SPEAKERS
Armida Ascano, Chief Content Officer - Trend Hunter
Armida Ascano is the Chief Content Officer at Trend Hunter and the brain behind its trend sessions and workshops. She is Trend Hunter’s most-booked Futurist and has crafted numerous trend frameworks and innovation tools to bring Trend Hunter’s content to life. With these tools in her arsenal, she has helped hundreds of brands innovate -- including Chicago Tribune, Red Bull, and Wal-Mart -- and has spoken at conferences like Foresight and Trends, OmniShopper, Dreamforce, and Future Festival. She specializes in generational trends, our 18 Megatrends matrix, Innovation Workshop facilitation, and more.
Anil C. Asrani, President & CEO - Tear Solutions
Mr. Asrani joined TearSolutions as President and CEO in 2020 after spending more than 9 years with Medtronic PLC, a medical device company where he held positions in marketing, investor relations, business development and strategy. Prior to joining Medtronic, Mr. Asrani lead sales and marketing for Devicix, a medical device design firm, and spent more than a decade performing academic medical research. Early in his career, Mr. Asrani worked in the UVA laboratory of Dr. Gordon Laurie, TearSolutions co-founder and current Chief Scientific Officer, and was an initial investor in TearSolutions.
Charles Bosworth, PhD, Chief Medical Officer - Azura Ophthalmics Limited
Charles has served as the Chief Medical Officer at Azura Ophthalmics since July of 2017. He has a successful track record spanning 22 years across three major pharmaceutical companies with experience in devices and branded products for both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye and generic drug development. His expertise includes non-invasive medical diagnostics for developing, validating and implementing novel endpoints to support both global drug approvals and reimbursement dossiers. Prior to Azura Ophthalmics, Charles served as Global Team Leader for Allergan, Plc., where he managed programs supporting the Restasis franchise, presbyopia and novel Phase 1 and 2a programs across indications. Before joining Allergan, Plc., Charles worked for Pfizer Inc. as Ophthalmology Therapeutic Area Clinical Lead, responsible for the technical review of all ongoing clinical development programs and the Ophthalmology Development Team Leader for glaucoma and dry eye. Some of the programs he directed included CP-690-550, a Janus Kinase Inhibitor for Dry Eye Disease, and PF-03187207, NO-Donating Latanoprost, for Primary Open Angle Glaucoma. Charles began his career at Alcon Research Ltd. where he was responsible for the design and implementation of numerous programs developing novel treatments for ocular hypertension and glaucomatous optic neuropathy including Betaxolol, Travatan, Travance, Brimonidine tartrate and numerous Phase 1 and 2a programs. Charles obtained his Ph.D. from the University of California at San Diego’s Shiley Eye Institute.
Todd Brady, MD, PhD, President & CEO - Aldeyra
Dr. Brady has served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Aldeyra since 2012 and as a member of our board of directors since 2005. Prior to Aldeyra, Dr. Brady served as Entrepreneur in Residence at Domain Associates, LLC, a leading healthcare venture capital firm, where he was a Principal from 2004 to 2013. Dr. Brady serves on the board of directors of Evoke Pharma, Inc. and F-star Therapeutics, Inc., both of which are publicly traded healthcare companies. Dr. Brady holds a Ph.D. in pathology from Duke University Graduate School, an M.D. from Duke University Medical School, and an A.B. from Dartmouth College in Philosophy and Psychology.
Wei-Wei Change, PhD, President & Co-Founder - Glia
Gustavo de Moraes, MD, PhD, MPH
Chief Medical Officer - Ora
Associate Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology - Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Recognized as one of the top glaucoma experts, Dr. De Moraes has received prestigious honors throughout his academic and professional careers. After earning his medical degree, he solidified his position as a global leader in ophthalmic neuroprotective disorders with fellowships in both retina and glaucoma. Additionally he holds a PhD in ophthalmic sciences and a master’s degree in public health with a focus on biostatistics, Dr Moraes currently serves as Chief Medical Officer of Ora, Associate Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology at Columbia University and as an attending physician at New York Presbyterian. Previously, Dr. De Moraes headed the Glaucoma Research Department at New York Eye & Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai and conducted research at New York University Medical Center.
Laura Downie, OD, PhD, Professor - University of Melbourne
Laura Downie is a clinician scientist who has gained international recognition for research excellence in ocular disease, with awards, highly cited papers, patents, international speaking engagements and appointments to key professional bodies. She is a Professor and Dame Kate Campbell Fellow for research excellence in the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences.
David G Evans, OD, Clinical Research Investigator, Optometric Physician - Total Eye Care P.A Memphis
Dr. David Evans graduated from Southwest Baptist University in 1990, earning his B.S. in biology followed by his Doctorate of Optometry from Southern College of Optometry in 1994. Dr. Evans is currently an active member of the American Optometric Association, the Tennessee Optometric Association, and the West Tennessee Optometric Society. He has held office as the Vice President of the West Tennessee Optometric Society in 1997, President of the West Tennessee Optometric Society in 1998, and Trustee of the Tennessee Optometric Association (1999-2002).
Dr. Evans is the President of Total Eye Care, PA in Memphis, Tennessee with a team consisting of three optometrist and three ophthalmologists. The Clinical Trials Center at Total Eye Care includes eleven full-time clinical research coordinators who are dedicated to advancing eye care through cutting-edge research and innovative treatment methods.
Dr. Evans has over 30 years of clinical research experience and has been a Principal Investigator for more than 250 clinical trials. In addition, he has authored many scientific publications and national presentations. Dr. Evans has played a key role in a number of investigational research studies with many sponsors including Alcon, Aldeyra, Ciba Vision, Baush & Lomb, Kowa, Novaliq, Orasis, Ocular Therapeutix, Pharmacia & Upjohn, Otsuka, Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Santen Incorporated, Telios and Allergan.
In addition to his work in eye care, Dr. Evans has written and directed two feature films with nationwide theatrical releases – The Grace Card from Sony Pictures (2010) starring Louis Gossett, Jr. and Indivisible (2018) starring Sara Drew, Justin Bruening, Jason George and Tia Mowery.
Doug Faunce, PhD, Executive Director Head of Search and Evaluation for Eye Care, AbbVie Ventures
Doug is an entrepreneurial life scientist-PhD immunologist with more than twenty years of professional experience spanning both major pharmaceutical and academic environments. His collective expertise includes leading search and evaluation efforts for business development and external strategic partnering opportunities, therapeutic area corporate strategy, drug repositioning-asset/indication pairing, and both preclinical and clinical development. With an emphasis on innovation, creative and strategic partnerships, and cross-functional team leadership, Doug brings broad experience across the disciplines of immunology and inflammation specializing in ophthalmology, dermatology, gene and cell therapies, and aesthetics.
Marc Gleeson, CEO - Azura Ophthalmics Limited
Marc joined Azura Ophthalmics as Chief Executive Officer in 2016 and has over 25 years of commercialization experience in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, with 19 years of those years working in Ophthalmology. Prior to Azura Ophthalmics, Marc was Vice President of Global Marketing for Oculeve, a San Francisco start up that developed the first neurostimulatory device for the treatment of dry eye disease, which was acquired by Allergan in 2015. Prior to his work at Oculeve, Marc spent 14 years at Allergan working across the Asia-Pacific region and the U.S. as Vice President Global Strategic Marketing for Eye Care. In this role, Marc led the early commercial development of all internal R&D projects across the Ophthalmic franchise as well as focused on in-licensing or acquiring external assets. He also worked across the retina, dry eye, glaucoma and ocular surface disease franchises at Allergen. Marc has served on the Board of Directors of Elastagen Pty Ltd an Australian start up that developed medical aesthetic treatments, acquired by Allergan (Apr 2018). He has also served on the Board of Directors of Combangio Inc, acquired by Kala Pharmaceuticals (Nov 2021) and Kedalion Therapeutics acquired by Novartis (June 2022).
Gary S. Jacob, PhD, CEO - Okyo Pharma
Gary S. Jacob, PhD has over 35 years of extensive experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries across multiple disciplines, including research and development, operations, business development, capital financing activities, and senior management expertise. Dr. Jacob is presently Chief Executive Officer and a director of OKYO Pharma Limited, a public biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of novel molecules to treat inflammatory dry eye diseases and ocular neuropathic pain. He is the Co-Founder and former CEO and Chairman of Synergy Pharmaceuticals and has developed broad and influential contacts throughout the biopharmaceutical, financial, banking, and investor communities. He served as Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Synergy Pharmaceuticals, Inc. where he held various positions from July 2008 until October 2018 and is the co-inventor of the FDA approved drug Trulance® which is currently marketed in the U.S. by Bausch Health Companies, Inc. (NYSE: BHC) to treat functional GI disorders. From November 2018 to March 2020 Dr. Jacob served as the CEO and Managing Director of Immuron, Ltd., an Australian biotechnology company dual-listed on the Australian ASX exchange and on NASDAQ. Since March 2014, Dr. Jacob has served as Chairman of the Board of Hepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a public company with a drug in clinical development to treat nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Dr. Jacob is also on the board of RASNA Therapeutics, Inc., and also served on the board of directors of Cardiff Oncology Inc., a public oncology company from 2009 to June 2021. He served as Chief Executive Officer and Director of Callisto Pharmaceuticals, Inc. from May 2003 until January 2013. Prior to his involvement with Callisto and Synergy, Dr. Jacob spent a number of years at Monsanto/G.D. Searle, where he was Director of Glycobiology and a Monsanto Science Fellow, specializing in the field of Glycobiology and drug discovery. Dr. Jacob holds over 30 patents and is the co-inventor of one FDA approved pharmaceutical drug. Dr. Jacob earned a B.S. in Chemistry cum laude from the University of Missouri — St. Louis and holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Sonja Krösser, PhD, VP Medical Science & Regulatory Affairs
Dr. Sonja Krösser joined Novaliq in 2014. In her current role as VP Preclinical and Clinical Development she is responsible for leading development teams, progressing drug candidates from candidate selection through preclinical development into clinical development and registration. In this function she deigned the clinical development for Vevye and Miebo.
Before assuming her role at Novaliq, Dr Krösser worked in different leadership roles at Merck KGaA, focusing on translational medicine and PK/PD as well as modeling and simulation analysis within clinical development. Her experience comprises projects across all development stages from phase 0 to phase 4, including both NCE and NBE projects in different therapeutic areas.
She studied pharmacy and received her PhD in Microbiology from the Ruperto Carlo University Heidelberg, Germany.
Céline Olmiere, PhD, Head - Théa Open Innovation
Céline Olmiere received her PhD in Molecular and cellular biology from the Claude Bernard University in Lyon, after research in virology (INSERM /Institut Pasteur) and on prions (AFSSA). Céline started her pharma career in the clinical operation department of Sanofi Pasteur. She joined the clinical department of Laboratoires Thea in 2007. In 2011, Céline became the head of non-clinical department (pharmacology and toxicology) and scientific assessments for the group. For more than 12 years, Céline has focused on Ophthalmology R&D and has played a key role in the registration and the launch of dozen of products. Céline was here at the creation of Thea Open Innovation to find and evaluate new asset to fill in Thea’s pipeline. She is the Head of external Innovation and currently based in the USA.
George Ousler, Senior Vice President, Anterior Segment - Ora
Dr.Ousler has 20+ years of pioneering pharmaceutical development in the area of dry eye. He has authored over 100 publications on dry eye and has been invited to present his research at numerous national and international symposia. He serves on several noted dry eye research committees, including the Dry Eye Workshop (DEWS), devoted to identifying the appropriate diagnostic tools and methods to evaluate this disease. As Vice President of Ora’s Dry Eye Department, he develops clinical models and regulatory pathways for the evaluation of dry eye therapies and has studied many of the agents currently under investigation.
Victor Perez, MD, Professor of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine/ Director, Cornea Research Program - Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
I am an established clinician-scientist investigator in the field of ocular immunology, transplantation, and ocular surface diseases. I have been supported by the National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health for the last 16 years to develop a translational program in Ocular Immunity and Transplantation. Presently, I am the Director of Cornea Research Program at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute My translational practice is complemented with our work in the clinic, evaluating and treating patients with ocular inflammatory diseases and conditions of the anterior segment. In addition to ocular surface, I also manage patients with uveitis. I have been able to complement my academic translational practice with collaborations with industry, foundations, and the department of defense.
My laboratory and clinical translational practice focuses primarily on researching immunology of corneal transplantation, inflammatory dry eye in ocular Graft vs Host Disease (GVHD). One of the most innovative aspects of the program that I developed at the Foster Center for Ocular Immunology, is the multidisciplinary team used to approach ocular immune mediated diseases—consisting of scientists from the ophthalmology, basic immunology, and oncology, rheumatology and solid organ transplantation units—whose members work together to comprehensively tackle the research and care of patients with ocular inflammatory diseases. The knowledge and development of potential new preventive therapies that is being generated in the laboratory will have a direct translational impact on the care of patients with ocular inflammatory disease to change to world.
Laura Periman, MD, Founder and Director of Dry Eye Services and Clinical Research - Periman Eye Institute
Laura Periman, MD is a board-certified ophthalmologist, fellowship-trained cornea and refractive surgeon and Ocular Surface Disease Expert. She knew she wanted to be a doctor since the age of 12 and always seen eyes as the key defining feature of every person. Her interests in molecular biology began with winning the Terry Spies Memorial Scholarship at the Oregon Regional Primate Research Center as an undergraduate at Willamette University in Salem, OR.
Her interests in immunopathophysiology took root during her work in Research and Development at Immunex Corporation in the Molecular Biology Department prior to attending medical school at the University of Washington in Seattle, WA. During medical school, she received the Rex and Arlene Garrison Oncology Fellowship, the Western Medical Student Research Committee Award for Excellence and was elected to the honor society, Alpha Omega Alpha. Upon graduation with honors, she also received the Georgianna Kirby Award for outstanding patient dedication and compassion.
Dr Periman completed her Ophthalmology Residency as well as Cornea/Refractive Fellowship at the University of Washington in Seattle. She has nineteen peer reviewed publications and has written extensively on the topic of Ocular Surface Disease. Her unique and passionate perspective on OSD stems from her work in immunopathophysiology. She is an innovator and enthusiastic speaker who loves bridging the gap between basic science, clinical practice and patient compassion. Whether delivering top line care in the sacred 1:1 patient encounter or expanding awareness on the world wide impacts of Dry Eye Disease, Dr Periman thrives on contributing to the greater good.
As Director of Dry Eye Services and Clinical Research in Seattle, WA she combines her clinical care passion, scientific drive and innovative creativity to provide first class Ocular Surface Disease management.
Mike Rosco, MD, Regional Medical Director for the West - Harrow, Inc
Mike Rosco, MD, helms the role of Regional Medical Director for the West at Harrow, Inc., bringing a sunny optimism and an innovative spirit garnered by his Southern California upbringing. His diverse blend of life experiences is marked by a dedication to improving lives through ethical leadership and compassionate healthcare.
Dr. Mike graduated Magna Cum Laude in Business Administration from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. Early in his career, he specialized in business-to-business sales at LRN, Inc., where he helped shape corporate environments that emphasize core values and integrity. However, the allure of medicine prompted a stark career shift, steering him toward making a meaningful difference in the lives of individual patients.
While pursuing pre-med studies at UCLA, Dr. Mike performed clinical research on Huntington’s disease, gaining insights into the profound challenges and remarkable resilience of the patients he met. He balanced his serious work with evenings spent bartending in greater LA, connecting with a wide array of eclectic personalities and stories.
Matriculating at Albany Medical College for medical school, Dr. Mike not only absorbed lessons in anatomy and biochemistry, but also realized harsh reality that his 2-wheel drive coupe, complete with California plates, was hardly the chariot of choice for upstate New York winters. Despite being comedically unprepared for these environmental challenges, during his tenure at Albany Med, he was elected and served as president of his class for four consecutive years (and yes, traded in his beloved coupe in for a much more geographically appropriate Jeep). After graduation, his residency commenced with a year at Stony Brook University Medical Center, where he showcased a knack for teaching, and was honored with the “Stony Brook Intern Teacher of the Year” award. Then it was off to San Francisco's California Pacific Medical Center for ophthalmology residency, where he honed his expertise in eye care and ophthalmic surgery, providing compassionate care to a diverse patient population in the greater Bay Area.
Flash forward to post-residency life, Mike now resides in Palm Springs, CA, with his longtime husband, Paul, a prominent opera director, and their two cats whom they've trained to act like dogs (long story). In his free time, he enjoys SCUBA diving, skiing, weight training, and yes, of course he joined the pickleball craze.
He is very excited (and honored) to be invited to ARVO and looks forward to meeting you all!
Eric Schlumpf, President & CEO - Stuart Therapeutics
Eric Schlumpf has extensive startup, early stage and large public company leadership experience. His background includes leadership roles in a variety of industries, including health care, telecommunications and high tech. Eric was recently CEO of PathMD, an early-stage pathology laboratory company based in Los Angeles, which grew to become the premier pathology provider in the market during his tenure. Prior to PathMD, Eric was a VP and General Manager for T-Mobile USA; responsible for its largest and most important US market. He was a founder of Archstone Consulting, an international consulting firm, and he was a partner with Deloitte and Touche, where he advised several multinational pharmaceutical, health care and technology companies. Eric holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University, and an MBA from TCU. He has completed additional post-graduate studies at Southern Methodist University and the University of California, San Diego.
Riad Sherif, MD, CEO - Oculis
Dr. Sherif joined Oculis as CEO in 2017 from Novartis where he served as Entrepreneur in Residence at the Novartis Venture Fund and since 2022, he serves as a member of the BoD for Revenio. Since he took the helm at Oculis, Dr. Sherif raised more than $250 million and the company is now listed on NASDAQ. Furthermore, two successful Phase 2b trials with OCS-01 eye drops in diabetic macular edema (DME) and in inflammation and pain following ocular surgery were completed and two Phase 3 trials in these indications were launched. Most recently, the company announced positive results from these trials including its Stage 1 Phase 3 trial in DME and its Phase 3 trial in inflammation and pain following cataract surgery. Prior to this, he held senior global positions in both Alcon, where he was President of Europe, Middle East and Africa, and Novartis, where he served as President of Novartis Vaccines Latin America and Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Canada. Dr. Sherif joined Novartis Pharmaceuticals in 2002 and has also held roles of increasing seniority. Dr. Sherif is a medical doctor by training, and also has an MBA from IMD and a specialized master’s degree in medical management.
Clark L. Springs, MD - Wilmington Eye
Dr. Springs is a board-certified ophthalmic surgeon specializing in cornea, cataract and refractive surgery at Wilmington Eye in Wilmington, North Carolina. Dr. Springs completed his residency in ophthalmology at Indiana University Medical Center in Indianapolis, Indiana where he was elected Chief Resident. He then completed a fellowship in Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery at Duke University. Following training, he was recruited back to Indiana University and spent thirteen years as a full-time academic ophthalmologist where he became the director of Cornea and Refractive Surgery. In that role, he served as a community resource for routine and complex cases and taught physicians-in-training to do surgery. He also was also one of two surgeons at a high-volume LASIK center and has performed thousands of refractive procedures.
Dr. Springs performs corneal transplants (full and partial thickness), bladeless LASIK, SMILE, ICL, cataract surgery and premium lens implants. Dr. Springs has participated in many clinical trials and because of this, he is often able to offer his patients technology that is not yet widely available in most clinics in the United States. Dr. Springs has served in leadership positions in the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Indiana Academy of Ophthalmology and is a member of the Society for Excellence in Eyecare. He has authored book chapters and journal articles in cornea, cataract and refractive surgery and has been a frequent invited lecturer at national and international meetings.
Stewart Sylvester, Chief Sales Officer - Ora
Stewart Sylvester joined Ora in 2019 and currently serves as Chief Sales Officer. Driven to continually improve customer, partner, and patient experiences with Ora, she leads strategy and program planning and implementation for business development. A creative thinker and sharp observer, Stewart brings novel perspectives and a results-oriented approach to all she does. Strong yet humble, and leading with clarity and transparency, Stewart guides and motivates her teams around delivering the most rewarding experiences for those we serve.
Stewart’s extensive knowledge comes from years of experience centered exclusively on ophthalmology. Her commitment to the specialty formed during an early career role as an ophthalmic clinician. She swiftly gained a strong foothold in the ophthalmic industry, taking on leadership roles in sales, marketing, and brand management at life-sciences companies large and small. Most recently, Stewart worked for publicly held Johnson & Johnson Vision and, before that, the start-up TearLab. At both organizations, she developed training, education, and communication programs for internal and external audiences as well as customer-focused sales, marketing, and branding initiatives that played a vital role in both companies’ growth.
Stewart has lived and worked internationally, leading global teams and building relationships with key opinion leaders and sponsors around the world. Stewart earned a Master of Arts in History at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, where she also completed her undergraduate degree.
David S. Tierney, MD, CEO - Aramis Biosciences
David S. Tierney, MD has served as the President & CEO of Aramis Biosciences since December 2020. Dr. Tierney has over 30 years of executive leadership experience overseeing the growth and successful exit of several pharmaceutical and medtech companies across numerous therapeutic areas. In ophthalmology, Dr. Tierney was President & CEO of Icon Bioscience, Inc. when it merged with pSivida to form EyePoint Pharmaceuticals.
Prior to Icon, Dr. Tierney was co-founder & President of Oceana Therapeutics until being acquired by Salix Pharmaceuticals in 2011. Dr. Tierney served as President & CEO of Valera Pharmaceuticals, taking the company public in 2006 and later completing a merger with Indevus Pharmaceuticals in 2007. Dr. Tierney was Senior Vice President of Drug Development at Roberts Pharmaceutical Corporation until its sale to Shire in 1999. Dr. Tierney began his pharmaceutical career with Élan Corporation in a variety of management positions.
Dr. Tierney also serves on the board of directors of Catalyst Pharmaceuticals (CPRX:NASDAQ), Bimeda and Aramis Biosciences. Dr. Tierney received his medical degree from the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland and was subsequently trained in internal medicine. Dr. Tierney has been recognized as a New Jersey Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year for Valera Pharmaceuticals in 2005 and Oceana Therapeutics in 2011.
James S. Wolffsohn, BSc, MBA, PhD, FAAO, Professor of Optometry - Aston University
James S Wolffsohn, a Professor of Optometry at Aston University since 2000, formerly Deputy Executive Dean for Life Sciences and then associate Pro-Vice Chancellor, is the Head of the School of Optometry and also Head of the Department of Audiology. Prior to his appointment to Aston University, Professor Wolffsohn was a Clinical Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne in Australia following an Optometry degree at the University of Manchester (UMIST), training period at Moorfields Eye Hospital and a PhD at Cardiff University. His main research areas are the development and evaluation of ophthalmic instrumentation, myopia management, contact lenses, intraocular lenses, presbyopia and the tear film. He is a National Teaching Fellow, has published more than 330 full peer-reviewed papers and presented at numerous international conferences. He is the academic Chair of the British Contact Lens Association, having previously being President and was chair of the BCLA Contact Lens Evidence-based Academic Reports (CLEAR); he is on the Executive of TFOS, was a harmoniser and sub-committee chair for TFOS DEWS II & TFOS Lifestyle reports; he is the International Myopia Institute’s Chief Scientific Officer and was joint-Chair of their white papers. He holds the BCLA Medal (2021) and AAOptom Glenn Fry Award (2022).