OIS XV is the comprehensive gathering for the entire eye care ecosystem, spanning retina, glaucoma, anterior segment, drug delivery, and beyond. This day and a half program features innovation showcases, investor spotlights, and strategic discussions that bring together leading startups, global strategics, and clinical experts.
AGENDA - FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2025
7:30 – 8:30 AM
Check-in and Networking Lunch
8:30 – 8:35 AM
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Presented By:
Robert Rothman, MD, Co-Founder and Co-Managing Member - InFocus Capital Partners / Partner, OCLI - Glaucoma Consultants of Long Island
8:35 - 9:35 AM
New Innovation Showcase
Exciting new companies take the OIS stage to share their breakthrough ideas, from early technologies just stepping into the spotlight to startups already making waves.
9:25 - 10:10 AM
Innovating Together: Driving Solutions for Ophthalmic Challenges with CCOI – Collaborative Community on Ophthalmic Innovation
The Collaborative Community on Ophthalmic Innovation (CCOI) brings together regulators, clinicians, patients, industry, and innovators to tackle the most pressing challenges in eye care. Guided by its mission to accelerate safe, effective, and patient-centered innovation, this session will explore how collaborative problem-solving can drive meaningful progress across the field.
Moderated By:
Malvina Eydelman, MD, CEO - The Collaborative Community on Ophthalmic Innovation
10:10 - 10:40 AM
Networking Break
10:40 - 12:00 PM
Spotlight on Regenerative Medicine
This session begins with a series of compelling company presentations showcasing breakthroughs in gene and cell therapy, followed by a dynamic panel discussion spanning the full spectrum of ophthalmology.
12:00 - 12:30 PM
Fireside Chat
12:30 - 1:25 PM
Networking Lunch
1:25 - 2:30 PM
Spotlight on Drug Delivery
This session opens with presentations from innovators developing novel ways to deliver therapies more safely and effectively, followed by a lively panel discussion spanning drug delivery solutions across the whole eye. Experts and entrepreneurs will highlight advances from the front to the back of the eye, exploring how new approaches can improve outcomes, adherence, and patient quality of life.
2:30 – 3:20 PM
The Capital Roundtable: Power Players in Ophthalmic Venture
Leading venture investors take the stage for a candid discussion on where capital is flowing, what drives investment decisions, and how today’s ophthalmic startups can position themselves for success.
Moderated By:
Paul Bresge, CEO - Ray Therapeutics
3:20 – 3:50 PM
Networking Break
3:50 – 4:50 PM
Glaucoma Innovation Showcase
This session spotlights emerging companies tackling one of the most complex challenges in eye care: glaucoma. Presentations will highlight novel approaches from devices to drug development, followed by a dynamic panel discussion spanning the full spectrum of innovation across the eye. Experts will weigh in on clinical needs, market opportunities, and how these advancements may reshape glaucoma treatment in the years ahead.
4:50 – 5:40 PM
OIS Situation Room
The Situation Room brings together leaders from across the investment, regulatory, and strategic spectrum for a candid, rapid-fire discussion on the forces shaping ophthalmic innovation. This highly interactive session will dive into market dynamics, healthcare policy, the global innovation ecosystem, and the outlook for ophthalmology.
Moderated by:
Ram Palanki, PharmD, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer - REGENXBIO
Firas M. Rahhal, MD, Partner - ExSight Ventures & Retina Vitreous Associates Medical Group
5:40 - 7:00 PM
Networking Reception
AGENDA - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2025
7:45 - 8:30 AM
Networking Breakfast
8:30 - 8:35 AM
Opening Remarks
8:35 – 9:20 AM
Eye on Innovation: Live Investor Pitch Session
In this fast-paced session, emerging ophthalmic startups will pitch their ideas directly to a panel of seasoned investors and strategics. Each company will present its vision, receive real-time feedback, and showcase how they plan to shape the future of eye care innovation.
9:25 - 10:10 AM
Anterior Innovation Showcase
A fast-paced series of presentations from emerging companies developing novel therapies and technologies for the front of the eye. This showcase highlights fresh approaches to presbyopia, corneal disease, dry eye, and beyond.
10:15- 10:45 AM
Networking Reception
10:45 - 11:10 AM
Future of Anterior Innovation
A panel of leading clinicians, strategics, and innovators will discuss what’s next for the anterior segment. The conversation will explore clinical needs, commercial opportunities, and how new science and business models are poised to transform care across the front of the eye.
11:10 – 12:00 PM
Retina Innovation Showcase
A rapid-fire showcase of emerging therapies and technologies for retinal disease. From gene and cell therapies to novel biologics and delivery platforms, leading companies will present their latest advances and share how they’re working to transform the treatment landscape for patients with sight-threatening conditions.
12:00 - 12:30 PM
Dosing drugs to the Retina - Selecting your Route of Administration
Choosing the right route of administration is one of the most critical decisions in retinal drug development. In this panel, experts from the clinic, industry, and startups will explore the advantages and trade-offs of intravitreal, subretinal, suprachoroidal, and systemic approaches and what these choices mean for safety, efficacy, patient experience, and commercial success.
Moderated By:
Emmett T. Cunningham Jr., MD, PhD
12:30 - 1:00 PM
The Clinical & Regulatory Tightrope: Navigating Shifting Standards of Success
As regulatory and payer expectations evolve, so do the challenges for ophthalmic clinical trials. This panel will examine how FDA and EMA standards are changing, what RMAT and accelerated approval pathways mean for developers, and how to navigate global trial design in a shifting environment. Panelists will also weigh in on regulatory curveballs, value-based pressures, and how investors diligence regulatory risk before writing checks.
1:00 - 1:45 PM
Networking Lunch
1:45 - 2:30 PM
Redefining Value: What Will Matter Most in the Next Decade
This forward-looking discussion will tackle some of the toughest questions in eye care: how to expand access, break down silos between the retina and anterior segment, and build sustainable value-based models. Panelists will explore the convergence of diagnostics, AI, and therapeutics, and debate whether ophthalmology is truly innovating for patients’ greatest needs or the highest-margin opportunities. The conversation will highlight where innovation, equity, and economics must intersect to define success in the next decade.
Moderated By:
Jai G Parekh, MD, MBA, Chief Commercial Officer - Nordic Pharma Eye Care /Co-Founder, EyeCare Consultants of NJ
Robert Rothman, MD, Co-Founder and Co-Managing Member - InFocus Capital Partners / Partner, OCLI - Glaucoma Consultants of Long Island
2:30 – 2:45 PM