LumiThera, Inc.

Acquired

Poulsbo, WashingtonFounded 201311–50 employeeslumithera.com

LumiThera develops Valeda™, a photobiomodulation (PBM) treatment for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Its materials highlight FDA authorization and clinical data from the LIGHTSITE III study.

Visit lumithera.com ↗

Founded: 2013
Employees: 11–50

reccy insights

Written by reccy's AI from company sites, press and funding records · updated Oct 2026

Recent highlights

LumiThera’s clearest clinical and commercial milestone was FDA authorization of its Valeda Light Delivery System for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), recorded on Nov 4, 2024. The system uses light-emitting diodes at multiple wavelengths for photobiomodulation treatment. The company’s materials also point to clinical evidence from the LIGHTSITE III study. On Jul 7, 2025, Alcon announced its acquisition of LumiThera; the acquisition was reported as completed on Sep 3, 2025, the same date associated with LumiThera’s closure as an independent company. Before that exit, LumiThera expanded its ophthalmic portfolio through acquisitions of Diopsys on Nov 11, 2021 and MacuLogix on Jul 26, 2022. A Mar 30, 2026 article on red-light therapy regulation provides broader industry context, but does not establish a new LumiThera operating milestone. Taken together, the record points to a company that developed a specialized ocular light-therapy platform, secured a significant regulatory authorization, broadened its device portfolio through acquisitions, and ultimately transitioned into Alcon rather than continuing as an independent business.

Market position

LumiThera occupied a specialized position in ophthalmic medical devices, applying photobiomodulation (PBM) through LED-based treatment for ocular disease, particularly dry AMD. Its Valeda Light Delivery System distinguished the company’s offering from a general ophthalmic diagnostic device portfolio: the product was designed to deliver therapeutic light and received FDA authorization for dry AMD treatment in November 2024. LumiThera also cited the LIGHTSITE III study as clinical evidence supporting its approach. Its acquisition of Diopsys in 2021 and MacuLogix in 2022 indicates an effort to broaden its presence across ophthalmic devices and diagnostics, although the available company information does not detail the combined portfolio’s market share or commercial performance. The most consequential strategic development was Alcon’s acquisition, announced on Jul 7, 2025 and completed by Sep 3, 2025. That outcome places LumiThera’s technology and product history within the context of a larger eye-care company, while its independent operating status is listed as closed.

Growth & opportunities

Founded in 2013 in Poulsbo, Washington, LumiThera pursued a long development path centered on light-based ophthalmic treatment. Its recorded financing spans 2014 through 2024, including a $325,000 venture round in 2014, a $5.5 million Series B in 2017, two Series C rounds of $10 million and $14 million in 2020, $5.5 million in debt financing in 2022, and a $2,427,638 venture round on May 21, 2024. Total funding is $38,902,638. The company also expanded through the acquisitions of Diopsys in 2021 and MacuLogix in 2022. FDA authorization of Valeda for dry AMD, recorded on Nov 4, 2024, was a major regulatory inflection point for its lead therapy. The next decisive change was ownership: Alcon announced its acquisition of LumiThera on Jul 7, 2025, and the company’s independent operating status ended on Sep 3, 2025. This trajectory therefore culminated not in a documented independent growth phase, but in the transfer of the business to Alcon.

Written by reccy's AI from company sites, press and funding records · updated Oct 2026

What makes LumiThera, Inc. distinct

reccy insights

What makes LumiThera, Inc. distinct

01Focuses on photobiomodulation treatment for dry age-related macular degeneration.
02Valeda is described as FDA-authorized for dry AMD treatment.
03Highlights clinical evidence through the LIGHTSITE III study.

Technology & products

Light Delivery Devices for Ocular Disease
Devices using LED and laser technology to treat acute and chronic eye diseases by delivering targeted light therapy.

Valeda photobiomodulation treatment.
Light-emitting diode delivery at multiple wavelengths.
LED and laser-based light delivery devices for ocular disease.
LIGHTSITE III clinical study.

Recent updates1

Launches, partnerships and team changes from press coverage

Nov 5, 2024Product launch
The Valeda Light Delivery System is a therapeutic device for improving vision in dry age-related macular degeneration patients, using light-emitting diodes at different wavelengths.
prnewswire.com

About LumiThera, Inc.

Products: Light Delivery Devices for Ocular Disease
Leadership: James Carroll, Co-FounderLuis De Taboada, Co-FounderCindy Croissant, Vice President of Clinical Operations
Focus areas: NeuroTechnology, medical devices, therapeutics, diagnostics, digital health, pharmaceuticals, wellness, clinical research
Headquarters: Poulsbo, Washington
Founded: 2013
Employees: 11–50
Status: Acquired
Patents granted: 7 (Crunchbase)
Trademarks: 2