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Ciliatech, a medtech company specialized in ophthalmology, is developing a new class of implant to address the increasing need to treat glaucoma durably and with very minimal adverse effects. This new standard in treating glaucoma is effectively safer, more efficient and longer lasting than any options available for patients today.
The co-founders, Dr. Philippe Sourdille and Olivier Benoit, first became acquainted 20 years ago. During this time, they have worked together on several inspiring projects around innovations in surgical ophthalmology. So, when Philippe approached Olivier in 2017 to present his new concept of a glaucoma implant, the two quite naturally began collaborating on it. Olivier found Philippe’s implant design truly original and brilliant.
It was apparent that the advantages for both surgeons and patients were strong and crystal clear; these were further made evident following “Cypass’s voluntary withdrawal from the market because of ECL concerns”, according to Olivier. With the market demand for safe and effective devices growing, along with the strength of their knowledge and complementary skills, all lights were green. The two decided to create Ciliatech to advance the invention and bring it to the hands of surgeons.
About Dr. Philippe Sourdille
Co-founder and Medical Director
Dr. Philippe Sourdille has dedicated his entire 50+ year career to ophthalmology. First, leading studies in trabeculotomy in congenital glaucoma and pioneering intraocular lens implants in Europe, he then went on to conduct outstanding research on preventing PCO (Posterior Capsule Opacification) and post-surgical inflammation. Over the course of his career, he has accumulated vast experience in various glaucoma surgical approaches, including trabeculectomy, ab interno excimer lasers, visco-canalostomy and deep sclerectomy.
Among his achievements, Philippe invented, patented and developed, in collaboration with Cornéal (France), a crosslinked hyaluronic acid for deep sclerectomy; this has been used worldwide and has 27 references in Medline. Philippe has held pivotal roles within the clinical field. These include serving as chairman of the ‘Clinique Sourdille’ for 20+ years and as president of the Implant Society for five years. In addition, Philippe was one of founders of ESCRS (the European Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons), where he was a board member, and president between 1993-1995. He was also a founder of the clinical research symposia. During this period, and until 2005, he became an editorial board member of the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, a preeminent peer-reviewed monthly ophthalmology journal that publishes high-quality articles on all aspects of anterior segment surgery. Since 1980, Philippe has engaged in collaborations in France with Moria, Cornéal and Cristalens; as well as Croma-Pharma in Austria and Medicontur in Hungary.
He received the “Grand Medal of Merit” from the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ESCRS) Ridley Medal Committee, and he is an “Honoured Guest” of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS).
Philippe holds 14 patents in ophthalmology. He is a contributor to Ocular Surgery News, Ophthalmology News, EuroTimes, The Ophthalmologist and CRS Today and continues to be a key figure at international conferences and symposiums.
About Olivier Benoit
Co-founder and CEO
Olivier Benoit, CEO of Ciliatech, has 25 years’ of experience in medtech, spanning managerial roles in manufacturing, operations, technical development, sales and marketing, QA and regulatory affairs, and product and business development. After holding R&D and manufacturing responsibilities at an intraocular lens manufacturer, in 2003 Olivier founded his first company, in Geneva, dedicated to Hyaluronic Acid transformation and active in aesthetic medicine, osteoarthritis and surgical ophthalmology including glaucoma. In 2013, as CEO, he developed another medtech company, a role he held until 2016. In 2017, Olivier joined co-founder Philippe Sourdille to create Ciliatech, focusing on the development of medical devices for surgical ophthalmology and glaucoma surgery.
Olivier earned a degree in industrial engineering from INSA, Lyon, France, in 1997.
178 Route de Cran Gevrier PAE Altaïs, C/O PEPINIERE GALILEO 74650 Chavanod – France
