EssilorLuxottica announces its acquirement of Optegra

EssilorLuxottica announced on Friday (30 May) that it has entered into an agreement with MidEuropa to acquire ophthalmic service provider, Optegra.

Optegra operates more than 70 hospitals in five European countries, including the UK, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia and the Netherlands. Within its facilities, it offers NHS and private cataract surgery, as well as age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma services.

A statement issued by EssilorLuxottica said the acquisition represents “a significant milestone” in its med-tech strategy, which includes artificial intelligence (AI)-powered technology, wearables, medical instruments, and eye care solutions.

Speaking about the acquisition, Francesco Milleri, and Paul du Saillant, EssilorLuxottica’s chairman and chief executive officer, and deputy chief executive officer, respectively, commented: “With the acquisition of Optegra, we are stepping into a new frontier – one where comprehensive eye care, advanced diagnostics, therapeutic interventions and surgical treatments come together in one seamless platform.”

They highlighted: “Optegra and its experienced doctors will bring new medical capabilities to our Group, enabling us to address patients’ needs with the most advanced vision care technologies and treatments in one trusted system that will anchor our med-tech aspirations.

“Powered by our growing AI and big data capabilities, we will be able to broaden our impact and deliver the most personalised and seamless patient journey.”

The transaction is expected to close later in 2025, pending regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

Dr Peter Byloos, chief executive officer of Optegra, called joining forces with EssilorLuxottica “a transformative chapter for Optegra.”

Byloos said: “Their global leadership in vision care, combined with our clinical excellence and patient-centric approach, creates an innovative platform to redefine the paradigm of ophthalmic services.

“This partnership not only accelerates our growth potential, but also enhances our ability to deliver advanced, digital and integrated eye care solutions to all our patients,” he added.

Managing partner at MidEuropa, Robert Knorr, said: “We believe EssilorLuxottica is the ideal partner to lead Optegra into its next phase of growth and innovation, and we wish them every success as they build on the strong foundation we have helped create.”