Phaco machine cost varies significantly depending on the platform, generation, and whether the system includes vitrectomy capability. Used phacoemulsification systems typically sell for $8,000 to $40,000, while combined phaco/vitrectomy platforms can reach $50,000 or more for recent, fully configured systems. New systems from leading manufacturers start around $60,000 and can exceed $150,000.
This guide covers real price ranges for the most widely traded phaco and vitrectomy platforms, what drives pricing, and what to verify before buying a used system.
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| Model | Type | Typical Used Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alcon Infiniti Vision System | Phaco | $5,000 – $12,000 | Older platform, widely available |
| Alcon Centurion Vision System | Phaco | $20,000 – $35,000 | Current workhorse, Active Fluidics |
| Alcon Constellation | Phaco / Vitrectomy | $25,000 – $45,000 | Combined anterior/posterior platform |
| B+L Stellaris PC | Phaco | $10,000 – $20,000 | Reliable, widely traded |
| B+L Stellaris Elite | Phaco / Vitrectomy | $20,000 – $40,000 | Current platform, Adaptive Fluidics |
| J&J Whitestar Signature | Phaco | $8,000 – $18,000 | Ellips FX torsional ultrasound |
| J&J Veritas Vision System | Phaco | $12,000 – $24,000 | Current J&J platform, limited secondary market |
Prices reflect current secondary market conditions. Final pricing depends on configuration, handpieces included, software version, and condition.
The Alcon Infiniti is the predecessor to the Centurion and remains one of the most widely available phaco systems on the secondary market globally. It is a capable anterior segment platform and many surgeons worldwide continue to use it for routine cataract procedures. Used units in working condition typically sell for $5,000–$12,000 depending on software version and included handpieces. The Infiniti with OZil torsional handpiece commands a modest premium over the standard configuration.
The Centurion is Alcon’s flagship phacoemulsification platform and the most commonly requested used phaco system globally. Its Active Fluidics technology maintains anterior chamber stability by automatically adjusting infusion pressure in real time — a meaningful clinical advance over gravity-fed systems. Used Centurion units typically sell for $20,000–$35,000 depending on software revision, included handpieces, and whether the Active Sentry handpiece is included. We currently have Alcon Centurion units available — view the listing here.
The Alcon Constellation is a combined anterior and posterior platform capable of both phacoemulsification and vitrectomy, making it the system of choice for surgery centres performing both cataract and retina procedures. It integrates Alcon’s PUREPOINT 532nm laser and ULTRAVIT high-speed vitrectomy probe. Used units typically trade for $25,000–$45,000 depending on year of manufacture, fluidics module version, and whether the PurePoint laser is included. Price increases significantly for units with the upgraded 2016 fluidics module.
The Stellaris PC is a well-regarded anterior segment phaco system offering both peristaltic and venturi fluidics options — a versatility that made it popular with surgeons who wanted flexibility in approach. It remains widely available in the secondary market and typically sells for $10,000–$20,000 for complete, well-maintained systems with handpieces and footswitch included. We currently have Stellaris PC units available — view the listing here.
The Stellaris Elite is Bausch + Lomb’s current combined phaco/vitrectomy platform, incorporating Adaptive Fluidics for anterior chamber stability and the Vitesse hypersonic vitrectomy system for posterior procedures. As a true combined platform for both cataract and retina in a single system, it commands a higher price than the anterior-only Stellaris PC. Used Elite units typically sell for $20,000–$40,000 depending on configuration and included modules.
The AMO / Johnson & Johnson Whitestar Signature is a phacoemulsification platform featuring Ellips FX torsional and transversal ultrasound technology, which reduces thermal energy delivered to the eye during surgery. It has a strong following among surgeons who trained on AMO platforms. Used systems are well-represented in the secondary market at $8,000–$18,000 depending on software version and included accessories.
The Veritas is J&J’s current-generation phaco platform, featuring Hybrid Fluidics Technology for reduced post-occlusion surge and improved anterior chamber stability. Used pricing is typically in the $12,000–$24,000 range, reflecting the secondary market reality for this platform despite its current-generation status.
Understanding the distinction matters when budgeting:
Phaco-only systems (Centurion, Stellaris PC, Whitestar Signature) are designed for anterior segment cataract surgery. They are the right choice for practices focused on cataract volume without retina surgery needs.
Combined phaco/vitrectomy systems (Alcon Constellation, Stellaris Elite) handle both anterior segment (cataract) and posterior segment (retina/vitreous) procedures from a single platform. They are more expensive but offer significant capital efficiency for surgery centres performing both procedure types. Buying a combined platform once is typically more cost-effective than purchasing separate dedicated systems.
Standalone vitrectomy systems (such as the Alcon Constellation configured as posterior-only) are used in dedicated retina surgery environments.
If your facility performs both cataract and retina procedures, a combined platform almost always delivers better value per dollar.
The generation gap between the Alcon Infiniti and Centurion represents a meaningful price step. The Centurion’s Active Fluidics system is the key differentiator — surgeons who have switched to pressure-controlled infusion are reluctant to go back, which sustains secondary market demand and price.
Phaco handpieces are expensive consumables and a major factor in total system value. A Centurion unit sold with an Active Sentry handpiece ($5,000–$8,000 new) is worth meaningfully more than one sold bare. Always confirm which handpieces, tips, tubing packs, and footswitch are included.
Older software revisions may limit compatibility with current consumables or newer handpieces. For Alcon systems particularly, confirm the software version and whether it supports the handpieces you intend to use.
Combined systems configured and tested for both phaco and vitrectomy command a premium over the same platform used only anteriorly. Always confirm which modules are active and which probes/instruments are included.
Unlike OCT systems, phaco machines are tracked by case count in some facilities. A well-maintained system with documented service history and moderate case count is worth more than an as-is unit with unknown history.
We regularly source phaco and vitrectomy systems from Japan — Japanese surgical facilities typically maintain equipment meticulously and replace systems on predictable cycles, making them a strong source of well-preserved units. Read more about global equipment flows →
New systems from Alcon, Bausch + Lomb, and Johnson & Johnson typically cost $60,000–$150,000+ depending on platform and configuration. New systems include full manufacturer warranty, latest software, and dedicated service contracts. For high-volume surgery centres where uptime is critical, new is often justified.
Used phaco and vitrectomy systems offer substantial savings. The core ultrasound and fluidics technology is mature — a well-maintained Alcon Centurion performs the same procedure as a new unit. Many ASCs and hospital OR suites worldwide run on refurbished platforms with full clinical outcomes.
The key is sourcing from a verified supplier who can confirm the system has been tested, serviced, and includes documentation.
If you are upgrading your phaco system, your existing platform likely has meaningful resale value — particularly if it includes current handpieces.
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Used phacoemulsification systems range from around $5,000 for older platforms like the Alcon Infiniti up to $40,000–$50,000 for current-generation combined phaco/vitrectomy systems like the Stellaris Elite or Alcon Constellation. The most commonly traded systems — Alcon Centurion, B+L Stellaris PC — typically fall in the $15,000–$35,000 range.
The Centurion is a phaco-only (anterior segment) system designed for cataract surgery. The Constellation is a combined anterior and posterior platform that handles both phacoemulsification and vitrectomy. The Constellation is priced higher and is the right choice for facilities that need both capabilities from a single system.
Yes, when sourced correctly. Phacoemulsification technology is mature and well-understood. The critical factors are service history, handpiece condition, and software currency. Buying from a trusted source with a documented service record and a warranty significantly reduces risk.
The Alcon Centurion is the most widely used phaco platform globally, valued for its Active Fluidics and broad consumables ecosystem. The Bausch + Lomb Stellaris platforms have a strong following for their fluidics flexibility, and the J&J Whitestar Signature remains popular among surgeons trained on AMO technology.
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