Belkin Vision

Belkin Vision, an Israeli medical device company, operates within the ophthalmic sector, focusing on treatments for glaucoma. Founded in 2013 by Professor Michael Belkin and Daria Lemann-Blumenthal, the company was established to develop a more accessible laser therapy for the condition. Professor Belkin, a Professor Emeritus of Ophthalmology at Tel-Aviv University with over 500 scientific publications and numerous patents, invented the company's core technology based on his extensive research and previous entrepreneurial success in ophthalmology, including the invention of the Ex-PRESS Glaucoma Filtration Device, which was also acquired by Alcon. Daria Lemann-Blumenthal, who served as CEO, brought over two decades of experience in the ophthalmology industry to co-found and lead the company.

The company's principal product is the Eagle™ device, which performs Direct Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (DSLT). This technology is engineered to simplify glaucoma treatment by delivering a Q-switched, 532 nm-wavelength, frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser to the trabecular meshwork. Its key feature is the non-contact application of the laser, which is delivered directly through the limbus, eliminating the need for a gonioscopy lens that requires direct contact with the patient's eye. The procedure is automated, with the device identifying the target location and using an eye-tracker to compensate for movement, allowing for a treatment that takes only seconds. The business model centers on the sale of these devices to ophthalmologists and healthcare facilities, aiming to make Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) a more feasible first-line treatment for glaucoma.

Belkin Vision achieved significant milestones, including receiving CE Mark approval for the Eagle™ device in Europe and 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2023. The company's journey culminated in its acquisition by Alcon, a global leader in eye care, a deal that closed in July 2024. The acquisition involved an upfront consideration of $81 million, with potential future payments of up to $385 million based on sales milestones. Through this acquisition, Alcon plans to integrate the DSLT technology into its existing glaucoma portfolio and expand its availability, with a U.S. launch anticipated by the end of 2024.

Keywords: glaucoma treatment, Direct Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, DSLT, Eagle device, ophthalmology, medical device, Alcon, Michael Belkin, Daria Lemann-Blumenthal, non-contact laser, eye care, SLT, trabecular meshwork, intraocular pressure, medical laser, Yavne, Israel, ophthalmic technology, med-tech, glaucoma laser therapy, automated medical device