As we wind down the year, there’s no shortage of industry updates in the eyecare space to report.
In our latest leadership watch: a new interim CEO joined Meibum Scientific, SightGlass Vision announced a new head of its research & development (R&D) section, and Prevent Blindness made new additions to its Board of Directors.
Let’s begin with Meibum Scientific.
This is a medical equipment manufacturing company based in Brentwood, Tennessee, and specializing in developing two key dry eye disease (DED)-targeted technologies:
- BlephEx → An FDA-approved, in-office microblepharoexfoliation procedure that removes accumulated lid-margin biofilm, excess bacteria, and bacterial toxins to restore a healthy ocular surface environment.
- OptiVize → An intraglandular-vaporization and thermal expression platform that eliminates deeply embedded biofilm inside the meibomian glands
Take note: Of the two flagship technologies, only BlephEx is marketed as being FDA-approved.
And this new (interim) CEO?
That would be Ryan S. Bleeks, a 20-year veteran of the ophthalmic industry who most recently served as CEO of Visiox Pharmaceuticals (2022 to 2024) and is credited with spearheading two major developments:
- Its merger with Ocuvex Therapeutics in 2024
- Its U.S. exclusive rights acquisition of Omlonti in 2023
His prior industry experience also extends to executive sales positions at RVL Pharmaceuticals, Sun Pharma, Roche, and Bausch + Lomb (via ISTA Pharmaceuticals).
So what’s the plan for Bleeks?
According to the company, he brings a background in executing commercial brand strategies to promote companies’ revenue growth and long-term financial performance.
As such: The new leader’s focus will be on accelerating the commercialization of Meibum Scientific's medical device portfolio.
- That includes both the BlephEx and OptiVize technologies.
"(Bleeks’) appointment brings deep expertise in the ophthalmic market and meaningful partnerships across the eye-care ecosystem,” stated James Rynerson, MD, scientific founder of Meibum Scientific.
Alrighty, now let’s move on to SightGlass Vision.
As a joint venture of CooperVision and EssilorLuxottica, SightGlass is most prominently known for its proprietary Diffusion Optics Technology (DOT) spectacle lens technology.
What to know about this tech: The spectacle lenses are the first device designed to both correct vision and slow myopia progression (by mimicking more natural contrast) in pediatric patients.
- See here for a closer look at the investigational technology—and click here for the latest positive 18-month data presented at the American Academy of Optometry’s annual meeting.
And what do we know about its new hire?
SightGlass has appointed Natalia Trela-McDonald as senior director of R&D and Technology.
Her background: Trela-McDonald most recently served as general manager of PowerPhotonic, overseeing its United Kingdom (UK) business and the company’s product development of advanced optical components for laser systems in medical devices, defense technologies, and industrial applications.
- The key words to take note of in that job description: “advanced optical components.”
Why: Because Trela-McDonald will be utilizing this experience and expertise in optical device design and commercialization to work with SightGlass’s team of ocular scientists to further advance its DOT lens technology.
Will this advancement include regulatory clearance in the United States?
Potentially! Seeing as the DOT lenses have already made their commercial debut in numerous markets across the globe—China, Israel, Canada, Spain, and the U.K. included—here’s hoping the U.S. will be next.
- Of course, the FDA still has to sign off on it (a feat looking all the more promising after the lens tech earned Breakthrough Device designation in 2024).
Finally, what’s new at Prevent Blindness?
The patient advocacy organization made several changes to its Board of Directors last month.
Among them: The appointment of a new Board Chair: Matt MacDonald, president and global head of managed care at EyeMed Vision Care.
- To note: MacDonald was previously named chair-elect of the Board earlier this year.
- He succeeds past Board Chair and Advancing Eyecare CEO Jim McGrann, who was named emeritus member of the Board.
And those other changes you mentioned?
Here’s a highlights look:
Michael C. Vitale, ABOM, was named chief volunteer officer co-chair at the organization's Affiliate Association (which comprises the organization's network of state-level nonprofits).
- Vitale serves as vice president, Membership, Government Relations and Technical Affairs for The Vision Council, as well as vice chair of the Board of Directors for Prevent Blindness Texas.
Amy Pulles was re-elected as CEO co-chair of the Affiliate Association.
- Pulles serves as president and CEO of Prevent Blindness Ohio.
Go on …
Another appointment to the Prevent Blindness Board: Lori A. Archer, former CEO of United Healthcare Vision.
Archer was elected along with the two other past Board members:
- Paul Delatore
- Serves as global head, Market Access at Alcon
- Cadmus Rich, MD (newly elected as Prevent Blindness Board Treasurer)
- Serves as principal consultant at ClearSight LLC and chief medical officer at Visara, Inc
- Jacqueline Herd, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE (re-elected as Board Secretary)
- Serves as chief nursing officer at Providence St. Joseph’s Health
Lots of industry updates …
Indeed. And in case you missed them—check out all our business-related coverage from the eyecare space.