Oertli’s story began in 1955 with a small company for surgical instruments. What started small has developed over the decades into an international MedTech company with a clear focus: solutions for ophthalmic surgery, developed in Switzerland for the world.
At the age of 25, Heinz A. Oertli founded a small company for surgical instruments in St. Gallen.
His first workplace was in a approximately 25 m² basement room at Stylstrasse 8. With a workbench for two people, existing tools and the ambition to manufacture surgical instruments with precision, the Oertli story began.
Vitrectomy introduced new demands on technology and precision in the 1960s. Together with Prof. Rudolf Klöti, a pioneer in retinal surgery in Zurich, Oertli worked on solutions for procedures in the posterior segment of the eye.
In 1971, the Klöti vitrectomy cutter marked the world’s first solution for removing the vitreous body.
In 1972, Oertli developed the first application of bipolar diathermy in ophthalmology for the coagulation of blood vessels.
In 1974, VitroCat followed as the first surgical platform for retinal surgery, controlling fluid inflow and outflow and thereby maintaining stable intraocular pressure.
Following developments in vitrectomy, Oertli continued to focus on how fluids, aspiration and device functions in the operating theatre could be controlled more easily.
In 1980, Oertli developed the contamination‑free cassette concept, integrating fluidics into a closed system.
In 1985, the dual‑linear foot pedal followed. Vertical and lateral movements allowed surgeons to control multiple functions directly via the pedal.
Andreas Bosshard acquires Oertli and continues to develop the company.
With him, a new chapter begins, one that still shapes Oertli today as a family-owned MedTech company in its second generation.
Following the acquisition by Andreas Bosshard, Oertli continues to expand its in-house product development.
In 1994, Oertli launched Quinto on the market, at the time a modern surgical system for cataract surgery.
In 1996, Oertli developed the first dual‑pump system combining a true Venturi and peristaltic pump. This allowed surgeons, for the first time, to freely select the pump type during surgery.
In 1997, the first portable phaco system followed worldwide. This led to the successful CataRhex family, which became an important part of Oertli’s product history.
At the beginning of the 2000s, Oertli expanded its product development across several areas of ophthalmic surgery.
In 2001, Oertli developed HFDS (High Frequency Deep Sclerotomy) technology. This represents an innovative approach to treating open-angle glaucoma and provides direct access to Schlemm’s canal.
In 2002, OS3 was introduced to the market, a surgical platform for combined cataract and vitreoretinal procedures, bringing different applications together in a single system.
In 2004, the CataRhex line marked a new milestone with CataRhex SwissTech. The phaco system stands for portable technology in cataract surgery and strengthens the compact concept that had already shaped Oertli from the early CataRhex generation.
In 2005, Oertli developed pneumatic vitrectomy cutters for 23G and 25G.
In 2008, Oertli introduced the first self-sealing trocar system and developed the unique easyPhaco technology for CO‑MICS 1.8 mm.
In 2009, Oertli further advanced easyPhaco technology for 2.2 mm. In the same year, Faros was launched, bringing cataract and retinal surgery together in a compact system.
In 2010, operational management was handed over from Andreas Bosshard to his sons Christoph and Thomas Bosshard. With this transition, the second generation of the family assumes responsibility for the company.
Since 2022, Christoph and Thomas Bosshard have led Oertli together as Co‑CEOs. Christoph focuses on operational excellence across the value chain, while Thomas concentrates on the global market and new product innovations.
With the CataRhex 3, Oertli brings the third generation of its portable phaco system to market. The device weighs around five kilograms and has been consistently designed with mobility and portability in mind. It brings together a wide range of innovations within a very compact footprint.
With the OS 4, Oertli introduces an all-in-one surgical platform for cataract, glaucoma and vitreoretinal surgery. The platform combines vacuum and fluidics control and integrates instruments and consumables into one system.
In 2020, Oertli brings the ViPer illuminated scleral indentor to market. The instrument enables simultaneous scleral indentation and transscleral illumination in the posterior segment, simplifying work in the periphery.
In 2024, we celebrate a special milestone: Oertli wins the Swiss Medtech Award. With prize money of CHF 75,000, this innovation award recognises achievements in the Swiss medical technology sector based on their benefit to patients, their contribution to healthcare and technological pioneering spirit.
For Oertli, this award is a significant recognition. It demonstrates what can be achieved through a consistent focus on quality, clearly defined core processes and interdisciplinary collaboration.
With OS 4 Up, Oertli takes the OS 4 platform to the next generation. At its core is the unique 3‑pump system, complemented by a wide range of innovations.
Key highlights include PACS (Phaco Assisted Cataract Surgery) for a new level of performance in phaco surgery, as well as Dynamic Infusion, enabling intraocular pressure settings close to physiological levels.
After his retirement, Heinz A. Oertli found a new pursuit in restoring a classic MG oldtimer. In this interview, he talks about that time, travelling to France, everyday life in retirement and how he continues to follow Oertli’s development.
