Eyeworld

APRIL 2022 | EYEWORLD | 25 YES CONNECT by Liz Hillman Editorial Co-Director 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 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 oph- thalmologists 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 technol- ogies. 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 Working with industry is mutually beneficial for ophthalmic surgeons and industry partners. Hear- ing 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 educa- tional 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 va- riety of consulting ophthalmologists who discuss this relationship and how it benefits all. —Zaina Al-Mohtaseb, MD YES Clinical Committee Chair T he ASCRS YES Connect webinar series continues with non-clinical topics cu- rated 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 Ven- kateswaran, 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 ophthalmolo- gist/ophthalmology benefit from these working relationships? Dr. Garg: The benefit of physician input to in- dustry is often one of perspective. These interac- tions 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 inter- actions 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 consul- tants provide input early in the process, often leading to a more usable product by the time it comes to market. Additionally, in device devel- opment, for example, consultants can help the Working with industry: Insights for young eye surgeons continued on page 26

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