Michael Launius, operations manager, MedNet Locator Inc., Memphis, TN says his company sells refurbished microscopes with a two to three year warranty (depending on how far the client is from Memphis). Launius reports that MedNet sells around 50 or more microscope systems a year. "We specialize in the field of otolaryngology and sell to hospitals and surgery centers for this specialty as well as others," he says. He explains that the Zeiss OPMI-1, both bulb illuminated and fiberoptic, is the most popular microscope for otolaryngology, as well as the Zeiss OPMI MD S3 and Zeiss OPMI-IFC S21 surgical microscopes.
MedNet sells Zeiss, Storz-Urban and Vasconcellos microscopes. Lauius says these systems have many interchangeable accessories and configurations for flexible usage in the operating room. Launius warned that when purchasing a new or used microscope, the buyer should know the company they are buying from.
"The company should not only know how to sell a system but also be able to sell it to you in good working condition," he says. "Beware of the word bargains on the Internet. You can spend a lot of time and money restoring a system to working condition and not have the support you need after the purchase - not to mention the condition it may arrive in after shipment."

Prescott's Inc., Monument, CO sells new and used microscopes, and President Mark Redner believes that the market is very strong for both smaller facilities that go with a refurbished microscope because of budget constraints. "On the other hand, larger hospitals and research facilities always want new, state-of-the-art equipment," says Redner. Prescott's obtains pre-owned microscopes from hospitals and/or clinics that have changed or expanded their microscope capabilities.
"We bring these units to our facility, where they are disassembled to basic components. These components along with additional parts and accessories are used to remake an operating microscope," Redner says. He also noted the company sells a new Prescott's Omni-Flex - a dedicated cataract microscope that combines German optics with an American built floor-stand for a superior operating room system. "The optics designed and supplied by Haag/Streit feature the absolute latest in optical innovation with apochromatic lenses, and a red reflex enhancement system," says Redner. "And, we have engineered a specific support package for the optical unit that gives the physician the most ergonomically correct operating microscope available anywhere."

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