Zeiss Meditec Acquires US Intraocular Lens Maker

Carl Zeiss Meditec Inc., the US subsidiary of Jena-based Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, has expanded its offerings in surgical ophthalmology with the purchase of Aaren Scientific Inc. of Ontario, a manufacturer of intraocular lenses (IOLs). The purchase price was not disclosed.

The majority of Aaren Scientific's shares previously were owned by a private investment company and other investors, including its CEO and co-founder, Rick Aguilera. Aguilera and the existing management team will remain with the company after the transaction, Zeiss said.

“Aaren’s world-class line of intraocular lenses perfectly augments Zeiss’ renowned ophthalmic, diagnostic and surgical product portfolio," Aguilera said. "This is an excellent and sensible partnership for both companies, and we encourage all involved to view this as we do — a major turning point in our companies.”

Aaren Scientific will be integrated into the Strategic Business Unit (SBU) Surgical Ophthalmology of Carl Zeiss Meditec Inc., and it complements the existing Zeiss IOL development and manufacturing sites in Berlin and La Rochelle, France.

IOLs are most commonly used in cataract surgery. Although the vast majority of IOLs implanted to treat cataracts are monofocal lenses, Zeiss' multifocal intraocular lenses offer vision at near, intermediate and long distances.

For more information, visit www.zeiss.com