What Cataract & Laser Institute does

Cataract & Laser Institute (CLI) is a private ophthalmology practice founded in 1992 and headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, operating six owned clinic locations across Indiana (Kokomo, Fort Wayne, South Bend/Mishawaka, Greenwood, Plainfield) and Ohio (Maumee). The practice provides surgical and medical eye care to adult patients across a regional Midwest catchment, performing more than 8,500 cataract surgeries annually — a volume that places its surgeons in the top 1% of U.S. eye surgeons by case throughput. Adjacent services include corneal transplantation (PK, DSAEK/DMEK), pterygium excision, iLink corneal cross-linking for keratoconus, glaucoma management (SLT, iStent, MIGS, ECP, OCT imaging), in-office laser procedures (YAG capsulotomy, LPI, vitreolysis), refractive procedures (Implantable Collamer Lens), and an audiology sub-brand, The Hearing Institute, in Kokomo.

Its core clinical differentiator is the Precision Plan Cataract Procedures system, a laser-guided custom cataract surgery offering distance, near, or blended vision correction with stated 90% spectacle-independence outcomes, supported by dropless cataract surgery using compounded TriMoxi. Surgical staff are recruited from leading academic programs including Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute and Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, and the lead surgeon holds an Indiana University School of Medicine clinical faculty appointment.

Revenue is generated through procedure fees reimbursed by Medicare, private insurance, and commercial payers, with patient-paid premium upgrades (Precision Plan, dropless cataract surgery), hearing aid sales at The Hearing Institute, and CareCredit-financed patient payments supplementing the base. The go-to-market is referral- and relationship-led: primary care optometrists and self-referrals feed the patient funnel, on-site patient counselors guide procedure selection and financing, and the practice invests in community affiliations (Foundation Fighting Blindness, Leader Dogs for the Blind, Ronald McDonald House) and recognition by Indiana optometric bodies to reinforce regional brand equity.

Name

Cataract & Laser Institute

Legal name

Cataract & Laser Institute

Website

https://cataractandlaserinstitute.net

Company type

Private

Founded year

1992

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Cataract & Laser Institute is a private ophthalmology practice operating six owned clinics across Indiana and Ohio, providing surgical and medical eye care plus audiology services to adult patients and performing over 8,500 cataract surgeries annually.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Ophthalmology and Medical Eye Care Services

NAICS

Offices of Optometrists (621320)

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

Ophthalmology Surgery Centers (HLAFAIAF), Glaucoma Specialists (HLAKAKAG), Cornea, External Disease & Refractive Surgery (LASIK/PRK) (HLAKAKAF)

Keywords

• Ophthalmology services
• Cataract surgery
• Glaucoma treatment
• Corneal procedures
• Refractive surgery

Headquarters

HQ city

Fort Wayne

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Surgical Eye Care Services: Revenue generated from cataract surgery, laser treatments, corneal transplants, glaucoma surgery, and other ophthalmologic surgical procedures performed at clinic-based ambulatory surgery centers or local hospitals.
2. Medical Eye Care Services: Revenue from consultative medical eye care, diagnostic evaluations, OCT testing, glaucoma management, and therapeutic treatments provided at clinical facilities.
3. Insurance Reimbursement: Revenue from Medicare, private insurance, and commercial payers for medically necessary procedures. Cataract surgery is typically covered by insurance and Medicare, with the biggest costs (OR fees, anesthesia, nursing staff, supplies) covered by insurance.
4. Hearing Aid Sales and Services: Revenue from The Hearing Institute (Kokomo location) offering hearing aids, diagnostic testing, and related hearing services. Free comprehensive diagnostic testing is offered; hearing aid sales and financing provide revenue.
5. Patient Financing Services: Third-party financing through CareCredit enables patients to make monthly payments for unmet deductibles, co-pays, and costs not covered by insurance, expanding access to services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Cataract & Laser Institute is a multi-location ophthalmology and medical eye care practice that diagnoses and surgically treats cataracts, glaucoma, corneal disease, keratoconus, and refractive errors across six clinic and ambulatory surgery center locations in Indiana and Ohio. Its flagship offering is the Precision Plan laser-guided custom cataract procedure, with companion capabilities including dropless cataract surgery, DSAEK/DMEK corneal transplantation, iLink cross-linking, MIGS glaucoma surgery, vitreolysis and YAG laser treatments, Implantable Collamer Lenses, and co-located hearing services through The Hearing Institute in Kokomo.

Product overview

Cataract & Laser Institute is a healthcare provider offering a comprehensive range of ophthalmic and vision correction services across multiple locations in Indiana and Ohio. The organization's core offerings center around Precision Plan Cataract Procedures—a laser-guided, customized surgical approach that includes options for distance and near vision correction, as well as dropless cataract surgery using TriMoxi. The portfolio expands into corneal procedures (Penetrating Keratoplasty, DSAEK, DMEK, pterygium treatment), advanced glaucoma management (SLT, iStent, MIGS, ECP, OCT testing), therapeutic treatments (PROKERA, iLink corneal cross-linking), laser treatments (YAG capsulotomy, LPI, vitreolysis), refractive procedures (Implantable Collamer Lens), and an integrated hearing services division (The Hearing Institute). The practice serves patients through six locations and provides CareCredit financing options for uninsured costs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• The Hearing Institute: Full-integrated hearing services facility under Cataract & Laser Institute, offering comprehensive diagnostic testing and digital programmable hearing aids at the Kokomo location

Products and services

• Precision Plan Cataract Procedures Advanced laser-guided cataract surgery using precision measurement technology that allows surgeons to customize the procedure for each individual patient, with continuous intraoperative measurement and instantaneous eye calculations during surgery. Aimed at adult patients with cataracts seeking vision restoration or improvement.
• Dropless Cataract Surgery Innovative surgical technique using compounded triamcinolone acetone and moxifloxacin (TriMoxi) delivered transzonularly during cataract surgery, eliminating the need for post-operative eye drops and saving patients hundreds of dollars in out-of-pocket drop costs. For cataract surgery patients.
• Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK) Full thickness corneal transplant procedure that replaces all layers of a diseased cornea with clear, healthy donor tissue held in place by sutures. Indicated for patients with extensive corneal disease.
• Descemet's Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK) Partial thickness corneal transplant that selectively replaces only the diseased inner cell layer of the cornea through a small incision, leaving healthy areas intact and offering faster visual recovery than full thickness PK. For patients with endothelial corneal disease.
• Descemet's Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) Partial thickness corneal transplant technique that selectively replaces only the diseased inner layer of the cornea with minimal change to glasses prescription and faster visual recovery. For patients with Fuchs' dystrophy and endothelial disease.
• Pterygium Treatment Surgical removal of vascular growths on the corneal surface caused by sun exposure, reducing chronic eye redness and irritation and improving vision problems caused by pterygium. For patients with pterygium-related symptoms.
• iLink Corneal Cross-Linking FDA-approved minimally invasive outpatient procedure combining ultraviolet light and specially formulated eye drops to stiffen and strengthen corneas weakened by keratoconus or refractive surgery. Covered by over 95% of commercial insurance in the US. For keratoconus and ectasia patients.
• YAG Capsulotomy Laser treatment for restoring clear vision after cataract surgery when the posterior capsule becomes cloudy, using rapid bursts of laser energy to create an opening in the cloudy capsule. For post-cataract patients with posterior capsule opacification.
• Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) Laser procedure to prevent or treat narrow angle glaucoma by creating a small opening in the peripheral iris to improve fluid drainage and lower eye pressure. For patients at risk of or diagnosed with narrow angle glaucoma.
• Vitreolysis Non-invasive, pain-free laser treatment for eye floaters using nanosecond pulses of laser light to evaporate vitreous opacities and sever vitreous strands, eliminating visual disturbance caused by floaters. For patients bothered by symptomatic vitreous floaters.
• Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) Glaucoma treatment that lowers intraocular pressure by approximately 30% through laser application to the drainage angle of the eye. For patients with open-angle glaucoma.
• iStent Surgical Procedure Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery implant that creates a permanent bypass between the front of the eye and the natural drainage pathway to increase fluid flow and lower eye pressure in glaucoma patients. For glaucoma patients, often performed in combination with cataract surgery.
• Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) Glaucoma surgical procedure performed at the same time as cataract surgery to lower eye pressure with a safer, less invasive approach than traditional glaucoma surgery while preserving existing vision. For patients with coexisting cataract and glaucoma.
• Endoscopic Cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) Outpatient glaucoma treatment that uses laser on the ciliary body to reduce fluid production, applicable to open-angle and narrow-angle glaucoma. For glaucoma patients requiring pressure reduction.
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Testing Advanced imaging technology similar to CT/CAT scan used to detect and monitor glaucoma; can detect glaucoma up to 10 years earlier than other diagnostic means. CLI was the first in the region to acquire OCT testing. Diagnostic service for glaucoma screening and monitoring.
• PROKERA Therapeutic Device FDA-regulated therapeutic device made of amniotic membrane tissue clipped between two clear rings, used to protect, repair, and heal damaged eye surfaces with reduced scarring and inflammation. For patients with corneal and ocular surface disease.
• Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) FDA-approved refractive procedure for myopia (-3.0 to -20.0 D) and astigmatism (up to 4.0 D) using an additive vision correction approach that works in harmony with natural eyes without removing corneal tissue, with UV protection properties. 99% patient satisfaction in clinical trials. For patients seeking vision correction who are unsuitable for or prefer alternatives to LASIK.
• Medical Eye Care Services Comprehensive eye care including glaucoma care, therapeutic tissue treatments, retinal services, corneal care, and general ophthalmology consultations across six Indiana and Ohio clinic locations. For patients requiring medical, non-surgical ophthalmology services.
• The Hearing Institute Full-integrated hearing services offering free comprehensive diagnostic testing, digital programmable hearing aids across all price ranges, live demonstrations, and 30-day trial periods at the Kokomo, Indiana facility. Co-located with the eye clinic for vision and hearing patients.
• CareCredit Financing Healthcare financing option offered through CareCredit allowing patients to make monthly payments for procedures and out-of-pocket costs not covered by insurance, including deductibles and co-payments, with no-interest and extended payment plans available for hearing aids. For patients seeking financial flexibility for eye and hearing care services.

Quantifiable outcome

• 90% of patients who elect Distance and Near option do not need glasses after surgery
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature11 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered minor.

• Leader Dogs for the BlindminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCataract & Laser Institute is a proud partner of Leader Dogs for the Blind, raising awareness and funds for the organization's mission. Leader Dogs provides guide dog training, orientation and mobility training, and summer experience camp to meet mobility needs of clients at every stage of life.
• Foundation Fighting BlindnessminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCLI doctors and staff have raised over $300,000 for the Foundation Fighting Blindness through participation in Fort Wayne and Indianapolis Vision Walk events. The foundation drives research for preventions, treatments, and cures for retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration, Usher syndrome, and retinal degenerative diseases.
• Ronald McDonald House CharitiesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCLI doctors and staff volunteer at local Ronald McDonald House, supporting families of patients undergoing medical care.
• Indiana University School of Medicine (Faculty)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMultiple CLI doctors serve as volunteer faculty or clinical instructors at Indiana University School of Medicine Department of Ophthalmology, contributing to medical education and training.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• NVISION Eye Centers: National refractive and cataract surgery chain with surgeon-owned ASCs across the western U.S. Comparable for premium IOL, LASIK, and ICL service lines.
• Acuity Eye Group: California-based multi-specialty ophthalmology group with ASCs and integrated optical retail. Comparable mid-size platform combining cataract, glaucoma, and refractive services.
• Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center: Multi-location ophthalmology group in Arizona with cataract, glaucoma, cornea, and refractive offerings. Comparable as a regional full-service eye surgery platform with co-located optical retail.
• EyeCare Partners: PE-backed national ophthalmology and optometry platform operating ASCs across multiple states. Directly comparable as a multi-specialty eye-care group with significant cataract volume and physician-aligned acquisition strategy.
• TLC Laser Eye Centers: National refractive surgery brand offering LASIK and ICL procedures. Comparable for premium refractive up-sell and laser vision correction service line.
• Cincinnati Eye Institute: Multi-specialty ophthalmology group in the Ohio/Kentucky/Indiana region with cataract, cornea, glaucoma, and refractive services plus ASC operations. Closest geographic and service-mix comparable to CLI.
• Midwest Eye Institute: Indianapolis-based multi-specialty ophthalmology practice offering cataract, glaucoma, cornea, and oculoplastic services. Direct regional peer operating in the same Indiana market.
• Mann Eye Institute: Multi-location ophthalmology and LASIK practice in Texas offering cataract surgery, MIGS, corneal procedures, and hearing services. Comparable mid-size ASC-anchored eye care platform with similar service diversification.

Broad incumbents

• Mayo Clinic Department of Ophthalmology: Academic medical center offering comprehensive ophthalmology including complex cataract, cornea, and glaucoma surgery. Comparable as a regional competitor for complex-case referrals and subspecialty depth.

Emerging players

• Hoopes Vision: Independent refractive surgery center in Utah known for premium ICL and LASIK. Comparable as a single-market premium-procedure specialist with overlapping technology stack.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/cataractlaserinstitute
• Instagraminstagram.com/cataractandlaserinstitute
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cataract-laser-institute

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 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 Cataract & Laser Institute