Research & Innovation
Pioneering the
Future of Vision
From laboratory breakthroughs to commercial medical devices, Dr. Sales has spent his career advancing the science of ophthalmology through research, device development, and global education.
49+
Peer-Reviewed Publications
2
Patents Pending
13+
Fellows Trained
2023
NAI Inductee
Commercial Innovation
Oko-Tek Inc.
Founded by Dr. Sales in 2024, Oko-Tek Inc. is a medical device company dedicated to commercializing innovations developed during his years of academic research. The company is bringing patented surgical devices from the laboratory to the operating room.
Oko-Tek represents the natural evolution of Dr. Sales' work at the Iowa Eye Device Lab, transforming promising prototypes into FDA-ready commercial products that will improve surgical outcomes for ophthalmologists and their patients worldwide.
2024
Founded
2+
Products in Pipeline
Stanford
BioDesign Program
IP
Multiple Patents
2024
Oko-Tek Inc. Founded
2018-2026
Iowa Eye Device Lab
Academic Innovation Legacy
Iowa Eye Device Lab
Dr. Sales founded the Iowa Eye Device Lab in 2018 at the University of Iowa, bringing together ophthalmologists, biomedical engineers, and industry partners to develop innovative solutions for unmet clinical needs in eye care.
During his tenure as Founding Director (2018-2026), the lab focused on translating clinical observations into practical devices that improve surgical outcomes, enhance patient safety, and advance the state of the art in ophthalmic surgery. The innovations developed there are now being commercialized through Oko-Tek Inc.
5+
Completed Projects
3+
Industry Partners
10+
Conference Presentations
$500K+
Research Funding Secured
Research Domains
Focus Areas
Exploring the frontiers of ophthalmic science through multi-disciplinary collaboration and entrepreneurial innovation.
DMEK Graft Technology
Developing next-generation preparation and handling techniques for corneal transplantation.
Surgical Automation
Exploring robotics and AI to enhance precision and reproducibility in eye surgery.
Biocompatible Materials
Researching advanced materials for implants that integrate seamlessly with eye tissue.
MedTech Commercialization
Translating academic innovations into commercial products through Oko-Tek Inc. and industry partnerships.
Intellectual Property
Patents & Innovations
Translating research breakthroughs into practical devices that improve patient outcomes.
Automated DMEK Graft Preparation Device
A revolutionary device that standardizes and simplifies the preparation of corneal grafts for DMEK surgery. Being commercialized through Oko-Tek Inc.
Novel IOL Positioning System
Precision guidance system for optimal intraocular lens placement during cataract surgery.
Publications
49+ Peer-Reviewed Articles
Contributing to the global body of ophthalmic knowledge through rigorous research published in leading journals.
View on PubMedOutcomes of DMEK with Donor Corneas from Diabetic Donors
Cornea
Novel Technique for DMEK Graft Preparation
American Journal of Ophthalmology
Long-term Outcomes of Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery
Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery
Advances in Corneal Crosslinking for Keratoconus
Ophthalmology
Showing 4 of 49+ publications. Search PubMed for complete list.
AAO Achievement Award
2017
NAI Fellow
2023
Gold Medal - IIRSC
2024
Oko-Tek Inc. Founded
2024
Interested in Collaboration?
Dr. Sales welcomes collaboration opportunities with researchers, clinicians, industry partners, and institutions advancing ophthalmic innovation.