What in the ophthalmic field is your team most excited about right now?
What’s exciting today is a shift in how the field views impact. Eye care is no longer perceived as incremental; it’s essential. There is growing recognition that eye health is foundational to overall health, and that millions of patients are living with diseases that have been underdiagnosed, undertreated, or simply overlooked.
That’s where Tarsus is focused. Our TP-04 investigational ophthalmic gel is in a phase 2 trial and has the potential to be the first and only prescription treatment for ocular rosacea – a disease that impacts approximately 15–18 million people in the US with no currently approved treatments. As with Demodex blepharitis, we may have the opportunity to meet the needs of many underserved patients.
And we’re not done with Demodex blepharitis. Our goal is to help as many patients as possible. We’ve seen prevalence numbers in Europe and Japan consistent with the US, so we are working hard to bring targeted treatment to patients in need around the world.
How is your team helping to drive change in ophthalmology?
One of the most meaningful changes I’ve witnessed at Tarsus is how education transformed an entire therapeutic area. When we first started talking about Demodex blepharitis, it was “hiding in plain sight” – incredibly common but often overlooked. Through education and awareness, clinicians began to recognize how prevalent it was and how straightforward it is to diagnose.
That led to behavioral change. Eye doctors started looking for collarettes, the pathognomonic sign of the disease, and diagnosing more frequently. The launch of XDEMVY in the US didn’t just help patients – it also opened our eyes to new patient segments, including those with concurrent MGD or cataracts. That kind of ripple effect is incredibly inspiring.
What challenges are involved in shaping the future of ophthalmology?
Shaping the future of ophthalmology requires a strong pipeline of new physicians. I’m concerned about shrinking numbers of ophthalmologists entering the field. At the same time, patient needs are growing dramatically. With an aging population, the burden of disease is expected to increase significantly in the next five to ten years, making complex medical, sub-specialty, and surgical expertise even more critical.
What are your 5–10-year predictions for innovation in the ophthalmic field?
I’m excited about the potential of big data and AI to support clinicians in daily practice. These technologies can enhance precision, streamline diagnostics, and help clinicians make more informed decisions – ultimately enabling more personalized and effective treatments.
In ophthalmology, we’re still in the early stages of this transformation. As these tools evolve, they’ll help clinicians become more proficient while staying deeply human – supporting better judgment, stronger patient connections, and improved outcomes for patients everywhere.
