Indicators that you are buying poor quality instruments:

• If the pricing is "too good to be true" then it usually means it is. When surgical instruments are priced extremely low it is typically an indication of poor craftsmanship and/or lower quality steel.

• Huge up-front savings might be enticing but it doesn't always mean savings in the long run. "Knock off" instruments don't have the longevity of German and U.S. stainless steel instruments, which can lead to more expenditures in the future.

• Many companies that offer these largely discounted instruments are manufacturing in Pakistan, India and other 3rd world countries.

• Pakistan has a large instrument manufacturing industry. It is listed with the U.S. Department of Labor as a country known to engage in child labor for the production of these instruments. Because they are using an unskilled labor force they can sell their inferior instruments at a fraction of the cost of German or U.S. made instruments. You are exchanging quality, craftsmanship and workforce safety for cost savings.  

Indicators that you are buying Surgical Grade instruments:

• Instrument supplier has an up to date registration in the FDA's medical device listing.

• Supplier should also have in place a Quality System that is compliant with all applicable FDA regulations and meets the requirements of the ISO 13485:2003 standard.

• With proper care, these instruments will last many years (also cutting down on the costs of constant replacements!)

• They should be backed with a manufacturers lifetime defect warranty including rust. Ambler Surgical was the first instrument company to repair ophthalmic instruments free of charge, forever. Read more about our Lifetime Repair Warranty here.

• Surgical grade instruments are marked with company name, item number, and country of origin.