Ridley, together with John Pike of Rayner and John Holt of ICI, designed the first IOL. Rayner manufactured this first lens at its instrument workshop in Brighton, East Sussex. The first IOL operation was performed on a 45 year old woman at St Thomas’s Hospital in London on 29th November, 1949.

Download Harold Ridley and the Invention of the IOL

Rayner introduced the Choyce MkI, Peter Choyce’s modification of Strampelli’s anterior chamber lens design.

Rayner began work with Strampelli, Epstein, Joaquin Barraquer and Dannheim on their designs for posterior and anterior chamber lenses.

Work began with Binkhorst on his four-loop iris fixation design. Fyodorov’s modification of Binkhorst’s lens was also introduced during this decade. In 1965, Binkhorst’s two-loop design demonstrated the advantages of iridocapsular fixation following planned extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE).

The pioneering surgeons formed the Intraocular Implant Club (IIC) with Ridley as their first President and John Pike of Rayner as a founder member. In 1975 this became the International Intraocular Implant Club (IIIC) as the work of the pioneers became recognised worldwide.

The first, modern, posterior chamber lens design was developed with John L. Pearce. A joint venture and technology transfer agreement was made between Rayner and Coburn, USA permitting the Americans to manufacture IOLs.

• Rayner move to a new custom-built manufacturing laboratory in Hove, East Sussex.
• All Rayner manufactured products receive CE Mark approval.
• Rayner launch the Rayflex silicone foldable lens and Rayvisc , a sodium hyaluronate viscoelastic.
• Rayner introduce the Raysoft foldable hydrophilic acrylic lens.
• The proprietary Centerflex  (570H) design, an inventive Rayner lens featuring the unique Anti-Vaulting-Haptic technology, was launched in 1999. This would prove to be a major milestone for the company (see 2003)
• Rayner celebrate 50 years of implant design and manufacture.

AVH (Anti-Vaulting Haptic) Technology is unique to Rayner IOLs and offers superior centration and stability within the capsular bag leading to accurate, predictable and sustainable refractive outcomes.

The Amon-Apple enhanced square edge is another unique Rayner innovation and was designed in collaboration with the late Professor David J. Apple (Salt Lake City, USA) and Professor Michael Amon (Vienna, Austria).

Only Rayner injectable IOLs feature the Amon-Apple enhanced square edge which creates a continuous physical barrier to lenticular epithelial cell migration, the pre-cursor to posterior capsular opacification (PCO).

Rayner IOLs with the Amon-Apple enhanced square edge are noted for exceptionally low rates of PCO.

C-flex was the first Rayner IOL to incorporate both AVH Technology and the Amon-Apple enhanced square edge. Based on the original and very successful Centerflex design, which was introduced in 1999, C-flex remains one of the most implanted IOLs worldwide.

Superflex was introduced to give all the advantages of C-flex but with a larger optic (6.25 mm) and a longer overall length (12.50 mm). In addition to being anatomically suited to the larger myopic eye, the larger optic, coupled with the low silicone oil adherence of the Rayacryl material used in all Rayner IOLs, makes Superflex the ideal IOL for the vitreoretinal specialist.

The first Rayner injectable toric IOL was implanted by Gerd Auffarth (Heidelberg, Germany) on 4th April 2003. This lens was subsequently modified to become the Rayner T-flex Toric IOL, designed to offer a precise, superior alternative to incisional methods for the treatment of pre-exisiting corneal astigmatism.

With an exceptionally wide range of sphere and cylinder combinations, T-flex can also address the clinical needs of patients with severe astigmatism or patients with a history of corneal pathology.

The Rayner C-flex Aspheric and Superflex Aspheric IOLs both incorporate Rayner’s aberration neutral optic technology, offering optimal visual quality and functioning visual acuity in all lighting conditions.

Rayner M-flex Multifocal IOLs represent the latest generation of refractive multifocal IOLs and are indicated for the correction of presbyopia following cataract surgery or PRELEX. Based on Rayner’s unique multi-zoned refractive aspheric optic technology, M-flex Multifocal IOLs are associated with exceptional visual outcomes.

M-flex was first implanted on 31st August 2005 by Charles Claoué (London, UK).

The Rayner Single Use Soft-Tipped Injector is designed for the easy and controlled implantation of IOLs within the capsular bag.

Individually supplied with every Rayner IOL (as a “System Pack”) the Single Use Soft-Tipped Injector offers a safe and cost-effective method for implanting all Rayner hydrophilic IOLs.

The Rayner C-flex Aspheric and Superflex Aspheric IOLs both incorporate Rayner’s aberration neutral optic technology, offering optimal visual quality and functioning visual acuity in all lighting conditions.

With advanced IOL design and modern surgical techniques, an exact refractive result following cataract surgery with implantation of an IOL is a reasonable expectation. However, even the most careful biometry and surgery can result in a less than optimal patient outcome. Rayner Sulcoflex Pseudophakic Supplementary IOLs, invented by Professor Michael Amon (Vienna, Austria), are indicated for the correction of any post-operative residual refractive errors, without the trauma, or increased surgical risk, of an IOL exchange.

Rayner’s C-flex Aspheric 970C with aberration neutral optic technology gains FDA approval and is now available in the US market, in addition to Rayner’s spherical monofocal IOL the 570C (see 2007).

Standard multifocal IOLs are often associated with sub-optimal results in patients with significant corneal astigmatism. With Rayner M-flex T Multifocal Toric IOLs, the combination of the multifocal and toric optical components of T-flex and M-flex allows the benefit of reduced spectacle dependence to be extended to those patients.

M-flex T, the world’s first multifocal toric IOL, was implanted by Gerd Auffarth (Heidelberg, Germany) on 28th June 2006.

In 2009, Rayner was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise, which recognises sustained international trade in overseas markets and growing commercial success. This award placed the company among the most successful businesses in the United Kingdom.

In 2009, the original T-flex IOL (2005) underwent a design update with aspheric technology added to the optical surface, and the T-flex Aspheric toric IOL was launched.

Rayner’s aberration-neutral aspheric technology on the T-flex Aspheric IOL provides improved contrast sensitivity and visual acuity when compared with spherical optics, whilst offering up to 50% more depth of field than aberration-negative aspheric optics by retaining the patient’s natural level of positive corneal spherical aberration.

Designed for use with the Rayner’s C-flex range of IOLs (570C and 970C), RaySert assures ease of use with controlled delivery through a convenient single-handed injection system. With RaySert surgeons can perform cataract surgery using wound assisted technique through a small surgical incision, enhancing patient comfort and recovery.

RaySert was launched on April 11th 2010 at the ASCRS Symposium on Cataract, IOL, and Refractive Surgery in Boston.

The C-flex Advance Aspheric combines all the clinically proven benefits of the aberration-neutral C-flex Aspheric IOL, with a mini incision and a preloaded IOL delivery system that eliminates handling of the acrylic lens in Theatre. It also helps reduce the chances of IOL damage or contamination and allows for a Surgically Induced Astigmatism neutral implantation through an incision size of 2.2 mm or 2.4 mm into the bag. C-flex Advance Aspheric is available in power range +8.0 D to +34.0 D in 0.5 D increments.

Rayner’s C-flex Aspheric 970C with aberration neutral optic technology gains FDA approval and is now available in the US market, in addition to Rayner’s spherical monofocal IOL the 570C (see 2007).

RaySert PLUSis Rayner’s newest single use injector, and delivers the C-flex Aspheric or Superflex Aspheric through a 2.2 mm mini incision.

The first implant using the new RaySert PLUS injector was successfully delivered through a 2.2 mm incision by Allon Barsam in the UK on the 14th March, 2014.

In March, 2014 Rayner completed a significant step forward in its strategic approach to building a greater European market presence.

With the 2014 ESCRS Congress being held in Rayner’s home country it was the perfect opportunity to do something special. Having manufactured the world’s first IOL in 1949, Rayner decided to mark this event by sponsoring (and curating) the Birth of the IOL Museum, which was housed in an original 1950’s London Routemaster bus.

Rayner’s RaySert PLUS mini incision injector was launched into the US market at the 2014 AAO in Chicago following its clearance for sale by the FDA.

RaySert PLUS allows US surgeons to deliver the C-flex Aspheric IOL (970C) through a 2.2 mm clear corneal wound assisted incision.

On March 7th 2016, Rayner launched a new OVD – Ophteis FR Pro. Ophteis FR Pro with sorbitol is a revolution in OVDs, protecting the corneal endothelium from free radical energy caused by phaco emulsification.

Aside from its unique free radical scavenging qualities, Ophteis FR Pro does everything a surgeon demands from an OVD and more. The addition of sorbitol enables the OVD to perform as a visco-cohesive, providing excellent all-round performance at every stage of surgery. It is stable in the anterior chamber during phaco, providing superior chamber maintenance. What’s more, it doesn’t require refrigeration, so it’s ready to go when you are.

In 2016, Rayner transferred its global headquarters to The Ridley Innovation Centre, our new £20 million R&D, training and production facility in Worthing, West Sussex. This state of the art, dedicated intraocular lens (IOL) production facility has the capability of manufacturing 3 million intraocular lenses each year.

The new centre was also designed with the surgeon at its heart to enable training, education and research. Featuring a wet lab, library, training facilities and even a museum on the history of the IOL, this enables Rayner to engage and partner surgeons and academics in new product development.

On the 6th July 2016, Rayner announced its direct entry into the Italian cataract market.

The entire Rayner IOL and injector portfolio, available in Italy for the last 20 years via independent distributors is now available through Rayner Italia Srl.

Simonetta Morselli MD, San Bassano Hospital, Italy, commented “We are very pleased that Rayner has entered the Italian market. Rayner has a strong heritage in developing the world’s first IOL, and we are excited about the opportunity to work directly with them”.

The entire Rayner IOL and injector portfolio, available in Spain for the last 20 years via our independent distributor Rayner Iberica SA., is now available through our wholly owned subsidiary, Rayner Surgical S.L.

Spain’s strategic importance

Not only is Spain the 5th largest cataract market in Europe (by volume), it also has the highest percentage conversion to premium IOLs worldwide. It is strategically important that we strengthen our relationships and work more closely with surgeons in such highly refractive markets, as we build towards the launch of our trifocal technology.

“I would like to warmly welcome Rayner to Spain. With closer access to their latest technology, I am confident there will be an improvement of intraocular lenses, which will ultimately translate to greater patient satisfaction” said Elena Barraquer, Medical Director Barraquer Clinic, commenting on the achievement.

Following the receipt of CE mark approval, Rayner announced the launch of RayOne: our fully preloaded IOL injection system, unveiled at the 2016 ESCRS in Copenhagen.

RayOne offers the following features and benefits:

• Lens and injector designed as one to enable the smallest fully preloaded IOL incision
• Enhanced 6.0 mm optic, retaining proven stability and optical performance of existing platform
• One system for all patients with the largest fully preloaded power range (-10 to +34 D)

RayOne offers an injector which delivers the IOL consistently, with expert control, through a micro incision with minimal wound stretch, including patented Lock & Roll technology for the smallest fully preloaded IOL incision.

Following on from their European expansion in 2016 — direct entry into the Italian cataract market and direct entry into the Spanish cataract market — Rayner announced its direct entry into the Portuguese cataract market.

Based out of Porto, the entire Rayner IOL & injector portfolio, previously available through a network of distributors, will now be available through Rayner Surgical S.L. (Portugal).

Rayner announced its investment into the US market with the establishment of a dedicated subsidiary, ‘Rayner Surgical Inc.’ Based out of New York, Rayner Surgical Inc. will provide US specific marketing, regulatory, commercial and research functions to Rayner. From its offices at 100 Park Avenue, NYC, Rayner Surgical Inc. will actively promote and support the growth and development of Rayner’s business in the US.

What does this mean for US surgeons?

A new, physical US presence will strengthen Rayner’s relationships with US surgeons, universities and key opinion leaders (KOLs), generating valuable collaborative partnerships and identifying new opportunities in IOL design and innovation. Where clinical studies in the US are required, Rayner Surgical Inc. will lead in identifying suitable providers, investigators and investigation sites and in study design and management. The highest levels of customer service and greater knowledge of customer requirements is expected to lead to an exciting new IOL product pipeline for the American market, contributing to improvements in visual outcomes for clinicians and patients.

Rayner are announced the launch of the newest member of the RayOne family of preloaded IOLs: the RayOne Trifocal, to be unveiled at the upcoming 2017 ESCRS conference in Lisbon.

The most advanced lens design Rayner has ever produced.

Based on the proven, high performance Rayner ‘closed loop’ platform, the new diffractive technology of the RayOne Trifocal is the result of several years of development in partnership with a leading European Research Centre using advanced vision simulation technology. The resultant new patented diffractive trifocal profile reduces light loss to an industry leading 11% and provides a smooth transition for the patient from near to intermediate and distance vision.

Built on the clinically-proven Rayner Primary IOL Platform, the 600C Aspheric is a hydrophilic acrylic aspheric monofocal IOL with Rayner’s Amon-Apple 360° Enhanced Square Edge. Rayner’s global 6.0 mm lens design now offers US surgeons a sub-2.2 mm incision IOL for minimal wound damage and surgically-induced astigmatism (SIA), whilst retaining the optical performance of its predecessor, the Rayner C-flex.

On 22nd May 2018, Rayner’s first hydrophobic acrylic IOL was granted European CE Mark. RayOne Hydrophobic extends the RayOne family of fully preloaded IOL systems with a brand new proprietary hydrophobic material and patented Cornerstone lens design. Using our high performance hydrophilic RayOne  system as a foundation, RayOne  Hydrophobic has been designed so that surgeons can offer patients excellent visual outcomes whilst still being user friendly in the operating room. The first post-CE Mark implantation of RayOne Hydrophobic was performed by esteemed surgeon, Professor Thomas Kohnen, at the Goethe University Frankfurt in Germany on 24th May 2018.

At the 2018 ESCRS in Vienna, Austria, Rayner launched the new, CE marked Sulcoflex Trifocal Pseudophakic Supplementary IOL.

Rayner’s most technologically advanced IOL

The Sulcoflex Trifocal combines Rayner’s pseudophakic supplementary Sulcoflex platform — designed to be implanted in the ciliary sulcus and with over 10 years of successful outcomes — with the patented trifocal optic technology of the recently launched RayOne Trifocal IOL.

The World’s First bilateral Duet Sulcoflex Trifocal implantation was performed by Professor Michael Amon — inventor of the Sulcoflex IOL Family (developed in collaboration with Rayner R&D) — at the Hospital of St. John, Vienna, Austria on the 31st July 2018.

Recently published research states that up to 75% of cataract patients suffer from dry eye (1). That’s why we created AEON, new surgery-specific eye drop family designed to support visual outcomes and patient satisfaction.

At Rayner, we understand the challenges that your patients can experience – AEON products were created specifically to help with ocular surface disease, before and after surgery. As you’d expect, all AEON products are preservative and
phosphate free (2).

1. EuroTimes Supplement February 2019: ‘Diagnosing and Treating Ocular Surface Disease in Surgical Patients’.
2. AEON PROTECT is preservative free on contact with the eye.

For a surgeon, the most important thing
is the long-term outcome and satisfaction of their patients.

The first of its kind, RayPRO is a mobile and web-based digital platform that collects insightful Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs) over three years.

RayPRO is free for all users of Rayner IOLs.

With the launch of RayOne Trifocal Toric, Rayner now offers the most complete family of trifocal IOLs in the industry, allowing surgeons to treat an even wider range of presbyopic patients.

With industry-leading 11% light loss from its patented diffractive design, RayOne Trifocal Toric gives cataract patients with varying degrees of preoperative corneal astigmatism the opportunity to become spectacle independent.

RayOne Trifocal Toric complements RayOne Trifocal, launched at ESCRS 2017, which has since gained worldwide praise from surgeons for its predictive refractive outcomes combined with easy-to-use fully preloaded injector.

October 2020 marked the launch of RayOne EMV: a new fully preloaded non-diffractive IOL solution designed specifically to enhance patient outcomes achieved with monovision. Developed in collaboration with Professor Graham Barrett, president of the Australasian Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons, RayOne EMV uniquely extends a patient’s range of vision with a patented non-diffractive aspheric optic profile. RayOne EMV is a cost-effective solution for patients wanting a level of spectacle independence above standard monofocal IOLs and when trifocal IOLs may be cost prohibitive or there are concerns about dysphotopsia.

Through serving the Canadian cataract market directly, surgeons can expect new opportunities for training, feedback, and additional focus on unique platforms like RayPRO. Rayner Surgical Corp will build a network of key opinion leaders (KOLs) within Canada, generating valuable collaborative partnerships and identifying new opportunities in IOL design and innovation. Dr Davin Johnson, Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, commented: “Rayner’s direct entry into Canada is an exciting development for Canadian Ophthalmologists. Rayner offers an extensive diversity of high quality IOLs that is unparalleled in the degree of customization and extended range availability. I especially look forward to trialling Rayner’s line of presbyopia correcting IOLs in early 2021.

In March 2021, RayOne EMV joined RayOne Aspheric as an FDA approved product for use in the United States. RayOne EMV is a cost-effective solution for patients when diffractive IOLs may be cost prohibitive or if there are concerns about dysphotopsia. “Following approval of our RayOne and RayPRO platforms in 2019 we have been steadily increasing our investment in the USA to be one of our most important markets worldwide. The approval of RayOne EMV is important as it allows surgeons to offer patients a new option which has been tried and tested in thousands of patients around the world” stated Tim Clover, Rayner CEO.

In April 2021, Rayner was successfully awarded Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status by HM Revenue & Customs. AEO status is an internationally recognised quality mark indicating that Rayner’s role in the international supply chain is secure and that its customs controls and procedures are efficient and compliant.

In May 2021, the RayOne Aspheric fully preloaded Intraocular Lens (IOL) injection system was approved by the Chinese regulator, National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), and became available for commercial use in China. The NMPA granted regulatory approval and sale of the 6.0 mm RayOne Aspheric (RAO600C) monofocal IOL for the full power range from -10.0 D to +34.0 D. Professor Zhu Siquan, Director of Ophthalmology Department, Beijing Tongren Hospital: “Renowned for its ease of use, the availability of RayOne Aspheric is an exciting development for ophthalmologists in China. I have been a long-time user of the C-flex Aspheric IOL and have high confidence in Rayner’s latest innovation living up to its reputation for performance and outcomes. I am very much looking forward to offering RayOne Aspheric to my patients.”

In June 2021, Rayner acquired its exclusive Indian distributor, Surgicon. The acquisition enables Rayner to rapidly bring its strong pipeline of innovative intraocular lenses (IOLs), ophthalmic viscoelastic devices (OVDs) and dry eye drop solutions to surgeons and patients across India, and further develop its global presence. Surgicon has been Rayner’s trusted partner in India for over thirty years. Following the acquisition, Rayner plans to invest in the local commercial operation to significantly enhance sales and marketing resources, and to expand its portfolio of technology available to Indian surgeons.

Rayner and Omeros Corporation announce the transfer of Omeros’ ophthalmology assets, including OMIDRIA^TM, to Rayner.

Rayner has entered into a commercial partnership with Brussels-based medical device company HASA OPTIX, a leading manufacturer of high-quality, recyclable single use ophthalmic surgical instruments and instrument sets. Rayner CEO, Tim Clover, said: “Partnering with HASA OPTIX means that we can assist ophthalmologists with an additional part of the surgical procedure and further supports our mission of being focussed on providing the best visual outcomes for clinicians and patients.”

RayOne EMV Toric is the awaited toric variant of Rayner’s popular RayOne EMV enhanced monofocal IOL that was developed in collaboration with world-renowned surgeon, Professor Graham Barrett.
Rayner CEO, Tim Clover remarked:
“Since launching RayOne EMV in 2020, one of the most frequent questions asked to me by surgeons has been ‘when will be the toric version be available?’. RayOne EMV Toric is the latest premium lens in our ever-growing portfolio, supporting our mission to offer the very best visual outcomes for surgeons and their patients.”

Sophi (Swiss Ophthalmology Innovation) is an innovative phaco technology providing mobility, simplicity, and safety within the operating theatre.
Tim Clover, Rayner CEO, said: “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.”

RayOne Galaxy and RayOne Galaxy Toric, the world’s first spiral IOLs, launch at the ESCRS 2024 congress in Barcelona. The RayOne Galaxy spiral IOL platform delivers a continuous full range of vision with minimised dysphotopsia, achieved through a non-diffractive optic with 0% light loss. Rayner partnered with a leading ophthalmologist, Dr João Lyra from Brazil, to develop this innovative full range of vision IOL and the first designed with the support of artificial intelligence.