ZEISS nominated for German Future Prize 2025 with breakthrough SMILE and VISUMAX eye surgery technology

Nominated for the German Future Prize (Deutscher Zukunftspreis) 2025 (from left to right): Dirk Mühlhoff, Dr. Mark Bischoff und Dr. Gregor Stobrawa.

(IN BRIEF) ZEISS Medical Technology has been nominated for the German Future Prize 2025 for its development of SMILE® with VISUMAX®, a minimally invasive laser procedure for correcting refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. The technology has been adopted in over 80 countries, with more than 12 million treatments performed globally, securing ZEISS’s leadership in laser vision correction. With over 300 employees working at its Jena and Berlin sites, ZEISS continues to advance innovation in ophthalmology. The German Future Prize, one of Germany’s most prestigious awards for science and technology, will be presented in November by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

(PRESS RELEASE) JENA, 18-Sep-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — ZEISS Medical Technology has been nominated for the German Future Prize 2025 for its breakthrough in minimally invasive refractive surgery. The development team, led by Dr. Mark Bischoff, Dr. Gregor Stobrawa, and Dirk Mühlhoff, created SMILE® with VISUMAX®, a laser-based technology that is transforming vision correction worldwide.

The innovation combines a femtosecond laser, advanced optics, and precise computer control to enable laser vision correction in a single system. By producing ultrashort light pulses inside the cornea, the VISUMAX® system isolates a tiny lens-shaped piece of tissue, known as a lenticule, which is removed through a two-millimeter incision. The procedure allows surgeons to correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism with high precision while preserving the corneal surface. Patients benefit from faster healing and reduced invasiveness compared to traditional methods.

“Being nominated for this award is a great honor for our team,” said Dr. Mark Bischoff. “Our mission has always been to develop solutions that empower surgeons to deliver outstanding outcomes safely and reliably, helping millions of people worldwide enjoy clear vision without glasses or contact lenses.”

SMILE has reshaped refractive surgery since its European approval following ten years of research and clinical development. Today, it is performed in more than 80 countries, with over 12 million procedures carried out globally. The technology has secured ZEISS’s position as the market leader in laser vision correction, with revenues exceeding half a billion euros annually. Over 300 employees at ZEISS facilities in Jena and Berlin contribute to the production and continuous advancement of these systems and consumables.

“Our repeated recognition by the German Future Prize reflects ZEISS’s innovative strength and long-term commitment to advancing medical technology,” said Maximilian Foerst, President and CEO of Carl Zeiss Meditec AG. “SMILE demonstrates how science and engineering can set new standards in healthcare, offering patients worldwide minimally invasive and lasting solutions.”

The German Future Prize – the Federal President’s Award for Innovation in Science and Technology – has recognized outstanding contributions to engineering, life sciences, and software development since 1997. ZEISS Medical Technology was previously nominated in 2020, and its second nomination highlights the enduring impact of its innovations. The 2025 winner will be announced by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on 19 November in Berlin.

Media Contacts:

Sebastian Frericks
Head of Group Finance & Investor Relations
Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
+49 3641 220 116
investors.med@zeiss.com

Carl Zeiss Meditec AG (ISIN: DE0005313704), which is listed on the MDAX and TecDAX of the German stock exchange, is one of the world’s leading medical technology companies. The Company supplies innovative technologies and application-oriented solutions designed to help doctors improve the quality of life of their patients. The Company offers complete solutions, including implants and consumables, to diagnose and treat eye diseases. The Company creates innovative visualization solutions in the field of microsurgery. With 5,730 employees worldwide, the Group generated revenue of €2,066.1m in fiscal year 2023/24 (to 30 September).

The Group’s head office is located in Jena, Germany, and it has subsidiaries in Germany and abroad; more than 50 percent of its employees are based in the USA, Japan, Spain and France. The Center for Application and Research (CARIn) in Bangalore, India and the Carl Zeiss Innovations Center for Research and Development in Shanghai, China, strengthen the Company’s presence in these rapidly developing economies. Around 39 percent of Carl Zeiss Meditec AG’s shares are in free float. Approx. 59 percent are held by Carl Zeiss AG, one of the world’s leading groups in the optical and optoelectronic industries.

For more information visit our website at www.zeiss.com/med

Source: ZEISS