ORANGE COUNTY, Calif.—TearClear Corp., an early-stage, eye health technology company, reported Tuesday that it completed a Series A financing round that generated proceeds of $4.5 million. Visionary Venture Fund and Bluestem Capital were the co-leaders of the funding round, according to the announcement.

The financing will provide sufficient capital to advance development of TearClear’s filter technology, which the start-up says is the first and only system to “assure the safe delivery of a preservative-free drop from preserved, multi-dose products.” TearClear is focused on developing a safe and reliable means of delivering preservative-free topical ophthalmic drugs, the company says.

In addition, the company announced that it has assembled an accomplished team of ophthalmology veterans to drive development of its filter technology. William Link, who has significant executive and investment expertise in ophthalmology, has been appointed to the board of directors, according to this week’s announcement.

In addition, TearClear said its leadership team is comprised of several leaders in ophthalmic product development, medical practice and chemical manufacturing.

They are:
• Rick Heinick, chairman, brings both entrepreneurial and corporate expertise through previous experience as chief executive of early-stage ophthalmic businesses and executive vice president at Bausch + Lomb.
• Kevin Hershfield, chief executive officer, formerly led chemical manufacturing and distribution businesses supporting medical and industrial markets.
• Richard D’Souza, formerly at Bausch + Lomb as the head of R&D, has been appointed chief science and technology officer.
• Howard Golub, MD, founder and CEO of multiple medical diagnostic companies, has been named head of clinical development.