Alcon’s Latest Breakthrough Surgical Technology, Unity VCS, Receives Health Canada Approval

Alcon 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.

“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.”

Advanced Technology Delivers Enhanced Surgical Capabilities

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 eye¹, and a first-of-its-kind phaco handpiece that estimates temperature at the incision site³. 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 system³.

Market Leadership and Future Expansion Plans

“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.

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

1. _{Alcon Data on File, 2024 – REF-24379.}
2. _{Alcon Data on File, 2024 – REF-24644.}
3. _{Unity VCS User Manual 2024 – REF-24980.}
4. _{Market Scope 2023 Retinal Surgical Device Market Report, 2023.}
5. _{Market Scope 2023 Cataract Surgical Equipment Market Report, 2023.}
6. _{Market Scope 2024 IOL Market Report, 2024.}
7. _{CNIB – Blindness in Canada, Accessed December 2, 2024 – REF-19527.}
8. _{The Prevalence of Canadian Vision Loss and Cataract Surgery, 2019 – REF-01661.}
9. _{Conference Board of Canada – Ophthalmology in Canada: Why Vision Loss Should Not Be Overlooked, 2020 – REF-10834.}