STAAR Surgical Names Warren Foust as Permanent CEO

STAAR Surgical has appointed Warren Foust as president and CEO following an extensive board search. He took office on August 4.

Foust has served as interim co-CEO, president, and chief operating officer (COO) since February 2026. He joined STAAR in April 2023 and has been the company’s president and COO since March 2025.

Deborah Andrews, who served as interim co-CEO beside Foust since February, will become executive VP and continue in her role as CFO.

Earlier this year, the Lake Forest, Calif.-based company announced that its EVO/EVO+ Visian Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICL) are now suitable for patients aged 21 to 60, under an expanded indication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Comments from STAAR Surgical execs

Neal Bradsher, board chair: “After a rigorous global search, it is clear that Warren is the right leader to take STAAR forward. He brings exceptional judgment, operational discipline, and a clear focus on change and innovation. His genuine connection to our mission and people, along with his vision for the surgeons and patients we serve, position him to deliver sustainable, long-term value for shareholders, and the Board looks forward to what STAAR will achieve under his leadership. We also want to recognize Deborah Andrews—her leadership as Interim Co-CEO was exemplary, and we’re delighted she continues in an expanded role as EVP and CFO.”

Foust: “I’m honored by the Board’s confidence and excited to get to work. STAAR is defining the future of refractive surgery—leading the industry shift from corneal tissue ablation to preservation, with more than four million lenses sold, eighty-five countries served, thirty years of proven safety and efficacy, and consistent EVO share gains globally. With half the world projected to be myopic by 2050, our market opportunity continues to compound.

We have just completed the strongest first half in our Company’s history, marked by robust year-over-year growth, increasing profitability, and accelerating market share momentum. Our sequential growth in China — without inventory accumulation — reflects continued share gains, the success of our EVO+ launch, and favorable ASP tailwinds from an improving product mix. Over time, our innovation agenda will transform STAAR into a multi-product company and expand our global scale. We have the right technology, the right team, and a compelling long-term opportunity. This is only the beginning.”

Andrews: “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve alongside Warren as Co-CEO during this important period of transition. I have seen firsthand his leadership qualities, his commitment to our people, and his clarity of vision for STAAR’s future. I look forward to continuing to serve as CFO and to serving in my new role as EVP, as well as to continuing to work closely with Warren as he leads our company into its next chapter.”