Forum to bring together leading-edge ophthalmic researchers and investors

The newest ophthalmic innovations with market potential will be the focus of a one-day seminar in Seattle on May 3, 2013 that will connect scientists, venture capitalists, pharmaceutical representatives and others. Unlike other investor forums, the meeting will focus on cutting-edge research, rather than established companies.

The event aims to help innovators and scientists better understand how products move through the approval and commercialization pipeline, while giving investors insight into treatments and devices that are nearing readiness for commercial development.

The Vision Innovation and Venture Forum is being organized by the ARVO Foundation for Eye Research. ARVO (Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology) is the world's largest organization of eye and vision scientists.

"Modern science and industry have made tremendous progress in preventing and treating eye disease," explains Foundation Chair Nicholas Bazan, MD, PhD, "but there is still a great need to develop more effective treatments and devices to help alleviate these conditions. Many areas of ophthalmic science require additional research support—and they offer opportunities for commercial development.

"The Foundation's Innovation Forum will provide a unique opportunity for private equity managers, venture capitalists, analysts and others to assess the value of emerging treatments through an independent scientific and commercial lens. They will also join in discussion with the scientists and commercial experts who are working at the cutting edge of these fields."

The program features keynote speaker Mark S. Blumenkranz, MD, MMS, of Stanford University, who was an early innovator in vitrectomy techniques to treat complex forms of retinal detachment, and who helped usher in the modern era of intravitreal and surgical adjuvant drug therapy.

The program also features ample networking opportunities and showcases of promising research, as well as lunch and a concluding reception.

Complete program, venue and registration information is available at www.arvofoundation.org/visionforum.

Provided by Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology