Industry News
Rayner Expands Portfolio with Acquisition of Sophi Phaco Emulsification Machines
In a strategic move to bolster its position as a global leader in cataract surgery solutions, Rayner, renowned for its 114-year legacy in ophthalmic innovation, has officially inked a definitive agreement to acquire Swiss-based This AG, the pioneering force behind the innovative Sophi phaco emulsification machines.
Rayner, headquartered in Worthing, UK, has long been a trailblazer in the field of ophthalmology, holding the distinction of being the sole manufacturer of intraocular lenses in the UK. This milestone acquisition signals a transformative phase for Rayner as it diversifies its product portfolio to incorporate cutting-edge phaco technology.
Sophi, an acronym for Swiss Ophthalmology Innovation, represents a revolutionary leap in phaco technology, emphasizing mobility, simplicity, and safety within the operating theatre. Boasting advanced features such as triple pump fluidics, active IOP control, clean venturi, day cassette, cable-free power supply, and wireless communication, Sophi stands as a truly advanced surgical system.
Rayner's CEO, Tim Clover, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, "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. 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. I’m excited about their product range today, as well as what we will be planning together for tomorrow.”
Thomas Koeppel, Founder and CEO of Sophi, echoed these sentiments, saying, “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. 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.”
The acquisition is set to augment Rayner’s extensive range of high-quality products for cataract surgery, enabling the provision of a comprehensive offering that includes intraocular lenses (IOLs), ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVDs), eye drops, pharmaceuticals, digital tools, and single-use recyclable instruments. Already highly esteemed by medical professionals, Sophi is renowned for its ease of use, as noted by Dr. Erik L. Mertens, Founder and Medical Director of Medipolis Eye Centre, who remarked, “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. I have found its superior fluidics, ease of use and in-field support from the manufacturer to be highly differentiated.”
