LEADERSHIP
MEDICAL DEVICES
May 1, 2026
APPOINTMENT EFFECTIVE DATE
PhD, PE
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
2 Platforms
ADAPTDX PRO & DIOPSYS ERG/VEP
25+ Years
PRODUCT INNOVATION EXPERIENCE
OpZira, Inc., an ophthalmic medical device company built on a legacy of pioneering research, has announced that Scott Thielman, PhD, PE, joined the company as Vice President of Product Development effective May 1, 2026. Thielman brings a rare personal connection to OpZira's origins, having led the product development of the very technology that eventually spun the company into existence.
A Founder's-Eye View of the Technology
As Chief Technology Officer of Product Creation Studio, Thielman was responsible for engineering LumiThera's Valeda Light Delivery System, the pioneering photobiomodulation therapy for treating dry age-related macular degeneration. Alcon's acquisition of that technology is what ultimately led to OpZira's formation, giving Thielman direct, first-hand insight into the scientific foundations and clinical vision behind the platform.
Thielman holds a PhD in mechanical engineering from the University of Washington and is a licensed professional engineer, with a career spanning consumer, medical, and industrial product development for clients including major global brands in healthcare and life sciences.
Scope of the New Role
In his new position, Thielman will lead OpZira's product development strategy, oversee the conception and technical execution of new products, and guide the continued evolution of the company's diagnostic technology portfolio, which includes the portable AdaptDx Pro dark adaptometer and the Diopsys ERG/VEP system.
"We are thrilled to have Dr. Scott Thielman strengthen our team at a time when we are bringing our new diagnostic products to market."
— Clark E. Tedford, PhD, President & CEO, OpZira
Why the Timing Matters
OpZira's diagnostic platforms arrive at a pivotal moment: as new treatments for degenerative eye diseases become accessible to patients, the need for objective tools to detect and monitor these conditions has grown sharply. Thielman's appointment positions the company to accelerate development across its diagnostics pipeline just as that demand intensifies.
OpZira, Inc. builds on a tradition of scientific excellence, developing technologies aimed at improving the detection and monitoring of eye disease and equipping clinicians with advanced diagnostic tools. The company was formed following Alcon's acquisition of LumiThera and its Valeda Light Delivery System, the first and only FDA-cleared treatment of its kind for dry age-related macular degeneration.
"I look forward to joining an experienced management team and contributing to the development of new products that will set the standard in ophthalmology."
— Scott Thielman, VP of Product Development, OpZira
Key Takeaways
- →OpZira has appointed Scott Thielman, PhD, PE, as Vice President of Product Development, effective May 1, 2026.
- →Thielman previously led product engineering for LumiThera's Valeda Light Delivery System as CTO of Product Creation Studio — the technology whose acquisition by Alcon led to OpZira's founding.
- →He holds a PhD in mechanical engineering from the University of Washington and is a licensed professional engineer.
- →His mandate covers product development strategy and the technical execution of OpZira's diagnostic portfolio, including the AdaptDx Pro and Diopsys ERG/VEP system.
- →CEO Clark E. Tedford framed the hire as strategically timed to OpZira's push to bring new diagnostic products to market.
- →The appointment comes as demand grows for objective tools to detect and monitor degenerative eye diseases alongside newly accessible treatments.
Tags:
OpZira
Scott Thielman
Ophthalmology
Medical Devices
Executive Appointment
Diagnostics
Product Development
Healthcare Leadership
