Her Story
About Marcia
Marcia Ong serves as Director and Fellow, Technical Lead/Subject Matter Expert in Surgical Sciences, Intraocular Device Design & Development at Alcon, a global leader in eye care and medical device innovation. She began her career with Alcon in 2001 as Scientist I after completing her graduate studies in cell biology and anatomy, where her research focused on lens cell biology. Over more than two decades, she has advanced through a series of increasingly senior scientific and technical leadership positions, earning seven promotions over 15 years. She became the first woman in her technical organization to achieve the Fellow level and subsequently transitioned into her current director role. In her current position, Marcia leads the development and application of sophisticated in vitro and in vivo preclinical models, including bench and animal studies, to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and biocompatibility of intraocular lenses and other ophthalmic devices before clinical evaluation. Her work brings together expertise across biology, optical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, clinical research, regulatory affairs, and commercial functions. She has contributed to significant initiatives, including the Clareon intraocular lens platform, IOL material characterization, PCO prevention programs, and multiple projects focused on lens haze, and clarity characteristics. Her technical expertise and collaborative leadership have made her a valued contributor to the advancement of innovative ophthalmic technologies. Marcia's passion for scientific discovery was shaped during her graduate research, when she observed spontaneous differentiation in lens cells, sparking an interest in applying biological research to ophthalmic product development. She has authored and contributed to technical publications, presented research at domestic and international scientific conferences, and received numerous Alcon awards recognizing innovation, technical excellence, customer focus, and outstanding achievement. Beyond her work at Alcon, she serves as an external advisory board member and guest lecturer for the Bioengineering Department at The University of Texas at Arlington, where she supports students and helps introduce them to industry and product development. Her career reflects a sustained commitment to scientific rigor, innovation, mentorship, and advancing technologies that ultimately support better outcomes for patients.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Marcia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of curiosity, perseverance, problem-solving, mentorship, and a willingness to embrace opportunities that challenged me to grow. Throughout my 25-year career in science and ophthalmic innovation, I have been drawn to complex problems that require thoughtful investigation, collaboration, and creative solutions. I am grateful to my parents for encouraging my education and supporting my pursuit of science, as well as to my managers and mentors who recognized my potential and entrusted me with stretch assignments that helped me develop as a scientist, technical leader/Fellow and director. I have learned that meaningful success is not only about achieving professional milestones, but also about helping others grow. Coaching and supporting the next generation of scientists, particularly young women entering technical fields, is one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. I believe that staying curious, accepting challenges, learning from others, and creating opportunities for those who follow are essential to building a fulfilling and lasting career.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to raise my hand when opportunities arise, even when I am not completely sure I have all the answers. Supportive managers challenged me with assignments that stretched my capabilities, and those experiences taught me to trust myself, ask questions, and step confidently into unfamiliar territory. I encourage others, especially young scientists and interns, to stay curious, work hard, build strong technical skills, ask questions when something is unclear, and never be afraid to speak up. I have also learned that professional success requires balance. Earlier in my career, I sometimes worked as many as 80 hours a week, but I eventually realized that being constantly connected to work is not a sustainable measure of dedication. Today, I value setting healthy boundaries, protecting my personal time, disconnecting from work when appropriate, and making space for family, personal interests, and renewal.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the scientific and technical fields is to stay curious, work hard, ask questions, and never underestimate the value of your contributions. Build a strong technical foundation while also developing the ability to communicate effectively, collaborate with others, and lead with confidence. Seek out mentors, volunteer for challenging assignments, share your ideas, and view every experience, including the difficult ones, as an opportunity to learn and grow. Most importantly, define success on your own terms. You can pursue ambitious professional and scientific goals while also making time for your family, personal well-being, creativity, and the things that bring you joy. A fulfilling career is one that allows you to grow professionally without sacrificing the life you value outside of work.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I see enormous opportunities in the continued convergence of biology, engineering, materials science, AI data, and medical technology to develop increasingly sophisticated solutions that can improve patient care. At the same time, advancing innovation requires rigorous research, thorough testing, regulatory discipline, and strong collaboration among highly specialized teams. I believe this environment creates meaningful opportunities for women to contribute not only as scientists and technical experts, but also as leaders who can help shape the future of vision science, ophthalmic technology, and medical-device innovation.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me most are scientific integrity, curiosity, excellence, collaboration, respect, accountability, empathy, and a commitment to improving patients’ lives. I believe scientific innovation carries a responsibility to be rigorous, ethical, and evidence-based, with the ultimate goal of creating meaningful improvements for the people who rely on these technologies. I also place a strong emphasis on mentorship and inclusion because the strongest teams are built when people feel respected, heard, and empowered to contribute. For me, leadership is not simply about reaching a senior position; it is about helping others recognize and develop their own potential. I also value balance and making time for the things that bring joy and renewal, including ballroom and hip-hop dancing. I believe a fulfilling life should make room for both meaningful achievement and personal well-being.
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