EssilorLuxottica acquires RetinAI

Bern-based RetinAI develops advanced tools to collect, process and grade large-scale retinal images and biomarker datasets. Its FDA cleared and CE-marked flagship platform, RetinAI Discovery, applies AI models to support diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression – including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy – enabling more accurate and timely decisions in managing eye diseases. At the same time, RetinAI partners with pharmaceutical companies and research organizations that leverage proprietary real-world evidence to accelerate clinical studies and drug development.

The acquisition reinforces EssilorLuxottica’s med-tech journey, adding advanced software powered by machine learning and computer vision. These solutions streamline clinical, research and pharmaceutical workflows, and deliver actionable AI-driven insights that empower healthcare professionals and enhance patient care.

As part of Essilor Luxottica, the Swiss scale-up will continue operating as Ikerian AG, expanding its AI-driven solutions and accelerating innovation in ophthalmology and beyond – while keeping the team, mission, and partnerships intact. “This acquisition opens an exciting new chapter for our team and technology. From the start, we’ve believed in the power of data and AI to transform patient care. With EssilorLuxottica’s global reach and deep commitment to innovation, we can now bring that vision to life at an entirely new scale and level of positive impact”, said Carlos Ciller, PhD, Chairman and CEO of RetinAI/Ikerian AG.

EssilorLuxottica is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of advanced vision care products, eyewear and med-tech solutions. The Group is home to the most innovative lens technologies, including Varilux, Stellest and Transitions, iconic brands such as Ray-Ban, Oakley and Supreme, the most desired luxury licensed brands and world-class retailers including Sunglass Hut, LensCrafters, Vision Express and Apollo.

Backed by robust R&D investments, distinctive capabilities and a top-quality asset portfolio, EssilorLuxottica drives innovation across categories, from cutting-edge medical instruments and solutions for eye health to category-defining smart glasses, all of which push the boundaries of the industry and reimagine the eyes as a gateway to new possibilities. With over 200,000 employees across 150 countries, 600 operations facilities, serving 300,000 eye care professionals and operating 18,000 stores, the Group generated consolidated revenue of Euro 26.5 billion in 2024.

“In the past year alone, we’ve made several bold moves in med-tech, all with the goal of building the most comprehensive, digitally enabled patient journey. RetinAI will add incredible value to an ecosystem that already includes comprehensive eyecare, advanced diagnostics, therapeutic innovation and surgical excellence. Leveraging its AI-powered analytics, we can turn clinical data into insights that enable faster, more accurate diagnoses and more effective disease monitoring. We are ushering in a new era of healthcare, and it will be transformative for patients everywhere”, commented Francesco Milleri, Chairman and CEO at EssilorLuxottica.

(Press release / SK)