It’s that time of year again: Octane OC is gearing up to host the 2025 annual Ophthalmology Technology Forum (OTF)—a must-attend event for clinicians, innovators, and investors in the ophthalmic industry.
From the latest on artificial intelligence (AI) in ophthalmology to new trends and products worth keeping an eye on, we’ve got all the details and insights into what to expect from this two-day event.
First, a refresher on the host of this meeting.
The Southern California-based Octane operates as an innovation ecosystem for technology and medical technology businesses —both within Orange County as well as countries outside the United States.
Specifically: The nonprofit connects people, resources, capital, and high-value support to an array of partners and clients within the region—including methods such as hosting various programs on an annual basis.
- Among its benefiting members: universities, entrepreneurs, investors, small to mid-size businesses, and strategic advisors.
And how does it do this?
That’s where LaunchPad SBDC, which provides an enhanced capital funding strategy for tech, meditech, and climate tech companies, comes into play.
What it is: A small business development center that operates as a pro bono service—with support from the U.S. Small Business Administration—to work with entrepreneurs seeking late seed, Series A, or Series B funding.
- Its impact: Since 2010, Octane and LaunchPad SBDC have assisted nearly 2K companies and—since 2023—raised nearly $1 billion in funding.
That’s pretty significant. Now to this annual event.
OTF originally kicked off 13 years ago in California’s Orange County— the “epicenter for ophthalmic innovation on a global scale,” according to Octane CEO Bill Carpou, speaking with Glance President Jaclyn Garlich, OD, FAAO.
Since its establishment, the two-day conference has grown from double to triple-digit attendees (500+), encompassing industry, key opinion leaders (KOL), and top ophthalmologists.
So what makes it unique?
Compared to other ophthalmic conferences across the country, “It’s less clinical,” Carpou said.
Watch below for his explanation of this.
“OTF is really focused more on investment opportunities and innovation; what’s coming next in the ophthalmic pipeline,” he explained. “We’re presenting a variety of companies that are creating the next level of technology and innovation in the eyecare industry—looking to the future.”
Now to the basics: When is it?
This year’s dates are Thursday, June 26, and Friday, June 27.
- Thursday
- Start time: 3:30 pm PST
- End time: 7 pm PST
- Friday
- Start time: 7 am PST
- End time: 6:30 pm PST
The location: Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa in Newport Beach, California.
Let’s talk agenda.
Eight companies will be represented on the OTF stage this year—the most in event history, according to Carpou. Among these:
- AbbVie
- Iantrek, Inc.
- Neurotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
- Orasis Pharmaceuticals
- Signal12
- STAAR Surgical
- Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
- RxSight
On the physician side, presenters and panelists will include those from Empire Eye; Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California, Irvine; Tylock-George Eye Care and Laser; Visionary Eye Institute; and the Maloney-Shamie Vision Institute.
- Click here for the who’s who of industry and medical professional panelists participating in each session.
Stick with this physician focus for a moment.
Gladly. In fact, Carpou noted that a few sessions—including The Future of Ophthalmology Practice—on the schedule are designed specifically for clinicians, covering topics such as:
- Becoming a company’s Medical Advisor or Board member
- Clinical practice management strategies
Speaking of these practice management sessions, Capou said, “We’ll have sessions on how to prepare your clinical practice for selling, with a roadmap for what you need to do 3 or 4 years prior so that you build the greatest amount of value.”
Nice! And what else can attendees expect?
We’ll give you a highlights version of what to expect.
Starting with Thursday: Select attendees can participate in two invite-only events:
- Patent pursuits: An interactive session where attendees can share their intellectual property (IP) strategies and experiences, and get personalized feedback on potential paths for securing extended protection.
- Partnership pursuit: A reception for physicians and medical industry entrepreneurs to connect and gauge potential compatibility and interests.
Moving on to Friday …
Notable sessions included in the day’s jam-packed agenda are:
- AI in Ophthalmology (Pro/Con)
- What to expect: Discussions on FDA-approved AI tools, AI for retina and glaucoma,and personalized AI-based treatment plans
- State of the Ophthalmic Industry / Political Landscape
- What to expect: A look at regulatory trends, Medicare and reimbursement, and pharmaceutical and industry politics
- Renaissance in Corneal Rejuvenation
- What to expect: Hear from Emmecell’s chief medical officer / co-founder and BioTissue’s chief commercial officer on their take
- Retina: The Next Frontier
- What to expect: Industry executives from Bausch + Lomb and Neurotech Pharmaceuticals discuss what’s to come in the retinal space
- The Investment Landscape
- What to expect: For attendees looking to invest in the ophthalmic space, this one’s for you
And on the subject of new innovations, what sessions should I keep an eye on?
Three events geared toward “what’s new” in the ophthalmic field.
- New Trends in Ophthalmology
- What to expect: The latest details on the risks and rewards of bilateral, same-day surgeries; high-tech surgery suites (including robotics, lasers, and AI-assisted planning); as well as tele-ophthalmology and remote monitoring
- New to Market
- What to expect: Expert insights from the industry’s leaders, including Alcon, Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Orasis Pharmaceuticals, Iantrek, and AbbVie
- Rapid Fire New Technologies
- What to expect: Highlights on two new innovations in the ophthalmic tech space (think: bionic eye implants and smart contact lenses)
Where can I get a time-stamped rundown on the full agenda?
See here all the details.
And as a bonus: Check out our in-depth recaps from last year’s event.
So, what exactly can attendees expect to take away from this event?
The idea, according to Carpou, is for entrepreneurs to spur innovation, look for investment opportunities, and have physicians weigh in—with industry as the focal point of the entire meeting.
Even further, as Cara Parchment, senior signature event manager for OTF, previously shared with Glance, it’s really about the networking opportunities.
- “The event is small enough where you get to mix and mingle with the who’s who of the ophthalmology field and invest in up-and-coming technologies,” she said.
Sounds exciting! So where can I register?
Industry professionals, ophthalmic physicians, and investors can click here to register.
The cost:
- Members/sponsors: $1,025
- General admission: $1,250
- General admission + Octane membership: $1,450
And as a bonus: Glance readers can redeem the following discount codes for general admission:
- EYESON200 ($200 off)
- GLANCE200 ($200 off)