2026 SPONSORS
PREMIER SPONSOR
Bausch + Lomb
Bausch + Lomb is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the gift of sight for millions of people around the world – from the moment of birth through every phase of life. Its comprehensive portfolio of more than 400 products includes contact lenses, lens care products, eye care products, ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter products and ophthalmic surgical devices and instruments. Founded in 1853, Bausch + Lomb has a significant global research and development, manufacturing and commercial footprint with more than 12,000 employees and a presence in nearly 100 countries. Bausch + Lomb is headquartered in Vaughan, Ontario with corporate offices in Bridgewater, New Jersey. For more information, visit www.bausch.com and connect with us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
MAJOR SPONSORS
Biogen
Founded in 1978, Biogen is a leading biotechnology company that pioneers innovative science to deliver new medicines to transform patients’ lives and to create value for shareholders and our communities. We apply deep understanding of human biology and leverage different modalities, to advance first-in-class treatments or therapies that deliver superior outcomes. Our approach is to take bold risks, balanced with return on investment to deliver long-term growth. With approximately 7,000 people worldwide, we are truly a global organization, headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, which is also home to our research operations. Our international headquarters are based in Baar, Switzerland and we have world-class manufacturing facilities in North Carolina and Solothurn, Switzerland. We offer therapies globally through direct affiliate presence in 30 countries and a network of distribution partners in over 50 additional countries. For more information, please visit www.biogen.com. Community Guidelines: https://www.biogen.com/community-guidelines.html
Merck
At Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information, visit www.merck.com.
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
Adverum Biotechnologies
Adverum Biotechnologies- a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company is a clinical-stage company that aims to establish gene therapy as a new standard of care for highly prevalent ocular diseases with the aspiration of developing functional cures to restore vision and prevent blindness. Leveraging the research capabilities of its proprietary intravitreal (IVT) platform, Adverum is developing durable, single-administration therapies, designed to be delivered in physicians’ offices, to eliminate the need for frequent ocular injections to treat these diseases. Adverum is evaluating its novel gene therapy candidate, ixoberogene soroparvovec (Ixo-vec, formerly referred to as ADVM-022), as a one-time, IVT injection for patients with neovascular or wet age-related macular degeneration. By overcoming the challenges associated with current treatment paradigms for these debilitating ocular diseases, Adverum aspires to transform the standard of care, preserve vision, and create a profound societal impact around the globe.
Boehringer Ingelheim
With over 50 years of innovation in the U.S., Boehringer Ingelheim maintains numerous sites across the country, including research & development (R&D) and manufacturing facilities for our medicines. There are over 9,000 employees representing all 50 states.
Boehringer plans to invest approximately $20 billion between 2025 and 2030 in its human and animal health business in the U.S. Roughly two-thirds of this investment is earmarked for R&D, driving the discovery and development of novel therapies across U.S. sites. The remaining one-third is planned to bolster manufacturing capabilities, at both our owned facilities and through our manufacturing partners in several locations across the country.
As a top global pharmaceutical company that develops innovative therapies in areas of high unmet medical need for the patients and animals we serve, Boehringer consistently ranks among the top of its peers for investments in R&D. Boehringer has remained independent since the company’s founding in 1885, which provides the freedom to take a long-term approach in achieving breakthroughs that transform patients’ lives. We believe that ensuring access to life-changing and life-saving medications is not just a commitment, it’s our responsibility.
More than 54,300+ employees globally serve over 130 markets to build a healthier, more sustainable tomorrow.
Heidelberg Engineering
Heidelberg Engineering pioneers imaging and data technologies to optimize ophthalmic solutions and support learning that advances research and empowers eyecare professionals who want to improve the holistic health of patients.
The SPECTRALIS® multi-modal platform delivers unparalleled retinal image quality and reproducibility for glaucoma, AMD, diabetic retinopathy and many other retinal diseases. ANTERION® provides an easy-to-use, all-in-one anterior segment OCT solution, while HEYEX 2 manages images, integrates devices and streamlines workflows. Heidelberg OPERA, the fully digital visualization platform, brings Heidelberg image quality into the operating room.
Opus Genetics
Opus Genetics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing gene therapies for the treatment of inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) and small molecule therapies for other ophthalmic disorders. The Company’s pipeline features AAV-based gene therapies targeting inherited retinal diseases including Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), bestrophinopathy, and retinitis pigmentosa. Its lead gene therapy candidates are OPGx-LCA5, which is in an ongoing Phase 1/2 trial for LCA5-related mutations, and OPGx-BEST1, a gene therapy targeting BEST1-related retinal degeneration. Opus Genetics is also advancing Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75%, a partnered therapy currently approved in one indication and being studied in two Phase 3 programs for presbyopia and reduced low light vision and nighttime visual disturbances. The Company is based in Research Triangle Park, NC.
INNOVATION SPONSORS
4DMT
4DMT is a leading late-stage biotechnology company advancing durable and disease-targeted therapeutics with potential to transform treatment paradigms and provide unprecedented benefits to patients. The Company’s lead product candidate 4D-150 is designed to be a backbone therapy forming the foundation of treatment of blinding retinal vascular diseases by providing multi-year sustained delivery of anti-VEGF biologics (aflibercept and anti-VEGF-C) with a single intravitreal injection, which substantially reduces the treatment burden associated with current bolus injections. The Company’s lead indication for 4D-150 is wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD), which is currently in Phase 3 development, and second indication is diabetic macular edema (DME). The Company’s second product candidate is 4D-710, which is the first known genetic medicine to demonstrate successful delivery and expression of the CFTR transgene in the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis after aerosol delivery.
AbbVie
At AbbVie, we set our sights on a future where vision lasts a lifetime. With a legacy of more than 75 years in eye care, we are focused on preserving and protecting vision for patients around the world. We treat conditions from the front to the back of the eye, including glaucoma, ocular surface disease, and retinal diseases. Learn more at AbbVieEyeCare.com
Alkeus Pharmaceuticals
Alkeus is a clinical-stage biopharma company located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, dedicated to preserving the sight of individuals impacted by retinal diseases. Our initial focus is Stargardt disease and our investigational therapy, gildeuretinol, is a once daily oral therapy designed to reduce the dimerization of vitamin A without modulating the visual cycle.
Amaros
Amaros Inc. is a Silicon Valley-based deep tech company delivering AI-powered Precision Intelligence through advanced data analytics, exclusively for ophthalmology. Amaros is redefining how clinics, CROs, and Pharmacological companies use complex and fragmented data for impactful real-world evidence through its specialized algorithms. Its flagship AmarosEngine is a proprietary precision intelligence platform that seamlessly integrates multiple data (EHR, physician notes, biomarker detection for raw images) systems to unify information into a single, dynamic ecosystem—transforming complexity into real-time, actionable insights.
Annexon Biosciences
Annexon Biosciences (Nasdaq: ANNX) is advancing the next generation platform of targeted immunotherapies for nearly 10 million people worldwide living with serious neuroinflammatory diseases. Our founding scientific approach focuses on C1q, the initiating molecule of a potent inflammatory pathway that when misdirected can lead to tissue damage and loss of function in a host of diseases. Our targeted therapies are designed to stop classical complement-driven neuroinflammation at its source to provide meaningful functional benefit and alter the course of disease. Annexon’s mission is to deliver game-changing therapies to millions of patients to help them live their best lives.
Ashvattha Therapeutics
Ashvattha Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel precision nanomedicines enabled by our hydroxyl dendrimer technology to treat unmet medical needs in ophthalmology.
EyePoint Pharmaceuticals
EyePoint, Inc. (Nasdaq: EYPT) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to developing and commercializing innovative therapeutics to improve the lives of patients with serious retinal diseases. The Company’s lead product candidate, DURAVYU™, is an innovative investigational sustained delivery treatment for serious retinal diseases combining vorolanib, a selective and patent-protected tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in next-generation bioerodible Durasert E™ technology.
The Company is committed to partnering with the retina community to improve patient lives while creating long-term value, with four approved drugs over three decades and tens of thousands of eyes treated with EyePoint innovation.
EyePoint is headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts, with a commercial manufacturing facility in Northbridge, Massachusetts.
InFocus Clinical Research
At InFocus Clinical Research we are dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of retinal diseases. As a leading Contract Research Organization (CRO) with a specialized focus in retina, we provide a range of clinical research services that help our partners accelerate the development of new therapies and technologies. Our team of experts has extensive experience in both clinical trial management and the field of retina research and is committed to providing tailored support services that meet the unique needs of each study. We work closely with our clients to develop customized solutions that optimize trial efficiency, minimize risk, and enhance data quality. Our approach is patient-centered and personalized, with a focus on improving outcomes for those affected by retinal diseases. By leveraging our extensive network of industry contacts and research sites, we help our clients stay at the forefront of the latest developments in retinal research. At InFocus Clinical Research, we are proud to be a trusted partner for our clients, and we are committed to delivering high-quality research solutions that drive innovation and improve the lives of those living with ophthalmic and retinal diseases.
Neurotech Pharmaceuticals
Neurotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a private biotech company focused on developing transformative therapies for chronic eye diseases. The core platform technology, Encapsulated Cell Therapy (ECT), is a first-in-class drug delivery platform designed to slow the progression of Macular Telangiectasia Type 2 (MacTel) and other chronic eye diseases. ENCELTOTM (revakinagene taroretcel-lwey) is approved in the United States for the treatment of adults with idiopathic Macular Telangiectasia Type 2 (MacTel).
Novaliq
Novaliq is a private ophthalmic pharmaceutical company dedicated to preserving vision and improving quality of life. Headquartered in Heidelberg, Germany, with an office in Cambridge, MA, USA, we advance ocular therapies where strong science meets high unmet patient need. We are best known for EyeSol®, our first-in-class dry eye disease category-defining technology, available in the products Miebo™ (Bausch + Lomb), Vevye™ (Harrow) and Vevizye™ (Thea Pharma). These products have redefined topical treatment for patients with dry eye. Novaliq is now extending EyeSol® to diseases of the back of the eye—conditions that drive vision loss yet remain largely unreachable for topical drugs. EyeSol® enables pan-ocular delivery of active substances, creating new opportunities for non-invasive interventions and early disease management. Our pipeline follows a disciplined R&D path to evaluating back-of-the-eye treatments. Our ambition is a scalable platform that brings topical therapy to ocular diseases with high unmet need, enabling early intervention and defining a new standard of care.
Noxilizer
Noxilizer's nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) sterilization is the only ultra-low temperature, low-pressure platform designed for biologics, prefilled syringes / combination products, and medical devices. Fast 6–12 hour cycle times, no additional aeration, and no EPA or sustainability risks — preserving product integrity in the most challenging situations, where EtO, radiation, and steam are not good options for terminal sterilization.
Ocugen
Ocugen, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene therapies to address major blindness diseases and offer hope for patients across the globe. We are making an impact on patient’s lives through courageous innovation—forging new scientific paths that harness our unique intellectual and human capital. Our breakthrough modifier gene therapy platform has the potential to address significant unmet medical need for large patient populations through our gene-agnostic approach.
Ocugenix
Ocugenix was founded on twenty years of NIH-funded research into the molecular mechanisms of wound healing conducted at the University of Pittsburgh, totaling $25 million. This work found that the CXCR3 pathway is the "switch" that turns off wound healing and fibrotic tissue remodeling. By activating that switch, the Ocugenix therapy leverages the natural processes that occur at the end of wound healing, driving the death of pathological vasculature and suppressing fibrosis. We have shown in humans that by leveraging this pathway, we can actually shut down wet AMD. Our compound, "OGX110", is a peptidyl-mimetic and is the only compound on the market or in clinical development that can potentially shut down the disease pathology, potentially permanently. It has also been shown to cause regression of the pathological vasculature and suppress fibrosis.
Ocular Therapeutix
Ocular Therapeutix, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company committed to redefining the retina experience across development, treatment, and outcomes. OTX-TKI (also knownas AXPAXLI™), Ocular’s investigational product candidate for retinal disease, is an axitinib intravitreal hydrogel based on its ELUTYX™ proprietary bioresorbable hydrogel-based technology. It is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials to advance wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) treatment, aiming to improve long-term outcomes while reducing the frequency of injections.
Oculis
Oculis is a global biopharmaceutical company (Nasdaq: OCS; XICE: OCS) focused on breakthrough innovations to address significant unmet medical needs in neuro-ophthalmology and ophthalmology. Oculis’ highly differentiated late-stage clinical pipeline includes three core product candidates: Privosegtor, a breakthrough neuroprotective candidate in the PIONEER program which consists of studies intended to support registration plans for treatment in optic neuropathies like optic neuritis (ON) and non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), with potentially broad clinical applications in various other neuro-ophthalmic and neurological diseases; OCS-01, an eye drop in pivotal registration studies, aiming to become the first non-invasive topical treatment for diabetic macular edema (DME); and Licaminlimab, a novel, topical anti-TNFα in registrational trial, which is being developed with a genotype-based approach to drive precision medicine in dry eye disease (DED). Headquartered in Switzerland with operations in the U.S. and Iceland, Oculis is led by an experienced management team with a successful track record and supported by leading international healthcare investors.
OD-OS Macutherm
OD-OS MacuTherm is developing in collaboration with leading retinal experts a breakthrough therapeutic solution to halt the progression of dry Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) in early to intermediate stages addressing the unmet needs of over 200 million patients worldwide. Our patented technology applies a dose-controlled photothermal stimulation to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), boosting its metabolic activity while preserving the integrity of the overlying photoreceptors. This approach is designed to improve retinal health to extend photoreceptor function, leading to longer unimpaired vision for AMD patients.
Regeneron
Regeneron is a leading biotechnology company that invents life-transforming medicines for people with serious diseases. Founded and led for over 30 years by physician-scientists, our unique ability to repeatedly translate science into medicine has led to numerous FDA-approved treatments and candidates in development. Our medicines and pipeline are designed to help patients with eye diseases, allergic and inflammatory diseases, cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, pain, hematologic conditions, infectious diseases and rare diseases. Regeneron is accelerating and improving the traditional drug development process through our proprietary VelociSuite® technologies, and through research initiatives such as the Regeneron Genetics Center. Visit www.Regeneron.com to learn more.
REGENEXBIO
REGENXBIO is a leading clinical-stage biotechnology company seeking to improve lives through the curative potential of gene therapy. Our gene therapy product candidates are designed to deliver genes to cells to address genetic defects or to enable cells in the body to produce therapeutic proteins that are intended to impact disease. Through a single administration, our product candidates are designed to provide long-lasting effects, potentially significantly altering the course of disease and delivering improved patient outcomes. We are developing gene therapy product candidates for the treatment of rare and retinal diseases. Our product candidates utilize AAV viral vectors from our proprietary NAV® Technology Platform. In addition to our internal product candidate programs, we also selectively license our NAV® vectors, enabling the development of new medicines. Thousands of patients have been treated with investigational and approved products built on REGENXBIO’s AAV platform.
Re-Vana Therapeutics
Re-Vana Therapeutics is a venture-backed ocular therapeutics and drug delivery company dedicated to transforming the treatment paradigm in retinal diseases through innovative sustained-release technologies. The company has developed a proprietary platform of biodegradable, photo-crosslinked hydrogel implants designed to deliver a broad range of therapeutics including biologics (fAb, mAb, fusion proteins, bispecifics), peptides, oligonucleotides, complement therapies and small molecules for six months or longer without the need for surgery. Re-Vana’s mission is to address one of the most significant unmet needs in global ophthalmology: reducing the treatment burden associated with chronic retinal diseases. Current standards of care often require frequent intravitreal injections, placing considerable strain on patients, caregivers, and healthcare systems. Through its EyeLief® and OcuLief® platforms, Re-Vana enables sustained, clinically relevant drug exposure over extended periods, with the potential to significantly reduce injection frequency while maintaining therapeutic efficacy. The company has secured a multi-target, billion-dollar strategic collaboration and licensing agreement with Boehringer Ingelheim, validating its platform and accelerating the advancement of multiple programs toward clinical and commercial milestones. Re-Vana is progressing a pipeline of proprietary and partnered long-acting therapies targeting major retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease. Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, and Belfast, Northern Ireland, Re-Vana recently expanded into a purpose-built 8,000 sq. ft. facility in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter. This expansion strengthens the company’s internal development capabilities, operational scale, and capacity to support global partnerships. By delivering consistent, long-term therapeutic exposure through a differentiated, non-surgical approach, Re-Vana is redefining retinal disease management improving patient outcomes, reducing healthcare burden, and enabling the next generation of long-acting ophthalmic therapies.
Stuart Therapeutics
Stuart Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a new class of therapeutics targeting collagen in the extracellular matrix of the eye, a target previously beyond the reach of conventional therapies. Stuart’s therapeutic pipeline is based on its proprietary PolyCol Collagen Mimetic Peptide (CMP) technology platform, composed of more than 400 CMP sequences applicable across a wide range of ophthalmic indications, including dry eye disease, corneal wound healing, glaucoma, myopia, and retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa. Its lead asset, ST-100, is a novel collagen-reparative therapeutic designed to restore homeostatic function on the ocular surface, thereby alleviating the effects of dry eye disease. ST-100’s Phase 3b trial is planned for the fourth quarter of 2026. For more information, visit www.StuartTherapeutics.com.
Valitor
Valitor is engineering a new generation of long-acting ophthalmic medicines using its multivalent polymer (MVP) platform. The MVP platform is based on proprietary conjugation chemistry for covalent attachment of multiple copies of drug moieties to hyaluronic acid (HA). This technology enables independent control of multiple drug attributes, and conjugation to HA is a favorable strategy for driving ophthalmic drug durability due to its biocompatibility and demonstrated safety in ocular use. In research studies, Valitor’s novel compounds have shown 10-fold increases in potency and up to 5-fold longer target tissue localization. These pharmacological advantages contribute synergistically to unprecedented retention of MVP conjugates in ocular tissues and a strategy for highly durable retinal medicines with an excellent preclinical safety profile.
Valitor’s lead product VLTR-559 is a long-acting inhibitor of VEGF designed to reliably extend the duration of a single dose in humans to six months or more. Based on extensive preclinical data, VLTR-
559 has the potential to become a best-in-class therapy for wet AMD using a 6-month treat-andrelease protocol. The MVP platform has also been designed for plug-and-play versatility to efficiently develop long-acting therapies using a variety of payloads, including compounds from industry collaborators as part of ongoing co-development activities. This has enabled Valitor to initiate development on a pipeline of best-in-class ophthalmic medicines with increased potency and extended therapeutic duration based on validated mechanisms of action.
MEDIA PARTNERS
