A Fresh Beginning—Inspired by Customer Conversations
In 2010, NEITZ took its first step toward a new challenge. Upon assuming the
role of president, Takae Nishizawa made her first priority listening to
customers, both in Japan and abroad.
"Make it lighter."
"Make it more beautiful."
"Make it easier to use."
These earnest requests from the medical field guided NEITZ in a new
direction.
This marked the beginning of a journey of renewal, starting with the
reconstruction of optical technology. NEITZ began refining its identity once
again as "NEITZ of Optics."
"If we don't return to optics, there is no future." This statement, reflecting
President Nishizawa's determination, became the guiding principle for the
company's path forward. Customer voices became the true starting point for
NEITZ's challenge toward the future.
Technology × Design—Breathing Life into Innovation
NEITZ’s latest challenge was driven not only by optical technology, but also
by meaningful encounters with people.
Meeting world-renowned product designer Hideo Yamamoto brought fresh
vitality to NEITZ.
His designs, blending beauty with reassurance, have earned overwhelming
support both in Japan and internationally.
Through his creative vision, NEITZ’s medical devices were imbued with new
life.
Today, NEITZ is once again making its mark on the global stage—as a brand
where optical performance meets outstanding design.
Setbacks and Rebuilding—Toward the Strongest Team
In 2014, NEITZ unveiled a new binocular indirect ophthalmoscope at the World
Ophthalmology Congress (WOC). Its groundbreaking performance and design drew
widespread attention, with physicians worldwide eagerly anticipating its
release.
However, technical challenges, forced development to be suspended, marking a
significant setback for NEITZ.
In response, NEITZ brought in Atsushi Mizuno, a seasoned expert in
development management, and reorganized its team. A group of professionals
who shared a common mission was formed—dedicated to uncompromising quality
and safety. By respecting each other’s expertise, they became a true
collective of purpose-driven professionals.This was a moment that could only
be described as NEITZ’s “Second Dawn.”
Restart—Customer Voices Set Time in Motion Again
Ten years had passed since NEITZ’s development of binocular indirect
ophthalmoscope was put on hold.
Yet the voices of customers—hoping for a new model—never ceased.
Encouraged by their unwavering expectations, President Nishizawa made the
bold decision to restart development in 2024.
Then, an unexpected email arrived—from product designer Hideo Yamamoto, the
very person who had once breathed life into NEITZ’s products:
“I saw your product featured in a TV drama. It reminded me of our
collaboration that began in 2012. If there’s anything I can support through
design again, please don’t hesitate to reach out.”
A few days later, Yamamoto visited NEITZ’s development lab—for a reunion
after ten years in the making. In his hands was a thick, well-worn file
filled with design sketches of the binocular indirect ophthalmoscope. He,
too, had carried the vision of NEITZ’s “unfinished light.”
“Let’s begin again—from here.”
Thus, Yamamoto and NEITZ's seasoned development team reunited. Technology
and form, precision and sensibility—all came together. From this renewed
trajectory emerged NEITZ's flagship model: IO-Vega.
Birth of
IO-Vega is the culmination of NEITZ's optical technology
and the passion of the people behind it.
A Name That Embodies Pride—Hopes Entrusted to the Star "VEGA"
NEITZ’s journey has been a continuous series of challenges and encounters. Each time the company faced adversity, it was the connections with customers—both in Japan and around the world—as well as with countless others, that inspired NEITZ to carry those aspirations forward and take on new challenges. After more than 10 years of effort, IO-Vega was finally completed. It stands as a testament to NEITZ’s spirit of challenge and a light guiding the future—something the company proudly presents to the world.
Closing—Illuminating the Future
NEITZ's journey has been a continuous series of challenges and encounters. Each time the company faced adversity, it was the connections with customers—both in Japan and around the world—as well as with countless others, that inspired NEITZ to carry those aspirations forward and take on new challenges.
After more than 10 years of effort, IO-Vega was finally completed. It stands as a testament to NEITZ's spirit of challenge and a light guiding the future—something the company proudly presents to the world.
NEITZ
President & CEO
Takae Nishizawa
In 2010, at the age of 42, Takae Nishizawa transitioned from a precision instrument manufacturer to become President of NEITZ. Listening closely to voices from customers both in Japan and abroad, she sensed a strong demand for a new binocular indirect ophthalmoscope that was lighter, more elegant, and easier to use. She selected “IO-Vega” as the development theme and declared the start of the project. Personally engaging with customer feedback, she demonstrated dynamic leadership and assembled the strongest development team in NEITZ history. Her goal: to create a BIO device that more doctors would choose—Made in JAPAN, Made by NEITZ.
NEITZ
COO, CTO
& Senior Managing Director
Atsushi Mizuno
While studying electronic engineering at university, Mizuno became fascinated by the depth of electrical measurement and joined a major electrical measurement equipment manufacturer. After 25 years in development, and serving as head of engineering, quality assurance, and manufacturing, he transferred to NEITZ, a partner company. In this project, he leveraged his expertise in development management to lead a cross-functional concurrent team, uniting members across departments. His mission: to develop a high-spec BIO device that is easy for medical professionals to use and gentle for patients.
NEITZ
Director and General Manager of RA & QA Dept.
Atsushi Tanabe
With 37 years at NEITZ, Tanabe was involved in the early development of IO-Vega as Head of Development. Now serving as Director of Regulatory Affairs, Quality & Safety, he is responsible for ensuring the delivery of medical devices that are safe and reliable for both patients and healthcare professionals. He is also the one who named IO-Vega, inspired by the hope that just as the star Vega is predicted to become the future North Star, IO-Vega will shine brightly in the medical field. He contributed to the development through experienced insights and rigorous evaluations to ensure a trustworthy BIO for doctors.
NEITZ
Marketing Specialist
Yoshinobu Nishizawa
Drawing on communication and information-gathering skills honed during university, Nishizawa supported the project by delivering detailed market insights, trends, and product analyses to the development team—critical for defining specifications. He also led promotional efforts, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to highlight IO-Vega’s appeal. His goal: to craft impactful promotional strategies that resonate with medical professionals and elevate the NEITZ brand while expanding awareness of IO-Vega both broadly and deeply.