scan optics
Scan Optics – Over 30 years of innovation in ophthalmic equipment
From local beginnings in Adelaide to global impact, delivering affordable, high-quality microscopes worldwide
Scan Optics – Our story
Established in 1987 in the vibrant city of Adelaide, South Australia, Scan Optics was born from the vision of our founder, Rod Watkins, who holds a Doctorate in Applied Optics. Rod noticed a gap in the market for low-cost, high-quality microscopes, particularly about blindness prevention in developing countries. This need led to extensive research and development, creating the first-ever table-mounted, highly portable ophthalmic microscope.
Passion for improving global eye care
With a passion for improving global eye care, we’ve spent over 30 years producing new microscopes annually, refining existing designs, and ensuring that our products meet the highest standards of performance and longevity. Today, Scan Optics products are used by healthcare professionals across 120 countries, from advanced hospitals to remote clinics and outreach programs in very challenging environments.
Highlights
Pioneers in affordable, high-quality ophthalmic microscopes.
Our mission
Scan Optics believe no patient, rich or poor, should ever miss out on quality eye care. We are committed to ensuring that every eye healthcare facility worldwide – even those in remote or under-resourced regions – has access to the best devices and technology. Our mission is to promote access to eye care and improve health outcomes by providing quality, easy-to-use microscopes at an affordable price point.
The Scan Optics timeline
1980s
- 1987: Scan Optics was established in Thebarton, Adelaide, South Australia, with a mission to develop and manufacture affordable ophthalmic equipment.
- Late 1980s: First table-mounted, highly portable ophthalmic microscope developed.
1990s
- 1994: Expanded operations, providing equipment to over 70 countries worldwide.
- 1995: Key involvement in the PNG Eyecare Project, supplying portable microscopes for cataract surgeries in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea.
- 1996: Awarded a $200,000 grant to develop a portable ENT microscope for use in developing countries.
- 1996: Optimisation of the manufacturing process, with assembly in Australia and optical components sourced globally.
2000s
- April 2000: Met stringent registration requirements for ophthalmic microscopes in China.
- 2002: Introduced the SO-5800 microscope in Africa, improving surgical precision in countries such as Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, and Zimbabwe.
- 2005: Over 932 eye surgeries performed at Maluti Adventist Hospital, facilitated by Scan Optics equipment.
- 2006: Product developments included a new optical head and upgraded power supplies to handle voltage fluctuations in areas with unstable electricity.
- 2006: Introduced the SO-2200 spectacle mounted BIO (based on the original Sola Schultz Crock design)
2010s
- June 2009: Launched the SO-5900 microscope with XY function, which became a flagship product.
- 2013: The SO-5800 microscope was donated to a hospital in Luang Prabang, Laos, as part of the Sight for All Foundation initiative.
- 2014: Continued product improvements, upgrading the SO-801 LED hand-held slit lamp and enhancing the SO-1700LED wet lab microscope.
- 2016: Brand new design and manufacture of the SO-2700 lightweight head mounted BIO introduced.
Privately owned South Australian company
As a proudly privately-owned South Australian company, we are committed to quality and innovation. All our design, build, and manufacturing take place at our Adelaide premises, ensuring superior quality control. This dedication to excellence allows our microscopes to perform reliably in both urban and remote environments.
Global impact
With a presence in over 120 countries, Scan Optics is committed to improving vision care worldwide. From rural clinics in developing nations to advanced hospitals in major urban centres, our products provide affordable, reliable solutions that help prevent blindness and restore vision. Through partnerships with humanitarian organisations and outreach programs, we ensure that advanced technology is accessible where it’s needed most.
A legacy of service and innovation
Rod Watkins’ vision and dedication to affordable, quality eye care remain the backbone of Scan Optics. His innovative approach has earned international recognition and continues to guide the company today. Our microscopes have been in service for over 20 years, providing incredible value and long-lasting performance in challenging environments.
We are committed to continuous improvement and constantly enhancing our products to ensure that every healthcare professional can rely on Scan Optics equipment for high-resolution imaging, durability, and versatility.
Our CEO – Anjula Thaper
Driving global impact through leadership and innovation
Anjula Thaper is the CEO of Scan Optics and brings a combination of expertise in business science to her leadership role. She holds a Masters degree in Chemistry (honours) and qualifications in Accounting and Business studies and has worked across many industries in diverse roles from teaching to accounting to high level financial administration.
Anjula joined Scan Optics in year 2000 initially working within the finance department of the company before gaining experience within sales, marketing and business operations. By the time she became CEO, Anjula had learnt developed a deep passion for improving eye care around the world. She believes Scan Optics plays a part in this mission by understanding customer needs and striving for product excellence.
Based in Adelaid, Anjula also enjoys reading, long walks in nature and cooking and also keeping in touch with loved ones who live all over the world.
Head of technical department – Gary Lowder
Leading Innovation at Scan Optics
Gary heads the technical department at Scan Optics and leads the technical team in developing new products and iterating on existing ones.
With a background in Industrial Design, Gary has worked at Scan Optics for over 25 years and has utilised his artistic and engineering skills to ensure his team is always innovating and keeping up with developments in the market.
With his in-depth knowledge of the industry and technical expertise, Gary has become a pivotal member of the Leadership Team and has created a best-in-class customer care and response process that has resulted on ongoing strong relationships.
Gary moved from the UK to Adelaide in the 90s and when he is not working Gary liked to follow F1 racing and Dakar Rally. He also enjoys spending time with his children and extended family who also live in Adelaide.
Why Choose Scan Optics?
Australian manufacturing excellence
Locally manufactured in Australia with rigorous quality control, from urban hospitals and city clinics to remote outreach programs in less developed countries.
Global reach and trusted performance
Used in over 120 countries, supporting healthcare professionals in diverse environments.
Built for challenging environments
Lightweight, portable, and reliable, with advanced optics and flexible power options.
Service and support
Over three decades of first-class after-sales service, with many customers still using microscopes purchased 20 years ago.
Low maintenance
Modular components allow for easy repairs and reduced downtime.
Global distribution network
Fast access to spare parts and technical support worldwide.
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.