Ophthalmic Handheld Devices Market, Product Type (Ophthalmoscopes, Retinoscopes, Autorefractors), Category, Application (Vitreo Retinal Disorders, Glaucoma, Cataract, Refractor Disorders), End-use (Hospitals & Eye Clinics) – Global Forecast (2024-2032)

Ophthalmic Handheld Devices Market Size

Ophthalmic Handheld Devices Market was valued at around USD 553.6 million in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of around 2.7% between 2024 and 2032. Ophthalmic handheld devices are portable and compact medical instruments designed for use in the field of ophthalmology. These devices are specifically crafted to be held and operated by hand, providing eye care professionals with convenient tools for various diagnostic, therapeutic, and monitoring purposes related to ocular health. Several factors contribute to the growth of this market, such as ongoing technological advancements, a rising incidence of eye disorders, an expanding geriatric population, and increased investments in medical device companies. Moreover, the industry benefits from heightened awareness levels and the adoption of a preventive healthcare model, further fostering its growth.
 

With the global population on the rise, the elderly demographic, more susceptible to eye-related ailments, is creating an increased demand for ophthalmic devices in healthcare settings. The aging population requires regular eye examinations and treatments, driving the need for handheld devices in geriatric eye care. According to United Nations (UN) research statistics, the global population aged 65 and over is projected to triple in the next three decades, reaching 1.6 billion by 2050—constituting over 16% of the world population. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on point-of-care testing in healthcare, especially in ophthalmology, where handheld diagnostic devices facilitate swift on-the-spot diagnoses, reducing the necessity for patients to visit specialized clinics or laboratories for specific eye examinations.
 

COVID-19 Impact

The ophthalmic handheld devices market experienced a significant downturn due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, disruptions in supply chains and healthcare services resulted in a temporary pause in the production of devices and elective eye surgeries. However, the pandemic also accelerated crucial industry advancements. The widespread adoption of telemedicine during lockdowns highlighted the importance of remote diagnostic tools, potentially increasing the demand for ophthalmic equipment compatible with telehealth. Furthermore, as healthcare systems adjusted to new norms, there was a growing acknowledgment of the need for efficient, point-of-care diagnostics, emphasizing the value of portable technologies.
 

Ophthalmic Handheld Devices Market Trends

Factors such as the continuous technological advancements, including miniaturization, enhanced imaging capabilities, and integration of smart technologies, growing demand for point-of-care testing, and surging demand for integrated artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare & machine learning applications collectively contribute to the evolving landscape of the ophthalmic handheld devices industry.
 

• Preventive healthcare measures, including regular eye check-ups, have gained importance. Handheld devices that facilitate early detection of eye conditions and allow for preventive interventions are likely to be in consistent demand over the analysis period. In addition, continued advancements in technology, including miniaturization, enhanced imaging capabilities, and integration of smart technologies, have been influencing the development of ophthalmic handheld devices. These innovations improve diagnostic accuracy, ease of use, and patient outcomes.
   
• Moreover, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning integration in ophthalmic portable devices has the potential to improve diagnosis accuracy. Smart gadgets that can analyze photos, discover patterns, and make decisions are becoming more common.
   

Ophthalmic Handheld Devices Market Analysis

The market by product type is segmented into ophthalmoscopes, retinoscopes, tonometers, pachymeters, autorefractors, slit lamp biomicroscopes, handheld fundus cameras, and other product types. The ophthalmoscopes segment is further divided into direct ophthalmoscopes, and indirect ophthalmoscopes. This segment accounted for significant revenue share and was valued at around USD 86.1 million in 2023.
 

• The increasing prevalence of eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and glaucoma necessitates regular eye examinations. Ophthalmoscopes are vital for the early detection and monitoring of these conditions, hence, driving their demand.
   
• As per the article published by NCBI, the number of diabetic retinopathy individuals in the U.S. is expected to rise to 16.0 million by 2050, with 3.4 million of them suffering from vision-threatening issues.
   
• Moreover, technological advancements have led to the development of advanced ophthalmoscopes with features like digital imaging, enhanced optics, and integration with electronic health record (EHR) systems. These innovations improve diagnostic accuracy and contribute to the overall efficiency of eye examinations.
   

Based on category, the ophthalmic handheld devices market is divided into traditional handheld devices, and digital/smart handheld devices. The digital/smart handheld devices segment is anticipated to witness higher growth with a CAGR of 3.1% throughout the forecast period.
 

• Advanced imaging features including digital sensors and high-resolution cameras often appear in ophthalmology's digital and smart portable devices. These characteristics enable thorough and exact imaging of the eye structures, assisting in accurate identification and monitoring of eye disorders.
   
• Moreover, the rise of teleophthalmology and the need for remote patient monitoring have driven the demand for digital/smart handheld devices. These devices enable healthcare professionals to conduct remote eye examinations, share images securely, and monitor patients' eye health from a distance, facilitating broader access to eye care services.
   

Based on application, the market is categorized into vitreo retinal disorders, glaucoma, cataract, refractor disorders and other applications. The vitreo retinal disorders segment held a share of 14% in the global ophthalmic handheld devices market, in 2023.
 

• Vitreo-retinal disorders often require early detection and timely intervention to prevent irreversible vision loss. Ophthalmic handheld devices play a crucial role in facilitating early diagnosis through detailed examination of the retina, allowing for prompt treatment and management.
   
• Additionally, portable and handheld OCT devices are particularly important in vitreo-retinal care. These devices provide real-time, cross-sectional imaging of the retina, allowing ophthalmologists to visualize the layers of the retina and diagnose conditions such as macular edema and epiretinal membranes.
   

The market by end-use is categorized into hospitals & eye clinics, ambulatory surgical centers, and other end-users. The hospitals & eye clinics segment was valued at USD 369 million in 2023.
 

• Hospitals and eye clinics often experience a high patient flow, necessitating efficient and time-sensitive diagnostic tools. Ophthalmic handheld devices offer the advantage of portability and ease of use, allowing healthcare professionals to conduct quick eye examinations, making them well-suited for busy clinical environments.
   
• Furthermore, point-of-care diagnostics are growing increasingly popular in hospitals and eye clinics, where rapid diagnoses are essential. Handheld devices enable ophthalmologists and optometrists to do on-the-spot examinations, allowing for faster diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases.
   

North America ophthalmic handheld devices market was valued at USD 204.5 million in 2023 and is predicted to witness a market growth of 2.2% over the analysis timeline.
 

• North America has one of the highest healthcare expenditures globally. The willingness to invest in advanced medical technologies, including ophthalmic handheld devices, contributes to the growth of the market. Well-established healthcare infrastructure further supports the adoption of these devices. Moreover, the region has a significant target population base for various eye related disorders, thus, fueling the regional growth.
   
• Furthermore, there is a growing focus on preventive healthcare in the region, including routine eye examinations. Ophthalmic handheld devices play a crucial role in early detection and preventive care, aligning with the broader healthcare trends in the region.
   

Ophthalmic Handheld Devices Market Share

The ophthalmic handheld devices industry is competitive in nature, with several large multinationals as well as small and mid-sized companies competing in the industry. The development and launch of novel advanced product types based on different technologies is among a key market strategy. Some of the leading industry players including Topcon Corporation, NIDEK CO., LTD., ZEISS International, HEINE Optotechnik GmbH & Co. KG, and Kowa Company Ltd. among others have a notable presence in the market.
 

Ophthalmic Handheld Devices Market Companies

Some of the eminent market participants operating in the ophthalmic handheld devices industry include:

• Topcon Corporation
• NIDEK CO., LTD
• ZEISS International
• HEINE Optotechnik GmbH & Co. KG
• Halma plc
• Quantel Medical
• Coburn Technologies Inc
• HAAG-STREIT GROUP
• Kowa Company Ltd
• Marco Healthcare
• Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. (Welch Allyn, Inc.)
   

Ophthalmic Handheld Devices Industry News

• In December 2023, Carl Zeiss Meditec AG has announced the acquisition of 100% of the shares in Dutch Ophthalmic Research Centre. The acquisition will expand and enrich ZEISS Medical Technology's broad ophthalmic portfolio and suite of digitally related workflow solutions for addressing a wide range of eye problems such as retinal disorders, cataracts, glaucoma, and refractive errors.
   
• In December 2023, Kubota Vision Inc., announced its agreement of a cooperative declaration of intent with AUROLAB. The contract obliges Kubota Vision to grant AUROLAB an exclusive license for the development, manufacturing, and distribution of eyeMO, a portable, low-cost, home-based, remote, and in-office ophthalmic OCT device for remote or in-office monitoring of retinal diseases.
   

Ophthalmic handheld devices market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue in USD from 2018 to 2032 for the following segments:

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Market, By Product Type

• Ophthalmoscopes
• Direct ophthalmoscopes
• Indirect ophthalmoscopes

• Retinoscopes
• Tonometers
• Pachymeters
• Autorefractors
• Slit lamp biomicroscopes
• Handheld fundus cameras
• Other product types

Market, By Category

• Traditional handheld devices
• Digital/smart handheld devices

Market, By Application

• Vitreo retinal disorders
• Glaucoma
• Cataract
• Refractor disorders
• Other applications

Market, By End-use

• Hospitals & eye clinics
• Ambulatory surgical centers
• Other end-users

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa