
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.
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.
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 80 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
With her education in business and science (chemistry master’s with honours accounting and business studies), Anjula’s role as CEO of Scan Optics is the perfect intersection of her skill set and interests.
Born and raised in India before moving to Kenya for ten years and then to Australia in 1990, Anjula spent a large portion of her career as an accountant and started working for Scan Optics in 2000 in business administration and accounting.
Customer satisfaction
Anjula progressed through the business and worked in several functions, including in the sales and marketing teams. By the time she became CEO, Anjula had amassed years of experience and her knowledge of Scan Optics customers, and their needs has made the business what it is today. She’s passionate about helping each and every customer and is actively involved with all aspects of the business. Blindness prevention around the world is a matter close to her heart, and that’s why nothing makes her happier than the satisfaction of her customers and their patients.
Living and working in Adelaide
Anjula lives in Adelaide and when she’s not at work, she loves to cook delicious food, go for long walks exploring the beautiful city of Adelaide, and she always finds times to keep in touch with her family and friends around the world.
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 80 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.