BASEL, Switzerland—As part of its commitment to developing innovative resources and relevant educational opportunities for eyecare professionals—and thus improving patient care—Novartis (NYSE: NVS) has announced that Dr. Whitney Hauser will join its eyecare team as director, peer education for U.S. Ophthalmics. In this capacity, Dr. Hauser will bring her experience as a professor, clinician and founder of the Dry Eye Coach to help shape Novartis’ education and engagement strategy with the eyecare community, according to the announcement.

Her hiring also supports Novartis’ expanded ophthalmics portfolio, following the acquisition of Xiidra just over one year ago, the company noted.

Hauser brings deep experience as both a clinician and educator to the Novartis Ophthalmics team. She graduated from the Southern College of Optometry, where she later served as associate professor until 2019. She also is one of the founding members of the Intrepid Eye Society, a board member of the Ocular Surface Society of Optometry and founder of Dry Eye Coach, a peer-to-peer education hub, where she was formerly a consultant to other clinicians treating Dry Eye Disease.

Hauser is a Theia Award winner (under the auspices of Women In Optometry) and has been named among the Most Influential Women in optical by Vision Monday.