Since the end of the Second Empire, five generations of the Chibret family have shared a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for research and ophthalmology. The history of Théa is thus closely intertwined with that of the Chibret family, which has left a significant mark on this medical field.
Our history
The history of Théa
The origins of Laboratoires Théa
Laboratoires Théa, founded in 1994 in Clermont-Ferrand, is rooted in a long family history dedicated to eye health that began in 1871. It all started with Paul Chibret (1844-1911).
After losing his sight due to an eye disease, he devoted his life to ophthalmology. He became a doctor and inventor, creating tools to better diagnose vision problems and offer solutions.
In 1883, Paul founded the Société Française d’Ophtalmologie (SFO) to share his knowledge. His nephew, Henry Chibret (1876-1943), a pharmacist, joined him in this endeavor.
In 1902, they opened a laboratory in Clermont-Ferrand, where they developed their first eye treatments, such as ointments and drops, thus giving birth to Laboratoires Chibret.
This passion for eye health continues to guide Laboratoires Théa today.
A family of entrepreneurs
Their successor, Jean Chibret (1915-1989) transformed Laboratoires Chibret into an international leader in ophthalmology after World War II, establishing a strong presence in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
He implemented an extensive research and development structure, the largest of its time, and expanded the range of eye drops and ointments within twenty years. This tradition of knowledge sharing also began with Jean and his brother René, as they established the Institut Chibret, the world's largest ophthalmology documentation center.
In 1969, he partnered with the American laboratories MSD, which chose Clermont-Ferrand as its research center. His younger son, Jacques Chibret (1941-1989), founded Biophysic Medical in 1974, developing Europe's first argon laser and the YAG laser for secondary cataracts.
In the 1980s, Biophysic joined forces with Synthelabo Biomedical, becoming the world leader in ophthalmic ultrasound and the second-largest in lasers. Revolutionary medical imaging machines were manufactured in Clermont-Ferrand and marketed worldwide.
The birth of Laboratoires Théa
Advancements in ocular health continue with Henri Chibret, the eldest son of Jean Chibret, who founded Transphyto in 1976, the first French R&D start-up to develop medical innovations in the pharmaceutical field.
Transphyto was responsible for several major contributions, including the first carbomer-based gel for dry eye, an antihistamine, and a gel for treating herpes. Henri quickly added a commercial arm to his start-up, leading to the birth of Théa. He set three objectives: to accelerate research efforts, to continue the company’s international development, and to prepare his nephew for leadership.
With a background in business, Jean-Frédéric Chibret became the President of Théa in 2008, while his uncle remained at the head of Théa Holding. Jean-Frédéric places great importance on the training of young eye care professionals and accelerates international expansion, research efforts, modernizes production sites, and initiates the Fondation Théa in 2012 and Théa Open Innovation in 2019.
Théa is a unique company thanks to a family partnership that continues to prioritize innovation.