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Ophthalmology Futures introduces new topics and ‘Shark Tank’ program
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The Ophthalmology Futures European Forum 2014 will continue the tradition of showcasing novel technology and a diverse range of panel topics pertaining to all aspects of using such technology to advance the profession.
“While there will be a slightly greater emphasis on retina topics relative to other recent Ophthalmology Futures meetings, there remains a very large cataract, cornea and anterior segment, as well as glaucoma and pharma, presence in the London meeting agenda,” meeting co-chair Kuldev Singh, MD, MPH, said.
The meeting will be held Thursday, Sept. 11, at the East Wintergarden, Canary Wharf, London, preceding the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons annual meeting.
Supporting innovation
The forum strives to create a place for small companies to present their ideas to a wide audience, including investors, physicians, regulatory personnel and other stakeholders in the advancement of the diagnosis and treatment of ocular diseases throughout the world, according to Singh. The companies that are selected for presentation via a competitive review process are not charged to present.
“We are essentially supporting innovation,” he said. “In a sense, we provide a clearinghouse for groups of individuals who need help with the development, propagation and dissemination of their ideas. In addition, we offer a series of panels that allow all stakeholders to hear from leaders in the field who have already made contributions to the profession as well as regulatory personnel who provide advice regarding best practices for assessing innovative technology. We believe that our peer-review process of selecting top small companies to help them unlock their true potential provides a way to address unmet needs in eye care.”
To help promote ideas, the meeting will introduce a new element this year called “OF Shark Tank.”
“This session will be based on the popular TV show. CEOs will present their company’s business models to a panel of ‘sharks’ who will offer comments and critique using their wealth of experience,” meeting co-chair Keith Barton, MD, FRCP, FRCS, said.
The format of the session will be the same as the TV show, in which people pitch ideas to a panel of professionals with resources or skills to help evolve the ideas.
“The Shark Tank is a way for the founders of early-stage companies to come face to face with a group of successful ophthalmic entrepreneurs who are experienced in starting or buying companies with the potential for the dialogue to ultimately lead to a deal. We particularly applaud the companies that are willing to lay it all on the line in this setting,” Singh said.
In addition to the Shark Tank, a new discussion panel will be showcased.
“This year, we will be introducing a discussion panel on stem cells and gene therapy, we will be focusing on European regulatory issues, and we will be seeing more retinal biotech companies present from the podium,” Barton said.
Session topics include cataract/refractive, diagnostics and imaging, myopia, stem cells and genetics, pharmaceuticals and retina.
“In addition to discussing the business aspects of successfully starting and growing a company, other topics include issues pertaining to valuation and exit strategies. A unique aspect of the Ophthalmology Futures Forum is that beyond the obvious business implications, we have a strong interest in supporting technology that has potential to improve the delivery of health care in underserved populations throughout the world,” Singh said.
To register, go to www.ophthalmology-futures.com/registration. – by Nhu Te