THE PROBLEM: Single-use eye-drop vials are a popular choice for long-term eye care because of the health advantages of their preservative-free formulas. However, the small vials are difficult to hold and squeeze with precision, particularly for veterans with arthritis or reduced hand dexterity. This results in wasted medication and lower compliance rates, which increases the risk of vision loss in patients.

THE SOLUTION: At the San Francisco Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, Julie Schallhorn observed the difficulties that her patients were having with the single-use vials, so she collaborated with the VA’s Technology Transfer Program (TTP) and the University of California to develop a solution. Schallhorn designed an ergonomic holder that stabilizes the vial on the patient’s cheekbone and allows the patient to release a controlled drop with medical precision.

THE TECH TRANSFER MECHANISM: Once a successful prototype was developed and a patent filed, the VA worked with its national technology transfer intermediary, TechLink, to identify Rain Eye Drops as an ideal commercialization partner. With TechLink’s guidance, Rain entered into a licensing agreement with the VA that supported the agency’s mission, preserved inventor rights, and ensured continued clinical benefit to veterans. Rain then worked with engineers and manufacturers to refine the design for scalable production, which involved optimizing the materials and manufacturing process, integrating feedback from clinicians, and preparing the product for consumer launch.

THE TECH TRANSFER EXCELLENCE: The technology transfer process facilitated by TechLink and supported by the VA TTP exemplified effective public-private collaboration: It was efficient, transparent, and focused on speed, accessibility, and mission alignment. From concept to commercialization, the VA and Rain worked together to ensure that an invention designed for veterans could also reach the broader population in a short time. Rather than licensing the technology solely to drive profits, the agreement ensured that the dispenser aid would be provided free with all Rain products, dramatically increasing access and impact.

THE IMPACT: In 2025, within two years of licensing the product, Rain launched the RainDrop Dispenser Aid nationwide. In addition to demonstrating how federal laboratories can quickly turn clinician-driven insights into scalable healthcare solutions that improve daily life for millions of people, the partnership also demonstrated the benefits of national exposure through product distribution, commercial partnership, online marketing, and printed articles in multiple industry-leading publications. The collaboration among the VA, the University of California, TechLink, and Rain demonstrated a model for ethical, transformative, clinician-driven inventions that can be replicated to benefit veterans and the public.