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Unlocking Opportunities in China’s Ophthalmology Market: Recent Developments

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China’s ophthalmology market is on the cusp of transformation, presenting lucrative opportunities for global device manufacturers. As one of the fastest-growing healthcare sectors in the country, ophthalmology is driven by increasing prevalence of eye diseases, advancements in surgical and diagnostic technologies, and growing consumer demand for innovative treatments. While domestic brands are expanding rapidly, international players such as Bausch + Lomb, Alcon, and Johnson & Johnson continue to hold a competitive edge in advanced technologies and product performance. This includes sophisticated surgical instruments, high-precision diagnostic equipment, and premium intraocular lenses (IOLs) for cataract refractive surgeries.

At Accel Group, we specialize in providing comprehensive regulatory services for global ophthalmology device manufacturers entering the Chinese market. Our expertise spans across type testing, same-variety comparison, clinical evaluation report (CER) and clinical trials, lifecycle management, and post-market surveillance, ensuring a seamless and successful registration process for your products. Contact us at info@AccelGroup.com for more information.

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China’s ophthalmology sector has witnessed significant milestones, including new product launches, mergers and acquisitions, and breakthroughs in clinical research. These developments underscore the dynamic nature of the market, offering promising opportunities for innovation and collaboration. For example, December alone saw multiple highlights that provided industry professionals, physicians, investors, and regulators with clear insights into market trends and future outlooks.

Clinical Innovations

Recent clinical research has shed light on new possibilities in myopia control, a critical area given China’s high rates of myopia among children and adolescents. For instance, studies have shown that combining orthokeratology (OK) lenses with 0.01% atropine yields better myopia control compared to using OK lenses alone. This synergistic approach highlights the potential for low-dose atropine to expand its market share alongside OK lenses and newly developed defocus soft contact lenses.

However, not all research has been successful. Eyenovia’s MicroPine atropine formulation failed to meet its primary endpoint in the Phase III CHAPERONE study, prompting the company to terminate the trial. Despite this setback, the race to dominate the myopia prevention market remains robust, with innovative solutions continuing to emerge.

The Drive Toward Localization

Localization is a key trend reshaping China’s ophthalmology market. Companies like Topcon have achieved significant milestones by localizing their full range of surgical microscopes. This follows successful domestic production of devices such as autorefractors, lensmeters, slit lamp microscopes, and non-mydriatic fundus cameras. These efforts demonstrate the growing emphasis on achieving imported-quality standards through domestic manufacturing, signaling both competition and collaboration opportunities for international brands.

Recent Milestones in Product Launches

Several cutting-edge ophthalmic devices have recently been introduced to the Chinese market, showcasing innovation and unmet needs:

  1. SMART Phaco-Vitrectomy Machine: This device integrates two essential functions—phacoemulsification and vitrectomy—for treating cataract and vitreoretinal diseases. Leveraging minimally invasive techniques, it uses ultrasonic energy to emulsify and extract cataracts while simultaneously performing vitrectomy, reducing surgical trauma and improving postoperative recovery. Notably, no domestic phaco-vitrectomy machines have received regulatory approval in China, placing this product at the forefront of innovation.
  2. Nidek NP-T Preloaded Toric IOL System: Featuring an aspheric hydrophobic acrylic lens, this system simplifies surgical workflows, minimizes errors in lens loading, and enhances safety. Its global success exemplifies the demand for preloaded IOL systems, which reduce contamination risks and optimize surgical outcomes.
  3. Velite Series Ophthalmic Biometers: Newly approved in Guangdong, the Velite C680 and Velite C880 combine biometry with optical coherence tomography (OCT). These devices deliver comprehensive measurements, including high-resolution anterior and posterior segment imaging, enabling precise diagnosis and treatment planning.
  4. TMiMoist® Meibomian Gland Thermal Pulsation Device: Designed for patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), this domestically developed device offers an affordable and comfortable treatment option for dry eye disease. By reducing treatment costs to one-third of similar imported products, it has the potential to disrupt the market

Strategic Acquisitions and Financing

Global ophthalmology giants continue to invest heavily in groundbreaking technologies through acquisitions and funding:

  • Bausch + Lomb recently acquired Elios Vision, the developer of ELIOS, a non-implant minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) procedure. Unlike traditional MIGS, ELIOS uses a high-precision excimer laser to create microchannels in the trabecular meshwork, facilitating aqueous humor outflow without implants. This innovative approach can be performed as a standalone procedure or alongside cataract surgery.
  • Shenzhen-based Anjiming Medical Technology, specializing in early glaucoma diagnostic devices, completed a multi-million-yuan Pre-A funding round. The financing, led by Hengqin Venture Capital and joined by strategic industry investors, underscores the growing interest in early disease detection and intervention.

Why Choose Accel Group?

Entering China’s highly regulated medical device market requires a deep understanding of local policies, standards, and processes. At Accel Group, we offer:

  1. Type Testing: We have seasoned technicians on-site of testing centers to get your products tested in timely manner and overcome all sorts of problems.
  2. Clinical Evaluation Report and Clinical Trials: We conduct rigorous comparisons with similar domestic products and facilitate clinical trials to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of your devices.
  3. Lifecycle Management: Our services extend beyond registration, encompassing post-market surveillance, product upgrades, and regulatory renewals.
  4. Market Expertise: With a proven track record in navigating China’s regulatory landscape, we provide tailored solutions to address your specific needs.
  5. Strategic Insights: We help you identify emerging opportunities, align with market trends, and stay ahead of the competition.

China’s ophthalmology market is primed for international collaboration, offering significant growth potential for innovative devices and technologies. With rising demand for advanced treatments and a regulatory framework that supports innovation, now is the ideal time to enter this dynamic market. Partnering with Accel Group ensures a seamless entry and long-term success, enabling you to bring life-changing ophthalmic solutions to millions of patients in China.

Contact us at info@AccelGroup.com to learn how we can help you navigate the complexities of China’s ophthalmology market and unlock new opportunities for growth.

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