British ophthalmic medical product manufacturer Rayner is growing its cataract solutions portfolio with the purchase of the U.S. distribution rights to Visco Technologies Inc.'s Anikavisc, an ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD).
Let’s dive into its acquisition.
To start: While Anika Therapeutic, Inc. originally developed Anikavisc, the U.S. distributor rights have belonged to Visco since 2011 (until now, obviously).
Its regulatory status: The device was granted FDA approval in January 2011 as a Class II surgical aid for ophthalmic procedures.
Nice! Were there any monetary details released?
Alas, the company didn’t share further information beyond the announcement itself.
Alrighty … so tell me more about the device.
The Anikavisc OVD is a sterile, clear, and gel-like medical device composed of a “highly purified sodium hyaluronate viscoelastic” substance.
Intended for use during ocular surgery, the easily-removable device can be utilized for cataract extractions and intraocular lens (IOL) implantations as well as corneal transplants and glaucoma-filtering surgeries.
And its purpose during these procedures?
It can serve multiple purposes, including helping to:
- Create and maintain anterior chamber depth and visibility
- Protect corneal endothelial cells and other intraocular tissues
- Minimize tissue interactions during surgical manipulation, enabling instruments to move safely
- Act as a vitreous substitute during retinal reattachment surgery
- Preserve tissue integrity and visibility (when used to fill the anterior / posterior segments of the eye post-”open sky” procedures)
Impressive! But what does this new distributor mean for existing customers?
Clinicians already using the device will see no changes to their current arrangements, according to Rayner Vice President Americas, Scott Corning.
But moving forward: Rayner’s direct sales team will take over Anikavisc’s reach and support.
- “This also allows us to offer a fully bundled cataract solution, simplifying orders and streamlining purchasing, and delivers even greater value through one dedicated partner committed to innovation in cataract surgery,” Corning stated.
Nice! So how can current and potential Anikavisc customers get in touch?
Click here to contact a Rayner representative for more information on availability and pricing.
And looking at the bigger picture for Rayner?
The company referred to the acquisition as coming at a “pivotal moment,” particularly as it builds momentum surrounding its portfolio expansion.
If you’ll recall: Rayner has had a few key developments over the last few months:
- October 2025: The FDA’s approval of RayOne EMV Toric IOL (details here)
- January 2026: The U.S. launch of its FDA-approved Sophi phaco system (rundown here)
And, more recently, we can’t forget the February 2026 introduction of eyejourney, an artificial intelligence-based patient support and engagement platform for ophthalmic clinics.
Lastly, anything else to keep an eye on in Rayner product news this year?
Indeed there is … the company shared that its pre-market authorization (PMA) submission to the FDA for the RayOne Galaxy IOL is officially complete—and is tentatively anticipating it as an official addition to its “comprehensive, bundle-ready” portfolio later this year.
The potential behind this lens: Already commercially available across Europe, the artificial intelligence-developed RayOne Galaxy would be the first-ever specialized IOL offering a full range of focus, minimized dysphotopsia, and 0% loss of transmitted light.
As always, stay tuned for developments!