At OIS Ignite, our mission is simple: to champion the startups that push ophthalmology forward. This program is designed with early innovators in mind providing a platform to share ideas, connect with investors, and learn from those who have navigated the journey before. We deeply value the creativity and resilience of the startup community, and we’re committed to helping bold ideas take root and grow into the breakthroughs that shape the future of eye care.
2025 AGENDA
9:30 - 10:00 AM
Check-in & Networking Breakfast
10:00 - 10:05 AM
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Presented By:
Maureen Linnemann, Executive Director – OIS
10:05 - 11:05 AM
IP and Patent Strategy for Ophthalmic Innovation
Part 1 – Early Stage 25-minute panel 5-minute Audience Q&A
This panel will dive into the critical IP decisions startups must make in their earliest days. Topics include designing a smart patent strategy, avoiding common pitfalls in academic licensing agreements, ensuring early filings are broad yet defensible, and conducting cost-effective freedom-to-operate (FTO) scans.
Part 2 – Later Stage 25-minute panel 5-minute Audience Q&A
This session explores how companies can sustain and strengthen their IP as they advance toward commercialization. Discussions will highlight strategies for managing multiple patent families, standing out in crowded categories like dry eye and glaucoma, and addressing global patent considerations. The panel will also share guidance on defending IP post-launch and structuring portfolios to support licensing, acquisition, and due diligence.
Moderated By:
John S. Pollack, MD, Partner - Illinois Retina Associates/ Chief Medical Officer - jCyte
11:05 - 12:10 PM
Smart Money: Aligning Capital with a Strong Development Vision
11:05 – 11:15 AM:
Non-Dilutive Grant Strategy
Outlines how startups can maximize non-dilutive funding sources such as grants to extend runway and validate early-stage innovation before raising traditional capital.
Presented By:
Leanne Labriola, MD
11:15 – 11:25
Case Study 1: Overcoming Preclinical Capital Gaps
A real-world example of how an early-stage ophthalmology company navigated resource constraints in the preclinical phase and secured critical funding to advance development.
11:25 – 11:35
Case Study 2: Evolving Your Story for Series A and Beyond (bridging into dilutive funding readiness)
This case study highlights how a startup successfully reshaped its pitch, data, and vision to attract institutional investors and prepare for dilutive fundraising rounds.
11:35 – 12:10:
Aligning the Right Capital at the Right Time in Ophthalmology
A panel of diverse investors will discuss how to match funding sources to development stage, what signals they look for when assessing startups, and how to avoid common financing pitfalls.
Audience Q&A
Moderated By:
Robert Rothman, MD, Co-Founder and Co-Managing Member - InFocus Capital Partners / Partner, OCLI - Glaucoma Consultants of Long Island
12:10 – 12:55 PM
Networking Lunch
12:55 - 1:50 PM
Clinical Development & Trial Execution: From Strategy to Site Success
Case Study 1: Pre-IND/IDE and Orphan Designation
A focused look at how careful planning before IND/IDE submission and pursuing orphan designation can accelerate timelines, reduce risk, and strengthen investor confidence.
Case Study 2: Endpoint Refinement and Trial Rescue
This case study examines how rethinking endpoints and adjusting study design can turn around a struggling trial, providing practical lessons for founders navigating clinical challenges.
Trial by Fire: CROs, Sites & Founders Face the Toughest Start-Up Questions
In this dynamic panel, CRO leaders, site investigators, and founders will engage in rapid-fire problem-solving on the most pressing challenges facing ophthalmology startups. From adaptive trial design to site activation hurdles and CRO partnerships, panelists will provide candid, real-world insights on what works, what doesn’t, and how to optimize collaboration.
1:50 - 2:45 PM
Milestone Mapping: De-Risking the Path from Preclinical to Clinical and Beyond
Case Study 1: The Price of Misunderstanding Risks
This case study will examine how overlooking or misjudging key risks can derail development plans, and what lessons startups can apply to avoid costly setbacks.
Case Study 2: Building an Off-Ramp Strategy
Ripple Therapeutics and Formosa Pharmaceuticals will share how they structured strategic “off-ramps” to create flexibility for licensing, pivots, or early partnerships tied to milestone outcomes.
Panel Discussion & Q&A
A moderated panel will bring together experts to discuss how startups can define and execute milestones that build investor confidence, align with regulatory expectations, and preserve strategic optionality.
Moderated By:
Eric Schlumpf, President & CEO – Stuart Therapeutics
2:45 - 3:20 PM
Built to Last: Late-stage Development, Commercialization, and Exit
This panel will explore how ophthalmology companies can successfully navigate the transition from late-stage development to commercialization and strategic exit. Topics will include building a robust commercialization roadmap, understanding how partners assess post-Phase II assets, and determining whether to pursue partnerships or go it alone. Panelists will also discuss market segmentation, engaging early adopters, preparing teams for commercial execution, and positioning for acquisition or co-development negotiations.
3:20 - 3:50 PM
Networking Break
3:50 - 4:40 PM
Strategic Alliances & Advancements: Leveraging Partnerships, Licensing, and Acquisitions for Growth
This panel highlights four real-world examples of collaborations between startups and strategic partners in ophthalmology. Speakers will explore the process of forming alliances, navigating licensing and acquisition agreements, and building partnerships that drive mutual success. Attendees will gain practical insights into how to approach strategics, structure deals, and foster long-term relationships that accelerate innovation and market impact.
Moderated By:
James Murray, Partner - ExSight Ventures
4:40 - 5:20 PM
Boardroom and Beyond: Building the Right Leadership and Guidance Team
This session explores the essential role of strong boards - scientific advisory boards, boards of advisors, and board of directors - in guiding an ophthalmology startup’s growth. Speakers will share insights on how to assemble the right mix of expertise, credibility, and strategic vision to attract investors and accelerate innovation. Attendees will learn best practices for leveraging board members to strengthen governance, open doors, and provide critical oversight at each stage of development.
Panelists:
Firas M. Rahhal, MD, Partner - ExSight Ventures & Retina Vitreous Associates Medical Group
Adrienne Graves, PhD
Andy Corley
Emmett T. Cunningham Jr., MD, PhD, MPH, Executive Chairman - Eyconis / Senior Partner - HealthQuest Capital Management
5:20 - 5:30 PM
Closing Remarks & Key Takeaways
Presented By:
Robert Rothman, MD, Co-Founder and Co-Managing Member - InFocus Capital Partners / Partner, OCLI - Glaucoma Consultants of Long Island