
Hosted by OIS Podcast · EN
Welcome to the Ophthalmology Innovation Podcast Where you get Candid Conversations with the Leaders and Drivers of Ophthalmic Innovation. OIS is the Largest and Original Producer of World-Class Ophthalmology Innovation Conferences and Content Since 2009.

In this episode of Eye on Innovation, host Carey Powers introduces the Next-Gen Innovators series with special guest Dr. Vikram Shankar, an ophthalmologist at Stanford and co-founder of Dropmate. Dr. Shankar discusses how his passion for public health and patient care inspired the creation of Dropmate—a compact, affordable, and eco-friendly disinfection system for clinical eye care equipment. Learn how this technology addresses patient safety, cost savings, and environmental sustainability, all while transforming the standard of care in ophthalmology.In this episode, you’ll learn:How Dropmate revolutionizes the disinfection process for eyedropper bottles, tonometer tips, and other eye care devices.The significant cost savings and sustainability impact of Dropmate on clinics and ASCs.Dr. Shankar’s inspiring journey from public health to ophthalmology and innovation.Insights into building a successful medical startup, including mentorship, partnerships, and overcoming challenges.The milestones Dropmate has achieved in 2024 and its ambitious goals for 2025.Discover how Dr. Vikram Shankar is shaping the future of eye care with innovation and sustainability at the forefront. Subscribe to the Eye on Innovation Podcast today and stay ahead of the curve!

In this episode of The Rob and Jai Show, Dave LeCause, a renowned biopharmaceutical leader and former VP of Allergan Eye Care, reflects on his remarkable career in ophthalmology. Join us as Dave discusses his journey from leading commercial strategies for billion-dollar brands to mentoring the next generation of innovators. Hear his thoughts on innovation cycles, the evolving landscape of dry eye treatments, and why gene and cell therapies hold the key to ophthalmology’s future.In this episode, you’ll learn:How Dave LeCause helped shape the commercial success of leading ophthalmic brands.His perspective on dry eye innovation and the market’s ongoing growth potential.Why gene and cell therapy excite him as the next frontier in eye care.Insights into the evolving role of strategic partnerships and commercialization strategies in startups.The unique opportunities and challenges facing the eye care sector today.Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with one of ophthalmology’s most influential leaders. Subscribe to the OIS podcast today!

In this double-feature episode of the OIS Eye on Innovation Podcast, Carey Powers highlights the invaluable resources and expertise within the OIS community, showcasing the power of cross-collaboration and strategic foresight in biotech.Part 1: Dr. Francis Lasowski (C20/20 Innovation Hub) and Dr. Wendy Naimark (Ripple Therapeutics) discuss their long-standing partnership, which has propelled Ripple's success through groundbreaking innovations, including dry AMD research and key advancements in IP management. Learn how the Innovation Hub provides early-stage companies with critical resources to navigate the challenges of development and commercialization.Part 2: Tracy Valorie, a biotech and pharma veteran, explains why early commercial strategy is the key to success. From understanding market access and reimbursement to planning for manufacturing readiness, Tracy shares actionable tips for startups to avoid costly mistakes and maintain a commercial mindset throughout product development.In this episode, you’ll learn:How partnerships, like C20/20 and Ripple Therapeutics, foster early-stage breakthroughs.The role of innovation hubs in overcoming funding and IP challenges.Why a commercial strategy must start at the angel investing stage.How to integrate market research and manufacturing readiness into development plans.The power of collaboration and strategic foresight to accelerate biotech success.Discover how cross-industry partnerships and early commercial planning can bridge the "valley of death" in biotech. Tune in to this episode and leverage the collective wisdom of the OIS community!

In this episode of The Rob and Jai Show from OIS XIV, hosts Dr. Rob Rothman and Dr. Jai Parekh talk with Eric Schlumpf, CEO of Stuart Therapeutics, about the company’s transformative approach to ophthalmic diseases. Learn how Stuart's innovative polypeptide technology repairs damaged collagen, advancing from dry eye to neuroprotection in glaucoma and beyond. Eric highlights key milestones, including promising clinical trial results, strategic partnerships, and the company’s plans to tackle major unmet needs like myopia and inherited retinal diseases.In this episode, you’ll learn:How Stuart Therapeutics’ polypeptide platform is revolutionizing ophthalmic treatments.The potential for neuroprotection in glaucoma and what makes Stuart’s approach unique.Why Stuart’s dry eye clinical program could be a market differentiator.The exciting data supporting new indications like myopia and inherited retinal disease.How strategic partnerships are fueling innovation in a capital-efficient way.Tune in for an engaging conversation on the cutting edge of ophthalmic innovation, and find out why Stuart Therapeutics is one of the hottest companies to watch in ophthalmology.

Carey 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 - PulseMedica

New 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 served him well, however, as it forced him to deflect responsibility rather than wear all the hats.His core focus these days is to carry out the mission established by Dr. Ahmed: preserve and enhance vision by delivering innovation to benefit humanity through safe and effective medical devices. That mission involves five components:• Empowering surgeons• Expand access to care• Treat employees well• Donate 10% of profits to charity• Support employees to go on mission tripsThat five-ingredient recipe has led to three FDA approvals over the past three years. In addition to the popular Ahmed valve, the company’s product line includes the KDB Glide for excisional goniotomy, the Ahmed ClearPath drainage devices, and most recently, the Streamline Surgical System, a single-use device for goniotomies.Listen to the podcast to hear Bilal and Rob talk about:• The newly launched Streamline system• How New World Medical has managed to stay private, and whether it will stay that way moving forward• The company’s commercial strategy and why it’s focused on glaucoma surgical• How Bilal balances market opportunity and mission—maintaining the company’s charitable focus while meeting the needs of shareholders• Why there’s little competition in the glaucoma valve space[Listen to the Podcast]