Needle holders are used when suturing – allowing the surgeon to both apply the needle at the correct angle to the tissue and achieve the correct depth. Stainless steel needle holders coming into contact with a magnetised surface will become magnetic, making it difficult to release a suture needle, for this reason titanium needle holders are often preferred. The John Weiss range of needle holders consists of curved and straight, with or without catch and covers the suturing techniques of all ophthalmic subspecialties. The titanium needle holders help Surgeons to perform smooth and magnetic-free suturing, thus speeding up the surgical operating time, leading to improved postoperative results.

This group covers a wide variety of instruments commonly called ‘side port’ or ‘second’ instrument. They are mainly used through the paracentesis incision but can also be used through the principle incision. Choppers and splitters are generally used to break up the crystalline lens, while manipulators are used to move lens fragments or the intraocular lens (IOL). Other instruments that are of a similar design are hooks, used to atraumatically manipulate the iris or capsular bag. The John Weiss choppers and manipulators range includes; choppers & splitters, manipulators, spatula/repositors, double-ended combinations, hooks and vectis.

Extraocular procedures are performed on the external structures of the eye and surrounding tissue (adnexa). These are usually dealt with by Oculoplastic, Strabismus or Orbital specialists and include surgery to the eyelids, extraocular muscles, lacrimal and orbital structures. The John Weiss extraocular range includes DCR punches & intubation sets, retractors & hooks, chisels & osteotomes, orbital instruments & implants and enucleation/evisceration instruments.

Some surgical items would be hard to decontaminate and re-sterilise, such as swabs and drapes. In some instances, it is extremely useful to have single-use consumables, such as when patients have highly-contagious conditions. The John Weiss range of single-use consumables includes; drapes, sponges, eye shields & patches and cautery.