Nidek Co. Ltd. has unveiled a new open-field binocular refraction system to its arsenal of ophthalmic equipment technology.
Dubbed the PHANTOM, the product is being showcased during the international MIDO Eyewear 2026 show in Milan, Italy, this weekend.
It’s been a minute since we’ve heard from this company …
Indeed it has, particularly from the Japanese manufacturer’s U.S.-based arm.
In fact, other than moving its U.S. headquarters from California to Texas last year, the company has not rolled out any new products stateside.
- See here for our last coverage (from late 2024).
Alrighty then—let’s hear about its newest launch.
The PHANTOM Open-field Refraction System is designed to provide a “comfortable and highly accurate” exam under natural viewing conditions.
How: Via a lens-free, open-field approach, in which the system uses a virtual (instead of physical) lens to correct refractive errors for both objective and subjective refractions.
- This virtual lens essentially simulates the same optical properties as a real lens.
Explain the mechanics of how the system works.
Each refraction can be performed at a testing distance specified by an eyecare provider (ECP)—without needing to move physical charts.
As for the chart: An image will appear to float in space, enabling patients to undergo testing while also maintaining a natural forward gaze.
And during each refraction?
For objective refractions, the system reportedly delivers “highly accurate results in a visual setting that closely resembles everyday life” by utilizing open-field testing to minimize:
- Instrument myopia
- Accommodative instability
- Pupil size fluctuations
For subjective refractions: Under binocular viewing conditions, the PHANTOM’s testing ensures “well-balanced measurements between both eyes to produce values closely matching the final prescription.”
How does automation play a role?
The system automatically adjusts sphere, cylinder, and axis—all based on a patient’s responses.
And does that translate to faster exam times?
Indeed it does. An examination should take less than 5 minutes.
According to NIDEK, this is based on PHANTOM’s aforementioned “high measurement accuracy” that not only reduces final checks but also improves patient throughput.
- This is aided by the system's intuitive touchscreen and on-screen guidance.
Can we get a visual of what it looks like?
Check out NIDEK’s international page for those details (but take note: the company emphasized that specifications may vary by country).
So is the PHANTOM commercially available in the United States?
Reportedly so, yes. That’s based on the refraction system being listed in the FDA’s Global Unique Device Identification Database (GUDID).
- To note: This database is reserved as a reference catalog for medical devices sold in the United States with a unique device identifier (UDI)
Per the GUDID: The PHANTOM is in commercial distribution across the country under the classification as a(n):
- Automated ophthalmic refractometer
- Vision testing / training chart
Nice! And if I’m interested in learning more or purchasing this … who should I contact?
Reach out to NIDEK for more product information.
For U.S. customers only: Get in touch with the company’s U.S. operations to discuss availability and pricing.