IOL Delivery System Case Study
Overview
We partnered with a global leader in eye care to develop a delivery device designed to precisely implant intraocular lenses (IOLs) during cataract surgery. Our collaboration involved not only developing the system itself but also optimizing the surgical environment.
Eye Care Company
Medical Device
The Challenge
The client aimed to enhance its established systems and refine the surgical experience for both patients and medical staff. Key challenges included advancing the ergonomic design of the delivery system, improving its materials and internal mechanisms, and developing more efficient, patient-focused ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs). With cataract surgeries on the rise due to an aging population, maximizing ASC throughput became crucial, alongside enhancing communication, workflows, and the aesthetic appeal of these spaces.
The Product
Our involvement focused on several critical areas. For the delivery system, which features a one-piece disposable cartridge with progressive folding capabilities and a reusable handpiece for IOL insertion, we identified opportunities to refine its performance.
We improved the system’s ergonomic design by adjusting its center of gravity and optimizing the surgeon’s grip, leading to greater precision and comfort during procedures.
We also carefully selected materials and optimized the injection point’s diameter to enhance system performance and safety.
By reducing the system’s weight and overall size, we made it easier for surgeons to use and minimized patient discomfort.
Finally, we refined the mechanical components and touch points to boost overall functionality and user experience.
In parallel, our brand and visualization team refined the client’s brand standards, making them clearer and more contemporary, and then created a compelling animation that highlighted the unique features of the product, seamlessly integrating it with the refreshed brand elements.
For the surgical environment, we conducted extensive research and collaborated with architectural firm Eckert Wordell to optimize ASCs for Monarch procedures. Our goal was to maximize the number of procedures performed daily by designing spaces that facilitate easy and comfortable communication among patients, their families, and medical staff.
During our research, we uncovered several key opportunities to enhance the patient and staff experience. This included facilitating improved communication to create an environment where patients, families, and medical staff could interact with ease and comfort. We also identified the need for smoother workflows to boost efficiency, cut down on wait times, and elevate overall patient satisfaction.
Even with budget limitations, we sought to introduce enhanced aesthetics into surgical areas, aiming to create a more soothing and pleasant atmosphere for patients. Finally, the team focused on implementing easier scheduling systems to allow for seamless appointment bookings and efficient management of surgical procedures.
The results
Our contributions played a crucial role in the development of the IOL Delivery System system and the optimization of surgical spaces. By focusing on innovative design, human factors, and strategic research, we helped the client create a state-of-the-art product that significantly improved patient outcomes and surgeon experiences. The design enhancements to the IOL Delivery System system led to a more precise, comfortable, and efficient surgical procedure, while enhancing the quality of the brand.
IOL surgeries observed by our collective team
design concepts were prototyped for functional testing
surgeons participated in customer preference testing
millimeter incision enables the entire procedure
Recent Work