The American-European Congress of Ophthalmic Surgery (ACOS), a nonprofit organization that promotes innovation in ophthalmology, announced today that Trudy Larkins has joined the organization as its full-time executive director. Ms. Larkins’ official start date will be February 11, 2013.
Trudy Larkins has an extensive background in the ophthalmic field of more than 20 years, during which she successfully launched and established new surgical technologies in the United States and throughout the world. Most notably, she was instrumental in bringing three breakthrough technologies to the ophthalmic market: the Hansatome microkeratome, the IntraLase laser, and most recently the LenSx laser.
Stephen Slade, MD, founding president of ACOS, commented: “I have had the pleasure of working with Trudy on a number of disruptive innovations, including the Hansatome, IntraLase, and LenSx technologies. I have always been very impressed with her ability to get things done in a swift, organized, and high- quality manner. It is our great fortune to have someone of Trudy’s caliber directing ACOS.”
“I could not think of a better individual to take on the challenge of lifting a young organization to the next level,” added David Cox, co-executive director of ACOS. “Trudy is someone I have worked with throughout my career, and I have always admired her ability to take a new concept and drive it across the finish line,” he stated. “ACOS has great momentum, and Trudy’s track record of developing successful collaborations between physicians and industry makes her a natural for this position with ACOS,” said Mr. Cox.
Steven Dell, MD, current ACOS president, also welcomed Ms. Larkins to the ACOS team: “I am pleased that ACOS will benefit from the skill set of Trudy Larkins at a time when the society is poised to take on new initiatives and growth. As the incoming president of ACOS, I look forward to working with Trudy to implement new initiatives I would like ACOS to tackle over my 2-year term. There is no doubt that the addition of Trudy to the team is very positive for ACOS.”
On her appointment to the ACOS leadership team, Ms. Larkins commented, “I am completely honored and excited to accept the challenge as the first Executive Director for ACOS. My career in ophthalmology has been defined by innovation—the same innovation that drives the ACOS mantra. What a tremendous opportunity!”
Trudy P. Larkins’ contact information:
Trudy P. Larkins
Executive Director
American-European Congress of Ophthalmic Surgery – ACOS Phone: 949 861 0987
TLarkins@ACOSurgery.org
About American-European Congress of Ophthalmic Surgery – ACOS
ACOS is a nonprofit 501(c6) that was established in January of 2011. The Executive Committee comprises:
Steven J. Dell, MD – President
Stephen G. Slade, MD – Founding President
David A. Cox – Founding Co-Executive Director
Adam Krafczek, Jr. Esq. – Founding Co-Executive Director J. Andy Corley
John F. Doane, MD
Eric D. Donnenfeld, MD
William J. Link, PhD
Robert K. Maloney, MD
Kerry D. Solomon, MD
William B. Trattler, MD
Steven D. Vold, MD
John A. Vukich, MD
Eric Weinberg, Ex officio
Heather Toolan – Senior Manager, ACOS
ACOS produces high-quality and interactive educational meetings in the United States and Europe. ACOS is recognized by and participates in the FDA’s Network of Experts program. ACOS is also the sponsor of an FDA study on Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking in the US.
Mission: ACOS brings together leading ophthalmologists and innovators of healthcare technologies in order to advance vision care and improve patients’ quality of life.