Norlase

What Norlase does

Norlase is a Denmark-headquartered, privately-held medical device company that designs and manufactures next-generation ophthalmic laser systems for the treatment of retinal and glaucoma disorders. Founded in 2017 as a spin-off from university research, the company is headquartered in Ballerup (Copenhagen region) with US operations based in Redwood City, California. Norlase leverages proprietary MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) miniaturization and direct-diode laser technology to deliver ultra-compact, integrated laser platforms that are roughly 10x smaller than legacy systems, targeting vitreoretinal surgeons, general ophthalmologists, and glaucoma specialists across hospitals, specialty practices, and academic medical centers worldwide.

The product portfolio comprises four core platforms. LEAF (launched October 2019) is an ultra-compact green laser photocoagulator that mounts directly on a slit lamp. LION (FDA-cleared October 2020) is the first fully integrated, battery-powered laser indirect ophthalmoscope with a coin-sized green laser embedded in the headset. ECHO (FDA-cleared and CE-marked May 2023) is an all-in-one MEMS-based pattern scanning laser that attaches to slit lamps and added a Pattern MicroSecond Laser Trabeculoplasty option for glaucoma in September 2025. LYNX (launched January 2025) is the world's first pattern scanning LIO, console-free and battery-powered. Differentiating features include voice control of laser parameters (US Patent 11,094,321), fiberless designs eliminating external cables and repair costs, battery-powered untethered operation, wireless tablet interfaces, tissue-sparing microsecond pulsing, and proprietary high-clarity safety filter coatings.

Norlase operates a capital-equipment hardware sales model with quote-based pricing and multi-year contracts. The go-to-market combines direct enterprise field sales in core US and European markets with an extensive channel network of more than 60 distributors across EUMEA, Asia Pacific, and the Americas, supported by dedicated regional directors. The company has disclosed more than $40M in cumulative funding, including a $10.6M Series B led by West Hill Capital in October 2021 at a valuation above $60M, an undisclosed $11M round in May 2023, and a €20M EIB venture debt facility in February 2025. Anchor customers include most of the top 10 US eye hospitals (Bascom Palmer, Wills Eye), and the company has reported over 40% global install base growth in 2025 and over 600% year-over-year revenue growth in 2021.

Name

Norlase

Legal name

Norlase A/S

Website

https://norlase.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Norlase is a Denmark-based, privately-held medical device company that designs and manufactures ultra-compact, MEMS-based ophthalmic laser systems (LEAF, LION, ECHO, LYNX) for retinal and glaucoma treatment, selling capital equipment to ophthalmologists globally via direct enterprise sales and a 60+ distributor network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Ophthalmic Medical Laser Devices

NAICS

Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing (339112), Electromedical and Electrotherapeutic Apparatus Manufacturing (334510)

SIC

Surgical & Medical Instruments & Apparatus (3841), Electromedical & Electrotherapeutic Apparatus (3845)

akta.pro primary industry

Vitreoretinal Surgical Devices (Vitrectomy Systems, Endolaser, Illumination, Tamponades) (HLAHAJAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

Glaucoma Diagnostics & Surgical Devices (Tonometry, Gonioscopy, MIGS, Drainage Implants, Laser Trabeculoplasty) (HLAHAJAI)

Keywords

• Ophthalmic laser systems
• Retinal photocoagulation
• Glaucoma laser treatment
• Pattern scanning laser
• Laser indirect ophthalmoscope

Headquarters

HQ city

Ballerup

HQ country

Denmark

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Personnel

Revenue model

1. Medical Device Hardware Sales: Norlase generates revenue through the sale of ophthalmic laser medical devices including LYNX, ECHO, LEAF, and LION systems. These are capital equipment purchases by hospitals, clinics, and ophthalmology practices.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Norlase designs, manufactures, and sells next-generation ophthalmic laser medical devices for the treatment of retinal and glaucoma disorders. Its portfolio includes the LYNX pattern scanning laser indirect ophthalmoscope, ECHO all-in-one pattern laser, LION integrated battery-powered LIO with green laser, and LEAF ultra-compact green laser photocoagulator. Products are built on proprietary MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical System) miniaturization and direct-diode laser technology, delivering ultra-compact, fiberless, battery-powered, voice-controlled laser systems for ophthalmic hospitals, retina specialists, and glaucoma specialists.

Product overview

Norlase is a Denmark-headquartered medical device company developing next-generation ophthalmic laser solutions for retinal and glaucoma care. The product portfolio consists of four core laser systems: LYNX (world's first pattern scanning laser indirect ophthalmoscope), ECHO (all-in-one pattern laser with MEMS technology), LION (fully integrated battery-powered LIO with green laser), and LEAF (ultra-compact green laser photocoagulator). All products leverage proprietary MEMS miniaturization and direct-diode technology to deliver ultra-compact, integrated, wireless, and workflow-simplifying laser systems. Key differentiating features include battery power, wireless tablet interfaces, industry-first voice control, fiberless designs, and tissue-sparing microsecond pulsing technology. The products serve ophthalmologists treating retina and glaucoma diseases including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• LYNX Pattern Scanning Laser Indirect Ophthalmoscope World's first and only pattern scanning laser indirect ophthalmoscope (LIO). Console-free, battery-powered device with integrated laser source and MEMS scanning mechanism built into a lightweight untethered headset, enabling pattern laser treatment of retinal disorders anytime and anywhere.
• ECHO Multispot Pattern Laser All-in-one pattern laser and delivery device that combines an ultra-compact Norlase laser engine with industry-first MEMS scanning technology. Attaches directly to any compatible slit lamp, providing laser, scanner, and delivery device in a single housing for retina and glaucoma treatment.
• LION Laser Indirect Ophthalmoscope with Green Laser First fully integrated, battery-powered laser indirect ophthalmoscope (LIO) and green laser. A high-power miniaturized green laser smaller than a coin fits seamlessly in the headset, eliminating the need for an external laser console and enabling untethered retinal laser treatment.
• LEAF Green Laser Photocoagulator Ultra-compact green laser photocoagulator, 10x smaller than existing systems, that mounts directly onto an existing slit lamp without requiring a cart or counter space. First-of-its-kind design for the treatment of retina and glaucoma diseases.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 40% global install base growth in 2025
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability2 records

Feature10 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.

• BioMedix Optotechnik & Devices Pvt. Ltd.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 21 November 2025Indian distribution partner for LION, LEAF, and ECHO approvals in India. BioMedix will help bring these technologies across India, one of the world's largest ophthalmology markets.
• TechnomixcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 23 September 2025Mexican distribution partner for LYNX approval. COFEPRIS granted national approval for LYNX in Mexico, with Technomix supporting distribution and market expansion throughout Mexico.
• Saudi Services & Health Care Co. Ltd.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 23 March 2025Saudi Arabian distribution partner for LYNX approval. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority granted approval for LYNX, with Saudi Services & Healthcare supporting commercialization in the region.
• Clinico Medical Instruments (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Distribution partner for China market. Norlase launched LEAF in China with Clinico, one of the strongest distribution partners in China, bringing ultra-portable green laser technology to this high-growth market.
• Maya Barley, PhDflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 July 2024Maya Barley, CEO of Medis Medical Imaging Systems, elected to Norlase's board of directors. She brings extensive medtech experience including product management, marketing, clinical science, and R&D. She led Medis to market leadership and secured a strategic collaboration with GE Healthcare.
• Douglas CheahcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 July 2022Regional Director for Asia Pacific with 30+ years of experience in medical device industry. Helping Norlase commercialize in the Asia Pacific region.
• Latin America Distributor NetworkcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 28 June 2022First distributor partnerships in Latin America including: MED S.R.L. (Argentina/Uruguay), Apramed (Brazil), Medilex (Central America), Zonular SpA (Chile), Laboftal (Peru), Technomix (Mexico), Labofta SAC (Peru), Tecnología Dos (Venezuela), Ariza Batlle & Co. (Dominican Republic). These distributors established recognition for top-quality medical equipment and share Norlase's vision of redefining eye care.
• Guillermo MolinacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2022Regional Director for Latin America and Canada with 15+ years of experience in international healthcare device sales. Helping Norlase commercialize in Latin America and Canada.
• European Distributor NetworkcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 8 December 2020New distributor partnerships in France (EDC LAMY), Germany (Eyetec GmbH), Italy (CIO S.c.a.r.l.), Spain (Bloss Group), UK (Hanson Instruments), Austria (Eyeonic Medical), Benelux (Laméris Ootech), Nordics (Instrumentpartner, KM Optics, MEDICOLLE), and other European markets. These distributors have extensive knowledge in retina and glaucoma markets with technological expertise in ophthalmic laser solutions.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• IRIDEX Corporation: IRIDEX is a long-standing US-based ophthalmic laser manufacturer specializing in retinal and glaucoma laser systems. It is the most direct competitor to Norlase, sharing the same physician customer base and overlapping product categories. Several Norlase executives (Andrew Berkowitz, Greg Fava) previously held senior roles at IRIDEX.
• Nova Eye Medical (formerly Ellex): Nova Eye Medical (Australia) is a specialty ophthalmic laser manufacturer focused on glaucoma (iTrack and iPrime) and vitreoretinal surgery. It targets the same retinal and glaucoma specialists as Norlase and is a peer in the pattern-scanning and selective laser trabeculoplasty sub-segments.
• Quantel Medical: Quantel Medical (France) is a specialty ophthalmic ultrasound and laser manufacturer focused on retina, glaucoma, and cataract applications. It serves the same ophthalmology customer segments as Norlase and is a recognized competitor in pattern scanning and selective laser trabeculoplasty.

Broad incumbents

• Topcon Medical Laser Systems: Topcon is a global ophthalmic equipment incumbent offering a broad portfolio including retinal lasers, imaging, and diagnostic systems. Norlase VP Greg Fava previously worked at Topcon Medical Laser Systems, indicating direct product overlap. Topcon competes across Norlase's full product line with established distribution.
• Carl Zeiss Meditec: Carl Zeiss Meditec is one of the largest global ophthalmic device companies, offering surgical microscopes, IOLs, lasers, and diagnostic imaging. Its VISULAS laser family competes with Norlase's retinal and glaucoma lasers, though Zeiss serves a broader portfolio of ophthalmic customers.
• Alcon: Alcon is the world's largest eye-care device company with a comprehensive ophthalmic portfolio including surgical, vision care, and pharmaceutical products. Its retinal laser offerings compete with Norlase, particularly in the cataract and vitreoretinal surgery ecosystem. Alcon's scale and global direct sales footprint make it a formidable incumbent.
• Lumenis (now part of Boston Scientific): Lumenis was a global leader in ophthalmic lasers, particularly for retinal photocoagulation and YAG lasers, before being acquired by Boston Scientific. Its ophthalmic laser portfolio (now under Boston Scientific) directly competes with Norlase's LEAF, LION, ECHO, and LYNX systems in the retinal and glaucoma laser markets.
• Nidek: Nidek is a Japanese ophthalmic equipment manufacturer offering a full range of diagnostic, refractive, and surgical laser systems. Its retinal photocoagulators and pattern scanning lasers compete with Norlase, particularly across global markets where Nidek has strong distribution.

Emerging players

• OD-OS: OD-OS (Germany) is a smaller ophthalmic device company developing navigated retinal laser systems (Navilas). It competes with Norlase in the retinal photocoagulation space with a technology-forward, image-guided approach, representing an emerging alternative to pattern scanning.
• Lightmed Corporation: LightMed is a specialty ophthalmic laser manufacturer offering YAG, SLT, and retinal photocoagulation systems. It targets the same ophthalmology and retina specialist customer base as Norlase, with a particular focus on value-tier hospital customers globally.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/norlase
• Facebookfacebook.com/Norlase
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/norlase-aps
• Instagraminstagram.com/norlase_

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds9 records

Investors4 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Norlase