Mediworks AL551: The New Biometer That Debuted at 100% Optical 2026

A new biometer and corneal topographer combination has arrived in the UK — and it debuted at 100% Optical 2026. The Mediworks AL551 puts axial length measurement and Placido-disc corneal topography into a single automated device, with a workflow designed to reduce operator dependency. Here is what it does and why it matters for independent practices building a myopia management service.

What is the Mediworks AL551?

The AL551 is an automatic optical biometer that combines two measurement technologies in a single device: Optical Low-Coherence Reflectometry (OLCR) for axial biometry and Placido-disc corneal topography. In practice, that means a clinician can complete axial length measurement, corneal mapping, keratometry and AL/CR ratio analysis in a single automated capture — without moving the patient between instruments or manually managing alignment.

Grafton Optical announced its appointment as exclusive UK distributor for the AL551 on 18 February 2026, with the device making its first UK appearance at 100% Optical shortly after.

What does it measure and what is it used for?

The AL551 is designed to support three primary clinical applications in community optometry practice:

Myopia management. The device provides axial length tracking and AL/CR (axial length-to-corneal radius) ratio analysis — the core measurements used to monitor myopia progression over time. Axial length is now widely regarded as the standard clinical metric for monitoring whether a myopia management intervention is working. The AL551 generates progression reports to support ongoing monitoring and evidence-based treatment decisions.

Orthokeratology and contact lens fitting. Corneal mapping and keratometry data from the Placido-disc topographer support orthokeratology lens fitting and other speciality contact lens applications. The combined measurement capability means the key parameters required for fitting and follow-up can be obtained in a single session.

Anterior segment assessment and keratoconus screening. The corneal topography component also supports broader anterior segment assessment, including screening for corneal irregularity.

The workflow design

The AL551 uses automated alignment and guided capture, which Grafton Optical specifically highlights as reducing operator dependency while maintaining measurement consistency. For independent practices where clinical time is carefully managed, and a range of staff may be involved in pre-examination measurements, consistency matters. Repeatable, reliable axial length data is clinically useful only if it is comparable across visits, and that requires measurement conditions that do not vary significantly between operators or appointments.

The device is designed to deliver that consistency without requiring a dedicated technician or extended training time.

Why is this relevant now

Myopia management is one of the fastest-growing areas of clinical practice in UK community optometry. NHS specialist waiting lists have passed 590,000. The push to shift more clinical activity into primary eye care — including structured management of paediatric myopia — is already underway through Integrated Care System commissioning conversations. Practices that can demonstrate a structured, evidence-based myopia management pathway, supported by repeatable axial length data, are better positioned to participate in that shift.

The AL551 provides the measurement infrastructure for that pathway. It does not require a separate biometer and topographer, which lowers the capital cost and reduces the clinic footprint required to offer a myopia management service.

"Myopia management continues to be one of the fastest-growing areas in clinical practice," said David Thickens, CEO of Grafton Optical. "The AL551 provides practices with accessible, repeatable measurement data that supports evidence-based monitoring and treatment decisions."

Where to find out more

Grafton Optical is the exclusive UK distributor for the Mediworks AL551. In-practice trials and quotations can be arranged through www.graftonoptical.com or by contacting the team directly at sales@graftonoptical.com or 01923 233980.

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