Optonol

Company Overview

Snapshot

Founded in January 1996 by Yaron Ira and Benad Goldwasser, Optonol operated with 1–10 employees. The company raised $30 million across 2 funding rounds from 5 investors before being acquired by Alcon in December 2009.

Business overview

Optonol specializes in developing miniature surgical implants designed to lower intra-ocular pressure in patients suffering from glaucoma. The company's core product, Ex-Press, addresses a critical need in ophthalmology. Operating within the Health Tech & Life Sciences sector, Optonol serves the medical devices market, specifically focusing on medical treatment and therapeutics for healthcare providers.

Strategic signal

Optonol's acquisition by Alcon in December 2009 highlights the strategic value placed on innovative glaucoma treatment solutions within the medical device industry. This event signaled a consolidation trend where larger pharmaceutical and medical technology companies sought to integrate specialized, effective technologies to expand their product portfolios and market reach in ophthalmology.

Company Intelligence Q&A

What is Optonol's primary product?

Optonol's flagship product is Ex-Press, a miniature surgical implant designed to lower intra-ocular pressure in patients with glaucoma.

When was Optonol founded and by whom?

Optonol was founded in January 1996 by Yaron Ira and Benad Goldwasser as a spin-off of Jerusalem-based stent developer Medinol Ltd.

What was a significant corporate milestone for Optonol?

Optonol was acquired by Alcon in December 2009. A year later, Alcon itself was acquired by Novartis.

Which investors participated in Optonol's April 2006 funding round?

In April 2006, Optonol received funding from Israel HealthCare Ventures and Pitango VC.

Which investors participated in Optonol's March 2000 funding round?

In March 2000, Optonol received funding from Avi Fischer, Eli Yones, and Naomi Blumenthal.