Two groups representing ophthalmologists announced Tuesday they will work together to kick off a series of business conferences to accelerate innovation in their field.

The newly created Ophthovation Conference will be held every year prior to the annual meetings of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. Gil Kliman, an ophthalmologist and managing partner of venture capital firm InterWest Partners, will be program director for the event.

The goal of the conference is to bring together ophthalmologists, entrepreneurs, investors and other stakeholders to spur business innovation. Kilman is co-founder of the Ophthalmology Innovation Summit, which he co-chaired from 2009 to 2018.

"This is the first time that these two medical societies have come together on a partnership such as this," AAO CEO David Parke said in a statement.

"Having both societies join forces to speed innovation should create a unique and impactful community," ASCRS Executive Director Steve Speares said in a statement. "With the proven leadership of our program director and co-chairmen, we hope to set a new standard for advancement of new technologies, with diverse perspectives and objectivity."