Haag-Streit recently announced the global launch of two new ophthalmic devices to international commercial markets (including the United States): the Elara 900 slit lamp and the Refractor 900 digital phoropter.
Wait, weren’t these launches announced in September?
Indeed—both devices made their international debut at the European Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) 2025 annual meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark.
However, in the U.S.: The products will be showcased during this weekend’s 2025 American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) annual meeting.
Gotcha. Alrighty then—let’s start with Haag-Streit.
As a branch of the Swiss medical device manufacturer (Haag-Streit Group), the Ohio-based U.S. Haag-Streit USA offers ophthalmic products in categories such as general and specialty diagnostics to surgical microscopes and training simulators.
In fact, we’ve covered a few recent product launches this past year:
- A new integratable corneal map for the Lenstar 900
- The METIS 900 surgical control center (an ophthalmic microscope system)
And these newest products?
First up: the Elara 900.
What it is: A next-generation slit lamp that combines advanced optics, illumination, automation, and an ergonomic design—intended to modernize the ophthalmic exam workflow
And what does it offer clinicians?
Among the slit lamp’s features:
- A projector (P-Type) light source—in lieu of a standard bulb—to enable selectable color temperatures and more illumination modes
- Ideal for optimized visualization under various exam conditions
- Intelligent one-touch software “presets” for clinicians to customize exam settings
- Motorized height and magnification controls (for faster adjustments)
- Optional dual-camera setup for immersive 3D imaging (supporting more efficient documentation and record-keeping)
- Also includes 4K video captures for teaching and documentation
Where does the ergonomic design come in?
That would be in the form of inclined oculars, a (reported to be) spacious headrest for patients, as well as "ergonomically placed” controls to reduce physical strain and allow for a clinician to adopt a more natural posture during an exam.
- In the company’s words: This is ideal for “high-volume use without compromising clinical performance.”
Other components include: A “purpose-built” joystick and an intuitive touchscreen layout
Can I get a visual of this?
Take a virtual tour of the slit lamp.
Next up: the Refractor 900.
What it is: A digital phoropter designed to deliver rapid, accurate, and high-quality refraction.
What it comes with:
- Ultra-fast (120 ms) lens changes and a transparent lens carrier to reduce the patient’s eye accommodation
- Cross-cylinder function with Stokes technology
- Integrated video stream for real-time imaging of the eye
- This simplifies the cornea-to-vertex distance (VD) measurements (taken from the back surface of a corrective lens to the front of the cornea)
- Intuitive touchscreen interface and ergonomic button layout
What else does this offer?
The Refractor 900 allows clinicians to refine prescriptions by offering 1/8 diopter (D) increments in both sphere and cylinder—enabling close alignment for individual patient needs.
- It also features a wide aperture and short optical path to minimize tunnel vision and reduce any potential instrument myopia risk
Tell me more.
As the company noted, the phoropter “supports customizable refraction sequences, allowing practitioners to move efficiently through exams while maintaining full control.
Other capabilities: Electronic medical record (EMR) connectivity, multi-device compatibility, and control of vision testing tools (such as the Acuity Chart 900).
Nice! So, how (and where) can I learn more about adding these to my workflow?
Stop by the Haag-Streit booth (#1908) during AAO for a first look at both the Elara and Refractor 900 (among other new products).
- Otherwise, reach out to the company for pricing and availability.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting is taking place Oct. 18-20, 2025, in Orlando, Florida.