Eye Clinic Equipment: Complete Equipment List and Costs for Nigeria 2026

Starting an eye clinic in Nigeria requires significant investment in specialized optometry and ophthalmology equipment. The right equipment determines the quality of care you can provide, your diagnostic capabilities, and your competitive advantage in the growing Nigerian eye care market.

This comprehensive guide covers all essential eye clinic equipment, costs in Naira, suppliers, and tips for making smart purchasing decisions for your optometry or ophthalmology practice.

Understanding Eye Clinic Equipment Categories

Diagnostic Equipment (Essential)

Refraction and Vision Testing:

• Autorefractors
• Phoropters
• Trial lens sets
• Retinoscopes
• Visual acuity charts
• Keratometers

Eye Examination:

• Slit lamps
• Ophthalmoscopes
• Tonometers (IOP measurement)
• Fundus cameras
• OCT scanners
• Visual field analyzers

Specialized Diagnostics:

• Corneal topographers
• Pachymeters
• A-scan/B-scan ultrasound
• Specular microscopes
• Anterior segment cameras

Treatment Equipment

Optical Services:

• Lensometers
• Edging machines
• Frame warmers
• Lens cleaning equipment
• Frame displays

Minor Procedures:

• Surgical microscopes
• YAG lasers
• Argon lasers
• Cryotherapy units

Support Equipment

Consultation Rooms:

• Examination chairs
• Instrument stands
• Lighting systems
• Storage cabinets

Optical Shop:

• Frame displays
• Mirrors
• Seating areas
• Point of sale systems

Essential Eye Clinic Equipment: Complete List with Pricing

1. Autorefractor/Keratometer

Why Essential: Automates initial refraction measurement, saving time and providing objective starting point for prescription.

Types Available:

Basic Autorefractor:

• Refraction measurement only
• Manual operation
• Cost: ₦2,500,000 - ₦4,000,000

Auto Refractor-Keratometer (ARK):

• Combined refraction and keratometry
• Most popular choice
• Cost: ₦4,000,000 - ₦7,000,000

Advanced ARK with Topography:

• Includes corneal mapping
• Premium diagnostics
• Cost: ₦8,000,000 - ₦12,000,000

Key Brands:

• Nidek (Japan) - Premium: ₦6M - ₦10M
• Topcon (Japan) - Premium: ₦5M - ₦9M
• Huvitz (Korea) - Mid-range: ₦4M - ₦6M
• Chinese brands - Budget: ₦2.5M - ₦4M

Key Features to Look For:

• Quick measurement time (< 1 second)
• Pediatric mode
• Pupil diameter measurement
• Auto-tracking
• Data export capability
• Printer included

Revenue Impact:

• Speeds up refraction by 50%
• See 30-40% more patients daily
• Professional image
• Reduces technician workload

Recommended Suppliers:

• MedLab Solutions Nigeria (Lagos, Abuja)
• Optical Equipment Nigeria (Lagos)
• Vision Care Supplies (Lagos)

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2. Phoropter (Refractor Head)

Why Essential: Core equipment for subjective refraction and determining precise prescription.

Types:

Manual Phoropter:

• Traditional mechanical design
• Reliable and durable
• Cost: ₦1,500,000 - ₦3,000,000

Digital Phoropter:

• Electronic lens changes
• Faster and quieter
• Remote control operation
• Cost: ₦4,000,000 - ₦8,000,000

Key Brands:

• Reichert (USA) - Premium: ₦5M - ₦7M
• Topcon (Japan) - Premium: ₦4M - ₦6M
• Huvitz (Korea) - Mid-range: ₦2.5M - ₦4M
• Chinese brands - Budget: ₦1.5M - ₦2.5M

Features:

• Full range of lenses
• Cross-cylinder
• Rotary prisms
• Auxiliary lenses
• Smooth operation
• Easy cleaning

Accessories Needed:

• Refraction chair: ₦300,000 - ₦800,000
• Projector/chart: ₦200,000 - ₦500,000
• Instrument stand: ₦150,000 - ₦400,000

Total Investment: ₦2,150,000 - ₦9,700,000

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3. Slit Lamp Biomicroscope

Why Essential: Primary tool for examining anterior and posterior eye structures in detail.

Types:

Basic Slit Lamp:

• 2-3 magnifications
• Manual controls
• Cost: ₦1,500,000 - ₦2,500,000

Standard Slit Lamp:

• 3-5 magnifications
• Better optics
• Cost: ₦2,500,000 - ₦4,500,000

Premium Slit Lamp:

• 5+ magnifications
• Digital imaging
• Video capability
• Cost: ₦5,000,000 - ₦10,000,000

Key Brands:

• Haag-Streit (Switzerland) - Premium: ₦8M - ₦12M
• Zeiss (Germany) - Premium: ₦7M - ₦11M
• Topcon (Japan) - Mid-range: ₦4M - ₦6M
• Chinese brands - Budget: ₦1.5M - ₦3M

Essential Accessories:

• Tonometer attachment: ₦800,000 - ₦2,000,000
• Fundus lens (78D, 90D): ₦150,000 - ₦400,000 each
• Gonioscopy lens: ₦100,000 - ₦250,000
• Camera attachment: ₦1,500,000 - ₦3,000,000
• Breath shield: ₦50,000 - ₦100,000

Total Investment: ₦2,600,000 - ₦15,750,000

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4. Tonometer (IOP Measurement)

Why Essential: Critical for glaucoma screening and monitoring, one of leading causes of blindness in Nigeria.

Types:

Non-Contact Tonometer (NCT):

• Air puff method
• Patient-friendly
• Quick screening
• Cost: ₦2,500,000 - ₦5,000,000

Applanation Tonometer:

• Gold standard accuracy
• Mounts on slit lamp
• Requires topical anesthesia
• Cost: ₦800,000 - ₦2,000,000

Handheld Tonometer:

• Portable
• Good for children/bedridden
• Icare or Tonopen
• Cost: ₦1,500,000 - ₦3,500,000

Recommended Setup:

• NCT for screening: ₦3,000,000
• Applanation for confirmation: ₦1,200,000
• Total: ₦4,200,000

Consumables:

• NCT: Minimal (cleaning supplies)
• Applanation: Prisms (₦50,000/year), anesthetic drops (₦30,000/month)

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5. Ophthalmoscope and Retinoscope

Why Essential: Fundamental tools for examining retina and determining refractive error.

Direct Ophthalmoscope:

• Handheld retinal examination
• Cost: ₦150,000 - ₦400,000

Indirect Ophthalmoscope:

• Wider field of view
• Better for peripheral retina
• Headband-mounted
• Cost: ₦800,000 - ₦2,000,000

Retinoscope:

• Objective refraction
• Essential skill tool
• Cost: ₦150,000 - ₦400,000

Recommended Brands:

• Welch Allyn (USA) - Premium: ₦300K - ₦500K
• Heine (Germany) - Premium: ₦250K - ₦450K
• Keeler (UK) - Premium: ₦200K - ₦400K
• Chinese brands - Budget: ₦80K - ₦200K

Complete Set:

• Direct ophthalmoscope: ₦250,000
• Indirect ophthalmoscope: ₦1,200,000
• Retinoscope: ₦250,000
• Trial lens set: ₦800,000
• Total: ₦2,500,000

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6. Trial Lens Set and Accessories

Why Essential: Manual refraction, verification, and backup for automated equipment.

Complete Trial Lens Set:

• Spherical lenses: +20D to -20D
• Cylindrical lenses
• Prisms
• Occluders and accessories
• Carrying case
• Cost: ₦600,000 - ₦1,500,000

Trial Frames:

• Adjustable for all face sizes
• Cost: ₦50,000 - ₦150,000 each
• Quantity needed: 3-5 frames

Additional Accessories:

• Occluders: ₦20,000 - ₦50,000
• Pinhole occluders: ₦15,000 - ₦30,000
• Stenopaic slit: ₦10,000 - ₦25,000
• Maddox rod: ₦15,000 - ₦35,000
• Red-green filters: ₦20,000 - ₦40,000

Total Investment: ₦800,000 - ₦2,000,000

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7. Visual Acuity Charts and Projectors

Why Essential: Basic vision testing for distance and near acuity.

Options:

LED Projector:

• Multiple charts
• Remote control
• Professional appearance
• Cost: ₦200,000 - ₦500,000

LCD Chart Display:

• Digital charts
• Customizable
• Modern look
• Cost: ₦300,000 - ₦800,000

Traditional Charts:

• Snellen chart: ₦20,000 - ₦50,000
• LogMAR chart: ₦30,000 - ₦60,000
• Near vision cards: ₦10,000 - ₦30,000
• Pediatric charts: ₦25,000 - ₦50,000

Color Vision Tests:

• Ishihara plates: ₦80,000 - ₦150,000
• D-15 test: ₦100,000 - ₦200,000

Recommended Setup:

• LED projector: ₦350,000
• Near vision cards: ₦20,000
• Ishihara plates: ₦100,000
• Total: ₦470,000

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8. Lensometer (Focimeter)

Why Essential: Measures existing spectacle prescriptions and verifies new lenses.

Types:

Manual Lensometer:

• Traditional design
• Reliable
• Cost: ₦400,000 - ₦800,000

Digital Lensometer:

• Automatic reading
• Faster operation
• Printer included
• Cost: ₦1,200,000 - ₦2,500,000

Auto Lensometer:

• Fully automated
• UV/tint measurement
• Data management
• Cost: ₦2,500,000 - ₦4,500,000

Key Brands:

• Nidek (Japan) - Premium: ₦2M - ₦3.5M
• Topcon (Japan) - Premium: ₦1.8M - ₦3M
• Huvitz (Korea) - Mid-range: ₦1.2M - ₦2M
• Chinese brands - Budget: ₦400K - ₦1M

Recommended: Digital lensometer (₦1,500,000) for balance of features and cost.

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9. Optical Workshop Equipment

Why Essential: In-house lens edging increases profit margins and reduces turnaround time.

Manual Edger:

• Basic lens cutting
• Cost: ₦300,000 - ₦600,000

Semi-Automatic Edger:

• Easier operation
• Better precision
• Cost: ₦800,000 - ₦1,500,000

Automatic Edger:

• Computer-controlled
• High precision
• Fast processing
• Cost: ₦2,500,000 - ₦5,000,000

Additional Equipment:

• Frame warmer: ₦50,000 - ₦150,000
• Lens drilling machine: ₦200,000 - ₦500,000
• Ultrasonic cleaner: ₦80,000 - ₦200,000
• Hand tools set: ₦100,000 - ₦250,000

Workshop Setup Options:

Basic (Outsource Complex Jobs):

• Manual edger: ₦500,000
• Frame warmer: ₦80,000
• Hand tools: ₦150,000
• Total: ₦730,000

Complete (Full In-House):

• Automatic edger: ₦3,500,000
• Frame warmer: ₦120,000
• Drilling machine: ₦350,000
• Ultrasonic cleaner: ₦150,000
• Hand tools: ₦200,000
• Total: ₦4,320,000

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10. Fundus Camera

Why Essential: Documents retinal conditions, essential for diabetic retinopathy screening and monitoring.

Types:

Basic Fundus Camera:

• 45-degree field
• Manual focus
• Cost: ₦3,000,000 - ₦5,000,000

Standard Fundus Camera:

• 45-50 degree field
• Auto-focus
• Better image quality
• Cost: ₦5,000,000 - ₦8,000,000

Wide-Field Fundus Camera:

• 100-200 degree field
• Ultra-widefield imaging
• Cost: ₦15,000,000 - ₦30,000,000

Non-Mydriatic Fundus Camera:

• No dilation needed
• Patient-friendly
• Cost: ₦6,000,000 - ₦12,000,000

Key Brands:

• Topcon (Japan) - Premium: ₦8M - ₦15M
• Canon (Japan) - Premium: ₦7M - ₦12M
• Zeiss (Germany) - Premium: ₦10M - ₦20M
• Chinese brands - Budget: ₦3M - ₦6M

Recommended: Non-mydriatic fundus camera (₦8,000,000) for patient convenience and efficiency.

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Complete Eye Clinic Equipment Budget

Basic Eye Clinic (₦12M - ₦20M)

Essential Equipment:

• Autorefractor-keratometer: ₦4,500,000
• Manual phoropter with stand: ₦2,500,000
• Basic slit lamp: ₦2,000,000
• Applanation tonometer: ₦1,200,000
• Direct ophthalmoscope: ₦250,000
• Retinoscope: ₦250,000
• Trial lens set: ₦800,000
• LED projector: ₦350,000
• Manual lensometer: ₦600,000
• Frame displays: ₦500,000
• Examination chairs (2): ₦600,000
• Furniture and décor: ₦1,000,000
• Initial frame inventory: ₦2,000,000

Services Offered:

• Comprehensive eye exams
• Refraction and prescription
• Glaucoma screening
• Basic retinal examination
• Optical dispensing

Target Market: General population, routine eye care

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Standard Eye Clinic (₦25M - ₦40M)

Equipment:

• Advanced ARK: ₦6,000,000
• Digital phoropter: ₦5,000,000
• Standard slit lamp with camera: ₦5,000,000
• NCT tonometer: ₦3,000,000
• Applanation tonometer: ₦1,200,000
• Indirect ophthalmoscope: ₦1,200,000
• Retinoscope: ₦250,000
• Trial lens set: ₦1,000,000
• LCD chart display: ₦500,000
• Digital lensometer: ₦1,500,000
• Semi-automatic edger: ₦1,200,000
• Fundus camera: ₦6,000,000
• Examination chairs (3): ₦1,200,000
• Frame displays: ₦1,000,000
• Furniture and décor: ₦2,000,000
• Initial inventory: ₦4,000,000

Services Offered:

• All basic services plus:
• Diabetic retinopathy screening
• Detailed retinal imaging
• Contact lens fitting
• In-house lens edging
• Pediatric eye care

Target Market: Middle to upper-class patients, corporate clients

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Premium Eye Clinic/Hospital (₦60M - ₦100M+)

Equipment:

• Premium ARK with topography: ₦10,000,000
• Digital phoropter: ₦6,000,000
• Premium slit lamp with imaging: ₦8,000,000
• NCT tonometer: ₦4,000,000
• Pachymeter: ₦2,000,000
• Wide-field fundus camera: ₦20,000,000
• OCT scanner: ₦15,000,000
• Visual field analyzer: ₦8,000,000
• A-scan/B-scan ultrasound: ₦3,000,000
• Corneal topographer: ₦5,000,000
• YAG laser: ₦12,000,000
• Surgical microscope: ₦15,000,000
• Auto lensometer: ₦3,000,000
• Automatic edger: ₦4,000,000
• Trial lens sets (multiple): ₦2,000,000
• Examination equipment: ₦3,000,000
• Furniture and décor: ₦5,000,000
• Initial inventory: ₦8,000,000

Services Offered:

• Complete eye care services
• Advanced diagnostics
• Laser procedures
• Minor surgeries
• Specialty contact lenses
• Low vision services
• Pediatric ophthalmology

Target Market: All patient segments, referral center

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Equipment Purchasing Strategies

New vs. Refurbished Equipment

New Equipment Advantages:

• Full warranty (1-3 years)
• Latest technology
• Manufacturer support
• Better financing options
• Higher resale value

When to Buy New:

• Core diagnostic equipment (autorefractor, slit lamp)
• High-use equipment
• Equipment requiring calibration
• When warranty is critical

Refurbished Equipment Advantages:

• 40-60% cost savings
• Proven technology
• Faster ROI
• Good for testing services

When to Buy Refurbished:

• Secondary equipment
• Backup devices
• Tight budget constraints
• Established technology

Financing Options

1. Equipment Leasing:

• Monthly payments: ₦300,000 - ₦1,500,000
• Preserve working capital
• Tax benefits
• Upgrade options
• Interest: 15-25% annually

2. Bank Loans:

• Commercial banks
• Interest: 18-25%
• Collateral required
• Repayment: 3-5 years

3. Vendor Financing:

• Some suppliers offer payment plans
• Down payment: 30-50%
• Balance: 6-12 months
• Interest: 10-20%

4. Partnership/Investor:

• Equity investment
• Shared ownership
• Business expertise

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Equipment Suppliers in Nigeria

Premium Suppliers

Optical Equipment Nigeria:

• Wide range of eye care equipment
• Premium brands
• Excellent support
• Location: Lagos
• Contact: +234 xxx xxx xxxx

Vision Care Supplies:

• Comprehensive catalog
• Training included
• Maintenance contracts
• Location: Lagos, Abuja
• Contact: +234 xxx xxx xxxx

MedLab Solutions Nigeria:

• Medical and optical equipment
• Competitive pricing
• Multi-city presence
• Location: Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt
• Contact: +234 xxx xxx xxxx

Budget Options

Chinese Equipment Importers:

• Direct import savings
• Budget-friendly
• Variable quality
• Limited support

Online Marketplaces:

• Alibaba/AliExpress
• eBay Medical
• Risk: Import duties, no local support

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to equip an eye clinic in Nigeria? Equipping an eye clinic in Nigeria costs ₦12-20 million for a basic clinic, ₦25-40 million for a standard clinic, and ₦60-100+ million for a premium clinic. Core costs include autorefractor (₦4-7M), phoropter (₦2-5M), slit lamp (₦2-8M), tonometer (₦1-5M), and optical equipment (₦2-5M).

What is the most important equipment for an eye clinic? The most important eye clinic equipment is the autorefractor-keratometer (₦4-7 million), phoropter (₦2-5 million), and slit lamp (₦2-8 million). These three devices form the core of comprehensive eye examinations and are essential for any optometry or ophthalmology practice.

Can I start an eye clinic with used equipment? Yes, you can start an eye clinic with refurbished equipment to save 40-60% on costs. However, buy new equipment for core diagnostic tools (autorefractor, slit lamp) that require calibration and accuracy. Refurbished equipment works well for trial lens sets, frames, and furniture.

Where can I buy eye clinic equipment in Nigeria? Buy eye clinic equipment in Nigeria from Optical Equipment Nigeria, Vision Care Supplies, and MedLab Solutions in Lagos and Abuja. International suppliers include Topcon, Nidek, and Huvitz with Nigerian distributors. Online options include Alibaba for budget equipment.

What equipment do I need for glaucoma screening? For glaucoma screening, you need a tonometer for IOP measurement (₦1-5 million), slit lamp for optic nerve examination (₦2-8 million), and visual field analyzer for advanced cases (₦8-12 million). Minimum setup: NCT tonometer (₦3M) and slit lamp (₦2M) totaling ₦5 million.

How long does eye clinic equipment last? Quality eye clinic equipment lasts 7-15 years with proper maintenance. Autorefractors last 10-15 years, slit lamps 15-20 years, phoropters 15-20 years, and tonometers 10-15 years. Regular servicing and calibration extend equipment lifespan significantly.

Do I need an ophthalmologist to run an eye clinic in Nigeria? No, optometrists can run eye clinics in Nigeria for routine eye care, refraction, and optical dispensing. However, surgical procedures and medical treatment of eye diseases require an ophthalmologist. Many successful clinics are optometrist-owned with ophthalmologist consultants for referrals.

What is the ROI on eye clinic equipment? ROI on eye clinic equipment ranges from 18-36 months depending on patient volume and location. High-volume urban clinics achieve ROI in 18-24 months, while smaller clinics take 24-36 months. Premium equipment (OCT, fundus camera) may take 36-48 months but attracts higher-paying patients.

Conclusion: Invest Wisely in Your Eye Clinic Equipment

Choosing the right eye clinic equipment is crucial for providing quality care and building a successful practice. Prioritize core diagnostic equipment (autorefractor, phoropter, slit lamp), invest in quality for accuracy and reliability, and plan for proper maintenance and calibration.

Key Takeaways:

• Start with essential equipment (₦12-20M minimum)
• Prioritize autorefractor, phoropter, and slit lamp
• Consider refurbished equipment for non-critical items
• Factor in maintenance and calibration costs
• Choose suppliers with local support
• Plan for equipment financing
• Ensure proper training for all staff
• Maintain equipment regularly for longevity

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Related Resources:

• Best Guide to Setting Up an Eye Clinic in Nigeria
• Clinic Management Software for Eye Clinics
• Best EMR for Eye Clinics in Nigeria
• Best EMR for Private Clinics in Nigeria