Phacoemulsification (phaco) is the preferred standard of care in cataract surgery. However, in low- to middle-income countries, access to this technology is affected by the lack of training and limited purchasing power.
To increase access to phaco, Alcon provides skills development through our Phaco Development (PD) Program, where a dedicated team of 200+ phaco development specialists supports surgeon training in Russia, China, India, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Nepal. Since the inception of the PD program, we enrolled more than 4,000 doctors in our ongoing core and advanced PD programs. These doctors have performed approximately five million phaco procedures over the lifetime of the program.
The program has now expanded to build capabilities in additional critical ophthalmic disease areas, including vitreoretinal surgery, glaucoma, astigmatism, and presbyopia management. The program’s goal is to build a foundation for a higher standard of care in ophthalmology, making eye care accessible to more people.
In addition to skills training, Alcon also develops products to address the specific needs of certain developing markets. In 2019, Alcon introduced the LEGION system to help fill the gap in access to phacoemulsification surgery. This affordable system brings some of the advanced features of the CENTURION system, combined with greater serviceability, durability, and portability to developing markets. LEGION’s breakthrough design rivals the surgical performance of premium machines at a lower per use cost, and it has opened the door to new cataract markets around the world. First launched in India, LEGION has received significant enthusiasm among surgeons.
By recognizing global population health dynamics and applying thoughtful innovation, Alcon can serve a broader range of patients in countries where costs inhibit access to quality eye care.
