Venture capitalist honored with 2014 Catalyst Award

William J. Link, PhD, received The 2014 Catalyst Award from the Glaucoma Research Foundation. Get a closer look at this leading venture capitalist and his career in ophthalmology. (Video courtesy of Glaucoma Research Foundation)

San Francisco-Honored for his dedicated career in advancing innovative concepts to help patients preserve their vision, William J. Link, PhD, a leading venture capitalist and entrepreneur specializing in ophthalmology, received the 2014 Catalyst Award on Thursday night at the Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF) Glaucoma 360 Annual Gala.

Dr. Link, managing director of Versant Ventures, headquartered in Menlo Park, CA, specializes in investments in game-changing medical devices, biopharmaceuticals, and other life science opportunities. With more than 20 years of experience in the health-care industry, Dr. Link has developed a proven record of building and managing large, successful medical product companies.

Since 2005, the Catalyst Award has acknowledged exemplary leadership that fosters the entrepreneurial spirit of scientific discovery.

In recognizing Dr. Link, GRF honored the very spirit of innovation that advances its mission: “To prevent vision loss from glaucoma by investing in innovative research, education, and support with the ultimate goal of finding a cure.”

“Dr. Link has dedicated his career to advancing innovative concepts to help patients and preserve vision,” said Thomas Brunner, president and chief executive officer of GRF. “We are delighted to have an opportunity to recognize Bill for his outstanding achievements and dedication to the development of new treatments for glaucoma.”

GRF added that the organization is indebted to Dr. Link for his ongoing support and leadership as a member of the Glaucoma 360 Advisory Board. Over the past 3 years, he has given his time and generous financial support to ensure the success of Glaucoma 360 to speed the development of new innovations in glaucoma.

GRF also honored Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter, Judy Collins, with its Visionary Award. The award was presented to Collins for her lifelong activism and commitment to glaucoma awareness.

The Visionary Award is presented to those individuals who have made valuable contributions to social and health causes, including an emphasis on advancing public awareness of glaucoma.

While Collins has thrilled audiences worldwide with her unique blend of interpretative folksongs and contemporary themes, her social history has always been linked to her musical career.

“With vision loss in her family, Judy Collins has a keen interest in increasing awareness about glaucoma,” Brunner added. “She served on the advisory board of the Friends of the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus Foundation Inc. for many years. We are thrilled to recognize Judy’s efforts to prevent vision loss from glaucoma through early detection and intervention.”

Collins has always been drawn to social activism. Besides service with the Friends of the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus Foundation, she is a representative for UNICEF and campaigns on behalf of the abolition of landmines, and many other causes.

As part of the Glaucoma 360 Annual Gala, Collins performed a private concert for attendees, playing many of the songs that have highlighted her career of more than 50 years.

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