History

Milestones of the Geuder Family Business

1920
Hans Geuder senior begins as a journeyman and later as a master craftsman and trainer, manufacturing surgical instruments in Heidelberg.
1936
Hans Geuder junior (left) is born.
1939
Hans Geuder senior qualifies as master craftsman in surgical mechanics.
1942
Volker Geuder (left) is born.
1948
H. Harms (Tübingen) invents the continuous suture for keratoplasty. Geuder manufactures the finest atraumatic keratoplasty needles and instruments. In 2018 S. Suffo, in collaboration with Geuder, perfects PKP with the Homburg corneal marker.
1949
H. Ridley implants the first IOL made of acrylic (PMMA). Geuder supports this innovation early with specialised implantation forceps.
1949
E. Custodis treats a retinal detachment with an epi-scleral explant. The cerclage technique (Schepens/Arruga, 1957) lays the foundation of modern buckling surgery. Geuder offers a broad portfolio of implants and instruments for buckling surgery to this day.
1951
Hans Geuder senior founds the company “Hans Geuder” in a workshop in Heidelberg-Handschuhsheim.
1952
Geuder distributes the Schiøtz impression tonometer for simple tonometry.
1954
H. Goldmann invents applanation tonometry. In 2020 Geuder offers a sterile single-use tonometer head to eliminate cross-contamination risk.
1957
At the 62nd Annual Meeting of the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG), Hans Geuder senior and junior present their ophthalmic precision instruments.
1958
C. Binkhorst invents the first iris-fixated IOL. Geuder introduces forceps for atraumatic implantation.
1960
$*S.N. Fjodorov* further develops *radial keratotomy*. Geuder accompanies refractive surgery history with corneal markers and diamond blades through to modern LASIK instruments.$
S.N. Fjodorov further develops radial keratotomy. Geuder accompanies refractive surgery history with corneal markers and diamond blades through to modern LASIK instruments.
1962
Hans Geuder junior receives his master craftsman certificate.
1963
$*José Barraquer*, “father of modern refractive surgery”, develops lamellar techniques and the first *microkeratome*. Geuder offers a broad portfolio of precise trephines.$
José Barraquer, “father of modern refractive surgery”, develops lamellar techniques and the first microkeratome. Geuder offers a broad portfolio of precise trephines.
1965
P. Cibis first injects silicone oil for retinal tamponade. Geuder offers specialised syringes and, since acquiring Fluoron GmbH in 1996, its own high-purity biocompatible silicone oils.
1966
Birth of microsurgery through publications by H. Harms and G. Mackensen. Geuder manufactures trabecular probes and resterilisable instruments.
1967
C. Kelman develops phacoemulsification, which emulsifies cataracts using ultrasound. Geuder launches its first ultrasound generator, the PHACO U-S, in 1983.
1968
The trabeculectomy (Cairns/Watson) becomes the most common operation for chronic open-angle glaucoma. Geuder provides matching markers and knives.
1971
Geuder GmbH moves to Heidelberg-Rohrbach into a larger, more modern building.
1976
Geuder develops the successful Sautter cannula for precise intraocular use.
1978
In collaboration with Prof. Naumann and Prof. Demeler, Geuder launches the MIKRO-KERATRON® – the first motor-driven trephine with optical control.
1978
Prof. Dardenne receives the Federal Cross of Merit for introducing phacoemulsification into German cataract surgery. Pictured with Fjodorov, Genscher and the Geuder brothers.
1982
In collaboration with W. Papst (Hamburg), Geuder develops the ASPITRON® – an electronically controlled peristaltic pump for extracapsular cataract extraction.
1983
The PHACO U-S: a 43 kHz ultrasound generator. Maximum longitudinal stroke 85 μm. The piezo-ceramic handpiece weighs only 89 g.
1984
R. Adamczyk (Munich) develops together with Geuder a magnetically driven capsulotome for precise anterior capsule perforation.
1986
The PHACO-ASPITRON® I/A – developed with Professors Dardenne and Koch. Geuder was one of the first providers of complete modular device systems.
1987
With the MAGNETRON, Geuder introduces its first vitrectomy machine, controlling vitrectomy programmes and motor trephines at 0–500 rpm.
1989
Son Volker becomes technical managing director and son Hans junior becomes commercial managing director.
1989
S.N. Fjodorov develops non-penetrating deep sclerectomy. Geuder enjoys a long-standing collaboration with Prof. Fjodorov.
1989
LUXATRON light source and DIATHRON diathermy – precursors of the XENOTRON and SOLEA®.
1990
The Heidelberg building receives an auditorium. Geuder conducts continuing education courses and wet labs for surgeons.
1992
With the MEMOTRON, Geuder launches its first integrated device system for anterior and posterior segment.
1993
Together with H.-R. Koch, Geuder develops the mega ultrasound tip for phaco with higher vacuum and lower energy. The “Megatip” remains Geuder’s bestselling phaco tip.
1993
A capsulorhexis forceps requiring only a 1.0 mm incision width, in collaboration with H.-R. Koch.
1995
The Megatron® device system: Geuder’s first “digital” system for anterior and posterior segment in one device.
1996
Geuder acquires Fluoron GmbH (Neu-Ulm), extending the portfolio with high-purity biocompatible fluids: silicone oils, Densiron®, F4H5® WashOut and Brilliant Peel®.
1998
With G. Gerten (Cologne), Geuder develops the TOMARK pendulum marker for exact toric IOL axis marking, eliminating cyclorotation errors.
2003
The Megatron® S3: first device system with touch screen, dual pump and programmable foot switch.
2005
Number of employees at the Heidelberg headquarters grows to over 150.
2005
F. Price develops DSEK, M. Gorovoy the DSAEK. Geuder develops specialised implantation instruments after Neuhann and Rieck for gentle lamellar implantation.
2005
Geuder launches the VITRON 2020 to support the WHO/IAPB initiative to eliminate avoidable blindness – a low-cost device for developing countries.
2006
Ergoline forceps and scissors with interchangeable rotating heads for vitrectomy.
2007
Foundation of Geuder Asia-Pacific (GAP) in Singapore. GAP now serves customers across South and South-East Asia from 15 locations.
2008
Over 3,000 products, operations in over 90 countries, over 220 employees.
2009
The megaTRON® S4: improved features, no external compressed air required, new peristaltic pump with venturi effect.
2011
The DMEK glass cartridge by P. Szurman (Sulzbach): Geuder supports the new gentle lamellar keratoplasty technique from the outset. Over 50,000 units sold by 2021.
2011
The xenoTRON® III – 80 lumens with integrated PhototoxGuard®. One of the most powerful and safest xenon light sources.
2011
IOL scissors and forceps by Snyder/Osher for effective IOL explantation through the smallest incisions – in collaboration with M.E. Snyder and R.H. Osher (Cincinnati Eye Institute).
2014
The MACH2: the first pneumatically driven vitrector with double cutting edge – up to 12,000 cpm with the megaTRON S4® HPS.
2014
The megaTRON® S4 HPS: cut rate increased to 6,000 cpm, endoTRON® 532 nm endolaser integration – one foot switch for a complete system.
2014
The endoTRON® 532 nm green laser completes the posterior segment system – integrated or stand-alone with Bluetooth remote control.
2015
Brilliant Peel® Dual Dye selectively stains both ERM and ILM.
2016
Fluoron F4H5® – the only WashOut solution that completely removes silicone oil while reducing flushing cycles.
2016
Together with D. Wong (Liverpool), Fluoron launches Densiron® Xtra – a denser heavy silicone oil for inferior and posterior tamponade.
2018
S. Jacobovitz (Brazil) invents a multifunctional chopper combining three functions. Geuder unites them in one precision instrument.
2018
$With the *double-needle stabiliser* developed with *S. Yamane* (Japan), Geuder enables flanged intrascleral IOL fixation – refractive alignment to within 0.25 D.$
With the double-needle stabiliser developed with S. Yamane (Japan), Geuder enables flanged intrascleral IOL fixation – refractive alignment to within 0.25 D.
2019
The Homburg cross-stitch suture marker by Suffo makes symmetrical and astigmatism-neutral penetrating keratoplasty possible even for less experienced surgeons.
2019
DMEK RAPID® receives CE marking – the first transport system for preloading pre-prepared Descemet lamellae.
2021
The DGFG receives PEI approval for dispatching preloaded Descemet lamellae as “LaMEK Preloaded”.
2021
With the SOLEA®, Geuder brings the first RGB LED light source to the ophthalmic surgical market. 16.7 million colours enable entirely new views into the posterior segment.
2021
Geuder celebrates its 70th anniversary – over 3,000 ophthalmo-surgical tools, accompanied by many of the world’s most renowned ophthalmologists.
2023
Management passes to the next generation, leading Geuder into a digital future.
2025
The new facility in Heidelberg-Wieblingen sets the course for continued growth.
2026
Geuder celebrates its 75th anniversary and works on a new generation of devices.

Milestones of the Geuder Family Business

Hans Geuder senior begins as a journeyman and later as a master craftsman and trainer, manufacturing surgical instruments in Heidelberg.

Hans Geuder junior (left) is born.

Hans Geuder senior qualifies as master craftsman in surgical mechanics.

Volker Geuder (left) is born.

H. Harms (Tübingen) invents the continuous suture for keratoplasty. Geuder manufactures the finest atraumatic keratoplasty needles and instruments. In 2018 S. Suffo, in collaboration with Geuder, perfects PKP with the Homburg corneal marker.

H. Ridley implants the first IOL made of acrylic (PMMA). Geuder supports this innovation early with specialised implantation forceps.

E. Custodis treats a retinal detachment with an epi-scleral explant. The cerclage technique (Schepens/Arruga, 1957) lays the foundation of modern buckling surgery. Geuder offers a broad portfolio of implants and instruments for buckling surgery to this day.

Hans Geuder senior founds the company “Hans Geuder” in a workshop in Heidelberg-Handschuhsheim.

Geuder distributes the Schiøtz impression tonometer for simple tonometry.

H. Goldmann invents applanation tonometry. In 2020 Geuder offers a sterile single-use tonometer head to eliminate cross-contamination risk.

At the 62nd Annual Meeting of the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG), Hans Geuder senior and junior present their ophthalmic precision instruments.

C. Binkhorst invents the first iris-fixated IOL. Geuder introduces forceps for atraumatic implantation.

S.N. Fjodorov further develops radial keratotomy. Geuder accompanies refractive surgery history with corneal markers and diamond blades through to modern LASIK instruments.

Hans Geuder junior receives his master craftsman certificate.

José Barraquer, “father of modern refractive surgery”, develops lamellar techniques and the first microkeratome. Geuder offers a broad portfolio of precise trephines.

P. Cibis first injects silicone oil for retinal tamponade. Geuder offers specialised syringes and, since acquiring Fluoron GmbH in 1996, its own high-purity biocompatible silicone oils.

Birth of microsurgery through publications by H. Harms and G. Mackensen. Geuder manufactures trabecular probes and resterilisable instruments.

C. Kelman develops phacoemulsification, which emulsifies cataracts using ultrasound. Geuder launches its first ultrasound generator, the PHACO U-S, in 1983.

The trabeculectomy (Cairns/Watson) becomes the most common operation for chronic open-angle glaucoma. Geuder provides matching markers and knives.

Geuder GmbH moves to Heidelberg-Rohrbach into a larger, more modern building.

Geuder develops the successful Sautter cannula for precise intraocular use.

In collaboration with Prof. Naumann and Prof. Demeler, Geuder launches the MIKRO-KERATRON® – the first motor-driven trephine with optical control.

Prof. Dardenne receives the Federal Cross of Merit for introducing phacoemulsification into German cataract surgery. Pictured with Fjodorov, Genscher and the Geuder brothers.

In collaboration with W. Papst (Hamburg), Geuder develops the ASPITRON® – an electronically controlled peristaltic pump for extracapsular cataract extraction.

The PHACO U-S: a 43 kHz ultrasound generator. Maximum longitudinal stroke 85 μm. The piezo-ceramic handpiece weighs only 89 g.

R. Adamczyk (Munich) develops together with Geuder a magnetically driven capsulotome for precise anterior capsule perforation.

The PHACO-ASPITRON® I/A – developed with Professors Dardenne and Koch. Geuder was one of the first providers of complete modular device systems.

With the MAGNETRON, Geuder introduces its first vitrectomy machine, controlling vitrectomy programmes and motor trephines at 0–500 rpm.

Son Volker becomes technical managing director and son Hans junior becomes commercial managing director.

S.N. Fjodorov develops non-penetrating deep sclerectomy. Geuder enjoys a long-standing collaboration with Prof. Fjodorov.

LUXATRON light source and DIATHRON diathermy – precursors of the XENOTRON and SOLEA®.

The Heidelberg building receives an auditorium. Geuder conducts continuing education courses and wet labs for surgeons.

With the MEMOTRON, Geuder launches its first integrated device system for anterior and posterior segment.

Together with H.-R. Koch, Geuder develops the mega ultrasound tip for phaco with higher vacuum and lower energy. The “Megatip” remains Geuder’s bestselling phaco tip.

A capsulorhexis forceps requiring only a 1.0 mm incision width, in collaboration with H.-R. Koch.

The Megatron® device system: Geuder’s first “digital” system for anterior and posterior segment in one device.

Geuder acquires Fluoron GmbH (Neu-Ulm), extending the portfolio with high-purity biocompatible fluids: silicone oils, Densiron®, F4H5® WashOut and Brilliant Peel®.

With G. Gerten (Cologne), Geuder develops the TOMARK pendulum marker for exact toric IOL axis marking, eliminating cyclorotation errors.

The Megatron® S3: first device system with touch screen, dual pump and programmable foot switch.

Number of employees at the Heidelberg headquarters grows to over 150.

F. Price develops DSEK, M. Gorovoy the DSAEK. Geuder develops specialised implantation instruments after Neuhann and Rieck for gentle lamellar implantation.

Geuder launches the VITRON 2020 to support the WHO/IAPB initiative to eliminate avoidable blindness – a low-cost device for developing countries.

Ergoline forceps and scissors with interchangeable rotating heads for vitrectomy.

Foundation of Geuder Asia-Pacific (GAP) in Singapore. GAP now serves customers across South and South-East Asia from 15 locations.

Over 3,000 products, operations in over 90 countries, over 220 employees.

The megaTRON® S4: improved features, no external compressed air required, new peristaltic pump with venturi effect.

The DMEK glass cartridge by P. Szurman (Sulzbach): Geuder supports the new gentle lamellar keratoplasty technique from the outset. Over 50,000 units sold by 2021.

The xenoTRON® III – 80 lumens with integrated PhototoxGuard®. One of the most powerful and safest xenon light sources.

IOL scissors and forceps by Snyder/Osher for effective IOL explantation through the smallest incisions – in collaboration with M.E. Snyder and R.H. Osher (Cincinnati Eye Institute).

The MACH2: the first pneumatically driven vitrector with double cutting edge – up to 12,000 cpm with the megaTRON S4® HPS.

The megaTRON® S4 HPS: cut rate increased to 6,000 cpm, endoTRON® 532 nm endolaser integration – one foot switch for a complete system.

The endoTRON® 532 nm green laser completes the posterior segment system – integrated or stand-alone with Bluetooth remote control.

Brilliant Peel® Dual Dye selectively stains both ERM and ILM.

Fluoron F4H5® – the only WashOut solution that completely removes silicone oil while reducing flushing cycles.

Together with D. Wong (Liverpool), Fluoron launches Densiron® Xtra – a denser heavy silicone oil for inferior and posterior tamponade.

S. Jacobovitz (Brazil) invents a multifunctional chopper combining three functions. Geuder unites them in one precision instrument.

With the double-needle stabiliser developed with S. Yamane (Japan), Geuder enables flanged intrascleral IOL fixation – refractive alignment to within 0.25 D.

The Homburg cross-stitch suture marker by Suffo makes symmetrical and astigmatism-neutral penetrating keratoplasty possible even for less experienced surgeons.

DMEK RAPID® receives CE marking – the first transport system for preloading pre-prepared Descemet lamellae.

The DGFG receives PEI approval for dispatching preloaded Descemet lamellae as “LaMEK Preloaded”.

With the SOLEA®, Geuder brings the first RGB LED light source to the ophthalmic surgical market. 16.7 million colours enable entirely new views into the posterior segment.

Geuder celebrates its 70th anniversary – over 3,000 ophthalmo-surgical tools, accompanied by many of the world’s most renowned ophthalmologists.

Management passes to the next generation, leading Geuder into a digital future.

The new facility in Heidelberg-Wieblingen sets the course for continued growth.

Geuder celebrates its 75th anniversary and works on a new generation of devices.