First looks at UNITY VCS and CS drew plenty of buzz at ASCRS 2025—and for good reason.
The energy at the annual meeting of the American Society for Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS 2025) in Los Angeles got a major boost, as Alcon (Geneva, Switzerland) launched its newest surgical innovation—the UNITY Vitreoretinal Cataract System (VCS) and UNITY Cataract System (CS).
Built to boost surgical performance, these two novel platforms are packed with innovations designed to deliver superior efficiency for vitreoretinal and cataract surgeries.
“With UNITY VCS/CS, we are introducing more than a dozen innovations designed to transform surgical outcomes while delivering significant efficiencies for surgery centers across the globe,” said David Endicott, CEO of Alcon.
Alcon announces the launch of UNITY VCS and UNITY CS on its LinkedIn page.
Two platforms, one goal
The UNITY platform comes in two versions—a combined VCS console and a standalone CS system—both packed with first-to-market technologies.
At the core is UNITY Intelligent Fluidics—a real-time, smart pressure and flow control system to support greater stability throughout procedures.
Other standout technologies include the HYPERVIT 30K—the world’s fastest vitrectomy probe delivering 30,000 cuts per minute—and UNITY 4D Phaco, the next evolution of ultrasound cataract removal. Both are designed to improve surgical stability, efficiency and outcomes.
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Dr. John Berdahl (United States) of Vance Thompson Vision, shared compelling bench test results at Alcon’s Future Unlocked event on Saturday, April 26.
“UNITY 4D Phaco was shown to be 48% faster than torsional ultrasound with 41% less energy delivered into the eye, and 48% less dissipated energy at the incision site. UNITY 4D Phaco, Alcon’s most efficient lens removal ultrasound technology, is the next generation of phacoemulsification.”
More features surgeons can appreciate
According to Alcon, UNITY VCS and CS aren’t just about big tech headlines—they bring real-world advantages surgeons will feel.
- UNITY 27 Gauge Portfolio: New Dynamic Stiffener technology gives these ultra-small instruments the stiffness and stability of a 25-gauge tool.
- UNITY TetraSpot: A multi-spot illuminated laser probe that reduces laser application time by up to three times, allowing surgeons to deliver one, two, or four laser spots simultaneously.
- UNITY Illumination: Reduces blue light exposure while enhancing visualization and reliability, with up to 10,000 hours of use.
“UNITY VCS has truly revolutionized the way I can perform during vitreoretinal surgeries,” said Dr. Maria H. Berrocal, CEO of Drs. Berrocal & Associates.
Innovations for cataract surgery efficiency
The UNITY CS system is equally focused on optimizing cataract procedures, enabling surgeons to operate at more physiologic conditions with the help of Intelligent Fluidics. The system maintains consistent intraocular pressure (IOP) to support greater patient comfort during surgery, while allowing for higher vacuum during lens removal.
READ MORE: Alcon to Acquire LENSAR for $356M, Expanding Its Cataract Laser Portfolio
New performance features include:
- UNITY Intelligent Sentry: Advances anterior chamber stability, improving on the CENTURION ACTIVE SENTRY system and reducing post-occlusion surge volumes by 44%.
- UNITY Thermal Sentry: The first phacoemulsification handpiece to monitor and regulate incision temperature through a built-in thermal sensor and proprietary algorithm.
Global expansion on the horizon
The UNITY VCS/CS system marks the first offering from Alcon’s broader UNITY portfolio of next-generation surgical equipment. Surgeons using the system will also benefit from Intelligent Services Solutions, including remote and predictive service features aimed at minimizing downtime.
UNITY VCS has already received CE Mark approval as well as regulatory clearances in Australia, Japan and the United States. Inventory is set to ship to Australia, Europe, Japan and the U.S. starting in May 2025, with other markets to follow in the third quarter pending regulatory approvals.
Attendees at ASCRS 2025 can experience the UNITY VCS/CS firsthand by visiting Alcon Booth #1815.
READ MORE: Stay updated with the daily ASCRS 2025 action here!
For more information, read the full press release from Alcon here.
Editor’s Note: Reporting for this story took place during the annual meeting of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS 2025) being held from 25-28 April in Los Angeles, California, United States.
