Dutch Ophthalmic Research Center

In 1983, an instrument maker at the Rotterdam Eye Hospital named Ger Vijfvinkel founded the Dutch Ophthalmic Research Center, or DORC. His vision was to create high-quality instruments and equipment for eye surgery. The company started by building a product portfolio through close collaboration with leading surgeons, a practice that would become core to its identity. Based in Zuidland, Netherlands, DORC specialized in developing tools for vitreo-retinal surgery, addressing the delicate procedures involving the retina and the gel-like vitreous humor inside the eye. DORC established itself as a key player by focusing on innovation for surgeons. The company became a leading global supplier of equipment, disposables, and liquids for ophthalmic surgery, exporting its products to over 80 countries. A cornerstone of their offering became the EVA NEXUS platform, a dual-function system for both vitreo-retinal and cataract procedures, allowing surgeons to use a single machine for various surgery types. The company's growth and strong market position attracted investors. After being owned by several private equity firms, DORC was acquired by the French investment firm Eurazeo in 2019. This led to a major turning point in late 2023, when Carl Zeiss Meditec, a German medical technology giant, announced it would acquire DORC from Eurazeo for approximately €985 million. The acquisition, which was completed in April 2024, was a strategic move for Zeiss to enhance its ophthalmology portfolio and strengthen its position in the retinal surgery market.