• New company to develop novel surgical device for mild-to-severe glaucoma, improving safety, efficiency, and durability

Y.ora Vision, Inc., a new ophthalmic medical device company and spoke company of Eyexora, today announced the signing of a licensing agreement between the Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI) and Eyexora Global to advance a minimally invasive surgical device for the treatment of mild-to-severe open-angle glaucoma.

The licensed technology, developed by SERI researchers and co-inventors Associate Professor Shamira Perera and Professor Michael Belkin, forms the foundation of Y.ora Vision’s proprietary platform (YRA-01), based on a minimally invasive surgical (MIGS) device designed to perform multiple trabeculotomies for mild-to-severe Open Angle Glaucoma (OAG) — a next-generation surgical approach designed to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) safely, effectively, and without the need for permanent implants.

YRA-01, a hand-held device that could leverage common equipment in the ophthalmic surgical suite, has the potential to lower IOP in a procedure that can be completed in under 10 minutes and delivers real-time feedback for surgeons. The extent of IOP lowering can potentially be determined by the number of penetrations created and also has the potential to be repeated.

Glaucoma remains the leading cause of irreversible blindness globally, affecting more than 80 million people, with 70% diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Current surgical treatment options often fall short due to high costs, safety risks, steep learning curves, limited availability and limited efficacy.

“Glaucoma continues to rob millions of their sight despite decades of therapeutic and device-based advances,” said Huan Sheng, MD, PhD, Chief Medical Officer, Eyexora. “Our goal is to empower all ophthalmic surgeons with a reliable, minimally invasive, and user-friendly tool that achieves meaningful pressure reduction without the complications or cost of traditional implants. We have designed it with the expectation that surgeons will experience a short learning curve, enabling them to more confidently offer this solution to their patients.”

The technology originated from collaborative research at SERI, one of the world’s leading ophthalmic research institutions. “This innovation builds upon years of work at SERI as well as clinical expertise in MIGS and reflects our commitment to translational research that directly improves patient outcomes and delivers a very forgiving surgery that is easily accessible to anyone who can perform phacoemulsification,” said Associate Professor Shamira Perera, MD, Co-Inventor and Head ＆ Senior Consultant, Glaucoma Department, Singapore National Eye Centre. “The simplicity of the device enables precise and easy tissue removal with collateral minimal trauma, making it a compelling new option for glaucoma surgeons, cataract surgeons and patients.”

“Our approach was designed for safety, efficiency, and accessibility,” said Prof. Michael Belkin, MD, co-inventor of the device and senior advisor to the Singapore Eye Research Institute. “By making costly implants unnecessary and simplifying the surgical workflow, Y.ora Vision can help expand access to effective glaucoma care globally.”

About Y.ora Vision, Inc.

Y.ora Vision, Inc. is a spoke company of Eyexora focusing on developing next-generation surgical solutions for glaucoma and other ophthalmic diseases. Its flagship platform, in-licensed from the Singapore Eye Research Institute and co-inventor Dr. Michael Belkin, Y.ora Vision’s proprietary platform (YRA-01), based on a minimally invasive surgical (MIGS) device designed to perform multiple trabeculotomies for mild-to severe Open Angle Glaucoma (OAG) — a next-generation surgical approach designed to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) safely, effectively, and without the need for permanent implants.

About Eyexora

Eyexora is a global ophthalmology company pioneering a hub-and-spoke model to accelerate innovation in eye care. By centralizing scientific, clinical, regulatory, and commercial expertise, Eyexora advances a diversified pipeline of therapies and devices through focused subsidiaries, to reduce risk, improve efficiency, and scale impact. Founded by leaders with decades of ophthalmology experience and a track record of more than 30 successful company and product launches, Eyexora partners with clinician-scientists and research institutes worldwide to bring transformative eye care solutions to patients faster and smarter. For more information, visit www.eyexora.com.

About Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI)

Established in 1997, the Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI) is Singapore's national research institute for ophthalmic and vision research, with a mission to conduct high-impact eye research that prevents blindness, low vision, and major eye diseases common to Singaporeans and Asians. Over the past decade, SERI has conducted landmark research projects leading to tangible outcomes and patient benefits, paving the way for significant improvements in how eye diseases are treated and prevented globally. The institute has grown from a founding team of five in 1997 to a faculty of more than 250 staff, including clinician scientists, researchers, PhD students and support staff, making it one of Singapore's largest research institutes and the world’s foremost eye research institutes.

As the research arm of the Singapore National Eye Centre, SERI is directly affiliated with the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore and Duke-NUS Medical School, undertaking vision research in collaboration with local clinical centres and major eye institutes worldwide. The institute has published an impressive 5,942 scientific papers, secured substantial external competitive grants, and as of December 2024, its faculty has received more than 1,425 national and international prizes whilst filing 188 patents. SERI ranks first globally in terms of eye publications per capita, far ahead of the US, UK, and Japan, making it comparable to renowned eye institutes both regionally and internationally. For more information, visit www.seri.com.sg.

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