The purpose of the company is to conduct basic and translational research and services in the health sciences, particularly to promote the understanding of the functions and diseases of the human eye, to treat degenerative changes and to provide therapy for visual impairments and blindness. The company may establish subsidiaries and branches, as well as participate in other companies. The company may acquire, hold, encumber and dispose of business properties and intellectual property rights. The company may also engage in all commercial, financial and other activities that are directly or indirectly related to the purpose of the company. The company may grant loans and other direct or indirect financing to group companies and third parties, including its (direct and indirect) shareholders and their group companies, and provide security of all kinds for their liabilities, including by way of pledges on or fiduciary transfers of the company's assets or guarantees of any kind, whether paid or unpaid.