Past50Years,Next50Years
Since NIDEK's foundation, we have been operating business in three fields, ophthalmology & optometry, lens edging and coating business with the three purposes of establishment, "invisible to visible (creating vision)," "visible to recognition (obtaining better recognition through vision)," and "eye instruments (making excellent products for vision)." To contribute to people’s QOV (Quality of Vision) and QOL (Quality of Life), we will give first priority to promoting further innovation and providing solutions that meet our responsibilities as a manufacturer of medical instruments.
NIDEK's Founding History
1953
Experience in Kofuku Sangyo
Our founder, Hideo Ozawa entered Kofuku Sangyo (currently known as Kowa Company, Ltd.) in April 1953, and worked in the optical equipment department in Gamagori, Aichi.
1957
Fifth Autumn After Joining the Company, Studying Abroad in the US
The achievement of the projection lens was evaluated and Ozawa was given a chance to study abroad in the US. He studied lens design from its basics at the University of Rochester, which was a leader in optical research. Since then, Ozawa recognized that he was deeply interested in human eye structure.
1957
An Encounter at University of Rochester
Ozawa first learned of "Optoelectronics" at Rochester. Japanese optical instrument manufacturers competed their image resolution by grinding lenses in those days. Ozawa made up his mind, "If I combine electronics, I can make a difference compared to other companies. If there is a chance to start my own business, I would use optoelectronics as a base”. (In the right of the picture is Ozawa)
History of NIDEK's 50 Years
Challenge the World by Being Specialized in Eye
1971
Establishment of NIDEK CO., LTD.
“I want to contribute to the development of ophthalmology by combining optics and electronics.”
In July 1971, Ozawa started a company with his old colleagues as the main members.
Believing that “new technology is the intersection between optics and electronics”, Ozawa took a step forward, promising to make NIDEK a leading manufacturer in the ophthalmic field.
1971
Development of the Anamorphic Lens
This lens was a custom-order from nac Inc. (currently known as nac Image Technology Inc.), a company which sells motion picture lenses. The lens was used in the movie “Jesus Christ Superstar”, and later nominated for the Academy’s Scientific and Technical Awards.
1974
Establishment of the Coating Department
The Coating Department was established and we started multi coating for lenses of eyeglasses.
1980
Release of the Nation's First Auto Refractometer “AR-2000”
In 1980, NIDEK succeeded in developing the auto refractometer AR-2000. An auto refractometer is a device to measure the refraction of the eye when making eyeglasses. This device shortened the screening time from over tens of minutes to about one second.
Rapid Progress by Intraocular Lens and Corrective Refraction Devices
1990
Beginning of Production of Intraocular Lens at the Main Plant
An intraocular lens is an artificial lens which is a replacement for a lens clouded by cataract.
50 % of blindness around the world is caused by cataracts. Intraocular lenses are implanted by surgery after removing the cloudy lens.
1992
Release of the Excimer Laser Corneal Refraction Corrective Device
The driving force of NIDEK’s rapid progress was the EC-5000, an excimer laser corneal refraction corrective device released in 1992. This device ablates corneal tissue in order to change the refractive power of the eye for treatment of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.
Beyond the Eye to the Whole Body
A New Challenge in the 21st Century
1996
Announcement of the New Domain
“Eye & Health Care”
In 1996, the 25th anniversary of NIDEK, we expanded our business beyond the eye to the whole body. In 1999, we established Japan Tissue Engineering Co., Ltd. (J-TEC) as the first company of regenerative medicine business in Japan.
The new domain expresses our thought that we want to participate in maintaining good health, extending average life expectancy and providing a comfortable life.
2001
Launch of Artificial Vision Development
The development of artificial vision has been our dream and goal since our establishment. We are aiming for the development of an implant‒type medical device which electrically stimulates retinal neurons in order to regenerate vision by making points of light recognized as images. READ MORE
2004
President Hideo Ozawa Receives the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette
Hideo Ozawa received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette at the 2004 Spring Conferment of Decorations. Approximately 230 people from all over Japan including the Gamagori City Mayor and Professor of Nagoya University Graduate School gathered for the celebration.
2005
Exhibition of the Prototype Visual Prosthesis
We exhibited our prototype visual prosthesis in the NEDO pavilion of the 2005 World Exposition, Aichi, Japan (EXPO 2005 AICHI, JAPAN).
2008
Becoming a Company that Contributes to Quality of Vision (QOV) and Quality of Life (QOL)
In June 2008, Hideo Ozawa was inaugurated as the Chairman of the Board and Motoki Ozawa as the President and CEO of NIDEK. As high-informatization and aging of the population progress, we believe that the role we should play in society is increasing. We value our thoughts at the time of our establishment and will grow through contributions to the health field.
Message
New
Visual Identity
Color
NIDEK blue, the color of our symbol expresses the global market (the ocean) at which we should aim.
Logo We had been Using Since Our Foundation
Changing the Design in Commemoration
of Our 50th Anniversary
- Symbol
This is our important brand element. While continue using the image of an eye, the elegant lines shaped like an “N” express the growth of NIDEK. The symbol has a design that gently wraps the earth as well as the eye which expresses our aim to be a global company.
- Logo
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For The Future
NIDEK marked its 50th anniversary in August 2021. Since our foundation, we have aimed to bring invisible to visible, to live a lively life in an aging society and to enrich life for all stakeholders. We will keep on challenging for the next 50, even 100 years, to make the NIDEK Family further contribute to “Eye & Health Care” and hope to open the way to a bright future.
In this fast-changing world, in order to always be a company that solves customer's problems and is appreciated, we will transform marketing, sales, production and other work intelligently, support the joy of vision and health by our technology and deliver safety to the people around the world. The specific contents are the following:
We announced NIDEK SDGs Declaration on August 7.
For details, please visit our webpage about sustainability.
READ MORE