UPDATE: In a surprising turn of events, STAAR Surgical Company (NASDAQ: STAA) has just announced that it did not garner the necessary stockholder votes to approve its merger agreement with Alcon. This critical announcement was made following the Special Meeting of Stockholders held earlier today in Lake Forest, California.
The preliminary estimates from STAAR’s proxy solicitor indicate a significant shortfall in support for the merger, which was anticipated to reshape the landscape of vision correction technologies. This merger held the promise of expanding STAAR’s influence in the global market, particularly with its innovative EVO family of Implantable Collamer® Lenses (EVO ICLTM).
The failure to secure the required votes not only impacts STAAR’s strategic direction but also raises questions about the future of the company’s growth prospects. Stockholders had been hoping for a boost in value through the merger, but the rejection of this agreement signifies a setback for those invested in STAAR’s vision correction advancements.
With the meeting taking place on January 6, 2026, industry analysts are now examining the implications of this decision. The merger’s collapse could lead to increased volatility in STAAR’s stock price and may trigger a review of its current business strategies.
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