Myopia Control - Clerio Vision

DEVELOPING A BETTER THERAPEUTIC CONTACT LENS

Myopia progression in children is a major and growing problem worldwide. It is a condition in which a child’s nearsightedness rapidly and increasingly worsens over time. While scientists are not certain what has caused this problem to grow so quickly in recent years, the leading theories suggest that factors such as spending more time doing close-up work, reduced time spent outdoors, and genetics may be contributing to this phenomenon.

If left untreated, it can lead to serious vision issues in later life, such as glaucoma, retinal detachment, and myopic macular degeneration. Currently, it is a particular problem in China and other parts of Asia, where it is estimated that up to 90% of children have myopia. However, it is also a rapidly growing problem in the United States and other parts of the world. The current market size for myopia control is significant, with the global market expected to reach $4.3 billion by 2025.

Group of happy little children playing together, having fun, huddling, looking down and smiling

Traditional multifocal contact lenses are a common treatment option.

However, the current generation of contact lenses are only partially effective, and a significant opportunity exists for a contact lens that is more purpose-built to slow down myopia progression.

Clerio Vision is at the forefront of research and development in this area, using our LIRIC technology to create contact lenses that have the potential to be more effective at slowing down this condition.

With the myopia epidemic affecting millions of children worldwide, a more effective contact lens could have a significant impact on public health and help prevent a generation of children from experiencing major vision issues later in life.

Meet Wayne

Wayne is the Chief Science Officer and scientific co-founder of Clerio Vision. He has a BS ’79 and PhD ’84 in Optics from The Institute of Optics, where he worked with Nobel Prize winner Gerard Mourou at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics. He has published over 200 papers and holds more than 60 US patents and more than 150 international patents in the field of optics and photonics.

He spent 17 years at Bell Laboratories, where he achieved many breakthroughs in ultrafast laser technology, science and applications. He created the world’s shortest light pulse (8 fs) at the time, invented new kinds of semiconductor laser modelocking devices, and developed novel ultrahigh channel count wavelength division multiplexing telecommunications systems. He rose from a post-doctoral researcher to a Distinguished Member of Technical Staff and eventually Department Head of Advanced Photonics Research.

He returned to Rochester in 2001 as Director of The Institute of Optics and Professor of Optics. He started the research project that led to the founding of Clerio Vision in 2003 as a small collaboration with Bausch and Lomb, with one PhD student.

He served as Director of The Institute of Optics from 2001-2011 and then Associate Dean of Education and New Initiatives in the Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences from 2011-2013. He took a one-year academic leave in 2013-2014 to work on Clerio Vision. He wanted to name the company Caeruleus Vision (“Blue” Vision in Latin) which was simplified to Clerio Vision.

He is also Professor of Physics, Materials Science, Vision Science, and Distinguished Scientist at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics. He is Fellow of Optica, APS/DLS and the NAI (National Academy of Inventors).

Meet Ian

With 35 years of overall industry experience, Ian Cox has led and managed various projects from feasibility to post-launch, covering all phases of clinical studies. He has a strong background in bridging the gap between clinicians and engineers, translating clinical needs into design specifications and outcomes. He has also overseen the growth and development of a large technical team, providing strategic direction and technical guidance. Additionally, he has collaborated with academic partners on research projects funded by corporate and government grants.Ian has over 25 years of experience in product and optic design at Bausch + Lomb.

After completing his Ph.D., he started as a Senior Research Optometrist in 1986 and ultimately became a Research Fellow in 1998. He then led the Clinical and Scientific Affairs department as the Director from 2003 to 2006. He was promoted to Distinguished Research Fellow in 2006 and Director of Lens Design, Optics, and Advanced Tooling in 2010. In 2013, he reached the Senior Executive level as a Bausch + Lomb Research Fellow. His main focus was on developing new product designs for contact lenses, refractive surgery, and intraocular lenses. He is passionate about advancing the field of ophthalmology and delivering innovative solutions to improve patients' vision and quality of life.