Reichert Celebrates 100-Year Anniversary of the First Phoroptor Refracting Instrument Model

Reichert Technologiea, a business unit of Ametek, celebrated the 100-year anniversary of the first Phoroptor Refracting Instrument model. Released in 1922, this instrument helped transform eye care with its revolutionary ability to provide practitioners a better, faster, and more efficient way to perform vision tests, making Phoroptor synonymous with eye care and creating a globally iconic device. Reichert held a celebratory event at their 83,000-square-foot Depew, New York, location to commemorate the milestone achievement. Proclamations were given onsite from state and local elected officials, including New York State Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (59th Senate District), a representative from New York State Congressman Chris Jacobs (27th Congressional District), and Village of Depew Mayor Kevin Peterson.

“We are truly grateful to everyone who has joined us in our celebration today and to all the hard- working individuals who've made the achievements over the last century possible,” said Ian Lee-Bennett Ametek UPT Division VP & Reichert Business Unit Manager. “From the moment the very first Phoroptor was developed, the eye care industry was forever changed. As we look to the future, our mission remains clear: addressing the evolving demands of eye care through continuous innovation.”

From the very first model developed 100 years ago to the modern Phoroptor VRx Digital Refraction System, Phoroptor has paved the way for innovation and optical excellence in the eye care industry. A complete history of Reichert’s Phoroptor can be found online at Reichert.com/Phoroptor100/.