OIS Ignite is a focused, full-day program designed to support ophthalmology startups as they navigate the most critical challenges from early development through commercialization. Through expert panels, real-world examples, and peer exchange, this event addresses the complex journey of bringing innovation to market, across both anterior and posterior segment therapies.
Topics will include clinical trial design, IP strategy, reimbursement and market access (U.S. and OUS), funding, identifying and achieving value-driving milestones, and building high-impact leadership teams. Each session is crafted to provide practical insights and real-world guidance tailored to startups at every stage of development.
As part of its long-standing commitment to the ophthalmology community, OIS is proud to provide a platform that not only spotlights breakthrough science but helps innovators uncover actionable solutions and strategies to move their ideas forward.
Standard
Registration
$699.00
AGENDA TOPICS
IP and Patent Strategy for Ophthalmic Innovation
• Importance of IP in competitive ophthalmic markets
• Early patent planning and freedom-to-operate scans
• Avoiding litigation pitfalls in crowded categories
Smart Money: Aligning Capital with a Strong Development Vision
• Fundraising beyond the science: team, plan, and risk alignment
• Addressing preclinical capital gaps
• Adapting your story for Series A and future rounds
Clinical Development and Regulatory Roadmap
• Refining endpoints and rescuing troubled trials
• Strategies for regulatory engagement and special designations (pre-IND/IDE, orphan, drug-device)
Milestone Mapping: De-Risking Development
• Defining real vs. vanity milestones
• Selecting the right first indication
• Aligning preclinical plans with IND and investor needs
• Integrating regulatory timelines and investor triggers
• Planning exit or pivot strategies tied to milestone progress
• Building the right team and advisory structure for execution
Beyond Access: Building Payer/Commercial Readiness
• Aligning studies for both FDA approval and payer coverage
• Understanding payer expectations across geographies
• Planning for post-market data and reimbursement challenges
• Early decisions on launch strategy and regional planning
Built to Last: Late-Stage Development, Commercialization, and Exit
• Creating a commercialization roadmap from Phase II to launch
• Partnering vs. solo commercialization paths
• Finalizing label and product positioning
• Preparing for market engagement and strategic acquisition
Strategic Alliances: Leveraging Partnerships for Scale
• Real-world case studies on partnerships
• Tactics for scaling through alliances
Boardroom and Beyond: Building the Right Leadership and Guidance Team
• Building a board that supports growth and strategic pivots
• Evolving leadership and advisory needs as the company matures