Visian ICL with CentraFLOW approved in Korea, Argentina

Monrovia, CA-STAAR Surgical Co. has received regulatory approvals to market its Visian Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) with CentraFLOW technology from the KFDA in Korea and the ANMAT in Argentina.

“The refractive procedure market in Korea is both significant and fast growing, so this represents a very important milestone for us,” said Don Todd, president of the Asia Pacific region for STAAR Surgical, of the approval in Korea.

In anticipation of this approval and product launch, two employees were hired to work onsite at the offices of its Korean distributor. This new staff will be instrumental in driving market position. STAAR plans the official launch symposium for the ICL in Korea on Saturday, July 27^, where about 100 surgeons will be trained on the new technology.

The approval of the Visian CentraFLOW technology in Argentina will open up the refractive market to expand penetration into a significantly wider approval range, added Hans Blickensdoerfer, STAAR Surgical’s president EMEA, Latin America, regarding the Argentinian approval.

“This is strategically an important approval for our company as Latin America is historically an early adopter of elective procedures, so this provides a critical gateway in our ability to expand in this market,” Blickensdoerfer said. “We will be working with (distributor) closely to ensure we maximize all our resources to expand the opportunity there.”

The CentraFLOW technology utilizes the KS-AquaPORT, or KS-AP, in the center of the ICL optic, to optimize the flow of fluid within the eye. This proprietary technology eliminates the need for the surgeon to perform a YAG peripheral iridotomy procedure days before the ICL implant, thus eliminating an additional procedure and office visit. This results in more comfort for the patient and a more convenient, efficient ICL experience for both the patient and the surgeon.

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