Verséa Ophthalmics, Inc., a subsidiary of Verséa Health, is debuting as a newly independent company: DefEYE, Inc.
Let’s start with this parent company.
We’ll begin with Verséa Health, a U.S.-based healthcare company that provides personalized clinical and therapeutics in eyecare, such as diagnostics and biologic solutions.
- The purpose: To diagnose, treat, and manage ocular conditions like ocular surface disease (OSD) and pterygium surgery.
And within the company are four “Verséa” divisions: Therapeutics, Diagnostics, Scientific Discovery, and (the now-former) Ophthalmics.
Now to DefEYE.
DefEYE is debuting as a privately-held ophthalmic biologics company utilizing a portfolio of decellularized biologics solutions to treat and manage various eye conditions (OSD, pterygium surgery, and other surgical interventions included).
- But more on that later.
And who’s leading the company?
Its leadership team is experienced in three key areas: ophthalmic therapeutics, diagnostics, and commercialization.
At the helm is CEO Rob Sambursky, MD, a corneal specialist at the Florida-based Coastal Eye Institute specializing in micro-incision cataract surgery, advanced cataract lens implants, infectious diseases, and dry eye.
- Dr. Sambursky previously served as CEO and president of the biotech RPS Diagnostics (now Lumos Diagnostics), which developed a proprietary POC diagnostic testing platform, as well as founder, executive chair, and director of Visus Therapeutics, Inc.
Who else is on the executive team?
Notable members include Robert Glashow as chief financial officer and an experienced commercial leadership trio comprised of:
- Rahim Hirji, RPh, as senior vice president of Marketing
- Tyler Johnson as vice president of Market Development
- Rebecca Chandler as vice president of Strategic Accounts
Next: Switch gears and talk clinical focus.
DefEYE’s product portfolio includes the BIOVANCE franchise of decellularized biologics, which it (as Verséa) secured the exclusive U.S. commercial rights from Celularity in 2023.
About BIOVANCE: This is a line of amnion-derived ocular allografts (decellularized basement membrane) designed to support ocular surface repair and wound healing.
- Included in this brand are two variations—BIOVANCE and BIOVANCE 3L Ocular—intended for use as biological membrane coverings that provide an extracellular matrix to support treatment of advanced OSD.
Tell me more about these products.
BIOVANCE is a single-layer amniotic membrane graft, while BIOVANCE 3L Ocular is a decellularized three-layer (3L) version that protects the underlying tissue and preserves tissue plane boundaries.
Notably: Both decellularized basement membranes also:
- Include an intact extracellular matrix (ECM) structure
- Are used to enhance OSD and ocular surgery management
- Are available in six shapes and sizes
So where can they be used?
Both variations’ applications extend to:
- Corneal and conjunctival-related injuries
- Corneal epithelial defects
- Pterygium repair
- Fornix reconstruction (and other procedures)
Check out this supporting clinical research favoring the BIOVANCE 3L Ocular over conventional approaches.
- And click here for ordering options.
That’s an impressive portfolio to start off with. Any plans to add to it?
That’s definitely in DefEYE’s future. In response to Glance’s request for comment, DefEYE stated that it’s “continuing to advance new additions to address unmet needs."
More specifically: In addition to the BIOVANCE line, the company also has access to the commercial rights for “additional decellularized human placenta-derived biologics” with a “strong potential” for eye care applications.
Stay tuned for more details in the coming months on what may entail…
So, aside from that, what’s next for the company?
DefEYE is making its official debut during this month’s American Academy of Optometry (AAOpt) annual meeting (Oct. 8-10) in Boston, Massachusetts, as well as the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAOphth ) annual meeting (Oct. 18-20) in Orlando, Florida.
If you’re attending either meetings, stop by booth #710 during AAOpt or booth #3205 during AAOphth.
Editor's note: This article was updated on Oct. 3, 2025.