Bhisitkul, Dr. Alan Franklin and Dr. Paul Karpecki at OIS XIII, takes listeners on a deep dive into the transformative landscape of oral therapies in retina treatment, challenging the conventional approach dominated by eye injections. Tune in as they …

ViaLase, a clinical stage medical technology company located in Aliso Viejo, CA is focused on disrupting the conventional glaucoma treatment paradigm with the introduction of a truly noninvasive image-guided femtosecond laser treatment that enhances glaucoma patient care. With a leadership team that has vast experience developing, designing, manufa…

Opthea, an Australian based biopharmaceutical company is dedicated to transforming retinal disease treatments and elevating patients' vision and quality of life. Join Firas Rahal, MD, in a captivating episode as he engages with Opthea's Founder and Chief Innovation Officer, Megan Baldwin, PhD. Explore the compelling journey from oncology to ophthal…

Harrow isn’t a household name (yet), but eye care professionals have trusted its products for over a decade. The Nashville-based company produces Dexycu, an intraocular steroid; Iopidine for intraocular pressure control; and most recently, five Novartis products that Harrow acquired in December 2022. Rob Rothman, MD, caught up with Harrow founder a…

Endogena Therapeutics has developed a novel approach to regenerative medicine that’s not only scientifically compelling, but practical. Endogena’s technology unlocks the body’s own stem cells for controlled tissue repair by small molecules. Its products use a dosing schedule that could move easily into the system already in place for intravitreal i…

“You can see and feel a buzz within the company right now,” said Andrew Stewart, President, Global Pharmaceuticals and International Consumer, at Bausch + Lomb. Bausch + Lomb’s current momentum stems not only from new leadership, but also from recent collaborations, partnerships, and acquisitions. Stewart and Yehia Hashad, MD, Executive Vice Presid…

OIS Podcast host Carey Powers caught up with four ophthalmology execs and one principal investigator to talk about some of the most exciting developments in retina R&D. Her guests include: Houman David Hemmati, MD, PhD, Cofounder and Chief Medical Officer of Optigo Biotherapeutics Michael Tsipursky, MD, CEO and Cofounder of Revive Biotech Michael S…

OIS Podcast host Carey Powers speaks with four CEOs from leading retina-focus companies to talk about all things innovation. Her guests include: • Kerrie Brady, BPharm, President and CEO of OcuTerra • Rich Small, CEO of NeuroTech Pharmaceuticals • Kester Nahen, PhD, CEO of Notal Vision • Brad Doerschuk, President and CEO of InFocus Clinical OcuTerr…

At-home OCT enables daily monitoring of patients with neovasular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other patients that need a lot of follow-ups. With host Carey Powers, Dr. Anat Loewenstein dives into at-home OCT innovation, application, and adoption. Dr. Loewenstein is Head of the Department of Ophthalmology and Vice Dean at Tel Aviv Medi…

Keith Valentine is the first and only visually impaired head of a national sight loss organization in the UK. As the President and CEO of Vision Foundation, London’s leading sight loss charity, Valentine guides an organization that provides services for blind and visually impaired people countrywide. He also has plans to increase the organization’s…

Two recent drug approvals changed the game for ocular surface disease: Xdemvy (lotilaner ophthalmic solution) 0.25 percent (Tarsus Pharmaceuticals) for Demodex blepharitis, and Miebo (perfluorohexyloctane ophthalmic solution) from Bausch + Lomb and Novaliq for evaporative dry eye disease. On today’s podcast, two ocular surface disease experts talk …

Yari Mitchell spent nearly 13 years with AcuFocus, an ophthalmic device company, before overseeing its acquisition by Bausch + Lomb. As head of Y Factor Consulting, she now helps innovators move their product from the lab to a funded company. Greg Kunst, President and CEO of Aurion Biotech, a cell therapy company, led the start-up to a $120 million…

Wesley Jackson, PhD, spent years conducting post-doctoral research and writing grants, all the while setting the wheels in motion to launch Valitor. Valitor is developing VLTR-557 a long-lasting anti-VEGF. The technology platform, a multivalent polymer (MVP), is integral to VLTR-557. With Firas Rahhal, MD, Dr. Jackson shares why he stuck with the s…

Aziz Mottiwala, Chief Commercial Officer of Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, says the company looks for honest unmet needs when deciding what targets to explore. It also looks for opportunities to be the first or the best. The company may meet both objectives with TP-03, an antiparasitic agent developed to treat Demodex blepharitis, among other conditions. …

Daniela Ferrara, Principal Medical Director at Genentech, calls her extensive medical training in Brazil her “north star.” Yet, she was frustrated by the limitations of clinical practice. “Having patients go blind under my watch, I realized I would never defeat blindness through practice,” she said. She turned her attention to clinical research, wh…

Host Carey Powers caught up with two digital health experts right after the Digital Ophthalmic Society (DOS) Digital Day program at the recent ASCRS conference in San Diego, California: Ranya Habash, MD, cofounder of MetaMed, DOS board member, and CEO of LifeLong Vision SPAC; and David Rhew, Global Chief Medical Officer and Vice President of Health…

Innovation happens in labs, workshops, and garages worldwide. How does it happen in a global enterprise like Johnson & Johnson? Christoph Vonwiller, President of the Asia Pacific Region for Johnson & Johnson Vision, sheds light on that topic during a conversation with host Sophia Pathai, MD, PhD. As he sees it, start-ups and academic researchers st…

Brian Culley, CEO of Lineage Cell Therapeutics, describes his company’s approach as “replace and restore.” In certain settings, replacing whole cells may provide restorative benefits that go beyond small molecule drugs, or even anti-VEGF therapies. Replacing dysfunctional or lost cell types with manufactured cells of the same type can restore activ…

For today’s episode, the newest addition to the OIS Podcast team, Carey Powers, sits down with the newest additions to the Staar Surgical team: Warren Foust, Chief Operating Officer; and Magda Michna, PhD, Chief Clinical, Regulatory, and Medical Affairs Officer. Starr has led the way in implantable lenses for over 40 years, but like many medical de…

Nataša Jovic has led marketing strategies for retina products since the launch of Visudyne. Approved by the FDA in 2002, Visudyne was the first commercially available therapy to treat wet AMD. Today, Jovic applies her scientific background and retina experience to lead marketing and commercial operations for RetinAI, a software company that support…

Cedric Francois, MD, PhD, is the cofounder, CEO, and president of Apellis, the company behind Syfovre, the first FDA-approved treatment for geographic atrophy. Like many, his path to the top of a successful publicly traded pharmaceutical company did not come fast or easy. He learned the hard way not to rely on “soft commitments” when funding a new …

Jodbhir (Jod) Mehta, PhD, is the Head of the Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group at the Singapore Eye Research Institute and Head of the Corneal Service and Senior Consultant in the Refractive Service of the Singapore National Eye Center (SNEC). Dr. Mehta, a corneal and refractive surgery expert, has spent most of his career in Singapore, a smal…

When Barry Linder, MD, was an ophthalmologist with Kaiser Permanente, he saw a familiar pattern. Patients with dry eye disease usually had Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). They were advised to place a wet warm washcloth over the eyelids twice a day. They’d inevitably abandon the protocol after a few days. Thinking there had to be a better way, he…

If ophthalmology clinical trials were burgers, mitomycin would be the mustard at the table of every U.S. restaurant with a burger on the menu.* Using this analogy, Mitsol, developed and manufactured by Mobius Therapeutics, is the only FDA-approved mitomycin-c “mustard” formulation with an ophthalmic indication. In reality, the mitomycin story in op…

In pharma, it takes many failures to achieve one breakthrough. Dompé, a family-owned global biopharmaceutical company, focuses on long-term success, knowing those wins impact thousands or even millions of patients. Gianluca Rossetti, Strategic Planning & Corporate Business Development Director at Dompé, was drawn by the company’s ambition, passion,…

Dompé, a family-owned global biopharmaceutical company with roots that date back over 150 years, built its legacy by following two principles: take calculated risks, and focus on need rather than precedent. Georgea Pasedis, PharmD, RPh, Dompé’s Senior Vice President and Global Head of Medical Affairs, moved into her current role by following simila…

As Vice President and General Manager of U.S. Surgical for Bausch + Lomb, Anthony Wallace is involved in virtually all things surgical. His day-to-day includes strategy, portfolio planning, R&D alignment, acquisitions, pricing and contracting, sales and marketing, and supply chain. On top of all that, he’s one of the key executives leading Bausch +…

Today’s podcast shines the spotlight on the front of the eye, focusing new treatments and approaches to dry eye disease, blepharitis, and Sjogren's Syndrome, to name a few. Kelly Nichols, OD, PhD, dean of the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry, guides a panel of four clinical and industry experts through a robust conversation o…

Myopia has escalated to epidemic proportions with a global prevalence twice that of obesity. A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology in 2021 found the prevalence of myopia in six-year-old children in China jumped from 5.7% between 2015 and 2019 to 21.5% in 2020. Given myopia affects about 40% of Americans and up to 90% of the East and Southeast Asi…

Robert Avery, MD, CEO of California Retina Consultants, balances roles as physician and researcher with a lucrative additional career: advising life sciences companies and ophthalmology focused venture capital funds. With colleague and podcast host Firas Rahhal, MD, Dr. Avery talks about how he got into the business side of medicine. He also looks …

CooperVision’s Global Head of Myopia Management Strategy, Rajeev Garg, made a bold move over a decade ago. After a fruitful career in R&D for Abbott and Merck, he got his MBA and transitioned to the commercial side. It worked out well. He led global teams for Johnson & Johnson and Bausch + Lomb before joining one of the industry’s leading contact l…

Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the only modifiable risk factor for glaucoma. The more IOP data, the better physicians can evaluate treatment impact, which is critical to preserving vision. Implandata Ophthalmic Products GmbH developed the eyemate® technology platform to fill that need. The implantable sensor, powered and read by a hand-held…

Applications of the metaverse go far beyond gaming and social media. In healthcare and life sciences, innovative physicians and researchers are exploring its potential to accomplish the following: Enhance decentralized clinical trials Develop precision medicine therapies Improve surgical navigation e.g., to perfect a surgical route before treating …

With extensive experience as both a medical and technology professional, Khizer Khaderi, MD, MPH, could be described as either a technology whiz who practices medicine or an ophthalmologist pursuing technology. In reality, he falls into a field all his own, combining what he knows about sports performance, vision, and advanced technology into a car…

Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy (FECD), a progressive hereditary disease that causes blurred or cloudy vision and vision loss, has no cure other than transplant of endothelial layer. David Eveleth, PhD, founder, president, and CEO of Trefoil Therapeutics, wants to change that. The company’s lead product, TTHX1114, has the potential to medically…