Ken Arnold is a distinguished medical device executive whose career spans over two decades of groundbreaking work in laser technology, clinical innovation, and company transformation. As CEO and Co-founder of Precise Light Surgical, Ken raised $17 million in venture funding and led the development of a revolutionary microsurgical resection technology designed to eliminate unwanted tissue injury. From concept through early commercialization, he charted every aspect of the company’s trajectory—pioneering a new standard for precision surgery that spares healthy tissues, including nerves, and achieved global regulatory clearances in 10 specialties and 84 procedures.
Ken’s deep-rooted technical expertise and entrepreneurial drive were forged through years of leadership in both startups and turnaround environments. At Laserscope, as Vice President of R&D, he played a central role in a remarkable transformation of a troubled company. Under his leadership, the company’s internally developed GreenLight laser technology propelled revenue from $35 million to over $100 million, ultimately resulting in a $715 million cash acquisition. He oversaw the entire product development lifecycle—from concept to commercialization—securing high-value IP, driving manufacturing innovation, and building a culture of engineering excellence.
More recently, as Vice President of Engineering at Iridex, Ken applied his strategic vision to another high-impact turnaround. He championed a new clinical approach to glaucoma management using optimized transscleral laser energy delivery. His work led to significant improvements in clinical outcomes, multiple peer-reviewed publications, and commercial growth. Ken successfully led the integration of the TLMS acquisition and guided the launch of four laser systems across two platforms—all while navigating the unprecedented supply chain challenges of the COVID-19 era.
Across every stage of his career, Ken has demonstrated exceptional leadership in investor relations, product strategy, and technical execution. He is known for his ability to align teams, foster innovation, and deliver market-ready solutions that address real clinical needs. A hands-on leader and prolific inventor, Ken holds over a dozen issued patents and several pending applications in laser-tissue interaction, device systems, and surgical applications. His published research and upcoming contributions to scientific literature, including a book chapter on minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries, underscore his continued impact at the intersection of engineering and clinical science.
Ken holds an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of California, Davis, and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Nevada, Reno. Whether building companies from the ground up or revitalizing legacy platforms, he brings a rare blend of technical depth, business acumen, and patient-centered innovation. For Ken, success isn’t just about advancing technology—it’s about making it happen, improving lives, and leaving a lasting mark on healthcare.
Character
Ken Arnold is a driven and resilient leader who combines integrity, grit, and purpose to inspire teams and guide innovation from concept through commercialization. His commitment to improving patient outcomes and building companies that matter reflects a deep-rooted sense of responsibility and perseverance.
Knowledge
With over two decades of experience in laser technologies and medical device innovation, Ken possesses a rare depth of technical expertise, clinical understanding, and regulatory fluency. His portfolio of patents, scientific publications, and successful product launches highlights a mastery of both engineering complexity and market needs.
Strategic
Ken brings a clear strategic vision to every role, identifying transformative clinical opportunities and executing across fundraising, product development, and commercialization. His ability to drive turnarounds, scale startups, and align business goals with innovation has consistently delivered strong financial and clinical results.
Communication
Ken is a collaborative communicator who builds trust across investors, clinicians, engineers, and executive teams through clarity, transparency, and shared purpose. He excels at translating complex ideas into actionable strategies that unify teams and accelerate progress.
