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Rayner announces acquisition of Swiss Ophthalmology Innovation
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Swiss Ophthalmology Innovation (Sophi) is a phaco technology providing mobility, simplicity, and safety within the operating field.
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Rayner Group has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Swiss-based This AG, the inventor, developer and manufacturer of Sophi phaco emulsification machines.
According to a news release, Rayner remains the only manufacturer of intraocular lenses in the UK.1 The company noted the acquisition will allow it to expand to include phaco technology as part of its product portfolio.
Sophi (Swiss Ophthalmology Innovation) is a phaco technology providing mobility, simplicity, and safety within the operating field. With features including triple pump fluidics, active IOP control, clean venturi and day cassette, cable free power supply and wireless communication, Sophi offers an advanced surgical system.
Tim Clover, Rayner CEO, noted in the news release the phaco machine plays a central role in cataract surgery.
“At Rayner we aspire to launch the highest quality products, inspired by surgeons and driven by science,” Clover said in the news release. “Sophi shares this vision, and their machines are truly differentiated with breakthrough technology combined with stunning design which makes them such a good fit for Rayner.”
Clover concluded that he is “excited about their product range today, as well as what we will be planning together for tomorrow.”
Thomas Koeppel, founder and CEO of Sophi, lauded the agreement in the news release.
“Sophi was created by viewing things from a completely new perspective; to redefine the requirements of a perfect phaco system by focusing on the point of view of the surgeon and their team,” he said in the news release. “We saw the same philosophy in Rayner and are excited to combine in order to offer Sophi through an expanded commercial team and to accelerate our innovation projects.”
Moreover, Rayner noted in the news release the acquisition will enhance its breadth of products for cataract surgery, enabling provision of a full offering also encompassing IOLs, OVDs, eye drops, pharmaceuticals, digital tools, and single-use recyclable instruments. As the newcomer to the Rayner product portfolio, Sophi comes highly regarded by medical professionals. Erik L. Mertens, MD, FEBO, PCEO, FWCRS, founder and medical director of Medipolis Eye Centre, commended it for its ease of use.
"Sophi has been my primary phaco machine for the last 3 years and I would highly recommend it to fellow high-volume premium cataract and refractive surgeons,” Mertens said in the release. “I have found its superior fluidics, ease of use and in-field support from the manufacturer to be highly differentiated.”
The acquisition closed on 17 January, according to the news release.
