Eyeworld

FALL 2026 | EYEWORLD | 81 P Dr. Okeke's first exposure to working with industry came in medical school when she was a grant recipient for a research project. Once in practice, MIGS was just emerging, and she began consulting with industry then. While at that time the company didn't have a lot to offer financially, Dr. Okeke said it wasn't about mon- ey. "It was about being able to work with them and to be able to contribute because I was so excited about this product and that there could be something that was so simple that could help patients with glaucoma in a less invasive way than jumping straight from laser to trabeculec- tomy or tube shunt." Dr. Okeke went from hav- ing calls about her experience with the device to doing trainings to discussion about product development and enhancement. "I was so inspired by the potential of the technology and wanted to help educate sur- geons about how it could benefit patients. This ultimately led me to write The Building Blocks of Trabectome Surgery. The book became a re- source for their sales force and helped educate surgeons on the procedure," Dr. Okeke said. "Having a good relationship with that company fostered further relationships over the years." Dr. Okeke has also participated in a number of clinical trials, which she said is rewarding once the drug or device makes it to market. "It is incredibly rewarding to know that you con- tributed to bringing a therapy or technology to market that can improve outcomes for patients not just locally but across the country and around the world," she said. Dr. Micheletti's involvement began from his desire to thoughtfully evaluate new technolo- gies and techniques that could improve surgical care. That led to regular conversations with industry representatives, clinical teams, and colleagues about what was working well and what could be improved. "Those day-to-day con- versations naturally led to bigger discussions. When you provide thoughtful, honest feedback, one opportunity tends to build on the next," he said. "Around the same time, I started giving podium presentations and began to get involved as an investigator on clinical trials. I was also invited to participate in a mentorship program through CEDARS/ASPENS, which expanded relationships and conversations with industry beyond the local level. For me, industry collab- oration unlocks one of the parts of medicine I care about most: improving care for patients and making surgery better for surgeons through new devices, techniques, and treatments." Making time for industry When it comes to making time for speaking engagements, consultation opportunities, and clinical trial involvement, the physicians all had some advice. Dr. Brink said he came from a larger group practice where industry collaboration was common among the physicians, so time out of the office for speaking engagements was accepted and managed accordingly. "No matter where you are, it is a hit on your productivity, so it can be difficult, but things don't fall apart if you're gone for 3–4 days." He said colleagues can help cover patients, and availability via cell phone while traveling allows you to keep things moving. "You shuffle some patients around. You work harder when you get back home. But you can make it work. It is a little bit of a strain," he said. If you are a surgeon whose days are 100% packed, he advised perhaps getting involved in more local opportunities to minimize time out of the clinic. Early in his career, Dr. Micheletti said yes to everything, which admittedly caused him to feel stretched at times. "It took about 2 years to find a healthier rhythm. Now I describe my practice life and industry collaborations as 'busy but balanced,'" he said. "That balance does not happen overnight, and everyone's definition of balance is different. I also think it is important to say that industry collaboration is not manda- tory, and it is not for everyone. You can be very successful without it. It should be something a surgeon does because they are truly interested and care about improving outcomes for patients through innovation, while also making things better for other surgeons." Dr. Okeke makes sure that her involvement with industry aligns with her clinical interests and educational mission and that it benefits patients. "I try to be very intentional about se- lecting opportunities that complement the work continued on page 82

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