EssilorLuxottica has announced an agreement to acquire Optegra, a leading ophthalmology platform operating in five European countries: the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, the Netherlands, and the UK. This acquisition is part of EssilorLuxottica’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its med-tech strategy, according to a company news release.
The deal is expected to be finalized in 2025, pending regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
Francesco Milleri, Chairman and CEO of EssilorLuxottica, and Paul du Saillant, Deputy CEO, highlighted the significance of this acquisition. “With the acquisition of Optegra, we are entering a new frontier where comprehensive eye care, advanced diagnostics, therapeutic interventions, and surgical treatments come together in one seamless platform,” they said. “We have the strategic assets to fuel this vision: an extensive distribution network, new clinical approaches, smart eyewear with healthcare potential, and diagnostic tools capable of detecting conditions from neurodegenerative diseases to cardiovascular issues. Optegra will bring new medical capabilities to our group, enabling us to provide patients with the most advanced vision care technologies and treatments in a unified system.”
Optegra operates more than 70 eye hospitals and diagnostic facilities under the Optegra, Lexum, and Iris brands across Europe. These facilities offer a range of ophthalmic treatments, including cataract surgery, treatments for age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma, refractive lens replacement, and laser eye surgery. The use of artificial intelligence in pre- and post-operative stages enhances the quality of care provided.
Robert Knorr, Managing Partner at MidEuropa, emphasized the growth achieved under their ownership of Optegra. “We partnered with Peter Byloos and his leadership team to drive organic expansion and enter new markets, including the Netherlands and Slovakia. We also supported the opening of new clinics in the UK and completed eight strategic acquisitions across five countries,” said Knorr. “Our contributions to Optegra’s digitalization and AI technologies have been key in expanding access to high-quality eye care. We believe EssilorLuxottica is the ideal partner to lead Optegra into its next phase of growth.”
Peter Byloos, CEO of Optegra, expressed excitement about the partnership. “Joining forces with EssilorLuxottica represents a transformative chapter for Optegra,” said Byloos. “Their global leadership in vision care, combined with our clinical excellence, will redefine the future of ophthalmic services. This partnership enhances our ability to deliver integrated, digital eye care solutions, creating significant growth opportunities for our team and leadership.”
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