Further Expansion

The introduction of viscoelastics at the beginning of the decade, together with the development of extracapsular cataract extraction techniques and the use of posterior chamber lenses accelerated the growth of intraocular lens surgery.

In 1978 the UK Intraocular Implant Society (UKIIS) invited Rayner to sponsor a special lecture to be given every two years at a meeting of the Society. The Rayner Medal Lecture, which continues to this day, has been presented by many of the world’s leading authorities on intraocular lens surgery.

In 1986, under the Chairmanship of James Hobson, the Company moved to a purpose-built manufacturing unit on the Sackville Estate in Hove. The new site included full clean room facilities and a dedicated area for ethylene oxide sterilisation, making possible the quality system controls that were now required by the UK Department of Health. By the end of the decade manufacturing, for the first time, began to keep pace with increasing demand. Some 75% of sterile lenses produced were exported to over 40 countries.

The decade also saw the passing of John Pike who died in May 1983 at the age of 81, and the retirement in 1988 of John Green who was succeeded by Ian Collins and then by Donald Munro, the current Managing Director.