scan optics
Globally trusted manufacturer of ophthalmic & surgical microscopes
Ophthalmic equipment built in Australia, export to over 120 countries
Designed for durability, portability, and low maintenance it is deal for remote and rural vision care worldwide
Easy ordering & worldwide shipping
Learn more 
Scan Optics helping restore vision worldwide
Scan Optics, based in Adelaide, South Australia, has been a trusted manufacturer of ophthalmic surgical microscopes and ophthalmoscopes since 1987. With a commitment to reducing preventable blindness, our products are designed to provide durable, portable, and low-maintenance solutions to improve eye health outcomes in the most challenging environments. We are committed to our role in diagnostics and treatment, ensuring that all our customers, no matter where they are, can rely on our high-quality technology.
Australian manufacturing
Locally owned, designed, manufactured, assembled and operated in Australia.
Global impact
We are trusted by eye care professionals across more than 120 countries worldwide.
Reducing preventable blindness
Globally, there are more than 250 million people with seriously impaired vision who are at great risk of becoming blind. About seventy per cent of these cases are due to cataract – which is eminently curable – but because most cases are in developing countries, they don’t get the treatment they need.
Our mission is to deliver ophthalmic equipment to help restore vision in remote and under resourced regions producing equipment to reduce preventable suffering around the world.
Global export to international markets
As an Adelaide-based manufacturer of ophthalmic surgical microscopes, Scan Optics exports a significant portion of its products worldwide. We promote accessible and high-quality eye care, from remote outreach clinics in developing nations to specialised eye care centres in major urban hospitals. With a strong focus on innovative yet cost-effective technology, we ensure that our solutions are financially responsible while improving vision care globally where it is most needed.
Four main usage areas across international markets
Healthcare facilities with limited access to high-end technology
Outreach programs and mobile clinics
Philanthropic and donor-funded programs
Teaching and training hospitals
Why Choose Scan Optics?
Australian manufacturing excellence
All Scan Optics products are locally manufactured in Australia, ensuring quality control and robust design for urban and remote environments.
Global reach and trusted performance
With over 120 countries, Scan Optics’ ophthalmic equipment is relied upon by healthcare professionals in hospitals and clinics worldwide, offering reliable solutions in diverse conditions. Our customers are an inspiring bunch of people, who are working very hard to reduce the unnecessary suffering that cataract blindness can cause. We maintain close contact with them, listen carefully to what their needs are, and develop products to fill those needs.
Built for challenging environments
Microscopes are lightweight and portable, with flexible power sources, high-resolution imaging, and durable LED lighting, designed for top performance in even the most extreme environments.
Service and support
We offer best-in-class after-sales service, with customers still using microscopes purchased over 20 years ago. Our dedicated team will provide full technical support online anytime of the year.
Low maintenance
Scan Optics’ products are engineered with modular components, allowing quick and straightforward repairs, even in remote settings. This design reduces the need for frequent technical interventions, ensuring your equipment remains operational longer.
Key benefits of Scan Optics manufactured ophthalmic surgical microscopes
Option of portability
In many rural areas, the operating room is not permanent, and the equipment is moved in for the surgical sessions.
12 volt battery operation
In many rural areas, mains power is not reliable. Most Scan Optics microscopes provide the ability to operate from a car battery. The microscope can be operated from mains power with a car battery connected, and if the mains power fails the car battery comes in automatically.
Mould protection in all optical heads
Many operating rooms in rural areas of tropical countries are not air conditioned or are air conditioned only during surgical sessions. At other times the temperature and humidity can be high, and mould can destroy optical surfaces within a few days if not protected.
Rust and corrosion proof
Because of the possibility of high temperatures and humidity between operating sessions, there is a strong possibility of rust and corrosion of microscope components. In most microscopes, a large number of parts are made of mild steel which is painted or plated. No parts of Scan Optics microscopes are made of mild steel. All parts are made of stainless steel, non-ferrous metal or engineering grade plastics.
Robustness and low maintenance requirement
Servicing of equipment is often inconvenient in rural areas, and it is particularly important that portable equipment should be robust to reduce the service requirements.
High-resolution optical imaging
Featuring Olympus optics for precise, crystal-clear visuals for cataract detailed surgeries.
Fully portable
Lightweight microscopes with protective cases for easy transportation across different locations.
LED lighting
Provides constant, bright illumination for enhanced visibility.
Climate proof
Operates effectively in various conditions, with moisture and mould control for climates ranging from 10-35°C.
Smooth & easy to operate
Choice of hands-free or manual focus and zoom, ensuring flexibility in different procedures.
Quick setup
From case to surgery in under 15 minutes, it is perfect for mobile clinics and fast-paced environments.
Flexible power source
It can be powered by mains electricity or a 12V battery, ensuring operation even in remote areas with unstable power.
Scan Optics manufactures ophthalmic surgical microscopes and indirect ophthalmoscopes to help reduce preventable blindness throughout the world.
Featured Scan Optics products
Ophthalmic Microscopes
High-resolution, portable microscopes designed for precision surgeries, built for use in urban hospitals and remote clinics.
Indirect ophthalmoscopes
Delivering detailed retinal imaging with a durable, easy-to-use design, ideal for various clinical settings.
Slit lamps
Essential for anterior segment imaging, providing high-quality diagnostics for eye care professionals.
See our video about our innovative ophthalmoscope and contact us about your interest.
FDA and TGA approvals and ISO-9001 quality certificate
Scan Optics products are accredited by both the FDA (Food & Drug Administration, USA) and the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Association, Australia). These certifications assure that all ophthalmic surgical microscopes and imaging equipment meet the highest international standards for safety and quality and are confidently used by healthcare providers in hospitals and clinics worldwide.
FDA Approved: Ensures compliance with stringent U.S. healthcare regulations.
TGA Accredited: Recognised for safety and efficacy across Australia.
Innovation and legacy in ophthalmic equipment
Scan Optics made a real impact in the market as the first company to develop a robust, fully portable optical microscope back in 1987. This innovation was a game changer as it meant surgeons could now travel, fully equipped to remote communities to provide life-changing ophthalmic surgeries. Lightweight and easy to set up, Scan Optics portable microscopes quickly became a market leader due to the advanced surgical quality imaging and ease of use. With many of our ophthalmic microscopes in service, in the field for over 20 years, you can be assured that when you invest in a Scan Optics product, it’s been built to last a lifetime.
Advancing portable solutions
Healthcare facilities with limited access to high-end technology
Legacy of reliability
Our products still in use after 20+ years.
Continual innovation
We are meeting the evolving demands of global eye care.
Interested to learn more?
Vision and clarity for surgical precision
Light, magnification and optical quality are the two crucial elements needed for ophthalmic surgery. All Scan Optics products are hand-crafted to exacting quality standards and built with performance and clarity in mind. All our microscopes use LED technology as a continual light source, and our lenses, prisms, and filters are carefully selected to provide surgeons with crystal-clear imagery to assist in the early detection of abnormal pathology. Scan Optics covers all your ophthalmic imaging needs with a choice of manual or automatic focus and zoom, hands-free operation, and video capture: flexible power source, long-life & climate-proof.
LED lighting
Provides consistent illumination for detailed visibility.
Optical precision
Advanced lenses and prisms ensure sharp, clear imaging for precise surgeries.
Hands-free or manual operation
Options for automatic focus, zoom, and video capture.
Optimised solutions for every eye care professional
Explore how Scan Optics can support your practice or service. Find out how we can help you achieve the highest standards of care.
For ophthalmologists
Advanced surgical equipment for precision procedures
For optometrists
Reliable equipment for everyday eye care
For technicians
Maintenance-friendly equipment for global products
Excellent customer service & support
Scan Optics prides itself on offering first-class customer service. With over thirty years in the business, our customer service team is highly knowledgeable and supports clients worldwide. We have covered all your optical imaging needs with a rapid turnaround on all orders, full technical support and advice, and a substantial spare parts catalogue to service even our earliest models.
Easy ordering & worldwide shipping
Dedicated and responsive, our expert customer service team are only an email or phone call away. Whether it’s a new product pricing enquiry, an order or technical advice on spare parts, we will get you your products and answer fast. Email or call us, and we can order and ship your ophthalmic microscopes, slit lamp, surgical lights or ophthalmoscopes directly to you, no matter where you are based in the world.