California-based startup PowerVision announced Friday that Medtronic (NYSE:MDT) has become a strategic investor in a $24.7 million funding round that included other investors.
As a result of the investment, Medtronic’s Dr. Stephen Oesterle, senior vice president, medicine and technology at Medtronic, will serve as an observer on the board of PowerVision, an ophthalmology company.
PowerVision is developing an “accommodating intraocular lens” that aims to restore a person’s ability to adjust focus to see things far and nearby and everything in between. The technology is designed to mimic a normal, functioning lens.
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“As the population ages, addressing patient needs in ophthalmology will continue to be extremely important,” said Oesterle, in a news release. “We’re excited to be involved in this novel technology.”
Other investors were Venrock, Advanced Technology Ventures, Frazier Healthcare Ventures and Panorama Capital.
A Medtronic spokesman did not immediately return an email query about the amount of Medtronic’s investment.