ForSight Robotics Secures $125M to Revolutionize Eye Surgery

ForSight Robotics, a pioneer in robotic eye surgery, has announced the successful completion of a $125M Series B funding round led by Eclipse. This investment will accelerate the development and launch of the ORYOM™ Platform, the world’s first robotic surgery system designed specifically for ophthalmic procedures, including cataract surgery. The company aims to enhance surgical precision, increase patient access to high-quality treatment, and reduce the physical burden on surgeons.

The ORYOM™ Platform leverages AI-based algorithms, advanced computer vision, and micromechanics to deliver unparalleled dexterity and maneuverability. It is engineered to navigate the complex angles and segments of the human eye, ensuring access to both anterior and posterior areas. This capability sets the stage for expanding its applications to glaucoma and retinal surgical treatments.

Dr. Joseph Nathan, co-founder, president, and Chief Medical Officer of ForSight Robotics, stated, “We see ophthalmology as the next frontier in the robotics revolution. Our technology is designed to address the unique precision and complexity of eye surgery, much like how general surgery was transformed by Intuitive Surgical. The global need for eye care is urgent, and our opportunity is immense.”

The global vision crisis is a pressing issue, with over one billion people suffering from preventable vision impairment and avoidable blindness. The ophthalmologist workforce is limited and declining, with only 31.7 ophthalmologists and 14.1 cataract surgeons per million population. By 2035, the industry expects a 12% decline in ophthalmologists, while demand is projected to increase by 24%. In the U.S., only four million cataract surgeries are performed annually, highlighting the disparity between the number of patients requiring treatment and the available surgeon pool.

Seth Winterroth, partner at Eclipse, commented, “ForSight Robotics is at the forefront of a transformation in surgical robotics. The potential impact of its technology on global eye care is extraordinary. The company is tapping into a massive, underserved market with a breakthrough approach to ophthalmic surgery, positioning itself to set a new standard in eye care and drive innovation globally.”

Over the past year, ForSight Robotics has achieved significant milestones, including ISO 13485:2016 certification, which demonstrates the company’s commitment to safety and quality. The company has also expanded its executive team and doubled in size, surpassing 110 employees. To date, over two dozen ophthalmic surgeons have successfully completed hundreds of procedures on animal eye models using the ORYOM™ Platform. ForSight Robotics is set to begin robotic cataract surgery clinical trials in the coming year.

The founding team of ForSight Robotics, including Prof. Moshe Shoham, Dr. Daniel Glozman, and Dr. Joseph Nathan, has convened a strategic advisory board of preeminent leaders in surgical robotics. Notable members include Dr. Fred Moll, the founder of Intuitive Surgical and the da Vinci surgical system, and Mr. Rony Abovitz, the founder of MAKO Surgical Corp. Dr. Fred Moll recently joined the company’s board of directors, further solidifying its leadership in the field.

ForSight Robotics is poised to make a significant impact on the global ophthalmology market, addressing the critical need for precise, accessible, and efficient eye surgery solutions.