Bausch + Lomb has acquired AcuFocus, a privately held ophthalmic medical device company, gaining its novel small aperture non-toric extended depth of focus (EDOF) IOL available in Australia and New Zealand.
Californian-based AcuFocus is known for its small aperture intraocular technology, spearheaded by the IC-8 Apthera intraocular lens (IOL).
The device was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in July 2022 and is described as the first and only small aperture non-toric EDOF IOL for certain cataract patients who have as much as 1.5 D of corneal astigmatism and wish to address presbyopia.
Known as the IC-8 IOL in global markets, the lens received CE mark in 2015 and is available in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and select markets across Europe.
According to B+L, the global premium cataract IOL market is projected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 13% between 2022 and 2027. A statement announcing the merger said some available presbyopia-correcting IOLs have complex optics that split, shift or stretch light to provide clear vision at more than one discrete focal point.
However, the IC-8 Apthera IOL features proprietary small aperture technology that AcuFocus says enables both distance vision correction and near vision correction to mitigate the effects of presbyopia.
Mr Al Waterhouse, president and CEO AcuFocus said B+L is “a legacy name in eyecare” with a fully integrated eye health portfolio.
“With its extensive development footprint and renowned commercial expertise, we believe Bausch + Lomb is best positioned to educate physicians about the IC-8 Apthera lens, and ultimately, ensure more cataract patients have access to this new IOL,” he said.
Mr Joseph Papa, CEO of B+L, said the company believed the IC-8 Apthera EDOF IOL would bolster its surgical portfolio by enhancing its IOL offerings.
“Which is a strategic area of focus for Bausch + Lomb,” he said
“We will continue to focus on areas of unmet medical need that we believe will help drive long-term growth in our core segments, and importantly, help us achieve our mission of helping people see better to live better.”
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