The company is focused on advancing its intelligent connected vision platform, particularly through the development of smart contact lenses equipped with adaptive optics and sensors.

Azalea Vision, a health tech startup based in Ghent, has successfully raised €9 million as part of its €15 million Series A funding round.

These smart lenses are designed for a variety of applications, ranging from vision correction to biosensing and diagnostics, highlighting their potential impact on ocular health.

In March 2025, Azalea secured a €2.5 million grant from the European Innovation Council to collaborate with researchers in Spain on integrating graphene-based electrodes into their smart lenses.

Dempsey previously led Shire’s ophthalmic business, overseeing the launch of Xiidra, a significant product in the ophthalmic market valued at over $1 billion.

Robert J. Dempsey has been appointed as the Chairman of the Board, bringing over 30 years of experience in the eyecare industry to guide the company's strategic growth.

To further its clinical trials and initiate commercialization, Azalea Vision aims to secure approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE).

Recently, Azalea completed the first on-eye test of its innovative 'ALMA' lens, which offers a non-surgical solution for vision issues such as keratoconus and presbyopia.

The ALMA lens features an embedded diaphragm that modulates light entry, enhancing both vision adaptation and depth-of-focus capabilities.

CEO Enrique Vega expressed gratitude for the strong support from existing investors, including SPRIM Global Investments and Afrimobility, and noted the addition of a strategic investor.

The funding from the Series A round will support a 'first-in-human' clinical trial to assess the safety and performance of the smart lenses.

Azalea Vision plans to raise an additional €6 million in its Series A funding round to enhance the integration of advanced sensing technology in its contact lenses.