Smartlens, a clinical-stage ophthalmic technology company developing next-generation glaucoma management devices, has secured $5.2 million in an oversubscribed bridge funding round. The funding was led by Ambit Health Ventures, with participation from existing investors Graphene Ventures and Boutique Venture Partners, as well as new backers including Harvard Business School Alumni Angels GNY and a group of leading eye care providers.
The funding will support Smartlens as it advances through the final stages of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance process and prepares for the commercial launch of its flagship product, miLens.
The device represents a significant step forward in ophthalmic innovation as the world’s first electronics-free soft contact lens capable of continuously monitoring intraocular pressure (IOP)—a key risk factor in glaucoma progression.
Smartlens’ miLens integrates with an AI-powered smartphone imaging platform that analyzes pressure fluctuations throughout the day, enabling ophthalmologists to make data-driven, personalized treatment decisions.
The device’s microfluidic design allows for continuous monitoring in real-world environments, eliminating the limitations of traditional in-office IOP measurements that provide only intermittent snapshots of eye pressure.
The company’s progress follows encouraging results from its ongoing multi-site U.S. pivotal clinical trial, which aims to validate the safety and effectiveness of miLens for everyday use.
Alongside clinical validation, Smartlens has made significant strides in manufacturing readiness and regulatory preparation to ensure rapid scalability following FDA clearance.
There has been a strong clinical interest in miLens. And the lens is designed to provide ophthalmologists with a comprehensive view of IOP variations, offering critical insights for patients with glaucoma, ocular hypertension, or those requiring post-surgical pressure monitoring.
Glaucoma and ocular hypertension affect over 150 million people globally and remain the leading cause of irreversible blindness. Elevated intraocular pressure is the only modifiable risk factor for disease progression, yet existing diagnostic approaches rely on infrequent, single-point measurements. Smartlens aims to bridge this gap through continuous, real-world monitoring, enabling earlier intervention and more effective therapy adjustments.
How the funding will be used: The company plans to use the new capital to finalize regulatory submissions, expand its operational and manufacturing infrastructure, and lay the groundwork for commercial rollout once FDA clearance is obtained. The successful bridge round also strengthens Smartlens’ position for future growth and further development of its platform for additional ophthalmic applications beyond glaucoma.
KEY QUOTES:
“This financing milestone strengthens our position as we advance through the FDA clearance process and prepare for commercialization. We’re laying the foundation for the next generation of glaucoma management—one driven by continuous, data-based insight rather than intermittent snapshots. The continued confidence from our investors underscores both the scale of the opportunity ahead and the meaningful impact miLens can have for patients worldwide.”
Savas Komban, CEO and Co-Founder of Smartlens
“Smartlens continues to make impressive progress with its technology, and miLens is a true leap forward in ophthalmic innovation. We are proud to lead this strategic round as the company advances through the FDA clearance process, positioning Smartlens not just for commercial launch, but to redefine continuous glaucoma monitoring and transform patient care worldwide.”
Sam Goldberger, MD, MBA, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Ambit Health Ventures’
