Kicking off last month, Octane OC’s 2024 annual Ophthalmology Technology Forum (OTF) featured the latest and up-to-date insights on industry innovations for today’s ophthalmic professionals.
We’ll offer a few highlights of what went down—with more coverage to follow in the coming weeks—as well as insight into what makes this event unlike any other in the ophthalmic space.
First up: A refresh on Octane.
The Southern California-based Octane comprises an innovation ecosystem for the region’s technology and medical technology businesses by linking people, resources, capital, and high-value support to its partners/clients.
- How it’s doing this: By helping to create +55K high-paying technology jobs (a 2030 goal) and hosting various programs on an annual basis.
- Octane’s capital funding strategy has assisted nearly 2,000 companies (just in the last year) and raised almost $972 million in funding.
Now this forum.
As a two-day-only event held in Orange County, California, OTF convenes industry, key opinion leaders (KOL), and top ophthalmologists to discuss the latest and future innovations within the ophthalmic industry.
- Its unique factor: Featuring a smaller number of attendees than most ophthalmic meetings, OTF zeroes in on industry innovations with an exclusive look at the up-and-coming ophthalmic technologies from entrepreneurs.
Alrighty, now let’s get a rundown.
Held June 20 and 21, OTF 2024 saw a new record of over 460 attendees—as well as 260+ companies—comprising leading ophthalmologists, investors, innovative startups, and key industry players.
- Top reasons for attending: 72% reported attending for the event’s content/education and networking opportunities, according to an event-wide survey.
And the sessions?
Topics discussed ranged from all areas of the ophthalmic industry, including:
- The state of the ophthalmology market
- New and innovative technologies for anterior and posterior segment
- Genetic engineering and cell transplantation innovations and applications
- The good (and bad, and really ugly) of private equity
- Capital and growth updates from leading ophthalmic tech companies
- An update on the investment landscape within the ophthalmic field
So the big question: Why was this a must-attend event?
We checked in with a few attendees …
Richard Small, CEO of Neurotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc., noted that forums like OTF—as well as the Ophthalmology Innovation Summit (OIS) and Eyecelerator conference, which is a partnership between the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and American Society of Cataract and Retinal Specialists (ASCRS)—serve as the ideal platform for companies in the ophthalmic industry to present their technologies.
So what should the industry be zeroing in on?
According to Small, it needs to be focusing on and doing a better job at translating innovation.
“You hear a little bit about it today, focusing on incremental improvement,” he said, “but we need to focus on real innovative improvements; tangible improvements.”
- Case in point: Neurotech recently earned FDA priority review of its Biologics License Application (BLA) for an investigational ocular implant designed to slow progression of gradual central vision deterioration in macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel), a rare neurodegenerative retinal disease.
- The company’s recent development was among several discussed during the Innovations and Applications in Genetic Engineering and Cell Transplantation session presented during the meeting.
What other feedback did industry professionals give?
When speaking with Glance, Aurion Biotech CEO Greg Kunst referred to Octane’s OTF as “the homeland of ophthalmic surgical devices,” where the latest advancements in the field are showcased among the industry’s innovators.
“With so many key leaders in the industry here—these are the movers and shakers,” Kunst said. “This is where ophthalmology happens, in Orange County. California is the heart and soul of ophthalmology, so that’s why we keep coming back.”
- Another industry side note for you: Just last month, Aurion was granted two key FDA designations for AURN001, its first clinical cell therapy candidate for corneal edema secondary to corneal endothelial disease (CED):
- Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD)
- Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT)
Sounds like this forum is the place to be for ophthalmic innovators.
That’s an understatement, to say the least.
Another key ophthalmic player, Emmetrope Ophthalmics LLC (Emmecell), was represented by Jeffrey L. Goldberg, MD, PhD, co-founder and director of Board of Managers.
- The company’s latest clinical development: The final dose administration of its U.S.-based study evaluating the safety and efficacy of its first-in-class cell therapy for corneal edema treatment.
- Key to this therapy: The use of its proprietary Magnetic Cell Delivery (MCD) nanoparticle platform, which features a unique regenerative medicine approach.
- Click here for the full rundown on this technology and clinical study.
- Key to this therapy: The use of its proprietary Magnetic Cell Delivery (MCD) nanoparticle platform, which features a unique regenerative medicine approach.
What did Goldberg have to say?
At the crux of it, he noted, the ophthalmology industry is full of innovation—with its physicians both excited about new innovations and ready to be early adopters of new technologies and treatments.
“That’s something that makes ophthalmology special,” he said. “So just by attending OTF and to be part of this next-stage revolution within the industry is enormously exciting.”
Let’s talk overall impressions.
Cara Parchment, Octane’s senior signature event manager for OTF, noted that the high level of engagement, insightful discussions, and breakthrough innovations that were presented “truly underscored the dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape of ophthalmology.”
She added that, with innovative ideas and collaborations as well as high energy evident among attendees, “This event showcased the immense opportunities within ophthalmology and reinforced our commitment to driving forward-thinking solutions that will shape the future of eye care."
Nice! Last question: When should I mark my calendar for next year’s event?
The 2025 OTF will kick off June 26-27, 2025, at the A Marriott Resort & Spa in VEA Newport Beach, California.
Registration details can be found here, including info for general admission and members/sponsors.