Our entrepreneurs: Parham Hashemi

In our latest #OurEntrepreneurs profile we meet cohort 7 Clinical Entrepreneur Parham Hashemi, Medical Student and Pharmacist.

Tell us a bit about yourself 

As a passionate medical student with a background in pharmacy, my interest in healthcare has always been focused on the intersection of medicine, innovation, and technology. I have been fortunate to experience the dynamic and fast-paced nature of the industry through my work on key projects during significant times.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was honoured to serve as the lead pharmacist for a crucial COVID trial conducted by GSK at the Manchester Royal Children’s Hospital. This experience of working with a dedicated team and enrolling the first patient in the UK for this pivotal study was truly rewarding. I later had the privilege of being a part of the global clinical supply team at Pfizer. It was an exhilarating journey contributing to the monumental efforts that culminated in the approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine.

These experiences have fortified my dedication to healthcare innovation. I am committed to working relentlessly with others to bring about meaningful change and advancements in the healthcare industry. This drive is what led me to my current endeavour with Oculus Maxima, and I am excited to see where this journey takes me.

Why did you apply to the programme and what are you looking forward to?

I discovered the programme through extensive online research and through endorsements from peers who had experienced similar initiatives first-hand. As I delved deeper into the programme’s provisions, it became clear to me that it could serve as a significant catalyst for the growth and achievement of Oculus Maxima.

The programme’s holistic curriculum, mentorship opportunities, and emphasis on collaboration align seamlessly with my aspirations to propel Oculus Maxima’s cutting-edge technology and establish it as a leader in the eye care industry. Moreover, the prospect of interacting with a network of professionals and field experts who share a similar vision opens immense possibilities for synergy and potential alliances.

With the support of the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme, I look forward to not only benefiting from expert mentorship, networking opportunities, and skill enhancement but also gaining access to essential resources, funding exposure, and increased credibility. I am optimistic that with this support, I can bring Oculus Maxima’s vision to life, fundamentally transforming the eye care industry and enhancing the quality of life for those suffering from ocular conditions.

Tell us about your innovation  

Oculus Maxima is more than a technological innovation; it’s a vision for transforming eye care. Using advanced AI, this remotely operable slit lamp aims to revolutionise ocular health examinations.

With a primary goal to improve diagnostic accuracy, Oculus Maxima uses AI to help healthcare professionals detect early signs of eye diseases. This early detection can lead to timely treatments, preventing irreversible damage and potentially reducing the number of preventable sight loss cases in the UK.

We’re also committed to reducing health inequalities. By providing remote access to specialist eye care, Oculus Maxima can reach those in underserved areas, potentially impacting the lives of millions of people who might otherwise struggle to access the care they need.

Sustainability is also central to our mission. By allowing patients and healthcare practitioners to be in the same virtual room instead of a physical one, we aim to cut down on travel and associated carbon emissions, contributing to a greener approach to healthcare.

Oculus Maxima aims to enhance patient outcomes by facilitating early detection, reducing preventable blindness, and improving the quality of life for those living with ocular conditions. It’s our contribution to a world where preventable blindness is a thing of the past and eye care quality is second to none. Oculus Maxima is a beacon of progress and a symbol of hope for a brighter, clearer future.

What motivates you? 

One of my profound sources of inspiration is deeply personal – my grandfather, a man of immense wisdom and kindness, has been living with blindness and glaucoma. Seeing his journey and the way he navigates life with this condition has made me acutely aware of the inestimable value of sight and the profound impact ocular health can have on an individual’s quality of life.

This personal connection has ignited a steadfast determination within me to enhance the field of eye care, ensuring that individuals like my grandfather have access to the highest quality of care regardless of their geographical location. This driving purpose is at the heart of my work with Oculus Maxima.

The potential of innovation and technology to transform lives, coupled with my personal experiences, fuels my relentless desire to revolutionise the healthcare industry. It’s not just about the technology itself, but about the people whose lives can be markedly improved by these advancements.

Through Oculus Maxima, I aim to contribute to a world where top-tier eye care is universally accessible, irrespective of location or individual circumstances. This vision continually motivates me and fuels my passion for relentless innovation and improvement. It’s not just about making advancements; it’s about making a tangible difference and leaving a lasting impact on people’s lives. This is what truly drives me.

What are your ambitions for the next year?

In the coming year, I harbour grand ambitions, both for my personal growth and the progression of Oculus Maxima.

At the heart of my aspirations is the commencement of Oculus Maxima’s pilot within the NHS, a critical steppingstone that will propel our product closer to those who need it most. I aim to dive into the exploration of funding opportunities and seek alliances that can bolster Oculus Maxima’s development, validation, and eventual market launch.

Furthermore, I plan to extend my professional network, reaching out to industry experts, mentors, and fellow entrepreneurs within the healthcare and technology sectors. By forging these valuable collaborations, I hope to bring Oculus Maxima to the attention of a wider audience.

A pivotal ambition is the completion of a successful Proof-of-Concept trial, a significant milestone that would underscore Oculus Maxima’s efficacy and value in a real-world clinical setting, thereby paving the way for further development and market penetration.

On a personal front, I am committed to my ongoing growth and skill development. I yearn to broaden my knowledge in business development, marketing, and intellectual property rights, so I’m better prepared to navigate the exciting challenges and opportunities that await.

Why do you think innovation is important in healthcare?

Healthcare is an industry in flux, grappling with a myriad of challenges such as burgeoning patient populations, rising incidences of chronic diseases, and the emergence of new infectious threats like COVID-19. In this context, innovation isn’t just important—it’s absolutely essential.

Innovation is the engine driving healthcare forward. It fuels advancements in diagnostic techniques and treatment modalities, leading to enhanced patient outcomes, decreased morbidity and mortality, and overarching improvements in public health. It’s the catalyst that bridges the healthcare gap, ensuring equitable access to quality care irrespective of geographical locale or socio-economic standing.

In essence, innovation is the lifeblood of healthcare, the key to its evolution, and the force that propels it towards a future where high-quality, accessible, and affordable care is a reality for all.

How can we find out more?

For a more comprehensive understanding of our work and to stay updated on our latest advancements, I invite you to visit our website at Oculus Maxima. To connect with me personally and join my professional network, please feel free to add me on LinkedIn. I’m looking forward to fostering a valuable connection with you.