Advising Placid0 on its acquisition by eyecare brand WALDO

We have advised Placid0 on its acquisition by innovative eyecare brand, WALDO. Placid0 has created EASY, an eye assessment system mobile application, details of which WALDO has now unveiled. The technology addresses all aspects of eye health: vision, quality of life, and objective assessments of eye function.

Placid0 created Easy led by Dr Darius Moshfeghi, head of the retina division at Stanford University School of Medicine, and Dr Zach Bodnar, a Stanford-trained retina specialist.

The acquisition is the next step in WALDO’s movement to make eyecare an essential part of everyday life, with both companies and the app focused on closing the data gap between patients and their eye care professionals.

This app-based connectivity strengthens WALDO’s role within the eye care system, working closely with optometrists, eye doctors and in-store opticians. Now, in addition to their contacts, blue light glasses and hydration drops, and the doctor partnership program, WALDO is providing a product that will objectively measure the cornea through a mobile device, without relying on the patient or the use of heavy and expensive equipment.

In addition, the mobile platform reinforces WALDO’s mission to end avoidable blindness by working with relevant partners and charities to revolutionize the industry.

Commenting on the transaction, corporate partner Ross McNaughton said: "We are delighted to have advised Placid0 on its acquisition by WALDO. Placid0 has developed some fascinating technology that is set to transform the eye-care industry and we look forward to watching the enlarged group grow in strength from here."

Dr Darius Moshfeghi from Placid0 added: “WALDO is a champion of positive vision, seeing and creating a better future for the eye care industry. With their distribution and established network, we are excited to unveil our mobile technology and connect consumers and eye care professionals without friction. We are thankful to Ross, Oli and the Taylor Wessing team for delivering an exceptional service and providing innovative, commercial advice throughout."

The team was led by Ross McNaughton with support from Oli Denne, Adrian Toutoungi, Loye Oyedotun, Grant Wellcome and Sarah Parkin.