Katie Sigg, COT, OSA, OSC, has made remarkable strides in her career, driven by her passion for ophthalmology and patient care. Beginning her journey as an ophthalmic assistant for a comprehensive ophthalmologist in Charleston, SC, Sigg has always been dedicated to advancing the field. Her enthusiasm for innovation stems from her belief that it aids in preserving vision and significantly enhances patients' quality of life.
Now, as a Business Development Associate at 20/20 Onsite, she is committed to making these innovations accessible to a broader audience, contributing to creating solutions to improve eye care and the advancement of clinical research.
Sigg's experiences offer valuable insights for anyone aspiring to excel in this industry. Discover her story and vision for the future.
Tell us about your background and how you got started in ophthalmology.
I began my career in ophthalmology in 2015, working boots on the ground in a clinic. My interest leaned toward the medical side, so I was fortunate to work with an ophthalmologist newly out of residency who was an invaluable mentor to me, offering his vast knowledge, fostering my curiosity in vision science, and helping me achieve my professional certifications.
Those early days shaped my career path and fortified my passion for this field. Over seven years, I advanced from having basic knowledge to leading a team, collaborating with physicians, and becoming a mentor to others just starting in their careers. Later, I joined another talented surgeon, gaining hands-on experience with various ophthalmic surgeries working as a circulator and scrub technician. I also established a research department, engaging in clinical trials and learning about FDA-regulated trials and investigator-initiated trials, significantly advancing my research experience and diversifying my skill set.
How has your experience shaped you in your current role at 20/20 Onsite?
I have always been passionate about ophthalmology and patient care. Working as a clinical research coordinator showed me the transformative power of clinical trials on patients’ lives. My passion aligns with 20/20 Onsite's mission to make eye care more accessible by putting patients first and following good clinical practice.
Although I’m not patient-facing in this role, I’m involved in providing solutions for clinical trials by utilizing my experience, helping to advance research, and supporting the mission of providing point-of-need eye care. It's exciting to be in the thick of it, learning more about clinical trial operations and witnessing how well-oiled the 20/20 Onsite machine is. The effort the team puts in, especially the clinical staff, is remarkable. Since day one, I have been overjoyed to work here and feel so blessed, waking up every day ready to learn from my peers and contribute in any way I can to further our company's initiatives.
How does 20/20 Onsite's work in clinical trials impact eye care?
I have a deep interest in gene and cell therapy, which has the potential to improve patients' lives dramatically. We have worked on inherited retinal disease, learning how devastating it can be for patients who suffer from poor vision from a young age. I remember the first RP patient I came across and listened to the difficulties they faced even with daily tasks. Most of these diseases have not had therapeutic options to potentially stop the progression, and for a long time, low vision therapy was one of the only solutions. Although specialized devices can certainly improve the quality of life, knowing that the industry is making strides in this space is very exciting. Thus, making 20/20 Onsite’s work even more crucial. Knowing that these types of therapies can transform lives is inspiring. There seems to be a lot of positive noise on the topic and I'm eager to see more data on the ongoing trials, along with hearing the narratives from patients and how these medications provide hope for their future.
How do you picture the future of 20/20 Onsite and your role in it?
The opportunities at 20/20 Onsite are endless. We are making a significant impact by providing eye exams through mobile vision care to make clinical trials more accessible. Removing the travel burden assists with patient retention and care continuity, which helps manage diseases effectively. Seeing our results on some of these ophthalmology trials is amazing. Even the little things, such as the ability to go to patients' homes, make a huge difference. As someone who has been in patient-facing roles for so long, I know that getting to the office can be a reason patients are unable to follow up with their care. This is why our work is so important.
I love that I can continue to expand my knowledge in other therapeutic areas at 20/20 Onsite when we work on non-ophthalmology trials that require eye assessments. It has been very rewarding to collaborate on solutions to ensure these trials progress. If patients couldn’t get screened for eye exams in certain studies, they wouldn’t be able to move forward. Everyone here is excited to be part of this mission, and it’s incredible to see the commitment on all levels.
Even though I'm not always directly involved, hearing stories from our clinic managers or optometrists is a treat and reminds me of the 'why'. The 'why' is the reason I stepped into the industry so that I can be a collaborator with a company honoring the endeavor to preserve vision, which plays a key role in how we all make memories. I will continue to grow with 20/20 Onsite, contribute to its mission, and help to advance research and advocate for patients.
What advice would you give someone looking for a career in eye care?
Keep your ambitions alive, even when you feel like giving up. Keep asking questions and find mentors, whether they are allied health professionals, physicians, or industry professionals. Pursue professional certifications—they’re not always necessary, but the knowledge I gained through studying for those exams, along with practical experience has been invaluable to my career. Stay curious, listen attentively, and show kindness in all interactions. Collaboration and mentorship are vital. If you're passionate about ophthalmology or clinical research, seek guidance. Embrace diverse experiences to build a versatile skill set, making you more adaptable and resilient in your career.
Why should optometrists consider joining 20/20 Onsite's mission of point-of-need eye care?
In joining our OD Network, 20/20 Onsite supports the entire process by making patients comfortable and helping practitioners excel. The OD Network provides access to new care options and additional revenue streams. It also plays a crucial role in clinical research, advancing treatments and offering patients access to new therapies. With 20/20 Onsite, you can expedite the process and build valuable relationships and experience.
Clinical research is extremely important right now. There are many novel therapeutics and delivery models tackling indications in ophthalmology. You can see from the data that these innovations are producing positive outcomes. As I look back at the days when I was just starting in research, it was invigorating but very challenging. It would have been considerably less difficult if I had 20/20 Onsite’s support. With 20/20 Onsite, we can help expedite the process and aid practitioners in gaining experience, eventually enabling them to conduct research independently.
Make eye care and clinical trials more accessible.
Looking to optimize your patient reach and make eye care accessible to everyone? Discover the point-of-need services 20/20 Onsite offers, customized for your needs. Contact us today to discuss how we can support your research.
Want to learn more about the dedicated individuals behind our mission? Visit our blog's 'employee spotlight' category to explore our Life Sciences team’s diverse backgrounds and expertise.
