Svjetlost Eye Clinic launches the international STELLAR clinical study

A study across seven countries will follow the outcomes of a new surface laser vision correction method.

Svjetlost Eye Clinic is the sponsor of STELLAR, an international clinical study that will systematically follow the outcomes of transepithelial lenticule removal (TLR). TLR is a new laser method for correcting myopia and astigmatism, also known by its commercial name, EASE. The study will be conducted at up to seven ophthalmology centres in Europe, Asia and South America, and Svjetlost Eye Clinic is the centre that is launching and coordinating it.

A new generation of surface laser surgery

TLR combines the precision of lenticular surgery with a surface approach. The SCHWIND ATOS femtosecond laser shapes a lenticule just beneath the surface of the cornea. The lenticule is then removed in a single piece, with no corneal flap and no excimer laser. This makes the method particularly interesting for patients for whom a surface procedure is recommended.

Dr Ivan Gabrić is one of the first surgeons in the world to perform this procedure. He presented his experience with the method in September 2026 at the 44th Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) in London.

Data from real-world clinical practice

STELLAR is a prospective, multicentre observational study. It does not compare TLR with other methods and does not introduce any new procedures. Its aim is to describe the results the method achieves in everyday practice, across different clinics and patient populations. The study will include up to 350 patients, or approximately 700 eyes, and each patient will be followed for up to 12 months after surgery.

What will be measured

Researchers will record:

• uncorrected and corrected visual acuity,
• the accuracy of refractive correction,
• how quickly the corneal surface heals,
• the occurrence of corneal haze,
• quality of vision and contrast sensitivity,
• patient experience and satisfaction.

Particular attention will be paid to the safety of the procedure and the stability of results over time.

Treatment remains in the doctor’s hands

Taking part in the study does not affect treatment decisions. Patients who choose TLR as part of their routine care can consent to data from their regular follow-up examinations being used for research. The study involves no additional examinations or procedures. It is conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and the principles of Good Clinical Practice, and patient data are protected under applicable regulations.

Continuing a research tradition

STELLAR builds on Svjetlost Eye Clinic’s long-standing scientific work in lenticular refractive surgery. The clinic’s team has published a series of papers in international journals, including the first European results of the SmartSight method and one-year outcomes in more than 2,500 treated eyes. The results of the STELLAR study are expected to provide valuable data for surgeons worldwide and to support the further development and refinement of the method.