Ora Appoints Clinical Operations Director

Ora Inc., a global contract research organization (CRO) partner for ophthalmic pharmaceutical and device development, has appointed Lori Helgeson as senior director of clinical operations. Helgeson will lead a global staff of ophthalmology project managers and will oversee the planning and execution of Ora’s clinical operations across several key therapeutic areas including retina, glaucoma, inflammation, and infection, among others.
 
“We are proud to have an experienced and very stable management team to which Lori brings over 20 years of ophthalmic clinical research experience, leadership and impeccable attention to detail. Her warmth of character and level of professionalism make her an outstanding fit with the Ora family,” Ora President and CEO Stuart B. Abelson said. “Ora’s clients are innovators who are transforming ophthalmic product development. To exceed the high expectations of quality and execution in this field, our clients need the outstanding talent and experience that define all levels of Ora’s teamwork.”
 
Helgeson joins Ora from INC Research, where she served as senior project director in ophthalmology, providing senior level oversight to the global ophthalmology study teams and ensuring quality project execution.
 
“I am excited to be joining Ora,” said Helgeson. “I am very impressed with the knowledge and experience of Ora’s staff and their total dedication to ophthalmology. The depth of Ora’s ophthalmic expertise and expanding global operational capabilities are exactly what clients need to be successful. I look forward to supporting Ora’s clients and advancing innovations in ophthalmology.”
 
Previously, Helgeson served in various clinical project management roles. She holds certifications with the American Board of Opticianry, the National Contact Lens Examiners, the Commission on Paraoptometric Certification, and the Association of Clinical Research Professionals. Helgeson has held positions with INC Research, PPD, Radiant Research, TLC Laser Eye Center, Optos North America, CIBA Vision and private practice ophthalmology and optometry clinics.
 
Ora is a full-service ophthalmic CRO and product development firm with offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan. Over the past 40 years, the company has helped clients earn 45 product approvals. Ora supports a wide array of organizations, from startups to global pharmaceutical and device companies, to bring their new products from concept to market. Ora’s pre-clinical and clinical models, methodologies, and regulatory strategies have been refined and proven across thousands of projects.