Eyecelerator Kicks Off 2021 Schedule With Free Live Stream on Financing in the Time of COVID

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – Feb. 22, 2021 – Coming off a successful inaugural year, Eyecelerator this week announced its slate of virtual and in-person programming scheduled for 2021, beginning with a complimentary live stream on Wednesday, March 3, 8 to 9:30 a.m. PST: Financing in the Time of COVID. Eyecelerator, a collaboration between the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and ASCRS (American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery), brings together entrepreneurs, executives, investors, and ophthalmologists to accelerate innovation in ophthalmology.

The 2021 schedule includes:

• March 3: Financing in the Time of COVID Register
• May: Comprehensive Program
• July 22: Live in Vegas at ASCRS
• September: Focus on Retina
• November 11: Live in New Orleans at AAO 2021

The March 3 program offers a wide-ranging discussion of the unexpected investment opportunities that have emerged during the pandemic, including the hottest trend in finance, SPACs (special-purpose acquisition companies). Program director Gil Kliman, MD, managing partner from InterWest Partners, along with co-moderators Andrew Gitkin, managing director, co-head of Health Care Investment Banking at Raymond James, and Eric Donnenfeld, MD, clinical professor of ophthalmology at NYU, will lead the discussion.

Despite the challenges of 2020, Eyecelerator had a strong debut, connected more than 5,000 entrepreneurs, business leaders, strategic investors, and ophthalmologists through 40 cutting-edge company presentations and 14 hours of innovation-focused programming. Last year’s presentations from companies revolutionizing technology and treatments in ophthalmology have been archived at the Innovation Spotlights channel at Eyecelerator.com.

About Eyecelerator

Eyecelerator is a joint venture between the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. Our goal is to connect entrepreneurs, investors, businesses and ophthalmologists to accelerate ophthalmic innovation for the benefit of our patients. For more information, visit eyecelerator.com 

About the American Academy of Ophthalmology

The Academy is the world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons. A global community of 32,000 medical doctors, it protects sight and empowers lives by setting the standards for ophthalmic education and advocating for its patients and the public. The Academy innovates to advance the profession and to ensure the delivery of the highest-quality eye care. Through its EyeSmart® articles on AAO.org, the Academy provides the public with the most trusted information about eye health. For more information, visit aao.org. 

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About the ASCRS

ASCRS is an international educational society with nearly 8,000 ophthalmic surgeons at every career stage. Its mission is to empower anterior segment surgeons to improve the vision, outcomes and quality of life for their patients through innovative approaches to education, advocacy and philanthropy. For more information, visit ascrs.org