ASCRS News: YES Connect
April 2022

by Liz Hillman
Editorial Co-Director

Working with industry is mutually beneficial for ophthalmic surgeons and industry partners. Hearing the opinions of ophthalmology consultants can help industry in improving a product or drug prior to it coming out on the market. In addition, industry can offer new technologies and educational opportunities, especially for residents and fellows. It is important for both segments to follow the ethical rules to continue having this beneficial relationship with the ultimate goal of improving patient care. In this column, we hear from a variety of consulting ophthalmologists who discuss this relationship and how it benefits all. 

—Zaina Al-Mohtaseb, MD, YES Clinical Committee Chair

The ASCRS YES Connect webinar series continues with non-clinical topics curated and discussed for the young eye surgeon (YES) audience. 

The April webinar will cover working with industry. The webinar’s faculty, Kendall Donaldson, MD, Sumit “Sam” Garg, MD, William Trattler, MD, and Nandini Venkateswaran, MD, answered related questions as a preview of the webinar. View the full YES Connect webinar in April (and find previous webinars) at ascrs.org/membership/young-eye-surgeons/webinars. 

EyeWorld: What is the benefit to industry of physician input? How does the ophthalmologist/ophthalmology benefit from these working relationships?

Dr. Garg: The benefit of physician input to industry is often one of perspective. These interactions can help guide industry on how a product will be perceived by the eyecare community. Depending on the product (drug vs. device), the physician can help evaluate and shape how a product may be used by the market. These interactions also allow for certain ideas and tactics to be “pressure tested,” allowing industry to float tactics by consultants to better understand a product’s utility. 

Ophthalmology benefits by having consultants provide input early in the process, often leading to a more usable product by the time it comes to market. Additionally, in device development, for example, consultants can help the developer understand how to better create a product so that it allows for greatest use/impact without substantially causing negative effects on workflow. The consultant MD needs to keep in mind that all of these interactions come at an opportunity cost, but that cost can often be well worth it, especially if the product you are working on can affect the lives of patients.

EyeWorld: What is your advice to young ophthalmologists who want to work with industry? Can you describe what they should consider for their motivations to work with industry?

Dr. Trattler: Young ophthalmologists have the opportunity to work with industry with the goal of helping shape the future of eyecare. Established companies, as well as new/start-up companies, need the advice and direction of ophthalmologists to develop new technologies to help patients. These technologies can range from pharma to diagnostic to surgical technologies. Companies are particularly interested in working with young ophthalmologists, who can bring a fresh perspective.

For those interested in making an impact on the direction of eyecare, working with industry can allow one to make a significant impact. It does require some time and effort to connect with companies, but the effort can result in providing advice and direction that can lead to the development of improved patient care. By working with industry, young ophthalmologists can make a difference.

EyeWorld: How does an interested young ophthalmologist seek out a relationship/start working with industry?

Dr. Venkateswaran: There are so many avenues by which young ophthalmologists can seek out relationships to start working with industry. First and foremost, leverage the support of your local representatives. The individuals who help you optimize your phaco machine, understand IOLs, or speak to you about new therapeutics for patients during training can help connect you with leadership in companies who work directly with key opinion leaders (KOLs). Attend small and larger national meetings and network with KOLs who are interested in working with young ophthalmologists. Voice to them your interest in collaborating with industry and you will come to mind when opportunities arise. Lastly, be genuine, skilled, and inquisitive when caring for your patients or when trying new technologies. Companies and other KOLs will naturally identify young surgeons who are dedicated to their craft and are honest about their perspectives on new products, and this will help you gain credibility not only with your patients but also with your colleagues and industry representatives.

EyeWorld: What is a relationship with industry like while working at an academic institution? 

Dr. Donaldson: I have found it to be very rewarding to work with industry through the years as it is stimulating and helps us play an important role in product development and improvements in patient care. I think that I have an excellent relationship with industry, however, I also think that I need to be careful about my choices and opportunities to remain compliant with university policies. If I am uncertain about how the university may perceive a particular activity or opportunity with industry that may arise, I have that activity reviewed by our chairman and the compliance committee for their input.

EyeWorld: How do you balance taking part in trying new innovations and technologies while also wearing an academic hat? 

Dr. Donaldson: At times, it has been challenging to integrate new innovations in an academic center because of the university approval process and the red tape involved in moving through the process to participate in a trial or to introduce a new technology.

EyeWorld: Do you think there is a trend in academic institutions moving away from working with industry?

Dr. Donaldson: I think that it has become much more difficult over the past 10 years with many new, stricter rules and regulations. Also, since the COVID-19 pandemic, many research positions were dissolved and it has become more difficult to support research from an administrative perspective. However, with the proper research personnel, infrastructure, and financial backing, industry supported studies and investigator initiated trials can be successful. Industry relations are also important for supporting educational opportunities for residents and fellows and for supporting continuing medical education opportunities such as meetings and educational literature. 

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About the physicians

Kendall Donaldson, MD
Medical Director
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at Plantation
Plantation, Florida

Sumit “Sam” Garg, MD
Medical Director
Gavin Herbert Eye Institute
University of California, Irvine
Irvine, California

William Trattler, MD
Center for Excellence in Eye Care
Miami, Florida

Nandini Venkateswaran, MD
Cornea and Refractive Surgery Service
Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Waltham
Waltham, Massachusetts

Relevant disclosures

Donaldson: None
Garg: None
Trattler: None
Venkateswaran: None

Contact 

Donaldson: KDonaldson@med.miami.edu
Garg: gargs@hs.uci.edu
Trattler: wtrattler@adam-botwinickgmail.com
Venkateswaran: nandini.venkat89@gmail.com