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OCTANe's OTS: Small businesses, big ideas
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More than 40 speakers are on the agenda for this year’s OCTANe Ophthalmology Technology Summit. Thomas Burns, president and CEO of Glaukos, will deliver the keynote address during the event on June 28 at Fashion Island Hotel, Newport Beach, California.
OCTANe President and CEO Bill Carpou gave Ocular Surgery News an update on the highlights of this year’s meeting.
Ocular Surgery News: What are the objectives of the 2019 meeting?
Carpou: The OTS meeting brings together physicians, industry and innovative leaders in an intimate conference that encourages sharing of ideas. OTS is different from other conferences because it highlights innovation through OCTANe’s LaunchPad accelerator and includes company presentations. It is also an opportunity for the industry to convene in Orange County, which is the epicenter of global ophthalmic innovation.
OSN: What unique features can be expected at the meeting?
Carpou: OTS brings together more smaller companies and innovators than other conferences, which investors and industry should have a keen interest in. The physicians also have a strong interest because this level of innovation helps craft their practice to be more efficient and cutting edge.
OSN: What is new about the program this year?
Carpou: We are including retina in addition to cataract, adding a panel discussion on disruption in eye care and having a discussion on the success of Visionary Ventures, the premier venture fund focused on ophthalmology only. Visionary saw an internal rate of return of 33% through 2018 and already completed two liquidity events. The focus will be on how this fund is changing the landscape of investing in the ophthalmic industry.
OSN: What do you want ophthalmologists to know about the meeting?
Carpou: They should not miss it. We share content and ideas and bring together the best and brightest in the industry. Those who participate see it as a “can’t miss” event.
OSN: What meeting highlights are you most looking forward to?
Carpou: Personally, I look forward to the relaxed Southern California version of a conference that connects great people and ideas. Every year as OTS has grown, I meet new people and reconnect with others who are so important to the mission of OCTANe, which is creating innovation and jobs. – by Scott Buzby
For more information:
Bill Carpou can be reached at OCTANe, 65 Enterprise, Aliso Viejo CA 92656; email: cara@octaneoc.org.
Disclosure: Carpou reports he is the president and CEO of OCTANe.