EYENOVATE Agenda
(Subject to change based on speaker confirmations.)
10:00 AM – 6:15 PM CEST
Wednesday, December 3
Fortezza da Basso | Florence, Italy
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Check In & Networking Breakfast
PRELIMINARY SESSION | 12:00 PM – 12:10 PM
Welcome & Opening
Kick off EYENOVATE with an inspiring welcome that sets the stage for two days of cutting-edge science, bold ideas, and forward-looking discussions shaping the future of retina innovation.
Featured Speakers
MODERATOR
Prof. Stanislao Rizzo
MODERATOR
Prof. Francesco Faraldi
SESSION 1 | 12:10 PM – 12:20 PM
Clinical Trial Truisms: A Primer for the Sessions Ahead
Get grounded in the fundamentals that drive every successful study. This session distills the key principles, common pitfalls, and hard-earned lessons of clinical trial design and execution, providing the perfect foundation for the cutting-edge discussions that follow.
Featured Speaker
MODERATOR
Dr. Emmett Cunningham
SESSION 2 | 12:20 PM – 12:30 PM
Investment Trends in the Global Ophthalmic Biotech Sector
Examine the global investment landscape guiding ophthalmic biotech today. Learn how evolving investment patterns are shaping the future of innovation and growth.
SESSION 3 | 12:30 PM – 12:45 PM
Eye on Innovation, Retina’s Next Frontier: A Review of 2025 Innovations
An in-depth look at the most exciting innovations of the year, highlighting the discoveries, devices, and therapeutic approaches that are redefining possibilities in retina.
Featured Speaker
MODERATOR
Firas Rahhal
SESSION 4 | 12:45 PM – 1:30 PM
Clear Vision Ahead: Innovation From the Eyes of European CEOs
Experience insights from emerging European leaders driving eyecare innovation. Engaging and impactful presentations culminating in a thought-provoking panel on where the industry is heading.
Featuring companies such as:
Panel Featuring
MODERATOR
Ram Palanki
Natalia Misciattelli
Aavantgarde Bio
Rafiq Hasan
Complement Therapeutics
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Networking & Refreshment Break
SESSION 5 | 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
The Horizon to Access Sustainable Treatment Strategies in Retinal Vascular Diseases: TKIs, Gene Therapies, Topical Options & Sustained Drug Delivery Devices
From gene therapies to TKIs and sustained delivery devices, leading experts will explore the full spectrum of strategies shaping the next era of retinal vascular disease treatment.
Featuring companies such as:
Panel Featuring
MODERATOR
Prof. Barry Kuppermann
MODERATOR
Prof. Anat Loewenstein
Dhaval Desai
4DMT
Jay Duker
EyePoint Pharmaceuticals
3:30 PM – 3:45 PM
Break
SESSION 6 | 3:45 PM – 5:15 PM
We Are in the Midst of a New Treatment Category: Dry AMD Innovation Update
Explore the current and future horizon in dry AMD, as innovators share the latest advances driving a new therapeutic category and reshaping patient care.
Featuring companies such as:
Panel Featuring
MODERATOR
Dr. Jeffrey Heier (TBC)
MODERATOR
Dr. Jordi Monés (TBC)
Tarek Hassan
Aviceda Therapeutics
Ferdinando Auriemma
OFFHEALTH
5:15 PM – 6:15 PM
Networking Reception
8:30 AM – 1:00 PM CEST
Thursday, December 4
Fortezza da Basso | Florence, Italy
SESSION 7 | 8:30 AM – 9:15 AM
Retina Rare Diseases
Explore how innovation is transforming the future of rare retinal diseases. This session spotlights the cutting-edge science, technologies, and therapies unlocking new hope for patients with unmet needs.
Featuring companies such as:
Panel Featuring
MODERATOR
Prof. Paulo Stanga
MODERATOR
Prof. Dominik Fischer (TBC)
Natalia Misciattelli
Aavantgarde Bio
Michel Dahan
Alkeus
Lance Baldo
Beacon Therapeutics
Dr. Hendrik Scholl
Belite Bio
George Magrath
Opus Genetics
SESSION 8 | 9:15 AM – 10:00 AM
Translating Science Into Products in a Complex Global Ecosystem: Large Company Showcase
Global leaders from large companies at the forefront of ophthalmic innovation will share how they transform promising science into products and outline strategies for success in today’s rapidly evolving global ecosystem.
Featuring companies such as:
Panel Featuring
MODERATOR
Dr. Charles Wykoff
Fabio Baschiera
Boehringer Ingelheim
SESSION 9 | 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
Influence of Geopolitical Climate on Biotech Innovation and Cross-Border Collaboration – What’s at Stake for the Future?
An invigorating discussion on how global events and shifting policies are reshaping investment, partnerships, and the future of biotech innovation.
Featuring companies such as:
Panel Featuring
MODERATOR
Ram Palanki
Alicia Kemble
Retinal Degeneration Fund
10:45 AM – 11:00 AM
Break
SESSION 10 | 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM
Surgical Innovations
Surgical innovation is evolving at unprecedented speed. This session highlights breakthrough technologies and next-generation tools that are redefining procedures and improving outcomes for patients.
Featuring companies such as:
Panel Featuring
MODERATOR
Dr. Lejla Vajzovic
MODERATOR
Dr. Kourous Rezaei
Paul Hallen
Alcon
SESSION 11 | 11:45 AM – 12:30 PM
Shaping the Future: Regulatory Perspectives on Innovation
Experts from leading regulatory bodies will discuss how evolving pathways and global frameworks can guide innovation toward accelerated approvals and expanding patient access to new therapies.
SESSION 12 | 12:3O PM – 1:00 PM
“There is no try. Do.” – Wise Words From the Yoda of Retina: Interview With Special Guest
EYENOVATE concludes with an enjoyable session with one of the field’s most respected entrepreneurs and visionaries.
Panel Featuring
MODERATOR
Dr. Peter Kaiser
SPECIAL GUEST
Dr. Emmett Cunningham
