LIRIC - Clerio Vision

LIRIC: LASER INDUCED REFRACTIVE INDEX CHANGE

Clerio Vision focuses on developing vision correction technologies based on the LIRIC process. LIRIC involves using femtosecond lasers to break the bonds of monomers in hydrogels and similar materials, which leads to changes in the material’s refractive index. In essence, by using LIRIC, we can create almost any optical pattern inside of many thin materials.

Clerio Vision aims to transform vision correction by offering new classes of contact lenses and intraocular lenses that utilize LIRIC to better address vision challenges, such as presbyopia and myopia. Our three primary programs include developing advanced multifocal contact lenses for presbyopia, improved therapeutic contact lenses for myopia control in children, and a device to modify intraocular lenses after cataract surgery. We are also developing new technologies for non-invasive laser vision correction and for premium contact lenses that would offer crisper “sports vision.” By utilizing LIRIC technology, Clerio Vision hopes to help hundreds of millions of people worldwide achieve better vision and a better quality of 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.