National Optical Care (NOC) will next month be launching a new division of its business that offers independent optometry practices new subscription-based buying group and managed services opportunities. Read more
Ellex-Quantel Medical merger takes shape
The parent company of newly acquired ophthalmic device manufacturer Ellex has announced the appointment of a new CEO, with the entity officially taking over the distribution of Quantel Medical equipment in Australia this month. Read more
MIDO postponed until 2022
Organisers of Milan’s eyewear trade show MIDO have announced this year’s event will run in an online format, with the in-person edition not to take place until early 2022. Read more
Rodenstock sale going ahead with Apax acquisition
Funds advised by global private equity advisory firm Apax are set to acquire ophthalmic lens manufacturer Rodenstock Group in a deal reported to be worth AU$2.3 billion. Read more
European Commission clears EssilorLuxottica’s GrandVision takeover, 350 stores to be divested
The European competition watchdog has cleared EssilorLuxottica’s acquisition of Europe’s largest retail optical chain GrandVision, on the condition that around 350 stores are divested across three countries. Read more
Safilo introducing two new sustainable materials from 2022
Safilo has announced it will begin incorporating two new sustainable materials containing recycled content into its eyewear collections, beginning with its proprietary brand Polaroid. Read more
Oculo acquired by Finnish ophthalmic device company
Australian-owned teleophthalmology and clinical communication platform Oculo will change hands in the coming months following an announcement this week that Finnish ophthalmic diagnostics company Revenio has purchased the platform. Read more
Opthea treats first patient in Phase 3 nAMD trial
The first patient in the Phase 3 clinical trial of a Melbourne-based drug company’s novel therapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) has been treated in the US. Read more
EyeQ and NOC announce executive reshuffle
A new alliance between Australian optometry groups National Optical Care (NOC) and EyeQ Optometrists has sparked personnel changes involving the CEOs of both entities. Read more
Aussie-based MGD trial advances towards FDA approval
Australia’s relative success at managing COVID-19 has meant an overseas biotechnology company can forge ahead with the final phase of clinical trials before its meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) therapy is considered by US regulators. Read more