Key Takeaways

  • Alcon will showcase cataract surgery technologies at ESCRS 2026, including Clareon PanOptix Pro, the European launch of Clareon TruPlus, and the Unity Cataract System
  • New clinical and bench data will examine Clareon PanOptix Pro visual and optical performance and Unity system metrics including phaco efficiency, ultrasound energy delivery, anterior chamber stability, and surgical workflow
  • Alcon’s broader ESCRS program will feature technologies spanning cataract, refractive, and glaucoma care, with nearly 40 studies and abstracts scheduled for presentation

Alcon will present its latest surgical innovations at the 44th Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) in London, September 11-15, 2026. Alcon will showcase a portfolio of surgical innovations designed to meet the evolving needs of a growing cataract patient population, including Clareon PanOptix Pro, the European launch of Clareon TruPlus, and the Unity Cataract System (CS). Together, these innovations advance IOL performance and drive greater efficiency across the cataract surgery workflow.

Alcon will also feature innovations across cataract, refractive, and glaucoma care, including Unity M microscope, WaveLight Plus, Voyager Direct Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (DSLT) and Hydrus Microstent. Nearly 40 studies and abstracts will also be featured throughout the congress.

“Surgeons today are being asked to deliver outstanding outcomes for more patients, with greater efficiency and consistency than ever before,” said Seba Leoni, President Surgical at Alcon International. “That is why our innovation strategy is focused not only on breakthrough technologies, but on how they work together in real clinical settings. At ESCRS 2026, Clareon PanOptix Pro and Unity Cataract System (CS) showcase Alcon’s commitment to advancing the next generation of cataract surgery—from optical performance and visual quality to operating room (OR) workflow and superior procedural efficiency.”

Clareon PanOptix Pro: advancing optical performance across the full visual range

Building on the Clareon platform and the established Clareon PanOptix clinical profile, including its superior axial stability and low visual disturbances, Clareon PanOptix Pro is designed to provide more uninterrupted light distribution across the full visual range, according to Alcon. It delivers an unprecedented 94% light utilization for reduced light scatter—the highest reported of any trifocal IOL and is designed for better image contrast.

New data presented at ESCRS 2026 will further characterize Clareon PanOptix Pro’s visual performance, patient-reported outcomes and optical quality:

  • Dr. David Gunn will present the first prospective real-world evaluation of binocular visual performance and patient-reported outcomes following bilateral implantation of Clareon PanOptix Pro. E-Poster, On Demand
  • A study by Dr. William Xu, presented by Dr. Kamal Das, will showcase bench data and virtual implantation (JenVis) comparing Clareon PanOptix Pro and TECNIS Odyssey , with findings supporting the optical performance of Clareon PanOptix Pro in the intermediate-to-near range, including image contrast and tolerance of halo and starburst. Poster, Podium 3
  • Dr. Andrzej Dmitriew will present bench data evaluating the optical performance of Clareon PanOptix Pro, including findings supporting improved light utilization and enhanced optical quality in the distance-to-intermediate range while preserving performance at established focal points compared to Clareon PanOptix. E-Poster, On Demand

In an exclusive ESCRS 2026 symposium session, Clareon PanOptix Pro will be featured within the theme “Pushing Boundaries in Every Category,” including the session “Raising the Bar in FRoF IOLs: Clareon PanOptix Pro.” Details on the schedule are available at MyAlcon.com.

Clareon PanOptix Pro is commercially available in Europe and most Asian markets, with further rollout subject to local regulatory approvals.

At ESCRS, Alcon will also launch Clareon TruPlus in European markets, a novel enhanced monofocal IOL designed to deliver enhanced intermediate vision, without compromising distance vision. TruPlus is the latest addition to the Clareon Collection, featuring proprietary Opti-Balance Technology which optimizes the curvature of the central optic to direct light to distance vision.

Advancing superior efficiency with Unity Cataract System

Alcon will also spotlight Unity Cataract System (CS) at ESCRS 2026 as a commercially available offering within its next-generation Unity surgical equipment portfolio. Designed to deliver superior efficiency in cataract surgery, Unity CS supports faster nucleus removal and improved OR efficiency.

With cataract procedure volumes increasing and surgical teams facing continued workflow pressures, Alcon says the Unity CS reflects the company's focus on workflow-driven innovation. The system streamlines operating room turnover time and expedites console set-up, designed for rapid vacuum rise with Intelligent IOP1 that precisely controls and maintains the desired IOP setpoint.

  • Unity 4D Phaco is a breakthrough ultrasound modality that delivers nucleus removal twice as fast as OZil with 41% less energy delivered to the eye. 
  • Intelligent Sentry provides efficient active anterior chamber surge mitigation without losing followability using a proprietary sensor and dual-vent valve technology.
  • Unity Thermal Sentry is a first-of-its-kind handpiece that estimates the temperature at the incision site and regulates ultrasound power.

New data at ESCRS 2026 will further characterize Unity VCS|CS performance across phaco efficiency, ultrasound energy delivery, anterior chamber stability and cataract surgery workflow.

  • Dr. Ivo Ferreira will present bench data evaluating the novel 4D Phaco ultrasound modality of Unity VCS|CS compared with traditional torsional ultrasound, with results showing improvements in lens removal efficiency alongside reductions in ultrasound energy delivered to the eye. Free Paper, Podium 1 
  • Dr. Hisaharu Suzuki will present bench data supporting enhanced anterior chamber stability with Unity VCS during simulated occlusion break events, particularly at lower intraocular pressure (IOP) settings. Free Paper, Podium 1 
  • Research by Dr. Lawrence Woodard, presented by Li-Chen Pan, will showcase real-world data evaluating sterile-technician console interactions during cataract surgery setup, supporting the streamlined system design of Unity. e-Poster, On Demand

Alongside Unity CS, Alcon will highlight Unity M, Alcon’s next-generation microscope, designed to deliver precise control to surgeons throughout the surgical procedure. Alcon is also introducing Unity GPS, a new, comprehensive image-guidance technology that seamlessly connects every step of the clinic-to-OR workflow. In combination with SMARTCataract DX for cataract planning, Unity GPS supports execution of the surgical plan in the operating room, helping surgeons optimize placement of IOLs. The technology will be available in Japan and Italy later this month. Alcon rounds out its innovations with SMARTCataract DX, the easier solution for smarter planning and Intelligent Service Solution (ISS) designed to maximize productivity with remote support.

Advancing scientific exchange and surgical education at ESCRS 2026

As part of its Medical Affairs program, Alcon will host peer-to-peer scientific exchange across IOLs, cataract and vitreoretinal surgery and glaucoma care. The program will include the European launch of the Alcon Science Expert Network, a new global initiative driving high-quality scientific engagement among healthcare professionals: 

  • “Ray-Tracing-Guided LASIK: Principles and Clinical Outcomes,” led by David Allamby, MBChB, and Dr. med. Ben Asani, FEBO

In addition, Alcon will offer a range of expert-led educational sessions focused on IOL innovation, surgical technologies, and workflow efficiency, designed to help healthcare professionals translate innovation into clinical practice, including:

  • “Alcon Eye to Eye – Changing the Game in IOLs: Ready to Go Pro”
  • “Unity Surgical Platform – From Vision to Impact in Clinical Practice”
  • “Achieving Superior Efficiency in Cataract Surgery” 
  • “Unity CS case-based education: Management of a complex cataract case with 4D Phaco and Intelligent Fluidics”

For more information, healthcare professionals are encouraged to visit the Alcon booth at ESCRS (ExCel London C231 & C221), review the complete schedule of Alcon congress activities on MyAlcon.com and follow Alcon, MyAlcon and Alcon Science on LinkedIn for approved congress updates.