Altasciences at ARVO 2025: An Eye on the Future of Ophthalmic Drug Development by Gretchen Green
Altasciences recently attended and exhibited at the 2025 Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) Annual Meeting, held at the Salt Palace Convention Center against the stunning backdrop of downtown Salt Lake City, Utah—arguably one of the most scenic U.S. conference locations.
I was joined by both of our esteemed veterinary ophthalmologists, Dr. Simone Iwabe, DVM, and Dr. Marianna Bacellar-Galdino, DVM, as well as Dr. Norbert Makori, BVM, Vice President of Toxicology, and Francesca Barone, Site Head of our preclinical facility in Sacramento, CA, and two of my colleagues from business development, Darren Craig and Matt Stonehouse.
AI Innovations in Ophthalmic Research
ARVO is one of the largest global conferences for ophthalmology research, attracting nearly 11,000 attendees from over 60 countries. Hosted by the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, it serves as a platform for exchanging cutting-edge research findings. Their mission is to advance research worldwide into understanding the visual system and preventing, treating, and curing its disorders. The annual meeting supports this mission by showcasing innovations in areas like imaging, genetics, and artificial intelligence (AI), and by promoting scientific discussion that drives progress in eye health.[1]
It’s a privilege to participate in such a prestigious gathering of vision science professionals, and to gain insight into the latest innovations and treatments for complex ocular diseases.
This year’s agenda featured a wide array of engaging sessions, with one standout theme being the integration of (AI) in ophthalmologic studies. AI was the focus of more than 70 poster and paper presentations, highlighting its growing impact in the field. There were several standout posters that underscored the growing role of AI, particularly within the "Glaucoma: Applications of AI, Machine Learning, Large Language Models and Computational Science" session, such as Diagnostic Likelihood Ratios for Glaucoma Detection with M2M‑Derived RNFL Thickness from Fundus Photographs, and Deep Learning Predictions of the Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness From Optic Disc Photographs.
These presentations demonstrated how advanced machine learning models are being deployed to enhance diagnostic accuracy, especially in early glaucoma detection. These technologies are helping pave the way toward more objective, reliable tools for clinical research . As these models continue to evolve in both accuracy and accessibility, they offer promise for clinicians seeking faster and more objective assessments in clinical and research settings.
Showcasing Breakthroughs in Ocular Safety and Translational Models
We were especially honored to have Dr. Makori and Dr. Iwabe present a symposium titled Ocular Toxicology Studies of New Drug Modalities: An Approach to Reduce Animal Use. Their presentation focused on gene therapy as an emerging modality, and emphasized strategies for combining endpoints to minimize animal use in research. The session drew a full audience and sparked meaningful dialogue, encouraging participants to share perspectives and explore collaborative solutions.
Altasciences also contributed two well-received posters to the conference. Dr. Bacellar-Galdino presented Geographic Atrophy-Like Induced Model in Sinclair Nanopigs™, while Dr. Iwabe showcased Evaluation in Canines of a Novel Device for Suprachoroidal Drug Delivery.
Both posters generated strong interest and were excellent platforms for highlighting our team’s innovation and scientific depth.
Overall, the meeting was a tremendous success, offering both insightful scientific content and excellent networking opportunities with current partners and prospective collaborators. We’re already looking forward to ARVO 2026 in beautiful Denver, Colorado.
Please feel free to reach out to me or one of my colleagues at any time, we would be happy to answer any of your questions!
About the Author
Gretchen Green leads strategic partnerships with sponsors throughout the Northeast U.S. With over 11 years at Altasciences and more than two decades in the CRO industry, she brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role.
Her extensive background allows her to support clients at every stage of the drug development process, from initial proof of concept to NDA-enabling studies.
[1]https://www.arvo.org/annual-meeting/
This blog was originally published in June 2025.
