About Us
Ocular Research Tampa PARTNERSHIPS
Ocular Research Tampa (ORT) is a Florida-based Contract Research Organization (CRO) specializing exclusively in ophthalmic research services. Founded by experienced scientists with decades of expertise in ocular histology and biomedical research, ORT provides high-quality, time-sensitive laboratory services to pharmaceutical companies, academic researchers, and eye banks worldwide.
About us
Meet the Founders
Together, Drs. Ammar and King drive the strategic direction, research development, and execution of cutting-edge ocular research platforms, enabling high-quality preclinical and translational studies for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and academic partners.
Advance Vision Science
Therapy Discovery Acceleration
Accelerate discovery of therapies for blinding diseases
Precision
Research Tools
Deliver research tools that increase scientific precision
Translational
Research Impact
Enable meaningful translational outcomes
Publication-Grade Imaging
High-quality, publication-grade tissue preparation and imaging
By focusing exclusively on ocular tissues, we provide a level of quality, efficiency, and specialization that general histology labs and academic core facilities simply cannot match. From tissue sectioning and staining to imaging, project design, and scientific consulting, ORT serves as a trusted partner in advancing vision research and restoring sight.
David A.
Ammar,
PhD
Founder & Chief
Science Officer
Dr. Ammar earned his bachelor’s degree from Harvard College and his PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Michigan. He brings over 20 years of academic research experience from the University of California at Berkeley, UCSF, and the University of Colorado School of Medicine, with more than 50 peer-reviewed publications. He also founded and directed the UCSOM Ophthalmology Department’s Histological Core Facility.
Previously, Dr. Ammar served as Research Director at the Lions Eye Institute for Research and Transplantation, where he expanded research operations and secured over $6 million in research contracts. As Chief Science Officer and co-owner of Ocular Research Tampa, he leads all laboratory operations and drives the development of innovative ocular research technologies.
Karen B.
King,
PhD
Co-Founder & Chief
Executive Officer
Dr. King earned her bachelor’s degree from Goshen College and her PhD in Biochemistry from Rush University, followed by a molecular biology fellowship at Lund University in Sweden. She has led independent research programs at UC Berkeley, UCSF, and the University of Colorado School of Medicine, publishing more than 40 peer-reviewed studies and securing over $10 million in non-dilutive research funding.
Dr. King brings extensive leadership and operational expertise from her role at Hesperos, Inc., where she managed NIH grant writing, business operations, human resources, and strategic growth initiatives. As Chief Executive Officer and co-owner of Ocular Research Tampa, she oversees company operations, including strategy, marketing, finance, human resources, and day-to-day management.
Our mission is to accelerate vision science by delivering technically superior histological services, innovative research solutions, and collaborative project support. With over 50 years of combined experience in ocular research and drug development, our team is uniquely equipped to handle the most challenging eye research projects with precision, speed, and care.
Our Clients
Eye Banks & Tissue Organizations
Maximize the research value of donated tissue through specialized ocular histology support.
Academic Research & Training Programs
Support publication, training, and research funding goals and productivity with reliable outsourced ocular histology.
Emerging Ophthalmic Biotech Companies
Extend your team with responsive ocular histology services that help accelerate funding and development.
Pharmaceutical Research Partners
A specialized ocular research partner built for quality, speed, and scalable support.
Why should we choose ORT over a general histology company?
We specialize exclusively in ocular tissues. This specialization delivers superior sectioning quality, more accurate staining, and better morphological preservation compared to general labs.
Why choose ORT instead of our in-house histology core?
ORT provides faster turnaround, higher quality, and eliminates the expense of staffing, equipment, and backlog delays common in academic core facilities.
How quickly will my project be completed?
Most sectioning and staining projects are completed within 5–7 business days, depending on scope and complexity.
How should tissue samples be prepared for shipping?
We provide detailed preparation and shipping guidelines upon project confirmation to ensure optimal tissue integrity.
Start Your Project
Contact ORT today to discuss your project.