How does a global powerhouse in ophthalmic medical devices amplify its innovation and efficiency? For BVI Medical, the answer lies in Kraków, Poland. This strategic move to establish a Centre of Excellence in a burgeoning European hub is already yielding significant results, demonstrating the power of smart expansion and a focus on exceptional talent. Let’s explore how BVI Medical built this engine of progress.
As a worldwide leader in ophthalmic medical devices operating in over 90 countries, BVI Medical understands the power of innovation. Since its founding in 1932 in the U.S., the company has maintained an unwavering commitment to improving vision outcomes and advancing patient care through cutting-edge solutions. Its recent decision to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Poland perfectly exemplifies this forward-thinking approach.
“Opening our Poland location marks a significant milestone for BVI Medical. The expertise and fresh perspectives cultivated by our team here will be instrumental in driving impactful process improvements and enabling us to achieve greater operational efficiency on a global scale.”
— Todd Patriacca, CFO, BVI Medical
The Challenge: Building Excellence from the Ground Up
When BVI Medical developed its global expansion strategy, Kraków emerged as an ideal location. However, launching a Centre of Excellence from scratch presented several significant challenges:
- Recruiting exceptional talent across diverse functions including finance, HR, customer operations, and regulatory affairs
- Transferring global responsibilities without disrupting existing operations
- Successfully navigating Polish labor laws while effectively managing costs
The Solution: Partnering for Strategic Success
To overcome these challenges, BVI Medical formed a strategic alliance with a workforce solutions provider known for its innovative crowd staffing model. This partnership allowed BVI Medical to leverage Poland’s compelling advantages:
- Access to a highly skilled, multilingual workforce ready to adapt to new challenges
- Entry into an established business services hub with proven infrastructure
- A cost-effective, scalable HR environment conducive to sustainable growth
Through this collaborative approach, BVI Medical successfully:
- Recruited over 50 qualified specialists across key business functions within just 18 months
- Implemented compliant, end-to-end employment solutions, including payroll management and adherence to local labor regulations
- Transitioned personnel from outsourced roles to full-time, in-house positions, strengthening organizational alignment and long-term engagement
“The caliber of talent we’ve attracted in Poland is truly outstanding, and their contributions are already making an immediate and significant positive impact on our global operations.”
— Andy Dawson, CPO, BVI Medical
The Results: A Foundation for Global Growth
The Kraków Centre of Excellence has quickly become a transformative asset for BVI Medical:
- Successfully integrated over 50 new hires across critical departments including finance, HR, customer operations, regulatory affairs, and quality assurance
- Continued recruitment for strategic leadership positions to further strengthen the CoE
- Achieved substantial operational cost savings alongside measurable improvements in process efficiency
- Established a robust talent pipeline supporting both regional and global growth initiatives
More than just a regional office, the Kraków CoE has rapidly evolved into a vital engine driving innovation, enhancing performance, and extending BVI Medical’s global impact.

The Takeaway
BVI Medical’s success story in Poland highlights the powerful combination of strategic global expansion, effective partnerships, and unwavering commitment to talent. As the company continues to grow, its investment in people and process excellence ensures its continued leadership in ophthalmic care innovation.
For organizations considering international expansion, the lesson is clear: while location matters, your strategic approach and choice of partners are even more crucial determinants of success.