Candido Pinto
San Clemente,CA
Summary
Visionary and highly strategic problem solver and resourceful Medical Device and Photonics leader with 20+ years of scientific and consulting expertise adept at increasing profit margins by increasing efficiencies and reducing costs; Track record of leading multi-disciplinary teams to catalyze innovations in the industry leveraging clinical expertise, translational cutting edge research, and Advanced Analytics; Diligent, proactive manager and scientist with adaptable and creative approach to unconventional problems; Strong background in strategic planning, financial management and team development; Influential communicator, collaborator and public speaker, adept at working with internal cross-functional teams and external stakeholders.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Global Head of IOL Optics
HOYA Surgical Optics
05.2022 - Current
- Leading a team of direct reports in 4 countries, including US and Asia -> All Intraocular lens development (design, prototyping and testing functions).
- Working closely with global Regulatory and Quality Assurance teams to support market expansions in Asia and United States.
- Creating a new line of premium presbyopia-correcting intraocular lens products.
- Modernized manufacturing and metrology capabilities across HSO R&D.
- Introduced Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Neural Network-driven, multi-disciplinary optimization engines to organization.
- Introduced evidence-based evaluation of the usage of chromophores in intraocular lens design and development.
- Fought for and established new Pilot prototyping lines in the US and Singapore.
- Built R&D labs in US from the ground up for Optics, Mechanics and Clinical testing.
Chief Optical Engineer
Staar Surgical Co
04.2019 - 05.2022
- Subject Matter Expert (SME) to the newly formed Advanced Manufacturing Group at STAAR Surgical, providing guidance in Optical Metrology, Optics Manufacturing, Control Methods, and the geographical/cultural differences in the Ophthalmic business around the world.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop innovative solutions for complex optical challenges, leading to successful product launches.
- Conducted thorough research on emerging technologies in the field of optics, ensuring up-to-date knowledge and expertise in the latest advancements.
- Collaborated cross-functionally to conceptualize, build and actualize designs for production.
- Presented technical findings to both internal team members and external stakeholders, facilitating effective communication of complex concepts across diverse audiences.
- Spearheaded automation of data collection, extraction and analysis for enhanced design capabilities and improved production.
- Mentored junior engineers in best practices for optical design and fabrication processes, fostering a collaborative work environment focused on continuous improvement.
- Streamlined manufacturing processes for increased efficiency by implementing cutting-edge optical engineering techniques.
- Worked closely with sales teams to provide expert guidance on potential applications of developed technology solutions, aiding in business development efforts.
Senior Director – Optical Product Development
Staar Surgical Co
09.2013 - 04.2019
- Started first new product development pipeline within company in more than 20 years.
- Directed, recruited and built Optics team from internal and external sources. Oversaw and spearheaded the building of an Optics R&D and prototyping laboratory for process creation, necessary to develop innovative, market-disrupting products.
- Lead the optical design and metrology development of the next-generation phakic intraocular lens (Visian-ICL) flagship product.
- Administrated the design, construction, and outfitting of a new prototyping laboratory in just 6 weeks that included automated light control, CAT5 internet access, clean high-pressure air supply for optical tables, and 240V power connections for up to 3 optical lathes.
- Conducted FDA-driven remediation efforts by optimizing internal processes by successfully identifying and optimizing metrology processes and manufacturing instrumentation.
- Creator/Developer of the EVO Viva ICL™, approved for commercialization in the European Union.
- Creator/Developer of the EVO Viva ICL™ and Platform (which includes high-negative sphere powers and toric corrections), having invented the most advanced designs in the world of their kind, their manufacturing and metrology verification methods.
- Created an agile working environment, enabling rapid response to changing business needs without sacrificing quality or performance standards.
- Performed continuous evaluations of business facility, teams and policies to keep operations efficient and consistent.
Director of Optics R&D
Powervision, Inc
03.2011 - 08.2013
- Directed the development of a bio-inspired, truly accommodating intra-ocular lens (Power Vision Fluid Vision IOL).
- Recruited, implemented and directed a multi-disciplinary team, with the successful integration of engineering design (optical, mechanical) with chemistry and FEA methods.
- Optimized staff performance by designing comprehensive training programs tailored to individual needs.
- Evaluated company documentation to verify alignment with regulatory requirements.
- Monitored and coordinated workflows to optimize limited resources.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
Senior Optical Scientist
Covidien
02.2010 - 03.2011
- Spearheaded development of bio-photonics devices and methods (in-situ metrology for minimally invasive surgery).
- Performed complex troubleshooting and assisted in leading initiatives to solve challenging surgical instrumentation problems surgeons.
- Subject Matter Expert in Optical Design and Project Transition to Manufacturing platforms.
- Trained staff members and interns on proper laboratory procedures, fostering a culture of safety within the workplace environment.
- Five major patent filings after only one year which were subsequently developed into new products by Medtronic after acquisition of Covidien.
- Actively participated in upstream marketing Voice-of-customer events with experienced surgeons and medical residents.
- Designed experiments using appropriate controls and variables, resulting in valid conclusions being drawn from collected data.
- Implemented quality control measures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of experimental results.
Co-Founder and Chief Engineer
LAIPIN Technologies, LLC
05.2009 - 01.2011
- Conducted target market research to scope out industry competition and identify advantageous trends.
- Managed financial, operational and human resources to optimize business performance.
- Prepared annual budgets with controls to prevent overages.
- Led development of innovative technologies as Chief Engineer and Principal Investigator; included work focused on the development of a micro-incision-based accommodating intra-ocular lens implant as well as a silicone-hydrogel-based Artificial Corneal Replacement.
- Garnered government and private venture capital funding based on detailed pitches focused on budgets, timelines, and milestones.
- Represented organization at industry conferences and events.
- Cultivated company-wide culture of innovation and collaboration.
Associate Research Scientist
Northeastern University
05.2009 - 12.2010
- Successfully (ahead of schedule and under budget) spearheaded design and development work for the Gordon Center for Sub-Surface Imaging Studies (CeNSSIS) and the Awareness and Localization of Explosives-Related Threats (ALERT) programs focused on research and educational programs related to real-time microscopic skin cancer detection and spectroscopic discrimination of organic compounds. Developed such solutions onto cost-saving hand-held devices to be easily manufactured, and utilized by the United States Department of Homeland Security
- Taught graduate classes as guest lecturer when requested by Senior Faculty members.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, continuously expanding knowledge and skills within the research domain.
- Determined cause of unexpected test results and other issues by identifying and resolving technical and equipment problems.
Visiting Scientist
University Of Rochester, Knox Research Group
01.2008 - 05.2009
- Performed successful research on nonlinear light processing methods of ophthalmic materials for post-implantation refractive power adjustment of pseudophakic implants, serving as liaison between Bausch & Lomb and The University of Rocheste
- Conducted experiments in laboratory environment for product development purposes.
- Contributed to strategic planning efforts for laboratory operations, enhancing productivity and resource allocation.
Senior Optical Scientist and Researcher
Bausch & Lomb
08.2005 - 05.2009
- Gave talks at conferences like ARVO and AAO, establishing expertise in the field of scientific study.
- Mentored junior scientists and provided guidance on their career development and research projects.
- Led cross-functional team collaborations to drive innovation and solve complex scientific problems.
- Conceived and prototyped an ophthalmic lens to prevent and correct the appearance of nocturnal blue halos on pseudophakic patients (patented).
- Actively interacted with Marketing, Sales, and collected information from global Key Opinion Leaders in Ophthalmology in order to develop market strategies starting at the R&D stage.
- Presented 25 confidential invention disclosures.
- Designed and prototyped an ophthalmic lens to extend the depth of field to +1.50 diopters without discernible loss of Contrast Sensitivity (early EDOF research from 2006, patent filed in 2008).
- Conducted complex analysis to support process development.
- Spearheaded development of soft Custom Contact Lenses in partnership with University of Rochester.
- Implemented quality control measures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of experimental results.
- Conducted extensive literature reviews to inform research direction and stay current on emerging trends in the field.
- Contributed valuable insights during project planning meetings by presenting research findings and proposing innovative solutions to scientific challenges.
- Analyzed raw microarray data, genomic sequence data, and proteomics data for clinical or basic research purposes.
- Evaluated and implemented new technologies and laboratory techniques to improve quality and robustness of sample analysis, particularly in in-situ, multi-wavelength refractometry.
- Developed innovative research methodologies for improved data collection and analysis.
Assistant Instrument Scientist
National Solar Observatory
09.2004 - 07.2005
- Team Leader for Hardware Engineering and on-site Preventive Maintenance missions. Development and upgrade of opto-mechanical solutions to optimize efficiency of Global Oscillation Network Group (GONG) instrument operations
- Contributed valuable insights during project planning meetings by presenting research findings and proposing innovative solutions to scientific challenges.
- Managed laboratory operations, including budgeting, purchasing equipment, and maintaining a safe work environment.
- Trained staff members on proper laboratory procedures, fostering a culture of safety within the workplace environment.
Member of Technical Staff
Opto Power Corporation
05.1997 - 10.1998
- Developed lensing schemes for high power laser diode beam shaping and fiber coupling.
- Designed, tested and utilized microlenses for diode bar fast-axis collimation. Partial design of diode packaging schemes to comply with optomechanical principles, including 2D stacks.
- Supervised and succeeded in finalizing the Optical and Optomechanical design integration of Spectra-Physics OEM fiber laser product, the most powerful in the industry to date.
- Designed and implemented new line of Optical Converters. Both Optical Converters and Fiber Lasers were transitioned to manufacture three months ahead of schedule and under budget.
- Established the manufacture and testing procedure for the aforementioned product lines.
- Coordinated and devised the experiments which resolved the old problem of fiber-lens scattering losses, which plagued the high-power semiconductor laser industry for many years.
- Created novel illumination systems for using 2D stacks and a mixture of imaging and non-imaging optical components.
- Optimized luminous power transfer from laser diode arrays into arbitrary targets via design of optomechanical geometries and AR-coating optimization on fiber lasers and bundles.
Education
Ph.D. - Materials Science And Engineering
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ12.2003
Bachelor of Science - Optical Engineeing
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ05.1994
Skills
- Team Building, Vision & Offering Development
- Leadership and People Development
- Budget Management and Cost Control via Optimization of Processes and Efficiencies
- Business Planning
- Board Reporting
- Transparent and Effective Corporate Communicator
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Strategic Planning and Execution - Innovation
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Time Management
- Performance Evaluation - Operational Management
- Investor Relations
Accomplishments
- EFFECTS OF ON-EYE CORRECTION OF SPHERICAL ABERRATION VERSUS CONTACT LENS DECENTRATION: A SIMULATION STUDY – Poster presented at the ARVO 2009 annual meeting, Program Number 1572.
- THE LIGHT-ADJUSTABLE IOL: RECENT PROGRESS IN 3-D - Poster presented at the Bausch & Lomb R&D Internal Symposium – December 2008;
- MODELING HIGH-ADD MULTIFOCAL SOFT CONTACT LENSES ON ZEMAX® - Poster presented at the Bausch & Lomb R&D Internal Symposium – December 2008
- PATTERN RECOGNITION AS AN IMAGE QUALITY METRIC – Poster Presented at the ARVO 2008 annual meeting, Program Number 995.
- A PRIMER ON ZERNIKE POLYNOMIALS AND THEIR USAGE IN OPHTHALMIC OPTICS- Bausch & Lomb, Rochester, NY, March 2007. A Tutorial on fundamentals of Zernike Polynomials, their usage and caveats, given to the Design Engineering organization in two sessions.
- RECENT DEVELOPMENTS OF CORE COMPETENCIES IN LENS DESIGN AND OPTICAL MODELING – Bausch & Lomb, Rochester, NY, August 2006. Summary of Activities given to Engineering Design Organization; Unveiling of the S.I.Q. Visual Quality Metric.
- THE QUANTUM LEAP: TESTING AND PROCESSING MATERIALS WITH LIGHT – Bausch & Lomb, Rochester, NY, July 2006. Tutorial and Results presentation to R&D Surface group.
- Fundamental Relationships in Optical Design – Bausch & Lomb, Rochester, NY, February 2006. Tutorial given to Global Operations and Engineering team members.
- A Brief Introduction to Optical Coatings and Applications – Bausch & Lomb, Rochester, NY, December 2005. Tutorial given to Research and Development division.
- Construction of Experimental Eye Model – Bausch & Lomb, Rochester, NY, December 2005. Development Proposal presented to the Global Director of Design Engineering.
- Changing Material Properties with Light: a Brief Introduction to Optical Bistability and Non-Linear Interactions Between Light and Matter - Bausch & Lomb, Rochester, NY, November 2005. Tutorial given to Research and Development Division.
- Laser Diode Arrays, Measurements and Beam Quality - Optical Sciences Center. Tucson, AZ, 2003. Series of three guest lectures given to the Junior Laboratory course students. Invited by Dr. Michael Nofziger.
- Laser Diode Array Engineering - Optical Sciences Center. Tucson, AZ, 2001. Guest Lecture on OPTI522X. Invited by Dr. Michael Nofziger.
- Two-Photon Absorption and Optical Data Storage – Optical Data Storage Center Industrial Affiliates Board, Optical Sciences Center. Tucson, AZ, 2000 - 2001. Progress reports.
- The Long and Winding Road to Non-Linear Optics – 4-Hour Tutorial given to the Milster Research Group, Optical Sciences Center. Tucson, AZ, 2000.
- M-Squared and its use in Photonic Analysis and Design: a tutorial - Milster Research Group, Optical Sciences Center. Tucson, AZ, 1999.
Selected Patents
Selected PATENTS (Complete List Available Upon Request)
- WO2009029481A1: An ophthalmic lens having selected spherochromatic control and methods
- US7789910B2: Optical material and method for modifying the refractive index
- US9113822B2: Collimated beam metrology systems for in-situ surgical applications
- WO2009076500A1: Method and apparatus for providing eye optical systems with extended depth of field
- WO2010014767A1: Multifocal ophthalmic lens having reduced ghosting
- US9157732B2: Methods utilizing triangulation in metrology systems for in-situ surgical applications
- EP2630915B1: Ultra-wide angle zoom projection system for real time in-situ surgical metrology
- US20130338493A1: Surgical devices, systems and methods for highlighting and measuring regions of interest
- WO2016040331A1: Ophthalmic implants with extended depth of field and enhanced distance visual acuity
- EP2689723A3: Telecentric scale projection system for real-time in-situ surgical metrology
Timeline
Global Head of IOL Optics
HOYA Surgical Optics
05.2022 - Current
Chief Optical Engineer
Staar Surgical Co
04.2019 - 05.2022
Senior Director – Optical Product Development
Staar Surgical Co
09.2013 - 04.2019
Director of Optics R&D
Powervision, Inc
03.2011 - 08.2013
Senior Optical Scientist
Covidien
02.2010 - 03.2011
Co-Founder and Chief Engineer
LAIPIN Technologies, LLC
05.2009 - 01.2011
Associate Research Scientist
Northeastern University
05.2009 - 12.2010
Visiting Scientist
University Of Rochester, Knox Research Group
01.2008 - 05.2009
Senior Optical Scientist and Researcher
Bausch & Lomb
08.2005 - 05.2009
Assistant Instrument Scientist
National Solar Observatory
09.2004 - 07.2005
Member of Technical Staff
Opto Power Corporation
05.1997 - 10.1998
Ph.D. - Materials Science And Engineering
University of Arizona
Bachelor of Science - Optical Engineeing
University of Arizona
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