EssilorLuxottica Acquires Canadian Start-up Cellview Imaging

The French eye care giant is on a path to becoming a med-tech powerhouse in the making.

EssilorLuxottica (Charenton-Le-Pont, France) has made another move in its flurry of expansion into ophthalmic medical technology, acquiring Cellview Imaging (Toronto, Canada), a start-up specializing in retinal imaging. 

With the acquisition of Cellview Imaging and its ultra-widefield retinal camera, EssilorLuxottica is set to expand its footprint in diagnostic imaging and ophthalmology as a whole.

Francesco Milleri, Essilor’s chairman and CEO, and Paul du Saillant, deputy CEO, stated: “By integrating another pioneering company with strong expertise in R&D and world-class imaging solutions, we will provide a comprehensive portfolio of innovative technologies to the ophthalmic care community to better address the growing need of vision health and the early diagnosis of retinal pathologies.”

The tech at the center of Essilor’s big move

The key highlight of this acquisition is Cellview’s WRI-1 ultra-widefield retinal imaging system, an advanced diagnostic tool that the company claims offers unparalleled precision and depth. The WRI-1 captures retinal images up to 133° in a single capture or 200° through automated dual-image stitching, delivering a detailed view of the retina and its periphery.

The WRI-1 can penetrate deep into the eye, even through cataracts, small pupils and media opacities. This capability ensures that eye care professionals can detect and monitor retinal conditions with greater accuracy than ever before, according to Cellview Imaging. 

Currently available in North America, Cellview’s FDA and CE-approved technology will now be distributed to a broader international market, starting with Europe. This aligns with EssilorLuxottica’s continued focus on expanding its med-tech reach beyond eyewear and lenses.

The shopping spree continues

This acquisition is more than just another deal—it’s a statement that EssilorLuxottica is accelerating its medtech expansion. The company has made a series of strategic moves in ophthalmic instruments and diagnostics.

In July 2024, EssilorLuxottica secured a majority stake in Heidelberg Engineering GmbH (Heidelberg, Germany). By December, the company continued its shopping spree, striking a deal to acquire Espansione Group (Bologna, Italy).

With Cellview Imaging now in the mix, EssilorLuxottica has made a strong statement on how it views the eye care space—and where the firm wants to be in it.