FOUNDED: 1989 by Bill Link
OC SIGNIFICANCE: Initially started research on a pharmaceutical that could help the cornea heal. After that clinical trial failed, switched to surgical tools. That decision eventually led to Chiron Vision becoming the first corporate player to develop a market for the revolutionary surgery called Lasik. Sold to Bausch and Lomb in 1998 for $300M.
LEGACY LEADERSHIP: Link, who had previously sold American Medical Optics to Allergan, went on to become legendary investor in ophthalmology. Has founded or invested in at least 29 companies, including Glaukos, which has a $7.7B market cap, and Tarsus, which has $2.7B market cap. Along with Allergan’s Gavin Herbert, is widely considered father of the ophthalmology industry in Orange County.
QUOTABLE: “We built it into a nice business.” – Bill Link
