STAAR Surgical Names Stephen Farrell as CEO

STAAR Surgical, has appointed Stephen C. Farrell, lead independent director of the company’s board, as its new CEO. Current STAAR president and CEO Tom Frinzi will stay with the company in an advisory role through January 2026.

Farrell touts over two decades as both a CEO and CFO of global healthcare businesses. He was CEO of Convey Health Solutions, a technology-enabled healthcare business process outsourcer, from 2011 to February 2024. The company was acquired by TPG Capital in 2022.

Previously, he was president of PolyMedica, a provider of diabetes supplies that was acquired by Medco Health Solutions in 2007.

“I am excited to join STAAR as CEO at this critical time,” said Farrell. “We have a best-in-class product, a strong network of surgeons, and a clear path to continued market share gains in a market that we expect to grow substantially over time. I have long believed in the advantages of the EVO ICL and its potential to transform refractive surgery. The building blocks for STAAR’s success are in place, and I will be looking at opportunities for improvement, optimization, and efficiency. Although the past few years have been challenging for our business and our investors, we are well positioned to deliver strong returns as the refractive surgery market stabilizes and resumes its historic growth. I look forward to working with STAAR team members and customers around the world as we continue to deliver upon our promise to be the first choice for surgeons and patients seeking visual freedom.”

“It has been an honor to lead STAAR these last two years,” added outgoing CEO Frinzi. “We have steadily advanced the company’s clinical and commercial capabilities and increased the awareness of the EVO ICL throughout the world. I am proud of what we have accomplished at STAAR, and I thank all of our employees for their hard work and dedication. I look forward to supporting Steve and the team, helping to ensure a smooth leadership transition, and continuing to collaborate with ophthalmologists to further drive EVO ICL adoption.”