Alcon’s Unity VCS combined cataract and vitreoretinal technology platform is being trialled at Wellington’s Bowen Hospital.

Developed over 10 years and unveiled for the first time at the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) conference at the end of 2024, New Zealand is among the first countries to have the new technology, said Alcon.

Bowen Hospital ophthalmologist Dr Neil Avery said the dual-function platform is a game-changer. “This is a major step forward for eyecare. For patients it means quicker procedures with greater safety and comfort and faster recovery, while for surgeons it means improved control and stability that streamlines procedures and delivers consistently exceptional results.”

Unity VCS leverages a novel phacoemulsification modality allowing better stability and faster nucleus removal, using 40% less energy in the eye, while the vitreoretinal system also offers speeds of up to 30,000 cuts per minute, said Alcon’s country manager and head of surgical ANZ Penny Stewart at the RANZCO 2024 launch.

“Effectively, the new system removes the cataract more quickly via more efficient cataract removal technology and greater fluidic controls on the eye,” said Dr Avery.

Bowen Hospital is the first hospital in New Zealand to use the system, joining leading medical facilities from Europe, Japan and Australia in trialling the new technology, said Alcon.