Key Takeaways Zeiss will showcase new AI-powered, digital, and surgical innovations at ASCRS 2026 aimed at improving ophthalmic workflows and patient outcomes across cataract, refractive, and retinal care New product updates include expanded cataract surgical tools, enhanced IOL calculation platforms, and the launch of VisioGen, a human-verified AI patient engagement system for ophthalmology practices Cloud-based solutions like Zeiss Collaborative Care and the upcoming CLINIC 360 platform highlight the company’s push toward connected care, data integration, and advanced clinical insights Zeiss will present a suite of new digital and surgical innovations aimed at advancing ophthalmic clinical workflows at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) annual meeting, taking place April 10–12, 2026, in Washington, D.C. The company plans to highlight developments across cataract, refractive, and retinal care, with a focus on improving efficiency, precision, and patient engagement through integrated technologies. “Across our broad portfolio for cataract, retina and refractive surgical workflows, we’re unveiling a wave of new innovations at ASCRS for our customers, from digital and AI-powered tools to advanced visualization solutions and collaborative care enhancements,” said Magnus Reibenspiess, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of the Strategic Business Unit Ophthalmology at Zeiss Medical Technology. Expanding Cataract Workflow Capabilities Among the key updates, Zeiss is expanding its DORC cataract portfolio in the U.S. with new irrigation and aspiration handpieces, tips, and sleeves manufactured by MicroSurgical Technology (MST). These components are compatible with the DORC EVA NEXUS surgical system and offer both single-use and reusable options, supporting sustainability goals while accommodating a wider range of incision sizes. The company will also showcase enhancements to its Zeiss IOLMaster 700. Updates include expanded calculation capabilities through the new Kane Suite, an upgraded Barrett Suite with additional formulas, and security improvements. New formulas have also been integrated into the Zeiss VERACITY Surgery Planner, including the Barrett RX formula and the Zeiss AI IOL Calculator for post-laser vision correction (LVC) patients. These additions are designed to improve accuracy in complex cases, particularly for toric IOL calculations and post-LVC cataract management. Launch of AI-Powered Patient Engagement Platform Zeiss will introduce Zeiss VisioGen, a newly launched patient engagement platform for ophthalmology practices in the U.S. The system combines artificial intelligence with human oversight, enabling practices to respond to patient inquiries around the clock while maintaining clinical accuracy and compliance. VisioGen integrates with clinic websites to capture patient interest outside normal business hours and guide users toward scheduling evaluations. Unlike fully automated chatbots, the platform uses a “governed” model in which AI-generated responses are reviewed by Zeiss-trained optometrists before being delivered. “VisioGen requires human review before any patient-facing response is delivered. This provides the speed of AI with the oversight needed for clinical safety, appropriate tone, and regulatory compliance,” said Dr. Dan Haddad, Medical Director at Laser Eye Institute in Troy, Michigan. “This level of oversight is essential to protecting our brand and maintaining patient trust.” Advancing Connected Care and Data Insights Zeiss will also present its cloud-based Zeiss Collaborative Care platform, which enables secure data sharing and coordination among eye care professionals. The browser-based application allows providers to refer patients, share clinical information, and streamline collaboration across care settings. Powered by the Zeiss Health Data Platform, it integrates with existing systems such as Zeiss FORUM to reduce fragmentation and improve continuity of care. In addition, the company will preview Zeiss CLINIC 360, a forthcoming browser-based solution designed to aggregate clinical data and deliver advanced analytics for ophthalmic workflows. The product is currently pending FDA 510(k) clearance and is not yet available for sale in the U.S. Celebrating a Century of Innovation in the U.S. The ASCRS showcase coincides with Zeiss marking 100 years of operations in the United States. The company highlighted its long-standing role in advancing ophthalmology, including the introduction of the first surgical microscope in 1953—technology that has since evolved to incorporate robotics and ergonomic design improvements. Zeiss also noted its continued innovation in vision correction, including the introduction of Zeiss SMILE in the U.S. in 2016, a minimally invasive laser vision correction procedure. Zeiss will exhibit its latest technologies and innovations at booth #607 during the ASCRS