STAAR Surgical announced on February 25, 2026 that it has sold more than 4 million implantable Collamer lenses worldwide, a cumulative milestone that underscores the company’s leadership in the phakic intraocular lens market.
The company’s lens sales have grown steadily: 1 million units were sold in 2019, 2 million in 2022, 3 million in 2024, and the 4 million‑unit mark was reached in early 2026. The milestone reflects continued demand for the EVO family of lenses, which are designed to preserve corneal integrity and offer a minimally invasive alternative to laser‑based vision correction.
Financially, STAAR’s most recent quarter (Q1 2025) reported net sales of $42.6 million, a 45% decline year‑over‑year, largely due to inventory normalization in China. Gross margin fell to 65.8% from 78.9% the previous year, and adjusted EBITDA swung to a $26.4 million loss versus a $5.3 million profit in the prior year. Excluding China, sales were up 9% year‑over‑year, indicating resilience in other markets. Management expects margin recovery to around 70% later in 2025 and 75‑80% long‑term as production scales and China rebounds.
"Surpassing 4 million ICLs sold is a major milestone for STAAR. This achievement reflects not only the strength of our EVO ICL platform and its benefit to patients’ lives, but also the broader industry shift toward lens‑based refractive correction. As surgeons and patients seek effective and minimally invasive options that preserve corneal integrity, EVO ICL is increasingly becoming a preferred choice in markets around the world," said interim co‑Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Deborah Andrews. The company’s focus on the ICL product line has driven a 75% unit market share and over 90% dollar share in the global phakic IOL market, while maintaining a debt‑free balance sheet and substantial cash reserves.
The FDA’s expansion of the age indication for the EVO ICL to include patients aged 21‑60 (announced February 17, 2026) is a key tailwind that broadens the addressable U.S. market by an estimated 8 million patients. Investors welcomed the milestone and the regulatory approval, viewing them as evidence of strong demand and a solid growth trajectory for the company’s core product line.
Overall, the 4 million‑lens milestone confirms STAAR Surgical’s dominant position in the phakic IOL market and supports its strategy of expanding beyond laser‑based vision correction. While short‑term profitability is challenged by China inventory issues and margin compression, the company’s robust demand, strategic focus on the EVO platform, and expanding regulatory approvals position it for long‑term growth.
The content on EveryTicker is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. We are not financial advisors. Consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Any actions you take based on information from this site are solely at your own risk.