DallasCISO held its 2026 ORBIE Awards ceremony recognizing seven leading CISOs for exceptional cybersecurity leadership and business transformation. Award winners included executives from Alcon, Infor, Sammons Financial Group, National Veterinary Associates, DFW International Airport, MRO Corp, and Okta. The event brought together over 250 industry leaders and was supported by major technology partners including Google Cloud, Halcyon, and others.

LENSAR, Inc. announced that its pending acquisition by Alcon Research, LLC remains under FTC review following a Second Request for Additional Information. The company expects to close the transaction in the first half of 2026, subject to regulatory approval and satisfaction of closing conditions.

The global ophthalmic drugs market is projected to reach US$41.88 billion in 2026 and grow at 7.9% CAGR through 2036, driven by biologic innovation, anti-VEGF therapies, AI-enabled diagnostics, and long-acting drug delivery systems. Key developments include expanded digital distribution channels and sustained-release implants reducing treatment burden for retinal disorders.

The FDA approved an expanded age indication for Staar Surgical's EVO/EVO+ Visian Implantable Collamer Lenses, extending eligibility from ages 21-45 to 21-60 years old. This could add nearly 8 million refractive patients to the market. The approval is based on three-year clinical trial data showing strong safety profiles. Despite the positive news, the stock trades 9.8% below its 20-day moving average with bearish technical indicators, though RSI suggests oversold conditions.

The global contact lens market is projected to grow from USD 18.88 billion in 2025 to USD 26.64 billion by 2033, expanding at a CAGR of 4.42%. Growth is driven by rising myopia prevalence, increasing adoption of disposable lenses, and technological advancements in silicone hydrogel materials. However, risks from eye infections and user discomfort may hinder expansion. The U.S. market leads North America with expected growth to USD 6.83 billion by 2033.

STAAR Surgical shares declined as Broadwood Partners, which owns 31% of the company, gained board influence with two new directors joining alongside Christopher Wang of Yunqi Capital. The changes follow the failed merger with Alcon and include the departure of Chair Elizabeth Yeu, with CEO Stephen Farrell remaining until January 31, 2026. The stock is trading below key moving averages with mixed technical signals.

The global LASIK eye surgery market is projected to grow from USD 2.25 billion in 2025 to USD 3.77 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 6.68%. Growth is driven by rising refractive disorders, AI-enabled surgical innovations, and expanding healthcare infrastructure. However, concerns over long-term safety complications such as corneal thinning and dry eye are limiting adoption. Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region, while North America dominates with 44.26% market share.

The global intraocular lens market is projected to grow from USD 5.97 billion in 2025 to USD 9.85 billion by 2033, driven by rising cataract prevalence, aging populations, and advanced lens technologies. However, high costs of premium lenses and limited accessibility in developing regions remain key challenges. North America leads the market with 38.61% share, while Asia Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth at 7.03% CAGR.

STAAR Surgical announced that shareholders did not approve its merger with Alcon Inc., which was valued at approximately $1.6 billion. The deal will be terminated with no termination fees owed by either party. STAAR will remain a standalone publicly traded company and focus on profitable growth and expanding its EVO ICL technology globally. Major shareholder Broadwood Partners (30.2% stake) and Yunqi Capital Limited (5.1% stake) had opposed the merger.

Top investors of STAAR Surgical, including Yunqi Capital and Broadwood Partners, have rejected Alcon's revised acquisition offer of $30.75 per share, citing a flawed sale process and insufficient valuation.

The global ophthalmic drugs market is projected to grow from USD 37.35 billion in 2023 to USD 62.74 billion by 2032, driven by increasing eye disorders, advanced drug delivery methods, and rising healthcare awareness.

The surgical microscopes market is expected to grow from $1.51 billion in 2025 to $2.59 billion in 2030, driven by rising surgical volumes, digital integration, and healthcare infrastructure modernization across specialties like neurosurgery and dentistry.