Shows
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastTransforming Myopia Treatment: Perry Sternberg Talks SYD-101This week on The Rob & Jai Show, an edition of the OIS Podcast, Perry Sternberg, CEO of Sydnexis, discusses the company's efforts to bring its innovative SYD-101 product to market, which aims to slow the progression of pediatric myopia.Challenges in Market Access: Sternberg emphasizes the challenges of market access and reimbursement, explaining that it's not just about the product’s price but also the value proposition it offers.Launch Plans for 2026: The company is planning for a 2026 launch, following FDA approval, with a strong focus on ensuring a positive experience for both physicians an...2025-05-0938 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastUnlocking the Uveoscleral Pathway: Adam Szaronos on Bio-Interventional Innovation in GlaucomaIn this edition of The Rob & Jai Show, the OIS Podcast welcomes Adam Szaronos, CEO of IanTrek, for a wide-ranging conversation on innovation, leadership, and unlocking new pathways in glaucoma care. Adam walks us through his career journey from Alcon to TearLab to leading IanTrek, where he’s now championing a new class of glaucoma procedures with AloeFlow™—a minimally invasive, tissue-based implant that activates the uveoscleral pathway.Together with hosts Dr. Rob Rothman and Dr. Jai Parekh, Adam discusses:The evolution of his career from medical device sales to surgical commercialization and C-suite leadership.Why the uv...2025-04-2538 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastBringing Presbyopia Back to the Forefront: Paul Smith of Orasis on The Rob & Jai Show, an Edition of the OIS PodcastIn this edition of The Rob & Jai Show, Paul Smith, President & COO of Orasis Pharmaceuticals, joins Dr. Rob Rothman and Dr. Jai Parekh for a compelling conversation on his career path and the commercialization of Qlosi™—a novel, FDA-approved, low-dose pilocarpine eye drop for the treatment of presbyopia.With more than two decades of experience across Alcon, Novartis, and now Orasis, Smith reflects on his unique career trajectory from tech startups to ophthalmic leadership, the importance of cross-functional experience, and how a shared vision with founder & CEO Elad Kedar led him to the helm of a company now...2025-04-1136 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastThe View from the Street: Industry Trends, Strategic Shifts & Navigating UncertaintyIn this edition of the OIS Podcast, a powerhouse panel of investment, banking, and biotech leaders offers unfiltered insights on the current and future state of the ophthalmic industry. Featuring Andrew Gitkin (Leerink Partners), Cameron Taylor (Bank of America), Susan Orr, PhD (Claris Bio), and Anupam Dalal, MD (Acuta Capital), and Dr. Pravin Dugel, Chairman and CEO of Ocular Therapeutix, this session explores how macroeconomic and political shifts—such as RFK Jr.'s FDA rhetoric and rising interest rates—are influencing capital markets, regulatory confidence, and biotech strategy. With humor, candor, and deep expertise, the panel discusses: ...2025-03-2831 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastBreaking Barriers in Sustained Drug Delivery: Michael O’Rourke on The Rob & Jai Show edition of the OIS PodcastIn this episode of The Rob & Jai Show, Michael O’Rourke, CEO of Re-Vana Therapeutics, joins Dr. Rob Rothman and Dr. Jai Parekh to explore the next-generation of sustained drug delivery in ophthalmology. With millions of intravitreal injections administered annually for retinal diseases like AMD, the need for longer-lasting, more effective treatments has never been greater.O’Rourke explains how Re-Vana’s proprietary hydrogel-based technologies are setting a new standard for biodegradable, sustained-release drug implants—offering six to twelve months of therapeutic coverage without the need for surgery. The discussion covers:🔹How Re-Vana’s EyeLief™ and OcuLief™ te...2025-03-1413 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastA Visionary Approach to Uveitis: Tarsier Pharma’s Disruptive InnovationIn this OIS Podcast episode, host Dr. Robert Rothman sits down with Daphne Haim-Langford, PhD, Founder & CEO of Tarsier Pharma, and Ashley Kline, Chief Commercial Officer, to discuss their groundbreaking approach to uveitis treatment.Tarsier’s lead candidate, TRS01, is a first-in-class bio-inspired therapy designed to control inflammation without raising intraocular pressure, a major complication of steroid treatments. With a unique mechanism of action that modulates macrophages and reduces inflammation, this novel drug has the potential to redefine uveitis and glaucoma care. In this episode, you’ll learn:🔹 How Tarsier’s bio-inspir...2025-02-1429 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastCompany Quick TakesCarey Powers caught up with five innovative companies at this years OIS XIV in San Diego, to discuss the latest advancements in ophthalmology on the OIS podcast.Topics included touchless laser therapy for presbyopia, extending the duration of intravitreal treatments, next-generation tear fluid testing, and new imaging methodologies for vitreoretinal conditions. Guests include:Alex Lopez, Chief Commercial Officer - Ace Vision GroupHouman Hemmati, MD, PhD, Co-Founder & Chief Medical Officer - Optigo BiotherapeuticsLeanne Lavriola, DO, MBA, President & CEO - InnSight TechnologyNir Katchinskiy, PhD, CEO & Co-Founder...2024-12-0624 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastCelebrating 400 Episodes of OISDiscover 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 OISRich InsightsCollaborationClinical MasteryLong-Term RelationshipsHumor and AdmirationFuture of OphthalmologyTune in to this episode for a blend of knowledge, inspiration, and laughter as they navigate the future of eye care innovation. Don’t miss out—listen now!2024-07-1253 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastTodays Therapies are Not Sufficient: A Marketplace Ripe for InnovationThis 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 accurate and reliable diagnosis of dry eye syndrome.🔹Regulatory Challenges: Discussion on the regulatory landscape and the hurdles faced in gaining approval for innovative treatments.🔹Artificial Intelligence in Dry Eye Management: Exploration of AI's potential to transform the management and treatment of dry eye throu...2024-05-2436 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading Podcast5 Mistakes to Avoid in Biotech Investor Pitch DecksTune 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 of experience in ophthalmology and venture capital.In this episode, you'll learn:The importance of tailoring your pitch deck to specific investors.Strategies for keeping your pitch deck concise and engaging.Why it's crucial to address challenges, competition, and...2024-03-0118 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastRevolutionizing Ophthalmic CareIn 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 personal journey and insights driving Prasad's commitment to advancing ophthalmology.For a deep dive into this thought-provoking conversation, tune in to the OIS Podcast and explore the forefront of ophthalmic innovation.2024-02-0337 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastMaximizing the Value of Your Board of DirectorsOIS 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 dynamics* Strategic collaboration This episode is a must-listen for CEOs and founders navigating the intricacies of leadership and strategic decision-making. Tune in now.2024-01-0522 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastRevolutionizing Retina Care Beyond InjectionsIn 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 explore the groundbreaking realm of oral treatments and shed light on their novelty in retinal care.The discussions are comprehensive, covering key aspects such as:• Novelty in Retina Treatment• Three-Step Improvement and Long-Term Vision Protection• Optimism for Preventio...2023-12-1522 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastC-Suite Quick Takes: OIS Goes Behind the Scenes with Four Emerging Biotech CompaniesOIS 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 BiotechMichael Singer, MD, Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at University of Texas Health Science Center, Director of Clinical Research at Medical Center Ophthalmology Associates, and Principal Investigator for Unity Biotechnology’s BEHOLD trialSamarendra Mohanty, PhD, President and Cofounder; and Sulagna Bhattacharya, CEO and Cofounder of Nano...2023-09-2220 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastCEO Quick TakesOIS 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 ClinicalOcuTerra is developing OTT166, a novel small molecule designed to treat diabetic retinopathy.The product is getting attention because it can deliver product to the retina via an eye drop application, said Kerrie Brady, BPharm, CEO of OcuTerra.The comp...2023-09-0818 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastA Fast, Fun Future, with Warren Foust and Magda Michna, PhD, Staar SurgicalFor 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 device companies, not many patients have heard of them.That’s changing now that Staar has doubled down on direct-to-consumer advertising. To date, they’ve secured collaborations with the Jonas Brothers, Peyton List, and NBA player Max Strus, among others...2023-06-0916 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastHow Retina Physicians Can Use AI, With Natasa Jovic, RetinAINataša 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 supports R&D initiatives.As a retina specialist, OIS podcast host Firas Rahhal, MD, wanted to know: what’s the deal with AI? How can it help me in my practice? Jovic provides insight.At present, the FDA has appr...2023-05-1943 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastChanging the Glaucoma Monitoring ParadigmElevated 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 device, allows physicians to monitor IOP between visits.Implandata CEO and cofounder, Max Ostermeier, discussed the technology and the gap it fills with glaucoma specialist and OIS podcast host Rob Rothman, MD. Better IOP monitoring, they argue, can help change the paradigm of patient c...2023-02-0331 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastSit-downs with Eight OIS XII All-StarsPodcast Description: More than 300 clinical thought leaders, pharma industry executives, and ophthalmology investors gathered recently in San Diego, CA, for OIS XII. In addition to announcing pivotal new data, presenters discussed drug and device innovations, advances in clinical trials, and how to gain or maintain a competitive edge in today’s market.For this week’s OIS Podcast, surgeon Ehsan Sadri, MD, co-founder of Visionary Ventures; and Sharon Bakalash, MD, PhD, founder and CEO of SB Strategic Development Consultants, sat down with an all-star cast of ophthalmology leaders. Here’s a preview of the cast...2022-12-211h 09
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastSetting the Standards in ImagingFor more than 30 years, Heidelberg Engineering has set the standard in diagnostic imaging. Best known for imaging quality and optical coherence tomography (OCT) capabilities, Heidelberg focuses on innovation, customer service, and education. OIS Podcast host Sophia Pathai, MD, PhD, caught up with Heidelberg’s VP/head of corporate strategy Kfir Azoulay, as well as Heidelberg Engineering UK managing director Tosh Vadhia. From their respective locations in Heidelberg, Germany, and London, the two discussed what’s behind Heidelberg Engineering’s success. Although the company retains the feel of a close-knit family business, it aims...2022-11-3028 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastFrom Leading Global R&D Teams to Funding StartupsScott Brun, MD, began his long career in pharma R&D leadership in the late 1990s, holding key roles at Abbott and AbbVie. Had he picked up a pencil with his right hand, his career may have taken a completely different turn.Dr. Brun earned his medical degree at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and completed a residency in ophthalmology at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. A leftie, Dr. Brun ultimately decided not to become ambidextrous. Instead, he joined Abbott as a pharmaceutical physician and began a fruitful career leading development across multiple therapeutic areas.2022-11-2351 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastThe Potential of Entire-Eye OCT ImagingWhat if legendary ophthalmologist Don Gass, MD, had access to both optical coherence tomography (OCT) and artificial intelligence? One can only imagine the breakthroughs. Alex Walsh, MD, CEO of Envision Diagnostics and a retina specialist at Retina-Vitreous Associates in Los Angeles and vicinity, wants to bring Gassian interpretive capabilities to everyone in eye care. His company’s product, a binocular OCT with the potential to image the entire eye, could enable physicians and technicians to get objective, comprehensive data in six minutes. No waiting, no moving from room to room. The devic...2022-11-1649 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastLaunching a Novel Dry Eye ProductThe Food and Drug Administration approved Tyrvaya (varenicline solution), a multidose nasal spray, to treat signs and symptoms of dry eye disease, about a year ago. Jeffrey Nau, PhD, MMS, CEO of Oyster Point Pharma, sat down with OIS Podcast host Paul Karpecki, OD, FAAO, to discuss the launch and his learnings over the year that was. Since then, about 62,000 Tyrvaya prescriptions have been written. It’s the first and only nasal spray designed for dry eye relief. Dr. Nau says refills and persistence numbers are strong. Dr. Kar...2022-11-0923 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastThe Game ChangerRam Palanki, PharmD, VP of commercial strategy and operations for REGENXBIO, has been involved in the development and launch of at least two groundbreaking treatments: Lucentis (ranibizumab, Genentech/Roche) and Macugen (pegaptanib).If all goes well in clinical trials, Dr. Palanki could soon add one more to his extensive CV: a one-time gene therapy designed to treat age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy (DR). A master of back-of-the-eye product development and commercialization, Dr. Palanki sits down with OIS podcast host Firas Rahhal, MD, to discuss the history of retinal disease treatments and the potential of g...2022-10-2655 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastSpotlight on OIS Israel at MIXiiiOIS has showcased dozens of ophthalmic leaders who are part of Israel’s thriving biotech and medtech spaces. This OIS Podcast features one of those leaders, who’s preparing for MIXiii Health-Tech.IL, the annual gathering for the life science and health tech industries in Israel. It’ll be held in Jerusalem November 9 and 10. And for the first time, OIS Israel will be part of it.Podcast host Rob Rothman, MD (also an OIS Israel cochair), talks to Tarsier Pharma founder and CEO Daphne Haim-Langford, PhD. Dr. Haim-Langford gives an update on her company’s Phase III trial fo...2022-10-1922 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastRayner’s Tim Clover on KOLs and IOLsRayner is best known for its intraocular lenses (IOLs). It developed the world’s first IOL and is the sole manufacturer of IOLs in the UK. The company currently manufactures 1.3 million lenses a year, but there’s more to the story. Rayner’s portfolio also includes a delivery system, ophthalmic viscosurgical devices, drops, and a digital health platform that captures patient-reported outcomes.CEO Tim Clover discusses Rayner’s diversified focus and data-driven initiatives with OIS Podcast host Sophia Pathai, MD, PhD. They also talk about how Clover helped move the company in a new direction, which included tearing d...2022-10-1231 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastGlenn Tookey’s Mission Against BlindnessAs head of Sight and Sound Technology, the largest supplier and distributor of technology and devices designed for visually-impaired and blind individuals, Glenn Tookey wouldn’t be disappointed if he went out of business. But until there are cures for all eye diseases, he remains a strong advocate for his customers. OIS Podcast host Rob Rothman, MD, kicked off a lively discussion with Tookey that covers the company’s beginnings four decades ago, how he evaluates new products, and how he plans to bring those products to more patients. Tookey’s tech industry career includes stints in teleco...2022-09-2830 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastDemocratizing Cell TherapyAccording to the India Brand Equity Foundation, India is one of the top 12 destinations worldwide for biotech activity. Seed-stage venture capital firm Endiya Partners is a player in that space, investing in product startups solving global problems. One of its portfolio companies, Eyestem, is working to solve the problem of equal access to cell therapies. Its vision is to develop a scalable cell-therapy platform to treat incurable diseases and to democratize access to these therapies. With cell and gene therapies priced in the six figures, they’re out of reach for the majority of the global population. 2022-09-2139 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastGreat Minds Think DifferentlyMichael Chiang, MD, director of the National Eye Institute, spent more than 20 years in academic research. Now, he leads an organization that supports that research by funding more than 1,500 research and training grants for projects that address vision impairment and blindness.A pediatric ophthalmologist who’s board-certified in clinical informatics, Dr. Chiang remains intensely curious and generous. “I succeed when the vision research field succeeds,” he says in this OIS Podcast. With host Sophia Pathai, MD, PhD, Dr. Chiang lays out NEI’s recently unveiled strategic plan. The plan hints at where NEI plans to invest it...2022-08-3138 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastMedTech Ophthalmology European VC PanelEuropean investment in ophthalmology MedTech is more opportunistic than strategic says Klaus Stockemann, managing partner of Peppermint VenturePartners in Berlin. With fewer venture capitalists focused on the market, they are more receptive to cold calls and impromptu pitches at medical conferences.That’s one of the many insights provided when new OIS Podcast host Sophia Pathai, MD, PhD, MPH caught up with three top-tier VCs who focus on ophthalmology devices and technology.After recalling their nonlinear backgrounds, Stockemann; Diana Saraceni, cofounder of Panakes Ventures (Milan); and Jennifer McMahon, a partner at Seroba VC (Dublin) discussed the...2022-08-2446 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastOIS Retina 2022: How to Execute New Treatments for Dry AMD and GAA group of experts in AMD and geographic atrophy discussed two GA treatments in Phase III studies: Apellis’s pegcetacoplan and Iveric Bio’s Zimura.If approved, these therapies will potentially slow lesion growth and preserve vision in patients with GA. Because they require monthly or bimonthly injections, they may also dramatically increase workloads for already overtaxed retina specialists.David Boyer, MD, of Retina Vitreous Associates Medical Group, said they’ll adapt. Somehow. Tarek Hassan, MD, partner and director of vitreoretinal training at Associated Retinal Consultants, agreed, noting the current working model will have to change...2022-08-0322 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastRoesky’s Quest: Durable Dry Eye TherapyIt started with a call. First, a call from Abbott led Christian Roesky to an industry role after completing his chemistry PhD in Germany. Next, came the call that would shape Roesky’s career—from Alcon, where he discovered eye care was his “everyday joy and passion.”The most pivotal call, however, came from Novaliq founder Bernhard Günther, who convinced Roesky to take his emerging startup to the next level. As managing director and CEO, Roesky has led Novaliq through development of a novel pipeline. Most notably, NOV03 (perfluorohexyloctane), a therapy des...2022-05-1837 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastSeizing Opportunities with Novartis’ Dr. Jill HopkinsJill Hopkins, MD, didn’t plan to end up in a global leadership position at one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies. But she got there in 2021, when Novartis recruited her to serve as its SVP and global head of the ophthalmology development unit. Dr. Hopkins moved from academia to the clinic to industry, not by muscling her way in, but by exploring opportunities that sparked her interest and fueled her passion. At each steppingstone, she had a hand in some exciting developments. At Novartis, she leads drug development for its mid- to late-stage portfo...2022-05-1131 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastBilal Khan, New World Medical, on Balancing Mission with ProfitabilityNew World Medical, maker of the Ahmed Glaucoma Valve, continues to innovate and maintain a steady pipeline without the cachet that comes with big-name partnerships.CEO Bilal Khan spoke with OIS podcast host Rob Rothman, MD, about assuming the lead role at New World Medical from founder Dr. A. Mateen Ahmed—Bilal’s father-in-law.While Dr. Ahmed and Bilal can “geek out” about glaucoma devices at the dinner table, it wasn’t that way 12 years ago. Bilal joined New World Medical in 2008 after working in finance and as an actuary. His lack of a medical background...2022-04-2740 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastTreating ‘Lazy Eye’ with Screen Time NovaSight is tackling one of the biggest unmet needs in ophthalmology: pediatric amblyopia, otherwise known as “lazy eye.” It’s the leading cause of vision loss in children. And despite innovations in virtually every other eye condition, the most common amblyopia treatment has remained the eye patch.NovaSight’s CureSight is a binocular treatment that lets kids do their favorite on-screen activities—movies, YouTube videos, homework—while the device’s eye-tracking technology and three-dimensional image processing algorithms go to work. NovaSight recently presented positive top-line data and expects to receive Food and Drug Administration clearance in Q3. NovaSight’s...2022-04-1340 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastTreating the Untreatable Using Your Own Patient Experience, with Diana Driscoll, ODEven the most experienced physicians encounter patients with conditions they can’t solve after multiple questions, tests, and treatments. Diana Driscoll, OD, has not only treated some of these patients successfully, she’s been one of them.On a trip to Costa Rica, Dr. Driscoll contracted a virus. Through 10 years of disability, she saw over 50 doctors, but still had no answer. Her son, who also contracted the virus, was bedridden for three years.Ultimately Dr. Driscoll was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), an autonomic nervous system condition that causes symptoms ranging from lightheadedness to s...2021-12-0822 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastMoving From Medicine to Industry, With David Tanzer and Kerrie BradyOIS podcast host Paul Karpecki, OD, FAAO, caught up with OcuTerra Therapeutics CEO and CMO, Kerrie Brady and David Tanzer, MD, to discuss OcuTerra’s novel small molecule integrin inhibitor. Preclinical data impressed David enough to resign from his CMO role at Novartis to help develop OTT166, a topical agent that meets a clear unmet need for patients with moderately severe to severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (DR).The standard of care for patients with DR is to simply watch and wait. Intravitreal anti-VEGF injections are an option when complications occur, but those introduce significant patient burden....2021-11-2429 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastIndustry Insights on the Glaucoma Market from OIS Glaucoma Innovation ShowcaseAdrienne Graves, PhD, former CEO of Santen, opened this panel discussion by reiterating a sentiment expressed by surgeons, innovators, and investors: we’re in the middle of a glaucoma renaissance. The release of new devices, instruments, and pharmaceuticals has led to improvements in surgical procedures and other treatment options that promise to improve the lives of glaucoma patients.For this week’s discussion, originally recorded for the OIS Glaucoma Innovation Showcase, Dr. Graves corralled four ophthalmology leaders to discuss what’s new and what’s next in glaucoma innovation, how their companies stay resilient through the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic...2021-11-1042 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastFinding and Funding Assets in Retina, from OIS Retina@ASRSYou’ve got a game-changing product. They want to back innovators like you. What’s the secret to a happy marriage? More importantly, how to you get a first date?Recorded during OIS Retina@ASRS in San Antonio, Texas, five pharma and finance leaders discuss their current areas of interest, how to secure crucial series A funding, and what’s on the verge of disruption.Tune in today to discover:What’s hot in retina: Dr. Guerard believes multiple compounds can co-exist in the market. A researcher with a great science-backed idea may only...2021-10-2041 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastThe Next Cycle of Retinal Surgery Innovation, with Stanley Chang, MDIf you want to predict eye surgery’s future, ask someone who pioneered the techniques used today.For this week’s podcast, Firas Rahhal, MD spoke with OIS Lifetime Innovator Award recipient Stanley Chang, MD, at the recent ASRS meeting about how the techniques he pioneered in the 1980s and 1990s have come full circle. Dr. Chang was the first to use perfluoropropane gas in the management of retinal detachments caused by scar tissue proliferation (PVR) on the retina. In the 1980s, he used SF6 and C3F8 gasses in vitreoretinal surgery. At the time, he wa...2021-10-1313 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastSolving the Dry Eye Mystery, With Jeffrey Krall, NeurolensHow many patients have chronic dry eye symptoms that persist after you’ve tried every available therapy? They may have an imbalance between the peripheral visual tracking system and central fixation. Jeffrey Krall, OD, an optometrist in Mitchell, South Dakota, discovered the connection between this imbalance and the collection of symptoms associated with digital vision syndrome (DVS). He developed neurolens to test, diagnose, and treat those symptoms. A life-long tinkerer who comes from a long lineage of optometrists and ophthalmologists, Dr. Krall realized that many patients’ headaches, neck strain, and dry eye symptoms stemmed from an ove...2021-10-0629 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastDeveloping a Clear Vision for a Clinical-Stage Company with Ben BergoVisus Therapeutics has more than doubled its team in the past two years, including the appointment of six senior leaders in June. CEO Ben Bergo grew that team as the company’s lead product, brimochol, a prescription eye drop designed to correct near vision loss caused by presbyopia, approached data readouts in Phase II clinical trials. As Visus prepares to move into Phase III studies later this year, OIS Podcast host Ehsan Sadri, MD, caught up with Ben to talk business and brimochol.Of the former, Ben shared how his career has progressed from spinning out...2021-08-0427 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastThe Reversal of Age-Related Ophthalmic DisordersOur newest host, Rob Rothman, MD is shaking things up to bring fresh voices and ideas to the OIS Podcast. In what turned out to be the most fascinating podcast discussion to date, we had the privilege to speak with Bruce Ksander, Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School, who has also contributed to the highly-acclaimed book, Lifespan. Bruce opened our eyes, dropped our jaws, and completely blew our minds with research being conducted on reprogramming damaged cells to reverse the aging process. Tune in now for this mind-expanding and thought-provoking discussion around the fu...2021-03-1050 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastBanishing Bureaucracy at BVIThis week on the OIS podcast, we have an exciting conversation between Ehsan Sadri, M.D. and Shervin Korangy, President and CEO of BVI Medical.Listen in as Shervin shares highlights of his professional evolution. He tells us how his unique path of living overseas and working on Wall Street has impacted how he thinks about building and managing teams, and how the impact extends to planning the next steps for BVI. His perspective is innovative, refreshing, and not to be missed!Would you like to be featured on our podcast? Visit OIS.net and...2021-01-2733 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastOIS Industry Panel on Retina Start-upsThis week on the OIS podcast, host Firas Rahhal, MD, Partner at ExSight Ventures & Retina Vitreous Associates Medical Group facilitates an illuminating discussion on the topic of retina start-ups with a focus on providing tips to anyone interested in joining the retina space. Our guests include Andrew Stewart, AVP, US Commercial Retina of Allergan; Jay Duker, MD, Chief Strategic Scientific Officer, EyePoint Pharmaceuticals; Paul Hallen, VP & Global Head, Retina & Glaucoma, Alcon; and Ram Palanki, PharmD, SVP, Commercial Strategy & Operations, REGENXBIO.Listen in as this group shares advice on the topics of talent, asset quality, company st...2020-12-1640 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastTim Clover, CEO of Rayner Talks About the Company’s Deep History in Ophthalmology, As Well As Their Future Plans For InnovationThis week the OIS Podcast hits a milestone with Episode 250. To mark the occasion, we feature a discussion with Tim Clover from the recent OIS European Innovation Showcase. Tim talks about his journey with Rayner and some significant changes he’s made since joining in 2014. Listen in (or watch) to learn more about Tim and his vision for Rayner’s expansion as a dominant player in eye-care. 2020-10-0728 min
OIS Podcast | Ophthalmology's leading PodcastListening to the Needs of the CustomerSeasoned start-up and medtech executive, Rob Thornhill joins us on this week’s OIS Podcast. Rob sold Tear Film to Alcon in 2018 and is back in the saddle as the CEO of Centricity Vision. Dr Sadri has Rob discuss the benefits of the Zepto device in delivering automated, precise, circular, and centered capsulotomies, how their business model evolved during COVID and the future direction for the company.2020-08-2630 min