EssilorLuxottica acquires RetinAI to accelerate AI-powered eye health
EssilorLuxottica has acquired Ikerian AG, the health technology company operating under the RetinAI brand, in a move that deepens its push into AI and data-driven eye care.
The deal, announced in Paris on 15 October 2025, strengthens the group’s med-tech strategy by adding advanced software that uses machine learning and computer vision to support clinical decision-making and streamline workflows.
RetinAI specialises in AI and data management for eyecare, developing tools to collect, process and analyse large volumes of retinal images and biomarker data. Its flagship platform, RetinAI Discovery, is both FDA 510(k)-cleared and CE-marked, and applies AI models to support diagnosis and monitoring of conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.
The software is designed to help clinicians detect disease earlier, track progression more precisely and make more timely treatment decisions.
Beyond clinical practice, RetinAI works with pharmaceutical companies and research organisations that use its technology and real-world data to design and run clinical studies. Its platforms enable the aggregation and analysis of high-quality imaging and outcomes data at scale, which can support faster trial execution, more targeted patient selection and the development of new therapies in retinal and other ophthalmic diseases.
“In the past year alone, we’ve made several bold moves in med-tech, all with the goal of building the most comprehensive, digitally enabled patient journey,” said Francesco Milleri, chairman and CEO at EssilorLuxottica.
“RetinAI will add incredible value to an ecosystem that already includes comprehensive eyecare, advanced diagnostics, therapeutic innovation and surgical excellence. Leveraging its AI-powered analytics, we can turn clinical data into insights that enable faster, more accurate diagnoses and more effective disease monitoring. We are ushering in a new era of healthcare, and it will be transformative for patients everywhere.”
The acquisition will see RetinAI’s AI and data management capabilities integrated across EssilorLuxottica’s growing eye health portfolio, which spans vision care, diagnostics and surgery. The aim is to link imaging, clinical data and longitudinal patient information into a more connected pathway, from screening through to treatment and long-term monitoring. For clinicians, this could mean more automated image analysis, decision support and population-level insights; for patients, more personalised and proactive care.
“Joining EssilorLuxottica marks a defining moment in our journey. This acquisition opens an exciting new chapter for our team and technology,” said Carlos Ciller, PhD, chairman and CEO of RetinAI/Ikerian AG.
“From the start, we’ve believed in the power of data and AI to transform patient care. With EssilorLuxottica’s global reach and deep commitment to innovation, we can now bring that vision to life at an entirely new scale and level of positive impact.
“Together, we’ll shape how technology drives better healthcare, sharper vision and improved outcomes for patients.”
By combining EssilorLuxottica’s global clinical footprint with RetinAI’s AI-driven analytics and data platform, the group is positioning itself at the centre of a fast-growing market for intelligent ophthalmic diagnostics and decision support, with the stated ambition of building a fully digital, end-to-end eye health journey.
