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Vision Care Innovation Newsletter · Issue 01 · April 2026
Monthly update on the latest news, fundings, and more from across the vision care innovation ecosystem. Produced by the VSP Global Innovation Center.
April's Biggest Innovation News
- ForSight Robotics performed the first fully robot-assisted cataract surgery in a human patient — start-to-finish on its Jasper platform, without general anesthesia.
- EssilorLuxottica posted €7.13B in Q1, a third straight double-digit quarter — with Ray-Ban Meta's optical-first styles the swing factor, plus a new strategic stake pulling it into a ~2,000-store Thai retail network (Top Charoen).
- Sharp HealthCare launched the first IRB-approved study of Apple Vision Pro in cataract surgery.
- Snap × Qualcomm signed a multi-year Snapdragon-XR deal for its Specs glasses, making Snap the third AI-eyewear platform in optical-channel range.
- Even Realities opened its G2 smart glasses with Even Hub, an app store with ~50 launch apps and a ~2,000-developer community.
Vision Care Funding / M&A
- Mediwhale — Seoul-based retinal-AI company developing a cardiovascular-risk screen from fundus photos — closed a ₩20B (~$13M) Series C led by Premier Partners, with KB Investment, Quad, IMM, Hana Ventures, AON, and Startup Partners co-investing. FDA De Novo and a US IPO/KOSDAQ listing are next. On the GIC ecosystem watchlist.
- Halma → Surgistar — Halma acquired Surgistar (cataract blades, cannulas, trephines) for $90M cash as a bolt-on for its MicroSurgical Technology subsidiary; extends MST's routine-cataract instrument range and adds in-house manufacturing capacity.
- MyEyeDr. → Lumina Vision Partners — MyEyeDr. acquired the 28-location doctor-led optometry platform across Arizona and Texas (terms undisclosed). The Southwest's biggest optometry roll-up of the quarter.
- Glaukos — record Q1 2026 net sales of $150.6M (+41%); raised FY 2026 guidance to $620–635M; iDose TR clinical-evidence base now at 22 peer-reviewed publications.
On the Move
- Bill Linder appointed Chief Executive Officer at EVP Eyecare. Previously CEO of HealthTronics; before that, senior leadership at SCA Health.
- Melanie Miller named Chief Commercial Officer at DigitalOptometrics.
Product Announcements
- Warby Parker Sport — Warby Parker launched a performance-eyewear category: five Italian-crafted lightweight-nylon styles, polarized lenses cutting horizontal glare up to 55%, $195 starting, prescription and non-prescription, online and in retail.
- Google Android XR — Google debuted its first Android XR AI smart-glasses platform, routed through optical-shop channels, with Gucci joining Warby Parker and Gentle Monster as eyewear partners. Gemini AI is a core feature; the luxury Gucci line is slated for 2027.
- Reichert SightChek × DigitalOptometrics — Ametek Reichert's SightChek Digital Phoroptor is now fully integrated with DigitalOptometrics, supporting remote refraction inside the DigitalOptometrics teleoptometry ecosystem.
— From the GIC
VSP · Global Innovation Center · Vision Care Innovation Newsletter, monthly · Issue 01, April 2026
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