MORRISVILE, N.C—Privately-held medical device company TearScience, Inc. announced that it has appointed Jeff O’Hara vice president of sales for North America. In this role, O’Hara will direct the company’s U.S. and Canadian sales and customer service organizations. He will also lead the sales team in providing TearScience’s advanced solutions to eye care practices to treat patients suffering from Evaporative Dry Eye disease and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, the company said.

“Given Jeff’s broad experience in the medical device industry, he was the ideal candidate for this important role,” said Tim Willis, CEO and co-founder of TearScience. He continued, “Jeff is an excellent addition to TearScience who compliments the skills and knowledge of our leadership team. His sales team will play a critical role in delivering our breakthrough evaporative dry eye technology to the market.”

“This is a very exciting time to be joining TearScience. We are on the brink of being able to help the millions of patients who suffer from evaporative dry eye disease,” added Jeff O’Hara.

According to the company, O’Hara has more than 20 years of experience in the medical device industry, having served as VP of sales for Lumenis and managing director of U.S. sales for Solta Medical. O’Hara earned a master’s degree in business administration from James Madison University.

TearScience was recognized in November 2010 with an award from Southeast BIO for having raised $44.5 million Series C financing, one of the largest med tech venture capital funding in 2010. Additionally, the company’s LipiFlow treatment device is designed for use by eye care professionals to address the root cause of evaporative dry eye disease. TearScience has said it will begin commercializing its devices in Europe and Canada in 2011 and is currently seeking FDA clearance in the U.S. for its LipiFlow treatment device.

For more information, visit www.tearscience.com.