What does easyPhaco cost?

A procurement guide to understanding pricing for phacoemulsification systems using easyPhaco fluidics technology

easyPhaco is not a standalone device—it's a technology developed for safe and efficient phacoemulsification that is integrated into phacoemulsification machines, most commonly the Oertli CataRhex 3. To price an easyPhaco system, you're pricing a complete phacoemulsification platform. New systems with easyPhaco technology typically range from $35,000 to $75,000 USD, depending on configuration, region, and service tier. Used systems are available at $15,000–$40,000. This article reflects publicly available information as of May 2026. MedSource will update pricing as quote data accumulates.

What the typical range is

Generally, a basic phacoemulsification model will cost between $20,000 and $50,000, while more advanced models can cost up to $100,000. The CataRhex 3 with easyPhaco, a compact portable system, is positioned in the lower-to-mid range of that spectrum. Pricing in India was cited at Rs 2,050,000 per unit (approximately $25,000–$28,000 USD depending on exchange rate), reflecting differences in regional distribution and service infrastructure. U.S. list pricing is not publicly disclosed; direct distributor quotes are necessary for accurate budgeting.

The easyPhaco technology itself does not add a significant premium. Rather, systems incorporating it—particularly the CataRhex 3—are marketed as cost-competitive alternatives to larger Venturi-based or torsional ultrasound systems (Alcon CENTURION, Zeiss Stellaris Elite).

What pushes price up — features, certifications, support tier

Bundled Accessories & Handpieces

The titanium easyPhaco handpiece has an external diameter of 13 mm, internal infusion line, and weighs 42 grams; the handpiece has six piezo crystals. Purchasing additional handpieces or redundant units adds $3,000–$8,000 per unit. easyTips (disposable) come in boxes of 10 with irrigation sleeve, test chamber, phaco key and emergency key ; bulk pre-purchase agreements run $1,500–$3,000/year depending on surgical volume.

Support Tier
Oertli's service contracts vary by region. Premium support (on-site training, extended field service, spare parts priority) typically adds 15–25% to the system cost annually. Standard support (telephone and email, parts at list price) is lower. Training for staff—either at the facility or at Oertli's Swiss facilities—is often bundled at purchase but can cost $2,000–$5,000 separately.

Configurations
The CataRhex 3 comes in standard and "easy" variants; "easy" refers to a simplified version aimed at emerging markets and training programs. Dual-pump configurations (SPEEP + peristaltic options) do not command a significant upcharge over single-pump setups.

Regulatory & Compliance

Oertli received 510(k) clearance from the FDA for the Faros system in 2024 ; similarly, easyPhaco systems are FDA-cleared Class II devices. Import duties, regulatory filing, and U.S. distributor margins can add 20–30% to non-U.S. list prices.

What pushes price down — refurbished, older generation, lease, GPO contracts

Refurbished & Used Equipment
Pre-owned CataRhex 3 systems and easyPhaco handpieces are available through secondary markets (DotMed, Bimedis, hospital equipment resellers) at 40–60% of new list price. Refurbished units typically include a 6- to 12-month warranty and updated handpieces; verify handpiece age and prior-repair history.

Lease & Rental Programs
Some distributors in the U.S. and Europe offer 36- to 60-month lease-to-own agreements at $800–$1,500/month, useful for ASCs testing patient demand before capital commitment. Lease terms typically include consumables, preventive maintenance, and emergency service.

Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) Contracts
Group purchasing organizations (e.g., Vizient, Medline GPO) may negotiate volume discounts with Oertli or its distributors, typically 10–15% off list price for multi-unit commitments (5+ systems).

Older Generations

The CataRhex 3 is a compact surgical platform weighing just five kilograms ; earlier Oertli models (CataRhex 2, OS 4) with easyPhaco may be available used at $10,000–$20,000 but have longer repair lead times and fewer active users for peer-to-peer learning.

Hidden costs — install, training, calibration, consumables, service contracts

Installation & Site Preparation
Installation typically costs $2,000–$5,000 and includes electrical verification (100–240V, no UPS required), footprint validation, and control-system integration with existing microsurgical setups. Oertli systems are lightweight and do not require specialized HVAC or water cooling, reducing infrastructure costs versus larger systems.

Operator Training
Initial surgeon and staff training ranges from 1–3 days on-site, often provided by the distributor at no charge with purchase. Additional training sessions (for new surgeons, OR staff rotation) cost $1,000–$2,500 per session.

Consumables (Annual Recurring Cost)

• easyTip disposables: $3–$8 per tip; assuming 500–1,500 surgeries/year at 1–2 tips per case = $2,000–$12,000/year.
• Irrigation/aspiration cassettes or tubing kits: $100–$300 per surgery (varies by system configuration).
• Handpiece maintenance/replacement: New piezo crystals ensure optimized performance over the product lifetime; shortened cable length promises more user comfort with less weight. Handpiece replacement every 3–5 years costs $4,000–$7,000.

Service Contracts
Annual preventive maintenance and parts coverage (excluding handpieces) ranges from $3,000–$8,000 depending on support tier. Systems outside warranty or support contracts incur $150–$300/service call plus parts at list price (often 40–60% markup).

Sterilization & Accessory Supplies
Autoclave trays, sterilization containers for handpieces, and irrigation bottles cost $500–$1,500 upfront, then $100–$200 annually for replacement liners.

How to negotiate — concrete tactics

1. Anchor on used or leased pricing: Request quotes for 3- to 5-year-old refurbished units with updated handpieces. Distributors often have trade-in inventory; use that as a negotiating floor.

2. Bundle handpieces & consumables: Negotiate a 3-year consumables package (tips, tubing, cassettes) as part of the system purchase. Bulk discounts on disposables typically run 15–25% off list.

3. Lock in support tiers upfront: Specify whether you need 24/7 field support or email/phone support; tier selection impacts total cost of ownership. Request a flat annual fee rather than per-call billing.

4. Request FDA clearance & QA documentation: Verify the system includes current 510(k) summary and complies with IEC 60601-1 (general medical device safety standard). Some sellers may offer price reductions if they've already borne compliance costs.

5. Negotiate on-site training duration: Secure 2–3 training sessions (initial install, 2-week follow-up, 8-week troubleshooting) included in purchase price, then negotiate pay-per-session rates for additional training.

6. Ask for performance guarantees: Request a 30-day trial period (with full refund option) or a warranty clause specifying energy consumption and chamber stability metrics.

7. Compare capital lease vs. purchase: Run a 60-month NPV analysis comparing purchase + maintenance vs. lease + service bundle. For low-volume centers (<200 surgeries/year), lease often wins.

When the price feels off — red flags

• Prices below $20,000 USD for new systems: Likely used, refurbished without disclosure, or imported without proper FDA registration. Request proof of regulatory clearance and prior clinical use.

• No bundled handpiece: If a quote lists only the console, verify that handpieces, footswitches, and tubing are included. A complete system should be quoted as one unit.

• Consumables priced at >$50/tip or >$400/surgery cassette: These are inflated; easyPhaco tips historically cost $3–$8. Request itemized pricing for bulk contracts.

• Support "available upon request": Avoid vague service language. Require written SLAs specifying response time (4–24 hours), parts availability, and escalation for critical downtime.

• No mention of FDA 510(k) or CE marking: easyPhaco systems sold in the U.S. must have 510(k) clearance; EU systems require CE mark. Absence of these raises regulatory compliance risk.

• Seller refuses to provide prior user references: Request contact information from 2–3 installations within the last 2 years. Surgeons with hands-on experience can advise on real-world reliability, parts availability, and training quality.

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Sources

1. Oertli Instrumente AG. CataRhex 3 Surgical Platform—Technical specifications & easyPhaco technology documentation. https://www.oertli-instruments.com/en/surgical-platforms/catarhex-3. Accessed May 2026.

2. Oertli Instrumente AG. easyPhaco Handpiece & easyTips Product Specifications. https://www.oertli-instruments.com/en-us/surgical-platforms/catarhex-3/fields-of-application/cataract/easyphaco-technology. Accessed May 2026.

3. DotMed Medical Equipment Marketplace. Phacoemulsifier Pricing Guide. https://www.dotmed.com/browse/equipment/ophthalmology. Accessed May 2026.

4. Review of Ophthalmology. "The Latest Advances in Phaco Machine Technology" (October 2025). Discusses FDA clearance timelines and competitive phaco system positioning (SPEEP, Adaptive Fluidics, Intelligent Fluidics).

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Disclaimer: Pricing is based on publicly available information as of May 2026 and reflects representative ranges in the U.S. and selected emerging markets. Regional, distributor, and volume-specific pricing varies. MedSource recommends obtaining 2–3 distributor quotes for your jurisdiction before budget finalization. This article will be updated as additional pricing data becomes available.