FAR HILLS, N.J.—Samsara Vision, a privately-held, specialty medical device company focused on intraocular ophthalmic devices, has announced that Jason Herod, vice president commercial, international markets, has been promoted to chief commercial officer, effective August 15, 2024. Herod joined Samsara Vision in August 2021 and brings more than 24 years of ophthalmic medical device, pharmaceutical and OTC business experience.
Currently based in Geneva, Switzerland, Herod has lived and worked in Canada, the U.S., and Czech Republic, holding many roles in sales, sales management, country, regional and global marketing, country general management, and as the franchise head for Europe, Middle East, Africa and Russia for Alcon.





In his role as chief commercial officer, the company said Herod will continue to support the European rollout of the SING IMT (Smaller-Incision New-Generation Implantable Miniature Telescope), Samsara Vision’s flagship, intraocular telescope (IOT) for older adults living with late-stage, age-related macular degeneration (AMD). He will also work closely with other members of the company’s C-suite to advance the availability of the SING IMT in other global markets and provide oversight for the company’s ongoing U.S. clinical trial, the announcement said.

“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," said Thomas Ruggia, president and CEO of Samara Vision. "His leadership contributed to our success earning a CE Mark and launching the SING IMT in 17 EU countries to date. 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.”

“I am delighted and grateful to be named the CCO at such an important and exciting moment in our company’s history," said Herod. "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. 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.”