Entering the ophthalmology space as a biotech company is both exciting and complex. With a unique blend of clinical innovation, patient impact, and a tightly connected expert community, ophthalmology offers tremendous opportunity—but also requires strategic navigation. Whether you’re launching a new product or exploring partnerships, attending the right conferences and engaging with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) can make all the difference. 

Top Ophthalmology Conferences to Consider

Industry conferences are more than just networking events—they’re where science meets strategy. Here are the key conferences worth your attention: 

Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO): Ideal for companies focused on early-stage research and scientific collaboration. ARVO is a hub for academic and clinical researchers and offers deep insights into emerging trends. 

American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO): A comprehensive event covering all subspecialties. AAO is perfect for companies looking to connect with practicing ophthalmologists and understand the broader clinical landscape. 

American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS): If your focus is on the anterior segment, especially cataract or refractive surgery, ASCRS is essential. It’s a great venue for engaging surgeons and showcasing innovations in surgical technologies. 

Clinical Trials at the Summit (CTS): For those targeting the posterior segment, CTS offers a highly focused environment dedicated to clinical trial design and execution in retina. This meeting brings together leading investigators, sponsors, and regulatory experts to discuss best practices for endpoints, patient recruitment, and operational strategies. It’s an excellent opportunity to gain insights and network with key decision-makers shaping the future of retinal research. 

Eyecelerator: Held alongside major ophthalmology meetings, Eyecelerator brings together innovators, investors, and industry leaders to accelerate eye care advancements. It’s a prime venue for companies looking to showcase new technologies and connect with strategic partners. 

Foundation Fighting Blindness Retinal Therapeutics Innovation Summit: Focused on cutting-edge research and therapeutic development for inherited retinal diseases, this summit offers unparalleled access to scientific leaders and patient advocacy groups. It’s an essential event for companies working in gene and cell therapy or rare retinal conditions.

OIS Retina (Ophthalmology Innovation Summit): A unique blend of clinical and business perspectives, OIS Retina is ideal for companies seeking investment, partnerships, or market insights. 

Retina World Congress & American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS): These are must-attend events for companies developing therapies for retinal diseases. They provide access to leading clinicians and researchers in the retina space. 

Maximizing Your Conference Attendance

To get the most out of these events: 

Plan Ahead: Schedule meetings in advance with KOLs, potential partners, and investors. 

Be Visible: Consider sponsoring sessions, hosting a booth, or presenting a poster. 

Engage Thoughtfully: Attend sessions relevant to your product and ask insightful questions. 

Follow Up: Post-conference communication is key—send thank-you notes and continue the conversation. When trust and safety are strong, our culture remains resilient through times of change. Leadership transitions, reorganizations, and even difficult business decisions like layoffs can erode trust if employees feel disconnected from leadership. Maintaining open, transparent communication and reinforcing our commitment to our team helps sustain culture even in challenging times.

Building an Effective Scientific Advisory Board

Engaging KOLs and experts through a Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) is a powerful way to validate your strategy and gain clinical insights. Here’s how to do it right: 

Diverse Expertise: Include a mix of MDs and non-MDs, academic researchers, and industry veterans. Gender diversity is also important—balanced representation fosters richer dialogue. 

Clear Agreements: Have members sign an agreement outlining objectives, scope of work, and compensation. Transparency builds trust. 

Effective Meetings: In-person meetings are ideal and can often be arranged around conferences. However, virtual meetings are efficient and increasingly preferred. 

Pre-Meeting Prep: Send background materials and pre-read documents ahead of time. Include company/product overviews and a list of discussion questions. 

Inclusive Dialogue: During meetings, ensure every voice is heard. Facilitate discussion so all members feel valued and engaged. 

Ongoing Engagement: Send follow-up thank-you notes and keep members updated between meetings. This builds long-term relationships and keeps your advisors invested.

Final Thoughts 

Entering ophthalmology requires more than just a great product—it demands strategic engagement with the community. By attending the right conferences and building a thoughtful advisory board, you’ll position your company for success in this dynamic and impactful field. 

If you’re planning your first steps into ophthalmology and would like guidance, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help. 

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