LAKE FOREST, Calif.—STAAR Surgical Company (NASDAQ: STAA), a developer, manufacturer and marketer of the EVO family of Implantable Collamer Lenses (EVO ICLT) for myopia, astigmatism and presbyopia, has announced the expansion and new location of the STAAR Surgical Experience Center. Located at STAAR’s headquarters here, the center serves as a hub for comprehensive, hands-on training and education in lens-based vision correction, according to the company. The new Experience Center is a critical addition to customer training, education and support as the demand for EVO ICL continues to surge among surgeons and refractive practices, driven by the escalating global myopia epidemic, the company said.

STAAR said that the prevalence of myopia in Americans is 42 percent, having doubled over the past three decades, while laser refractive procedure volume is declining. STAAR Surgical stated that it is on track to sell more ICLs between 2024 and 2026 than in the first 25 years of ICL sales combined, reflecting the transformative impact of this technology following FDA approval and market launch.

“We are thrilled to open our expanded Experience Center, offering cutting-edge resources and training for ophthalmic professionals,” said Tom Frinzi, president and CEO of STAAR Surgical. “The center reflects our commitment to supporting the growing demand for EVO ICL and advancing its global adoption.”

According to the company, the Experience Center elevates the standard of care by equipping health care practitioners—MDs, ODs and support staff—with the tools and knowledge to optimize EVO ICL patient outcomes. It offers advanced visualization and communication technology for both in-person and virtual training. Highlights include:

  • Immersive wet lab training stations for up to 24 practitioners, with seating for 59 in lectures.

  • Stella, STAAR’s latest innovation in ordering, streamlines and enhances the EVO ICL planning and ordering process.

  • Advanced diagnostic technology demonstrations, including the OCULUS Pentacam AXL Wave, IOLMaster 700 and CIRRUS 6000.

  • 120-inch 4K video array for video conferencing and streaming of remote live surgery to enhance training.
The center will officially open on September 26, 2024 with a grand opening event attended by local ophthalmic surgeons and staff, EVO patients, and STAAR management and clinical staff, including Frinzi, Warren Foust, COO, STAAR Surgical and Dr. Scott Barnes, STAAR’s chief medical officer.

For more information or to schedule a visit, contact Jaimie Morgan, STAAR Surgical, senior director of strategic and professional education, at (714) 353-6942.