Alcon's Latest Breakthrough Surgical Technology, Unity VCS, receives Health Canada approval

Globe and Mail

08-07-2025

Alcon, the global leader in eye care dedicated to helping people see brilliantly, today announced that UNITY ® Vitreoretinal Cataract System (VCS) has received Health Canada approval. This innovation is the first to be introduced from Alcon's highly anticipated Unity portfolio.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250708893871/en/
UNITY® Vitreoretinal Cataract System (VCS)
'Today marks an important day for Canadian ophthalmologists as we introduce the next generation of equipment solutions in cataract and vitreoretinal surgery, and we are grateful to those who helped us reach this milestone,' said Franck Leveiller, Head of Global R&D and Chief Scientific Officer, Alcon. 'We have a long legacy of engaging our customers throughout the research and development process to design bold innovations in ophthalmology. This approval is a significant milestone in delivering meaningful impact for Canadian Eye Care Professionals and patients.'
Unity VCS is Alcon's most advanced vitreoretinal and cataract surgical innovations combined together in one integrated platform. Unity VCS is designed to deliver enhanced workflow efficiencies over Alcon's current leading systems, CONSTELLATION ® Vision System for vitreoretinal and combined procedures, and CENTURION ® Vision System with ACTIVE SENTRY ® for cataract surgery.
"The first time I used Unity VCS in a wet lab environment, I had a real 'wow' reaction," said Dr. Rosa Braga-Mele, ophthalmologist and chair of Alcon's North America Cataract Core Advisory Board. "This is a proud moment to see the world-class innovation from Alcon receive approval in Canada. I'm particularly excited about the stability of the fluidics and cutting efficiency of the platform, which is quite remarkable and will create considerable surgical efficiencies."
Unity VCS leverages a novel phacoemulsification modality to deliver up to two times faster nucleus removal ^ with 40% less energy * into the eye 1, and a first-of-its-kind phaco handpiece that estimates temperature at the incision site 3. In vitreoretinal advancements, the new technology offers cutting speeds of up to 30,000 cuts per minute, the world's fastest vitrectomy probe #,2,3. The platform offers surgical stability and efficiency with a unique proprietary fluidics system 3.
"As a global market leader in cataract and retina surgical products 4,5,6, Alcon recognizes that the increasing demand for these procedures 7,8,9 necessitates enhanced workflow efficiencies and excellent patient outcomes," said Jeroen Bastemeijer, General Manager, Alcon Canada. "Unity VCS builds on Alcon's expertise in surgical equipment with pioneering innovations for vitreoretinal and cataract surgery—driving advancements from cutting speeds to fluidics management, to ergonomics and workflow. We are thrilled to bring this latest breakthrough technology, Unity VCS, to Canadian clinics in 2026."
Alcon has tested Unity VCS during investigational advisory wet lab sessions with more than 200 highly experienced surgeons from 30+ countries. Commercial launch of Unity VCS is expected in early 2026.
Unity VCS is the latest innovation from the Alcon Vision Suite—a portfolio of innovative products designed to help Eye Care Professionals increase clinic and OR efficiency, and deliver exceptional patient experiences. The Alcon Vision Suite will continue to grow with cutting-edge Unity products that are expected to be introduced over the coming years, adding to our market-leading legacy products, which will continue to be available and serviceable. Unity VCS will be supported by Alcon's training, product maintenance, and Services teams.
About Alcon
Alcon helps people see brilliantly. As the global leader in eye care with a heritage spanning over 75 years, we offer the broadest portfolio of products to enhance sight and improve people's lives. Our Surgical and Vision Care products touch the lives of more than 260 million people in over 140 countries each year living with conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases and refractive errors. Our more than 25,000 associates are enhancing the quality of life through innovative products, partnerships with Eye Care Professionals and programs that advance access to quality eye care. Learn more at www.alcon.ca.
About UNITY VCS
Indications / Intended Use 3: The UNITY ® VCS (Vitreoretinal Cataract System) console, when used with compatible devices, is indicated for use during anterior segment (i.e. phacoemulsification and removal of cataracts) and posterior segment (i.e. vitreoretinal) ophthalmic surgery. In addition, with the optional laser, this system is indicated for photocoagulation (i.e. vitreoretinal and macular pathologies), iridotomy and trabeculoplasty procedures.
Please refer to the Directions for Use for the accessories/consumables and User Manual for a complete listing of indications, warnings, cautions and notes.
^2x faster nucleus removal than OZIL Torsional phaco
*Based on N=10 HPs, Artificial cataract lens IOP 55 mmHg vacuum of 450 mmHg
# Compared to Constellation HYPERVIT 20k vitrectomy probe
OZIL - Trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
References
Alcon Data on File, 2024 - REF-24379.
Alcon Data on File, 2024 - REF-24644.
Unity VCS User Manual 2024 – REF-24980.
Market Scope 2023 Retinal Surgical Device Market Report, 2023.
Market Scope 2023 Cataract Surgical Equipment Market Report, 2023.
Market Scope 2024 IOL Market Report, 2024.
CNIB – Blindness in Canada, Accessed December 2, 2024 - REF-19527.
The Prevalence of Canadian Vision Loss and Cataract Surgery, 2019 - REF-01661.
Conference Board of Canada - Ophthalmology in Canada: Why Vision Loss Should Not Be Overlooked, 2020 - REF-10834.