Herod was previously the ophthalmic implant device company’s vice president of commercial and international markets. He joined the company in August 2021 with over 24 years of experience in ophthalmic medical device, pharmaceutical, and over-the-counter business.
“When Jason joined Samsara Vision three years ago after spending much of his career focused on eye health with Alcon and Allergan, I was immediately impressed by his strategic acumen and team-building ability. His leadership contributed to our success earning a CE Mark and launching the SING IMT in 17 EU countries to date,” President and CEO Thomas Ruggia said in a news release. “I look forward to working with Jason even more closely as the Chief Commercial Officer as we build our business in China, APAC, Australia, and Latin America.”
As chief commercial officer, Herod will support Samsara Vision’s European rollout of its SING IMT (Smaller-Incision New-Generation Implantable Miniature Telescope). Herod will also work closely with other members of the company’s executive team to advance the availability of the implant in other global markets and provide oversight for ongoing U.S. clinical trials.
“I am delighted and grateful to be named the CCO at such an important and exciting moment in our company’s history. Our innovative approach to addressing the so-called ‘non-preventable’ blindness caused by late-stage AMD has led to more and more stories from patients telling us about how their improved vision helps them to reengage with their families and activities they love following their SING IMT procedure and therapy,” Herod said. “I look forward to working with Tom and the rest of the Samsara Vision team to bring our remarkable technology to global markets around the world.”
The implant is the company’s flagship intraocular telescope lens for older adults with late-stage, age-related macular degeneration. Samsara Vision designed it to improve visual acuity and quality of life. It is approved for use in patients without previous cataract surgery and 55 years and older in CE Mark countries. It is under investigation in the U.S.
