Ophthalmic Handheld Surgical Instruments Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Forceps, Scissor, Chopper, Ophthalmic Knives, Cannula), By End-user, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2022 - 2030

Report Overview

The global ophthalmic handheld surgical instruments market size was valued at USD 2.0 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.8% from 2022 to 2030. In the past few decades, life expectancy around the globe has increased significantly, especially in developing countries. As the vulnerability to develop ocular disorders increases with age, the prevalence of eye disorders such as glaucoma, cataract, and vitreoretinal disorders are anticipated to propel the demand for ophthalmic handheld surgical instruments during the forecast period.

Technological advancements and an increasing preference for minimally invasive surgical options that provide permanent solutions to common ophthalmic conditions are the factors expected to boost the number of surgeries especially in developing regions. Additionally, the factors such as the advent of minimally invasive surgical techniques having potential advantages such as shorter recovery periods and shorter turnaround times in the treatment of glaucoma and cataract have increased the average number of ophthalmic surgeries performed worldwide.

Various government and non-government programs providing financial assistance to patients for ophthalmic surgeries are anticipated to play a crucial role in the growth of the ophthalmic handheld surgical instruments market. For instance, in March 2017, the government of India invested USD 108 million in a scheme that provides financial assistance of approximately USD 30 to each patient choosing cataract surgery till 2022. Additionally, the government also provides grants to NGOs to provide free ocular surgeries to underprivileged patients living in remotes under the National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB) scheme.

Routine healthcare services including ophthalmic services were canceled, and patients were recommended to avoid hospital visits, unless critically needed, to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission, leading to substantial disruption to the provision of ophthalmic services and patient care. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant reduction in ophthalmic elective surgeries particularly cataract surgery was observed, resulting in a significant decline in the sales of ophthalmic handheld surgical instruments.

Slower approval of minimally invasive surgery tools and shortage of ophthalmic surgeons globally are the factors anticipated to hinder the ophthalmic hand-held surgical instruments market growth. The shortage of ophthalmic surgeons means longer wait times and thereby people choose alternative treatment methods over ocular surgeries. In 2019, in the U.S. approximately 10,000 ophthalmologists were performing 4 million cataract surgeries. On the other hand, the prevalence of cataracts is expected to double during the forecast period leading to an increasing number of surgeries. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) projected a shortage of ophthalmologists by 2025

Product Insights

Ophthalmic knives held a significant segment share of around 71.2% in 2021. They are available in different shapes, styles, and sizes. There are two types of knives used in eye surgery—diamond and disposable knives. The diamond knives are facing a surge in demand owing to their advantages such as precision incisions, reusability, cost efficiency, and durability. Whereas disposable knives are a better fit for small ophthalmic centers performing lower volumes of ocular surgeries.

Scissors are the second most commonly found ophthalmic handheld instruments found in the surgical kit of ocular surgeries. They are widely classified based on application as conjunctival, corneal, general ophthalmic, IOL, iris, stitch, tenotomy, vannas, and strabismus scissors. Regular handheld surgical instrument kits designed for trabeculectomy and extracapsular cataract extraction include approximately 3-6 different types of scissors.

The ophthalmic handheld surgical instruments are made of raw material such as titanium and stainless steel that is easily available through local suppliers, thus, keeping the threat of market entrance at a low level. It is estimated that 3-10 different types of forceps are present in the surgical tray for ophthalmic surgeries which can be attributable to its significant revenue share. Moreover, the key industry players are focusing to develop forceps that are lightweight, durable, and corrosion resistant. For instance, Microsurgical Technology developed Gianetti MICS capsulorhexis forceps with an ultimately thin shank and tip enabling glaucoma surgeries to be performed more precisely.

End-use Insights

The hospitals segment held the largest market share of around 64.7% in 2021. The procurement of ophthalmic handheld surgical instruments is mostly single-time activity due to their longer shelf life. An increasing number of mobile ophthalmic care centers is expected to contribute significantly to the segment growth. For instance, African Eye Foundation has invested USD 16 million to construct a high-class eye care facility to offer comprehensive ophthalmic surgical services for the people of Cameron, Central Africa.

Ophthalmic clinics held the second-largest share in 2021 and are expected to witness the fastest growth over the forecast period. Factors such as the introduction of advanced and cost-effective surgical devices and long wait times at hospitals are expected to boost the segment growth during the forecast period.

Furthermore, ophthalmic clinics eliminate unnecessary procedures or diagnostic tests, provided they do not affect the quality of clinical care. Ophthalmic clinics provide better inpatient, outpatient, and emergency services for a wide range of eye conditions, which increases the preference for ophthalmic clinics among patients.

The other segment includes academics, research centers, and mobile ophthalmic units. The segment is expected to expand at a healthy CAGR over the forecast. Initiatives such as public awards programs to alleviate the myths and fear of ocular surgery among patients and numerous public outreach programs are expected to drive the growth of this segment. For instance, the CBM Peru program provides cataract surgery services to people living in remote African regions through mobile outreach camps. 

Regional Insights

North America captured the largest market share of around 34.7% in 2021. Factors such as the high prevalence of ocular disorders, the presence of key players, and the presence of efficient reimbursement policies have contributed to its largest revenue share. For instance, healthcare payers such as Medicare and Medicaid consider cataract surgery as a medically necessary service and offer it free of cost. Also, with ophthalmic surgery services resuming after the COVID-19-induced pause, the demand for handheld surgical instruments is anticipated to face a steep rise.

Europe’s ophthalmic handheld surgical instruments market is expected to experience a significant growth rate during the forecast period. The presence of top-class eye care facilities equipped with a high adoption rate for advanced technologies is the factor contributing to the growing procedural volume of ocular surgery in Europe. According to a Eurostat paper published in 2018, cataract surgery was among the top five surgical operations performed in hospitals around Europe 2018. There were around 4.3 million cataract surgeries performed in Europe in 2018, with countries such as Germany, France, Sweden, and Belgium having healthy cataract surgical rates.

Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. The significant gap between the demand and supply for eye surgery services in countries such as India, China, Japan, and other Southeast Asian countries is anticipated to fuel the market growth. Large unmet needs are driving service providers to develop and plan new eye care facilities in these regions. For instance, In December 2019 Dr, Agarwal Eye Hospitals, a leader in eye care chain Hospitals has planned 60 new eye hospitals to be built across India and other south Asia countries in the next 2-3 years.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Key players that dominated the global market in 2021 include BVI; Accutome Inc; and, Katena Products Inc. These companies are collaborating with healthcare centers to provide a long-term supply of ophthalmic surgical instruments. For instance, in June 2020, BVI signed a strategic partnership with Lovell Government Services and assured the supply of ophthalmic handheld surgical instruments to all Lowell's eye care facilities present across the U.S.

Major market players are engaged in various strategies such as mergers and acquisitions, product launches, partnerships, and joint ventures. For instance, In January 2019, MellingMedical, a medical device, and the pharmaceutical company partnered with Katena Products Inc. The partnership program will help Katena’s surgical instruments products to channel into federal Hospitals, as MellingMedical has a strong distribution network across federal healthcare facilities in the U.S.  Some prominent players in the global ophthalmic handheld surgical instruments market include:

• Haag-Streit Group

• Appasamy Associates

• Millennium Surgical Corp

• Katalyst Surgical

• ASICO, LLC.

• INKA Surgical Instruments. 

• Surgical Holdings

Ophthalmic Handheld Surgical Instruments Market Report Scope

Global Ophthalmic Handheld Surgical Instruments Market Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and analyzes the latest industry trends in each sub-segments from 2017 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global ophthalmic handheld surgical instruments market report based on product, end-use, and region:

• Product Outlook (Revenue in USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Forceps

  • Scissor

  • Chopper

  • Ophthalmic Knives

  • Cannula

  • Others

• End-use Outlook (Revenue in USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Hospitals

  • Ophthalmic Clinics

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • U.K.

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

    • Thailand

    • South Korea

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE