Lenstec has appointed Blake Michaels as its new Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Michaels will lead all company operations, drive strategic sales initiatives, and support the continued expansion of Lenstec’s IOL portfolio, including the recently enhanced ClearView platform. Mr. Michaels succeeds John Clough, Lenstec’s founder, President, and CEO, who is retiring after more than three decades of leadership. Mr. Clough will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors, ensuring continuity and strategic guidance during the transition. Mr. Michaels brings more than four decades of experience in the ophthalmic medical device industry, along with a strong track record of building high-performing commercial organizations. His appointment signals a strategic move by Lenstec to accelerate growth and strengthen its position in the global ophthalmic market. “Blake’s appointment marks a major step forward for Lenstec as we enter a period of substantial commercial growth,” said Jimmy Chacko, Chief Operating Officer of Lenstec. “His experience, vision, and understanding of the ophthalmic community will elevate our ability to serve surgeons and patients worldwide.” Prior to joining Lenstec, Michaels served as CEO of Visioncare Inc. (now Samsara Vision), where he led the company through a pivotal transition from its original telescope technology to a next-generation, smaller-incision version widely used today. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles at Alcon following its acquisition of WaveLight excimer lasers, where he served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the US. He later joined the original LenSx launch team, contributing to the development and commercialization of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery. In his new role, Mr. Michaels will focus on enhancing Lenstec’s commercial infrastructure, expanding engagement with ophthalmic surgeons, and guiding the rollout of new technologies aimed at improving refractive outcomes and surgical efficiency. “I am excited to join Lenstec at such a pivotal moment,” said Mr. Michaels. “Lenstec has built a reputation for high-precision manufacturing and surgeon-centric design. I look forward to leading the organization as we bring the next generation of IOL technology to market.”
