Evolution
Over the years, Ellex has evolved from a small scientific laser company to a global leader in ophthalmic laser technology. Key events in the company’s history include:
1985
The evolution of Ellex begins when Quentron Electronics, an Australian-based scientific laser company, is awarded an Australian government grant to develop its laser technology for use in ophthalmology.
1988
Launch of Ellex’s first ophthalmic product, the Laserex LQ1106 YAG photodisruptor.
1990
As a result of a management buyout, Ellex spins off the laser technology from Quentron and begins operating as an independent company.
1992
Alcon and Ellex enter into an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) agreement for Ellex to develop and supply the Alcon 3000LE based on the Laserex photodisruptor platform. To date, more than 2,000 of these systems have been installed worldwide, and the Alcon partnership remains an important part of Ellex’s business.
1995
Ellex establishes a subsidiary in Minneapolis, Laserex, Inc., to sell and service products in the United States.
1996
Ellex divests itself of all non-ophthalmic businesses and begins operating as the industry’s only dedicated ophthalmic laser technology company, a distinction that continues today. • Introduction of the original Super Q, which becomes the industry’s most popular photodisruptor.
1999
Coherent and Ellex enter into an OEM agreement for Ellex to develop and supply the Aura YAG laser photodisruptor based on the Laserex LQ3106. More than 900 Coherent (now Lumenis) Aura systems are installed with customers around the world before the agreement expired in 2004.
2000
Ellex enters the photocoagulator market with the launch of the Laserex Integre, a solid-state, green photocoagulator. This system features a unique design that integrates the laser cavity into the slit lamp delivery system.
2001
Ellex IPO on the Australian Stock Exchange. The capital raised is used to embark on a new growth strategy. • Coherent and Ellex enter a second OEM agreement for Ellex to develop and supply the Selecta Duet SLT laser system for glaucoma, delivering more than 500 systems under the agreement which ended in March 2006.
2003
Ellex establishes a subsidiary in Japan with offices in Tokyo and Osaka to sell and service Laserex products in Japan.
2004
Ellex spends up to 20 percent of revenue on product development, more than double the industry standard. The resulting expansion of its product line provides a full range of lasers to treat cataract, retina and glaucoma patients.
2005
Ellex launches a global, five-year plan to transition from an OEM supplier to a customer-focused company that provides lasers and services directly to ophthalmologists. The decision is made to brand and operate exclusively under the Ellex name.
2006
Ellex enters the multi-color photocoagulator market with the launch of the Integre Duo, the first solid-state photocoagulator to deliver clinically proven red and green wavelengths. • Ellex establishes a direct subsidiary in Australia, Ellex Australia Pty Ltd, to directly deliver leading ophthalmic technology to ophthalmologists in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. • Ellex enters the ophthalmic ultrasound market through the acquisition of Innovative Imaging, Inc., adding the Eye Cubed ultrasound system to the Ellex product range.
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