ELZA Institute

What ELZA Institute does

ELZA Institute (ELZA Institute AG) is a privately-held, boutique Swiss ophthalmology clinic headquartered in Dietikon, with a second site at Zurich HB, founded in 2014–2015 by Prof. Farhad Hafezi, MD, PhD, FARVO, and led by CEO Nikki Hafezi. It specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of corneal diseases — most notably keratoconus and corneal ectasias — alongside a broader ophthalmology service line covering refractive laser surgery (LASIK/PRK/SMILE), cataract, glaucoma, oculoplastic, orbital, and retinal surgery. The clinic's clinical edge is built on a portfolio of proprietary corneal cross-linking (CXL) protocols: ELZA-PACE (personalized epi-on CXL), the sub400 protocol for ultra-thin corneas under 400 μm (90% / 82% success at 12 / 24 months), ECO-CAIRS (ultra-high-fluence CXL for ring segment optimization, published in the Journal of Refractive Surgery), PACK-CXL for infectious keratitis, and CXL-at-the-slit-lamp for resource-limited settings.

Technologically, ELZA co-developed the C-Eye compact cross-linking platform with partner EMAGine AG — now distributed in more than 40 countries — and the SBK smartphone-based keratographer, which uses AI-assisted computer vision to detect keratoconus at the point of care as part of the S.M.A.R.T. approach (Smart, Mobile, Affordable, Reliable Technology). The institute is academically embedded with the University of Zurich (Hafezi's research group), ETH Zurich (CABMM), University of Geneva (Hafezi's prior chief-physician role), and adjunct appointments at USC Keck, NYU Grossman, and Wenzhou Medical University.

Commercially, ELZA operates a fee-for-service clinical model: Swiss patients schedule via OneDoc for in-clinic consultations and surgery, while international patients access the clinic via dedicated telemedicine video consultations and direct booking. Patient testimonials skew heavily to medical professionals (ophthalmologists, cardiologists, dentists) treated for laser eye surgery, suggesting strong word-of-mouth in the medical community. Beyond direct clinical revenue, the institute extends its intellectual and reputational footprint through humanitarian keratoconus screening under the co-founded Light for Sight Foundation (Uzbekistan, Croatia), scientific publication (100+ peer-reviewed papers on keratoconus, 110+ on CXL), conference leadership (AAO, ESCRS, SOE, Vision China, CROCS; the International Keratoconus and CXL Experts' Meeting since 2006), and co-organization of the 2025 2nd Global Consensus on Keratoconus and Ectatic Diseases.

Name

ELZA Institute

Legal name

ELZA Institute AG

Website

https://elza-institute.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

ELZA Institute is a Swiss boutique ophthalmology clinic in Dietikon and Zurich specializing in keratoconus treatment and corneal cross-linking, operating proprietary protocols (ELZA-PACE, sub400, ECO-CAIRS) and co-developed devices (C-Eye, SBK keratographer) for domestic and international patients.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Ophthalmology Services

NAICS

Offices of Physicians (62111)

SIC

Services-Offices & Clinics Of Doctors Of Medicine (8011), Services-Specialty Outpatient Facilities, Nec (8093)

akta.pro primary industry

Ophthalmology Clinics (Medical & Surgical Eye Care) (HLAKAKAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cornea, External Disease & Refractive Surgery (LASIK/PRK) (HLAKAKAF), Oculoplastics & Orbital Surgery (HLAKAKAI)

Keywords

• Corneal cross-linking
• Keratoconus treatment
• Ophthalmology clinic
• Refractive surgery
• Cataract surgery

Headquarters

HQ city

Dietikon

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Clinical Ophthalmology Services: The institute generates revenue through providing specialized ophthalmic surgical procedures including laser eye surgery, keratoconus treatments (CXL, cross-linking), cataract surgery, corneal surgery, eyelid surgery, glaucoma treatment, orbital surgery, and retinal surgery. Revenue is primarily procedure-based with consultation fees.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

ELZA Institute is a boutique ophthalmology clinic delivering specialized eye care services, with particular concentration on corneal cross-linking (CXL) for keratoconus and ectatic diseases. Core offerings include multiple proprietary CXL protocols (ELZA-PACE, ECO-CAIRS, sub400, CXL at the Slit Lamp, PACK-CXL), refractive/laser eye surgery, cataract, glaucoma, corneal, oculoplastic (eyelid and orbital), and retinal surgery, along with dry eye care and myopia control. Treatments are delivered at two Swiss locations (Dietikon and Zurich HB) and via telemedicine for international patients, supported by AI-assisted diagnostic devices such as the SBK Smartphone-Based Keratographer.

Product overview

ELZA Institute is a boutique ophthalmology clinic in Zurich, Switzerland offering a comprehensive range of eye care services centered around corneal treatments and cross-linking technologies. The core offerings include corneal cross-linking (CXL) with multiple specialized protocols (standard CXL, CXL at the Slit Lamp, ELZA-PACE for customized treatment, ECO-CAIRS for ring segment optimization, and sub400 protocol for ultra-thin corneas), alongside laser eye surgery, cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery, eyelid and orbital surgery, retina surgery, dry eye treatment, and myopia control. Supporting technology includes the C-Eye cross-linking device (via partner EMAGine) and SBK smartphone-based keratographer for AI-assisted keratoconus diagnosis.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL) Treatment that strengthens the cornea by combining riboflavin eye drops with UV-A light irradiation, used to halt progression of keratoconus and other corneal ectasias. Offered to patients diagnosed with progressive keratoconus.
• Laser Eye Surgery Refractive laser surgery including transPRK (photorefractive keratectomy) for correction of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, offered to adult patients seeking to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
• Cataract Surgery Surgical removal of cataracts with intraocular lens implantation for patients with vision impairment due to clouded lenses.
• Corneal Surgery Surgical procedures for corneal conditions including keratoconus, corneal dystrophies, and other corneal disorders.
• Glaucoma Surgery Surgical and laser treatments for glaucoma, including MIGS (minimally invasive glaucoma surgery) with stent implantation, for patients with elevated intraocular pressure and progressive optic nerve damage.
• Eyelid Surgery Oculoplastic surgery for eyelids including cosmetic operations, removal of bags, ptosis repair, malposition correction, and tumor removal.
• Orbital Surgery Surgical treatment for orbital conditions including thyroid eye disease, orbital tumors, and trauma reconstruction.
• Retina Surgery Surgical procedures for retinal conditions and diseases.
• Dry Eye Treatment Diagnosis and treatment of dry eye syndrome and related ocular surface conditions.
• Myopia Control Treatments and interventions aimed at controlling the progression of myopia (nearsightedness) in affected patients.
• C-Eye Device Compact, easy-to-use corneal cross-linking platform co-developed with EMAGine AG that delivers advanced cross-linking tailored to each patient; available globally in more than 40 countries.
• SBK (Smartphone-Based Keratographer) Smartphone accessory enabling portable, handheld, AI-assisted diagnosis of keratoconus — part of the S.M.A.R.T. (Smart, Mobile, Affordable, Reliable Technology) approach for low-resource settings.
• Online Video Consultation (Ophthalmology Telemedicine) Online video consultation service for international patients seeking ELZA's ophthalmology expertise remotely, including second opinions and pre-procedure assessments.

Quantifiable outcome

• 90% success rate at 12 months, 82% at 24 months for sub400 protocol treating progressive keratoconus in corneas thinner than 400 micrometers.
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability3 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• 2nd Global Consensus on KeratoconuscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Prof. Hafezi served as one of three main organizers of the 2025 2nd Global Consensus on Keratoconus and Ectatic Diseases, involving collaboration with over a dozen international ophthalmology societies including Pan-American Cornea Society, Cornea Society, MEACO, International Keratoconus Society, and others.
• EMAGine AGcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 1 January 2019ELZA developed the C-Eye device, a compact corneal cross-linking platform, which is made available through partner EMAGine AG (based in Zug, Switzerland). The C-Eye device is now available in over 40 countries. Nikki Hafezi serves as CEO of EMAGine AG.
• Light for Sight FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012Nikki Hafezi co-founded the Light for Sight Foundation in 2012, an international humanitarian initiative focused on early recognition and treatment of keratoconus in children and adolescents. The foundation conducts screening programs in underserved regions, including Uzbekistan and Croatia, providing epi-on CXL treatments and raising awareness through national TV interviews and educational initiatives.
• University of Southern California (USC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012Prof. Hafezi holds an Adjunct Clinical Professorship at the Keck School of Medicine of USC in Los Angeles since 2012, maintaining academic collaboration.
• GroupAdvance Consulting GmbHminorOthers · 1 January 2007Nikki Hafezi has been a partner at GroupAdvance Consulting GmbH in Zug since 2007, providing strategic management consulting in the medical field for academic institutions, companies, and non-profit organizations in Europe and North America.
• ETH ZurichcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative research partnership with ETH Zurich's Center for Applied Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine (CABMM) and the University of Zurich for corneal biomechanics research, including studies on CXL, collagen V deficiency, and ocular biomechanics.
• University of ZurichcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProf. Hafezi leads a research group at the University of Zurich focused on cellular biology of the eye. Collaborative research on corneal biomechanics, CXL protocols, and related topics.
• University of GenevacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProf. Hafezi served as Chief Physician and Professor at the University of Geneva's Eye Clinic from 2010-2014. Maintains academic connections.
• International Keratoconus and CXL Experts' MeetingminorOthersProf. Hafezi co-founded and has helped organize the International Cross-Linking Congress since 2006, now called the International Keratoconus and Corneal Cross-Linking Experts' Meeting - the largest international congress dedicated solely to corneal cross-linking.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Bascom Palmer Eye Institute: Top-ranked US academic eye hospital consistently rated #1 in ophthalmology, with deep cornea, refractive, and anterior segment capabilities. Comparable to ELZA as a global brand-builder in advanced corneal care, with both clinical delivery and significant research output.
• Wills Eye Hospital: One of the oldest and most recognized specialty eye hospitals in the US, with a strong cornea and refractive surgery service. Comparable to ELZA as a specialty ophthalmology institution with concentrated subspecialty expertise and a strong academic-clinical interface.
• Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC): Singapore's flagship specialty eye hospital and a leading Asian center for cornea, refractive, and cataract surgery, also serving a large international patient base. Comparable to ELZA in combining tertiary ophthalmic care with subspecialty research and an international referral catchment.
• Durrie Vision: Boutique refractive surgery center in Overland Park, Kansas, focused on LASIK, refractive cataract, and corneal procedures. Comparable to ELZA in scale and positioning as a premium specialty refractive/corneal clinic with strong surgeon-led branding.
• Vance Thompson Vision: US-based boutique ophthalmology practice specializing in LASIK, refractive surgery, cataract, and corneal treatments, with a research-focused identity. Comparable to ELZA as a small, high-reputation specialty refractive/corneal practice that combines clinical care with active R&D.
• Rotterdam Eye Hospital (Oogziekenhuis): Specialty eye hospital in the Netherlands, where ELZA's Dr. Dion Paridaens serves as Medical Director and Head of Orbital Service. Directly comparable to ELZA as a focused ophthalmic hospital with an oculoplastic/orbital service and tertiary referrals.
• Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust: One of the world's leading academic eye hospitals, based in London, with subspecialty expertise across cornea, refractive surgery, and ocular surface disease. Comparable to ELZA as a globally recognized ophthalmic center combining complex clinical care, research, and training.

Others

• Carl Zeiss Meditec: Global leader in ophthalmic diagnostic and surgical equipment, including corneal topography, biometry, and surgical microscopy. Comparable to ELZA as an adjacent infrastructure provider whose diagnostic platforms (e.g., corneal topographers used in keratoconus diagnosis) underpin ELZA's clinical workflow.

Broad incumbents

• Glaukos Corporation (parent of Avedro): Acquired Avedro, the largest commercial CXL platform globally, and is a major player in MIGS and corneal health. Comparable to ELZA as a competitor/commercialization channel for corneal cross-linking, though operating at much larger scale and as a device manufacturer rather than a clinic.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCyQ6GhLlTvpcCfLJQCqXaKg
• Facebookfacebook.com/ELZA.Institute
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/elza-institute

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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 ELZA Institute