About

ABOUT US

NVISION’s Clinical Research

At NVISION Clinical Research, we’re redefining how ophthalmology clinical trials are conducted. As a trusted partner for sponsors and CROs, we provide streamlined, centralized solutions that support every stage of clinical trials—from feasibility and startup to patient engagement and compliance. With access to a network of over 115 locations and 100+ board-certified investigators across five states, we connect innovative treatments with the right patients faster, more efficiently, and with unmatched precision.

Our robust infrastructure includes centralized EMR searches of over 500,000 patient records, optimized recruitment strategies, and a dedicated team ensuring adherence to protocols, safety, and regulatory compliance. Led by industry-leading physicians and supported by cutting-edge technology, we deliver seamless trial management while maintaining the highest standards of quality and care.

By combining decades of ophthalmology expertise with an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement, NVISION Clinical Research is your premier partner for advancing innovation in eye care. Together, we are shaping the future of vision health and transforming research into real-world results.

OUR MISSION

Advancing Eye Health Through Innovation in Clinical Research

At NVISION® Clinical Research, our mission is to advance ophthalmic innovation through excellence in clinical trial execution. As a national leader in ophthalmology research, we are dedicated to accelerating the development of groundbreaking treatments by providing a seamless, high-quality research infrastructure. Our integrated network of clinical trial sites, expert investigators, and centralized support ensures efficiency, regulatory compliance, and superior patient engagement. Through collaboration with sponsors, CROs, and industry leaders, we strive to improve patient outcomes and shape the future of eye health.

LEADERSHIP

Meet the Leaders in Ophthalmology Research

We offer our participating partnering companies a leadership team with over 80 Ophthalmic & Optometric clinical trials performed (phase I, II, III) in the past 5 years. The Clinical Trials team has a combined 80+ years of experience with clinical trials.

Dr Tom Tooma

TOM TOOMA, M.D.

Founder & Chief Medical Officer

  • 30+ years of experience as an  Ophthalmologist, having  performed  well over 150,000 refractive and cataract  surgeries
  • Founded NVISION in 2010
  • M.D. and ophthalmology residency  from Loma Linda University School of  Medicine
  • Fellowship in Cornea and External  Disease from Emory University

CHRIS KARKENNY

Chief Executive Officer

  • 30+ years of experience in building  and growing businesses
  • Prior to NVISION, Chris served in  leadership positions at PacifiCare  Health Systems and Apria Healthcare
  • MBA from Pepperdine University and  BS from the University of Richmond

BRYAN YATABE

Executive Vice President of Operations

  • 15 years of experience in leading large scale management teams
  • Prior to joining NVISION, Bryan served as Senior Director of IPA Operations at Optum
  • BA from University of Redlands
Dr Alex Liu

ALEX LIU, M.D./M.P.H.

Medical Director – Clinical Trials

  • 20 years of experience as an Ophthalmologist
  • PI /sub-I in 10+ Clinical Trials (general Ophthalmology, glaucoma, surgical, etc…)
  • Residency: New York Eye & Ear Infirmary
  • Fellowship in Oculoplastic Surgery

JAMES MASUNAGA

Director – Clinical Trials

  • 25+ years of experience in Ophthalmology
  • 20+ years of experience in Clinical Trials
  • Served as CFO – East West Eye Institute
  • BA from University of California, Los Angeles

ROBERT BRECKON

Healthcare Operating Partner

  • 30 years of operating/M&A experience in the global Health & Life Sciences sector
  • Former board member of Syneos – a leading multinational contract research organization
  • Former Partner at E&Y
  • BSc University of Toronto, AMP Harvard

HISTORY

Our Journey Towards the Future

From our string foundation in refractive surgery to becoming a leader in ophthalmic clinical trials, our journey is built on innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to advancing eye health for the future.

1998

Dr. Tooma

Dr. Tooma established Newport Beach and Ontario centers
1998
1999

Dr. Tooma

formed a joint venture with TLC in CA
1999
2010

Dr. Tooma

purchased 8 centers inCA and rebranded as NVISION Eye Centers.
2010
2013

NVISION

expands into Northern CA with Dr. Meister in Sacramento
2013
2014

NVISION

expands into OR with Teplick Custom Vision, Beaverton
2014
2017

Sierra Eye Center

Sacramento, CA
2017
2018

Hyperspeed LASIK

Rowland Heights, CA
2018
2019

Expanded by 14 locations with 9 partnerships

• Alvarado Eye - San Diego, CA (2 locations)
• H. Douglas Cooper - Sacramento, CA
• Clarity Eye Group - Huntington Beach, CA • One to One LASIK - San Diego, CA
• Hodges Eye Center - Tucson, AZ (Clinic & ASC)
• San Diego Eye & Laser Center - San Diego, CA
• Winston Eye - Fullerton, CA
• Royo Eye Centers - Sacramento, CA (3 Locations)
2019
2020

Expanded Footprint

• Expanded footprint in OR to 9 locations by partnering with Eye Care Associates and Bridgeport Eye Physicians
• NVISION partners with Ontario Teachers Pension Plan
• Eye Associates of Orange County, CA (2 locations)
2020
2021

Expanded Footprint

• Auburn Eye Care (3 locations)
• Miramar Eye Specialists (6 locations & 2 ASC’s)
• East West Eye Institute (8 locations & 2 ASC’s)
2021
2022

Expanded Footprint

• Eye Associates of South Texas (9 locations)
• Turner Eye Institute-Bay Area, CA (2 locations)
• Expanded ophthalmic services by partnering with retina specialty clinics: Retina Associates of Southern California (2 locations) and Salt Lake Retina, Utah (3 locations)
2022
2023

Expanded by 7 locations with 6 partnerships

• South Texas ASC - San Antonio, TX
• Eyeplastx - San Antonio, TX
• Eye Institute of Corpus Christi - Corpus Christi, TX
• Catalina Eye Care - Tucson, AZ
• Morris Eye Group - Encinitas, CA
• Morris Eye Group - Vista, CA
• Furlong Vision Correction - San Jose, CA 2024 Expanded by 12 new locations with 3 partnerships:
• Austin Research Center for Retina - Austin, TX
• Retina Consultants of Austin - Austin, TX - (3 locations)
• Lobue Laser & Eye Medical Centers - Inland Empire, CA (3 locations)
• Orange County Retina Medical Group - Orange County, CA (5 locations)
2023