Staar Surgical Partners with IQ Laser Vision to Expand EVO ICL Use in the US
Staar Surgical announced a strategic partnership with IQ Laser Vision, a prominent vision correction organization with locations throughout California and Texas. This collaboration aims to significantly increase the use of EVO ICL lenses for surgical vision correction, specifically targeting patients with myopia ranging from -3D to -20D.
Strategic Collaboration and Expansion Goals
Under this new agreement, IQ Laser Vision commits to making EVO ICL lenses a primary treatment option for its patients seeking vision correction surgery. The organization plans to nearly double its use of EVO ICLs over the next 12 months. To facilitate this expansion, Staar Surgical and IQ Laser Vision will work together on various initiatives, including marketing, educational programs, practice development, and clinical support. These efforts are designed to enhance the visibility of EVO ICL and make these lenses more accessible to patients across IQ Laser Vision's network of practices, which includes Scott Hyver Visioncare, Ellis Eye, and Mattioli Vision Professionals.
Commentary from Medical Professionals
Robert T. Lin, MD, the founder and a leading surgeon at IQ Laser Vision, highlighted the potential of EVO ICL to rejuvenate the field of refractive surgery. "While studies show that refractive vision correction may be safer than long-term use of contact lenses, patients have been shying away from corneal-based laser vision correction (such as LASIK) due to various factors. I believe EVO ICL is a way to re-invigorate the refractive surgery category as a whole," said Dr. Lin. He added, "With surgeons across Europe and Asia using EVO ICL across the diopter range, and many offering ICL as the first-line treatment, it’s clear we need to get the word out in the U.S. I am grateful to Staar for recognizing this immense need, and working with us as we help patients achieve their dream of visual freedom.”
Tom Frinzi, Chair of the Board and CEO of STAAR Surgical, also expressed excitement about the partnership. "Today, we’re thrilled to announce that IQ Laser Vision has joined our U.S. Highway 93 program with the largest agreement for EVO ICL in the US thus far," said Frinzi. He praised Dr. Lin's extensive experience and leadership in the field, noting, "Dr. Lin is a renowned leader and pioneer in refractive eye surgery, having performed over 70,000 refractive procedures and is one of the most experienced ICL surgeons in North America, having implanted over 1,000 ICLs over the past 12 months. Dr. Lin’s deep and expansive expertise across refractive surgery makes his decision to offer EVO ICL as a primary option now all the more meaningful.”
Understanding Myopia
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common vision condition in which people can see near objects clearly, but objects farther away appear blurred. This condition occurs when the shape of the eye causes light rays to bend (refract) incorrectly, focusing images in front of the retina instead of on the retina. Myopia can be a minor nuisance requiring the use of glasses or contact lenses, or it can be a significant impairment that affects daily activities and quality of life.
The increasing prevalence of myopia globally has led to a rise in research and development of treatments, such as corrective lenses, LASIK surgery, and now, the EVO ICL lenses, which provide an alternative solution for those seeking to correct their vision more permanently without the complications associated with traditional refractive surgeries.
