VisionCare names new CEO

Visual prosthetic device developer VisionCare announced today that Thomas Ruggia has been appointed as its new CEO, effective today.
Saratoga, Calif.-based VisionCare’s previous CEO and executive chairman of the board, Wolfgang Tolle, left the company to focus on new opportunities, according to a news release.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Tom to VisionCare,” VisionCare CEO Richard Powers said in a news release. “His nearly 20 years of ophthalmology business experience means he has a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the health care environment in the U.S. and abroad, as well as significant experience in the development and commercialization of vision products with differing regulatory and pricing structures.
“Tom brings new energy to VisionCare at a pivotal time when we are poised to expand the reach and appeal of the CentraSight treatment program.”
Ruggia previously spent five years at Johnson & Johnson, most recently serving as VP of WW customer experience & ocular surface disease, overseeing two global commercial teams working in customer strategy, customer service and field technical service.
Along with roles at Johnson & Johnson Vision, Ruggia was the commercial strategy leader in ophthalmology at Janssen Pharma, following 14 years at Novartis division Alcon.
“For nearly two decades, I’ve been fortunate through my work to witness the direct impact of introducing vision-enhancing technologies, devices, and therapies on the quality of life of people with low vision around the world,” Ruggia said. “The opportunity to lead and grow VisionCare to serve a broader patient candidate pool is one that I embrace. I look forward to communicating more about our plans to further develop our novel technology and introduce an enhanced delivery system that will improve the patient and provider’s surgical experience.”