Y.ora Vision, Inc., a newly established ophthalmic medical device company and a spoke company of Eyexora, has officially announced the signing of a licensing agreement between the Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI) and Eyexora Global. The agreement is set to advance a novel minimally invasive surgical device aimed at treating mild-to-severe open-angle glaucoma (OAG), a progressive eye disease that remains a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide.
The licensed technology, developed by SERI researchers Associate Professor Shamira Perera and Professor Michael Belkin, forms the foundation of Y.ora Vision’s proprietary platform, YRA-01. This next-generation device is designed as a minimally invasive surgical (MIGS) solution that performs multiple trabeculotomies to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP), a critical factor in slowing the progression of glaucoma. Unlike conventional glaucoma treatments, YRA-01 does not require permanent implants, offering a potentially safer, more accessible, and cost-effective surgical alternative.
YRA-01 is a compact, hand-held device intended for use with standard ophthalmic surgical equipment. Its innovative design allows surgeons to complete procedures in under ten minutes while providing real-time feedback during surgery. The device enables the extent of IOP reduction to be tailored according to the number of trabeculotomy penetrations created and can be used multiple times if needed. This combination of efficiency, flexibility, and precision positions YRA-01 as a potentially transformative tool in glaucoma management.
Glaucoma affects over 80 million people globally, with approximately 70% of cases attributed to primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Despite advances in medical and surgical therapies, many patients continue to experience vision loss due to limitations in current treatment options. Traditional surgical procedures often involve high costs, lengthy recovery periods, potential safety risks, and steep learning curves that restrict broader accessibility, especially in regions with limited ophthalmic resources.
“Glaucoma continues to rob millions of their sight despite decades of therapeutic and device-based advances,” said Dr. Huan Sheng, MD, PhD, Chief Medical Officer at Eyexora. “Our mission is to empower ophthalmic surgeons worldwide with a reliable, minimally invasive, and user-friendly tool that delivers meaningful pressure reduction without the complications or expense associated with conventional implant-based surgeries. YRA-01 is designed with simplicity and efficiency in mind, ensuring a short learning curve so that surgeons can confidently offer this innovative procedure to their patients.”
The development of YRA-01 represents the culmination of years of research and clinical expertise at SERI, recognized globally as a leading institution in ophthalmic research. The device was co-invented by Associate Professor Shamira Perera, MD, Head and Senior Consultant of the Glaucoma Department at Singapore National Eye Centre, who emphasized the translational impact of the innovation. “This technology builds upon extensive research and clinical experience in MIGS and reflects our commitment to improving patient outcomes through practical, accessible solutions,” said Dr. Perera. “The device’s simplicity allows for precise tissue removal with minimal collateral trauma, making it a compelling new option for both glaucoma and cataract surgeons, as well as for the patients they serve.”
Professor Michael Belkin, MD, senior advisor to SERI and co-inventor of YRA-01, highlighted the device’s global potential. “Our approach prioritizes safety, efficiency, and accessibility,” said Prof. Belkin. “By eliminating the need for costly implants and streamlining the surgical workflow, Y.ora Vision can significantly expand access to effective glaucoma care worldwide. We designed YRA-01 to make minimally invasive glaucoma surgery more approachable for surgeons of varying experience levels, ultimately benefiting patients across diverse healthcare settings.”
Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) has emerged over the past decade as a promising alternative to traditional glaucoma procedures, offering reduced complications and quicker recovery times. However, many MIGS devices still face challenges, including high costs, limited efficacy in advanced disease, and the requirement for specialized training. YRA-01 addresses these gaps by providing a procedure that is fast, reproducible, and adaptable to varying disease severities without relying on permanent implants, potentially reshaping the standard of care in glaucoma management.
The licensing agreement between SERI and Eyexora Global marks a significant milestone for Y.ora Vision, providing the company with the rights to further develop and commercialize this innovative platform. Eyexora, known for its focus on ophthalmic innovations, aims to leverage its global network to facilitate clinical adoption, surgeon training, and regulatory approvals for YRA-01 in multiple markets.
By integrating advanced engineering with clinical insights, YRA-01 exemplifies a new paradigm in ophthalmic surgery—one that balances precision, safety, and scalability. The device is expected to enhance surgical outcomes, reduce procedure times, and lower barriers to access, particularly in regions where traditional glaucoma treatments are either too costly or logistically challenging.
“Ultimately, our goal is to transform glaucoma care by providing a device that is both effective and widely accessible,” Dr. Sheng added. “With YRA-01, we aim to reduce the burden of glaucoma-related blindness globally and empower surgeons with a reliable, intuitive tool that can be seamlessly integrated into existing surgical workflows.”
As Y.ora Vision prepares for the next phase of development, including clinical trials and global commercialization, the company is poised to redefine the landscape of glaucoma treatment. The collaboration between SERI and Eyexora Global underscores the value of translational research in delivering tangible solutions to patients and demonstrates how innovation, when combined with accessibility, can drive meaningful improvements in healthcare outcomes worldwide.
With the launch of YRA-01, Y.ora Vision represents a significant step forward in addressing a critical unmet need in ophthalmology: safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment for millions living with glaucoma.
