ILLUMIN-i System: A Revolution in Ophthalmic Illumination

Recently, Cataract Outsourcing sat down with Rob and Edie Hewlett of Endure Medical, Inc. to find out more about the ILLUMIN-I  System, a significant advancement in Ophthalmic illumination.  Based in Cumming, Georgia, this small company has been in the business of the refurbishment, sales and service of surgical microscopes for over 20 years.  Although the main focus of this interview deals with the Ophthalmic side, Endure Medical is also involved with ENT, neurosurgery, orthopedic, plastics, OB/GYN, and dentistry to just name a few.  They definitely cover a large spectrum of the surgical market and have a comprehensive knowledge of all of those specialties.

CO: Rob and Edie, please tell us a little about Endure Medical, your position with the company, how long you have been at that position, and how long you have been involved in the ophthalmic industry.

RH & EH: Endure is family owned and operated and we’ve been in business over 20 years.  We provide both new and refurbished microscopes for all specialties.  Our company is ISO 9001:2000; 13485:2003 certified, registered with the FDA and has CE approval on our new products.  All of our equipment comes with a 2 year warranty.   While developing our new ophthalmic scope, the Reflex, we began experimenting with different illumination systems.  After many ideas and prototypes, we finally discovered the technology used in the ILLUMIN-i….tested with several local surgeons….made a few alterations and filed the patent.

CO: What is the ILLUMIN-i system?

RH & EH: The patent-pending ILLUMIN-i module is integrated with our new microscope and is also available as an upgrade to older optics.  The ILLUMIN-I creates a homogeneous, brilliant red reflex and tremendous detail perception.  The ILLUMIN-i offers triaxial, collimated illumination and multiple angles of delivery that enhance the optical view for surgeons.  This new technology results in a constant, “glowing” red reflex while maintaining contrast and depth of field.  The surgeon perceives fine details and clarity like never before.

CO: How does the ILLUMIN-i system benefit surgeons?

RH: Provides an incredible view without having to replace your entire microscope.

EH: They can upgrade their current optical system and save lots of money over a brand new scope.

CO: What type of surgeon feedback (both positive and negative) have you had with those using the ILLUMIN-i system?

RH: By far, the feedback is positive.  The ILLUMIN-i is a cost-effective option to other new microscopes.  The optical view is comparable (if not better), but the price is much less.  For rural hospitals and ASC’s, our system is the perfect fit.  The surgeon gets the view he needs and the facility saves the money they need…especially in today’s economy.

EH: Optically, our system is just as good as or better than any other microscope on the market.  This is based on feedback from many of the top surgeons across the country.  We’ve kept our floorstand simpler with a small profile.  Some hospitals and surgeons prefer the larger floorstands with electromagnetic brakes and we don’t offer this feature.  Our design goals were to provide modern electronics for the footpedal and optics while keeping the floorstand simple.  This gives the surgeons the features they need/want and keeps the price under control!

CO: If you could only make one statement in regards to selling the ILLUMIN-i system to a skeptical surgeon what would that be?

RH: We will bring it to your facility, be in surgery and let you see for yourself.

EH: Take a look at our video of several surgeons using the ILLUMIN-i and then let us bring it to your facility and be in surgery…you don’t buy it unless you like it.

CO: Endure offers a variety of products and services, please tell our readers about all you have to offer your customers.

RH: While the ILLUMIN-i is specific to Ophthalmology, our company provides microscope systems and accessories for every specialty and budget.

EH: Along with our microscopes systems, we offer various new video systems (single, 3-chip and HD), replacement parts (new and refurbished), repair services and disposables.

CO: For those readers who are interested in the ILLUMIN-i or any other of your products and services, how can they find out more and get in contact with you?

RH: Our direct number is 800-736-3873 / 770-888-3755

EH: Our website is:  www.enduremed.com, my email is:  edie@enduremed.com ; rob@enduremed.com

Cataract Outsourcing would like to thank Rob and Edie Hewlett and the staff at Endure Medical, Inc. for meeting with us and providing information in regards to the ILLUMIN-I system.

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