Nikon Snaps Up Retinal Imaging Firm Optos for $400 Million

Japanese camera and optics giant Nikon has acquired Optos, a maker of retinal diagnostics, for approximately $400 million, in what is Nikon’s first foray into the medical technology sector.

Nikon said the deal will allow it to leverage its optical technologies for healthcare uses, creating new opportunities in product development. In particular, the agreement gives Nikon a platform to expand into the regenerative medical field, by combining Optos’ retinal imaging technology with its expertise in optics, the company said.

Optos’ technology provides digital images of about 82 percent of the entire retina in a single capture, reducing the time required to diagnose retinal problems, Nikon said.

The deal is expected to close by the second quarter of this year, after court and antitrust approvals are received. — Kellen Owings