Costruzione Strumenti Oftalmici

What Costruzione Strumenti Oftalmici does

Costruzione Strumenti Oftalmici (CSO), founded in 1967 and headquartered in Scandicci near Florence, Italy, designs and manufactures ophthalmic diagnostic instruments for eye care professionals. The company serves ophthalmologists and eye surgeons, optometrists and optical professionals, and eye clinics/hospitals, supporting use cases spanning cataract and refractive surgery planning, corneal diagnostics, IOL calculation, contact lens fitting, tear film/dry eye analysis, and glaucoma screening. All design and production is described as 100% Italian, executed at its Scandicci facility, which employs an estimated 51-100 people.

The product portfolio centers on anterior segment analysis, combining multiple diagnostic modalities into unified platforms. Flagship devices include the MS-39 AS-OCT (Placido disk topography plus high-resolution OCT-based anterior segment tomography, with a Ray-Tracing IOL calculation module) and the Sirius+ (Placido disk plus Scheimpflug tomography over a 12mm diameter). The broader lineup spans aberrometers (Osiris-T, using a pyramidal sensor with 45,000-point resolution at 33 frames per second), corneal topographers (Antares+, Modì 2), slit lamps (SL9800/9900/9900 Elite, SL99K Élite), fundus cameras (Cobra+, Cobra HD), endothelial microscopy (Perseus), ocular electrophysiology (Retimax), tonometers, optotype projectors, and ophthalmic units/furniture. Devices integrate with the Phoenix software platform for data management and image analysis. The MS-39 received FDA clearance in October 2023, and the company holds EU MDR-relevant medical device compliance.

CSO monetizes primarily through hardware sales of diagnostic instruments and equipment, sold directly to healthcare professionals and through international distributor/reseller networks. Its go-to-market is a consultative enterprise field-sales motion supported by named product specialists, appointment booking (csoeventi.com), and heavy presence at ophthalmology congresses and trade shows (MIDO, ESCRS, AAO, SOI). Pricing is not publicly disclosed and follows a quote-based model, with product details gated behind login.

Name

Costruzione Strumenti Oftalmici

Legal name

Costruzione Strumenti Oftalmici

Website

https://csoitalia.it

Company type

Private

Founded year

1967

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

CSO (Costruzione Strumenti Oftalmici) is an Italian manufacturer of ophthalmic diagnostic instruments—OCT/Scheimpflug topographers, aberrometers, slit lamps, fundus cameras and tonometers—serving ophthalmologists, optometrists, and eye clinics globally through direct sales and distributors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Ophthalmic Diagnostic Devices

NAICS

Ophthalmic Goods Manufacturing (339115), Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing (339112)

SIC

Surgical & Medical Instruments & Apparatus (3841), Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827), Ophthalmic Goods (3851)

akta.pro primary industry

Refractive Diagnostics & Biometry (Autorefractors, Keratometers, Topography/Tomography, A-Scan/Optical Biometry) (HLAHAJAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Glaucoma Diagnostics & Surgical Devices (Tonometry, Gonioscopy, MIGS, Drainage Implants, Laser Trabeculoplasty) (HLAHAJAI)

Keywords

• Ophthalmic diagnostic instruments
• Anterior segment imaging
• Corneal topography systems
• Slit lamp manufacturing
• Non-mydriatic fundus cameras

Headquarters

HQ city

Scandicci

HQ country

Italy

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Medical Device Sales: CSO generates revenue through the sale of ophthalmic diagnostic instruments and equipment including topographers, tomographers, aberrometers, slit lamps, fundus cameras, tonometers, cross-linking devices, and ophthalmic units. Products are sold directly to healthcare professionals and through distribution channels globally.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

CSO designs, manufactures, and sells ophthalmic diagnostic instruments and ophthalmic units entirely in Italy, with a portfolio spanning anterior segment imaging (MS-39 AS-OCT, Sirius+, Antares+, Modì 2), aberrometry (Osiris, Osiris-T), slit lamps and accessories (SL9800/SL9900/SL9900 Elite, SL99K Élite, Mizar, Polaris), cross-linking (C-Eye), tonometers, fundus cameras (Cobra+, Cobra HD), endothelial microscopy (Perseus), ocular electrophysiology (Retimax), vision charts, and refraction furniture. Products are marketed to ophthalmologists, optometrists, eye clinics, and hospitals through direct specialist sales and an international distributor network.

Product overview

CSO (Costruzione Strumenti Oftalmici) is a 100% Italian company founded in 1967 in Scandicci, Florence, specializing in the design and manufacture of ophthalmic diagnostic instruments. The product portfolio centers on anterior segment analysis devices including the MS-39 AS-OCT tomographer/topographer and Sirius+ Placido-Scheimpflug system, complemented by corneal topography solutions (Antares+, Modì 2), aberrometry devices (Osiris-T, Osiris), slit lamps (SL9800/9900/9900 Elite), and specialized accessories (Mizar video camera, Polaris tear film analyzer, C-Eye cross-linking). The diagnostic lineup further includes fundus cameras (Cobra+, Cobra HD), endothelial microscopy (Perseus), ocular electrophysiology (Retimax), tonometers (A900, F900, Z800), and optotype projectors (Vision Chart V4). Supporting equipment includes ophthalmic units (Vintage, Etoile II, Fusion, Elegance), chairs, chests, and tables. All devices integrate with Phoenix software platform for data management and image analysis.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• C-EYE | Emagine: Cross-linking device brand for corneal treatments using CXL and PACK-CXL technology

Products and services

• MS-39 Anterior Segment OCT Anterior segment OCT combining Placido disk corneal topography with high-resolution OCT-based tomography for ophthalmologists and cataract/refractive surgeons; performs pachymetry, elevation, curvature and dioptric power mapping, includes a Ray-Tracing IOL calculation module, and produces cross-sectional corneal images over a 16mm diameter.
• Sirius+ Combined Topographer and Tomographer Corneal topographer and Scheimpflug tomographer providing pachymetry, elevation, curvature, and dioptric power mapping of the anterior segment over a 12mm diameter using up to 100 high-resolution corneal sections, with reduced sensitivity to eye movement for accurate biometric measurements.
• Antares+ Multi-functional Corneal Topographer Multi-functional Placido-based corneal topographer with dedicated software for curvature, elevation, and refractive power mapping, including dry eye detection and analysis tools for optometrists and ophthalmologists.
• Modì 2 Placido Disk Corneal Topographer Placido disk corneal topographer with software for corneal curvature, elevation, refractive power and rigid contact lens fitting simulation, targeted at contact lens practitioners and refractive clinics.
• Osiris-T Aberrometer and Topographer Combined corneal topographer and total ocular aberrometer using a unique pyramidal sensor that measures aberrations with up to 45,000-point resolution at maximum pupil diameter and captures wavefront in real time at up to 33 frames per second during accommodation.
• Osiris Total Ocular Aberrometer Total ocular aberrometer that measures high-order aberrations using CSO's pyramidal sensor technology with 45,000-point resolution and real-time wavefront acquisition at up to 33 frames per second.
• SL9800 / SL9900 / SL9900 Elite Slit Lamps Slit lamp family with advanced LED illumination, ergonomic design, high-quality optics, precision mechanical components, and a redesigned illumination system with improved horizontal and vertical tilting for biomicroscopic exams.
• SL99K Élite Slit Lamp New-generation slit lamp with ergonomic design, advanced LED illumination with constant color temperature and low thermal emission, and high-quality optics, designed and produced entirely in Italy for biomicroscopy in ophthalmology and optometry practices.
• Mizar Slit Lamp Video Camera Video camera accessory for CSO SL9800, SL9900, and SL9900 Elite slit lamps offering 3X, 5X, and zoom microscope magnifications with high color rendering for image and video capture during biomicroscopic examination.
• Polaris Tear Film Analyzer Accessory that enables advanced tear film analysis on slit lamps from any brand, used standalone through the microscope or via Phoenix software for dry eye diagnosis.
• C-Eye Cross-Linking Device Slit-lamp-mounted device delivering corneal cross-linking treatment using CXL and PACK-CXL protocols, with a USB-C cradle that doubles as a UV meter for calibration, marketed under the C-EYE | Emagine sub-brand.
• Applanation Tonometers (A900, F900, Z800) Precision applanation tonometers for intraocular pressure measurement, with A900 and F900 compatible with CSO SL9900 series slit lamps and Z800 compatible with SL9800 series.
• Cobra+ Non-Mydriatic Fundus Camera Non-mydriatic digital fundus camera with 5 megapixel resolution, capturing retinal images up to a 50-degree field of view through pupils as small as 2.5mm, with 9 internal fixation targets and automatic cup-to-disk ratio measurement for glaucoma screening.
• Cobra HD Non-Mydriatic Fundus Camera Non-mydriatic digital fundus camera with 5MP CCD sensor, 50-degree field of view, DICOM connectivity, MOSAIC function, Meibomian Glands Analysis, and AVR tool for screening and clinic-level retinal imaging.
• Perseus Endothelial Microscope Fully automated non-contact specular microscope producing high-definition images of the corneal endothelium with automatic calculation of cell density, pleomorphism, polymegathism, and pachymetric data, plus fixation targets for peripheral cornea analysis.
• Retimax Ocular Electrophysiology System Ocular electrophysiology system (Basic / Advanced / Advanced Plus) for functional evaluation of the visual system per SCEV standard, with an age-based normative database supporting early-stage glaucoma screening.
• Vision Chart V4 Optotype Projector Optotype projector with visual acuity, contrast threshold, binocular vision, and color vision tests, featuring an interactive interface designed to international standards for refraction lanes.
• Vintage Ophthalmic Refraction Unit Ophthalmic unit supporting up to 4 independent instruments, with microprocessor control, manual movements, powered elevation, and customizable color options.
• Etoile II Rotating Ophthalmic Refraction Unit Compact rotating plane ophthalmic unit for up to 3 instruments, with optional electronic height adjustment and a minimal space footprint.
• Fusion Compact Ophthalmic Refraction Unit Compact ophthalmic unit with a shatterproof touch-pad console, backlit display, and optional powered lifting, designed for accessibility including patients with motor difficulties.
• Elegance Refraction Unit Modern refraction unit for 2 instruments with an ergonomic command console and customizable color options for ophthalmic and optometric studios.
• CSO Refraction Chairs Refraction unit chairs made with high-quality materials, customizable with various fabrics, colors, and accessories including footrest, powered lifting, and adjustable headrest.
• CSO Drawer Chests Drawer units available with or without wheels for ophthalmic studio furnishing, offered in multiple colors.
• CSO Ophthalmic Tables Electric ophthalmic tables with adjustable elevation controlled via keypad on a telescopic column, available with cogged guides to house ophthalmic devices.

Quantifiable outcome

• MS-39 received FDA clearance for anterior segment OCT imaging
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

AI capability10 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• La Villa GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCSO collaborated with La Villa Group (managing 9 nursing homes in Tuscany) for the 2025 social project providing free eye examinations in care homes. CSO provided equipment and expertise while La Villa Group provided access to facilities.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Topcon Corporation: Topcon is a major global ophthalmic diagnostic and imaging company offering corneal topographers, OCT, fundus cameras, and refraction systems that directly overlap with CSO's MS-39, Sirius+, and Cobra+ product lines. As a much larger Japanese incumbent, it serves as the primary large-scale benchmark for CSO's growth path.
• Nidek Co., Ltd. Nidek manufactures a broad portfolio of ophthalmic diagnostic instruments including autorefractors, topographers, OCT, and surgical lasers that compete head-to-head with CSO's diagnostic imaging portfolio. Both companies target cataract, refractive, and corneal diagnostic workflows globally.
• Carl Zeiss Meditec: Carl Zeiss Meditec is a global leader in ophthalmic diagnostics and surgical microscopy, with Cirrus HD-OCT, IOLMaster biometry, and ForeseeHome competing directly with CSO's MS-39 AS-OCT and topography solutions. It sets the technology ceiling CSO must keep pace with.
• Haag-Streit Group: Haag-Streit is a long-established European ophthalmic diagnostics and slit lamp specialist with broad hospital-channel distribution. Its slit lamps, perimeters, and biometry offerings compete with CSO's SL9900 series and MS-39.

Direct peers

• Heidelberg Engineering: Heidelberg Engineering specializes in high-resolution ophthalmic imaging (Spectralis OCT, Anterion multimodal anterior segment imaging), making it a closely aligned specialist peer to CSO in premium anterior segment and OCT diagnostics.
• Tomey Corporation: Tomey manufactures ophthalmic diagnostic equipment including corneal topographers, specular microscopes, and OCT systems. Its product overlap with CSO's Modì 2, Perseus, and MS-39 lines makes it a relevant mid-size specialist peer.
• Bon Optic: Bon Optic is a German ophthalmic instruments manufacturer producing slit lamps, topographers, and diagnostic units that overlap with CSO's slit lamp, Modì, and ophthalmic unit product lines — a closely comparable European specialist.
• Oculus (Optikgeräte): Oculus Optikgeräte is a German manufacturer of corneal topographers (Pentacam), perimeters, and dry-eye diagnostic devices, providing the closest direct competitor to CSO's Sirius+, Antares+, and Polaris product range.
• iCare (Revenio Group): iCare specializes in tonometers and ocular diagnostics, with its rebound tonometers and ic100 products competing directly with CSO's A900, F900, and Z800 tonometers — a niche specialist peer in glaucoma diagnostics.
• Visionix (formerly Luneau Technology / Optovue): Visionix combines OCT, autorefraction, and topography platforms (Optovue Avanti, Visionix VX650) that overlap with CSO's MS-39 and Osiris aberrometer lines. It is a relevant mid-sized multi-modality peer.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC2dnLc_9LbFNCRiL45E4KyA
• Xx.com/CsoOftalmologia

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Costruzione Strumenti Oftalmici