Eyeworld

38 | EYEWORLD | APRIL 2020 COVID-19 NEWS YOU CAN USE ASCRS NEWS continued from page 37 Within U.S. Ophthalmics and across Novartis, we are adjusting every day to rebalance the many things that need to be taken care of in new ways, including how we support our cus- tomers and their patients, and how we help our people adjust to significant changes in their lives and in their work, including working remotely (often with kids at home). On a tactical level, we've strengthened our Virtual Support Spe- cialists (VSS) capabilities and our online sample support (portal.novartis.com). Our custom- er-facing associates are hyper-aware of being there when our customers need us, and also not being there when they don't have the capacity or bandwidth to take our calls. I'm seeing this kind of respect and professionalism across the board, including how our people allot their time and energies, and in a raised awareness about how we can support each other. In our indus- try and beyond, I am inspired by examples of people who are leading with true empathy for others, putting their needs first. We're all doing our best to model that, and in the process, gaining new insights about what it means to be engaged, with each other, our customers, and with patients. Patrick Mooney Vice President and Franchise Head, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation This has been a trying time for the whole oph- thalmology community. As a company, Ocular Therapeutix is trying to do whatever we can to help everyone prepare for the time when the lights come back on, while also being respectful of the challenges we all face in the present. The important thing is to keep together as a com- munity, weather the storm together, and come back even stronger. Antony Mattessich CEO, Ocular Therapeutix Santen, like all companies, is actively monitor- ing the constantly changing developments with COVID-19 during this unprecedented time. Our top priority is the health and well-being of our employees, their families, and industry partners helping to preserve vision for pa- tients globally. This includes taking steps to ensure ophthalmologists and optometrists have continued access to Santen's technologies and solutions to enable them to provide the best level of eyecare. Our company is also in contact with professional and patient organizations to identify ways we can better support health- care providers and their patients at the global, national, and regional levels. We are doing our part to help "flatten the curve" by supporting employees as they work from home and con- duct business remotely that might have other- wise required travel. Tatsuya Kaihara Head of North America Business, Santen Inc. We are doing everything we can to support eyecare professionals—many of whom are providing emergency patient services only— during this very difficult time. Our field sales and medical representatives are checking in with customers to see if they can be of any assistance, and our marketing teams are work- ing toward ensuring that all product resources are easily accessible. Our biggest concern and top priority is to protect the well-being of our patients, healthcare providers, and employees. Mark Hagler Senior Vice President, Head of Ophthalmics, Oncology & LTC, Sun Pharma I'm so proud to be part of the Wills Eye team, standing strong and determined on the battle lines as this unprecedented new threat sweeps across our globe. Facing down COVID-19 with my mission-driven band of brothers and sisters as we continue to serve our patients and preserve vision is the honor and privilege of a lifetime. Julia A. Haller, MD Ophthalmologist-in-Chief, Wills Eye Hospital

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