All Eyes on Ophthalmic Innovation: An Interview with Bill Link

The ophthalmology drug, device and medical technology sector is poised for continued growth, as innovators and entrepreneurs unblinkingly stare down the ongoing domino effect being caused by an aging population, which begets a proliferation in eye disease incidence, which, in turn, begets an unprecedented patient base that consequently requires the types of novel ophthalmic products and technologies that are currently in development.

The number of people aged 60 and over is projected to reach unparalleled levels throughout the remainder of this decade. As their vision deteriorates, the vision of ophthalmology industry insiders is increasingly focused on the innovation that drives clinical, investment and corporate objectives in the ophthalmology space. As age-related vision health conditions and associated issues increase, ophthalmic innovation, comprising the surgical technologies, diagnostics applications, drugs and devices in the ophthalmology sector, is the key dynamic that determines treatment options and outcomes in the sector.

Eye on Innovation spoke with William Link, PhD, Managing Director, Versant Ventures, in advance of the Ophthalmology Innovation Summit (OIS), to obtain a perspective on the status and prospects relative to ophthalmic innovation from one of the industry’s key players. Dr. Link has extensive experience in funding innovation in the healthcare industry, with a particular focus in ophthalmology. He is scheduled to conduct an OIS session, “Medical Device Pathway: Tough Questions, Clear Answers,” in which he will interview Malvina Eydelman, Director, FDA, Division of Ophthalmic, Neurologic and Ear, Nose and Throat Devices.