Alcon Voyager™
DSLT
The first and only fully automated, non-contact laser system for selective laser trabeculoplasty. A paradigm shift in first-line glaucoma care.
The Glaucoma Market
Glaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy and the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. In the United States alone, nearly 5 million people are diagnosed with glaucoma, a figure projected to increase to 6.3 million by 2050. The progressive nature of the disease underscores the critical importance of early and effective intervention to preserve sight.
For decades, the primary first-line treatment has been prescription eye drops. However, this approach is fraught with challenges: high costs, side effects such as redness and dryness, and most significantly, poor patient compliance. Studies indicate that patient adherence to medication regimens is often as low as 60-70%, a factor that can lead to preventable vision loss.
The Paradigm Shift to Laser-First Therapy
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) has emerged as a highly effective, evidence-based, first-line treatment. The landmark LiGHT trial demonstrated that SLT is not only comparable to medication in lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) but is also more effective at preventing disease progression over the long term. Medical societies including the AAO, EGS, and NICE now recommend SLT as a primary intervention.
Despite strong clinical evidence, the adoption of SLT as a first-line therapy has been slower than expected, particularly among comprehensive ophthalmologists who manage the vast majority of glaucoma patients. The practical challenges of traditional, manual SLT — the need for a gonio lens, specialized training, manual aiming, and a relatively lengthy procedure time — have limited its accessibility. This market gap is the opportunity the Voyager™ DSLT was built to capture.
Introducing Voyager™ DSLT
The Alcon Voyager™ Direct Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (DSLT) system is a revolutionary, first-of-its-kind device designed to overcome the barriers of manual SLT and accelerate the adoption of laser as the standard for first-line glaucoma therapy. Launched in the U.S. on February 19, 2025, the Voyager™ DSLT is the first and only fully automated, non-contact laser system for performing SLT.
By eliminating the need for a gonio lens, manual aiming, and a slit lamp, the Voyager™ DSLT provides a simplified, intuitive, and highly efficient workflow. The procedure delivers 120 laser pulses to the trabecular meshwork in a matter of seconds, without any direct contact with the patient's eye.
"I have been using Voyager DSLT since October of 2024, and it has made an incredible impact on the use of SLT for my practice. My patients have been delighted by the efficiency, comfort level of the treatment, and overall experience. Voyager DSLT has been embraced by my staff and is easy to implement."
Fully Automated
120 laser spots delivered in 2.4 seconds with zero manual aiming
Non-Contact
No gonio lens, no coupling agent, no slit lamp required
SureTrac™ Eye-Tracking
Real-time tracking ensures precision even with eye movement
Image-Guided Targeting
Algorithm auto-identifies the limbus; operator confirms on touchscreen
Technology & Specifications
The Voyager™ DSLT is built around a Q-switched, frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser, the gold standard for SLT. It produces short, high-energy pulses of light at a 532 nm wavelength, which is selectively absorbed by pigmented cells in the trabecular meshwork without causing thermal damage to surrounding tissue.
Technical Specifications
Patient Benefits
- Comfortable — no gonio lens on the eye
- Fast — laser application in seconds
- Convenient — no blurry vision, can drive home
Physician Benefits
- Efficiency — dramatically higher patient throughput
- Ergonomics — stand-up procedure, no slit lamp strain
- Consistency — automated, reproducible treatment
Clinical Evidence
The GLAUrious Study
The GLAUrious study was a randomized controlled trial that compared DSLT to the current gold standard, manual SLT. At 12 months, the mean IOP reduction from screening was identical for both groups: 3.2 mmHg. The study also demonstrated a significant reduction in medication burden for DSLT patients.
Safety Profile
- Zero ocular serious adverse events related to the procedure through 12 months
- Most common AE: mild, self-resolving punctate sub-conjunctival hemorrhage (20.2%)
- Secondary surgical interventions for IOP control: just 1.0%
Addressing the Non-Inferiority Endpoint
While the GLAUrious study did not meet its pre-defined non-inferiority endpoint at 6 months, the 12-month data showed comparable IOP reduction (3.2 mmHg for both DSLT and SLT). As the study authors noted, "Failure to demonstrate noninferiority does not prove inferiority." The comparable long-term results, combined with the significant advantages in safety, patient experience, and workflow efficiency, create a powerful clinical story.
Competitive Landscape
The primary competition comes from traditional, manual SLT devices from companies like Lumenis, Ellex (Lumibird Medical), Carl Zeiss Meditec, and IRIDEX. However, the Voyager™ DSLT is not just another SLT device — it is a new category of automated, non-contact laser therapy that addresses the fundamental limitations of the entire existing market.
DSLT vs. Manual SLT Comparison
| Feature Area | Manual SLT | Voyager™ DSLT |
|---|---|---|
| Patient Experience | Uncomfortable (gonio lens), blurry vision, requires a driver | Comfortable (no contact), fast, no blurry vision, patient can drive |
| Physician Experience | Poor ergonomics, fatiguing, technique-dependent | Excellent ergonomics (stand-up procedure), efficient, automated |
| Practice Efficiency | Creates a bottleneck, limits patient throughput | Unlocks new levels of efficiency, enables high-volume treatment |
| Accessibility | Primarily used by glaucoma specialists; steep learning curve | Accessible to all ophthalmologists, easy to learn and delegate |
| Consistency | Operator-dependent, variable outcomes | Standardized, reproducible treatment every time |
Pricing & Click Fee Model
The Voyager™ DSLT has a capital equipment cost (~$75,000) plus a per-procedure click fee (~$50-$90). Manual SLT devices have only a capital cost. You must proactively reframe this from cost to profitability and ROI.
Throughput: Click fee is offset by massive increase in efficiency — far more procedures per day
Market Expansion: Opens an entirely new revenue stream for the 80% of ophthalmologists not currently offering SLT
Reimbursement: Same CPT code 65855 as manual SLT — ~$235 from Medicare per procedure
"In my case, increased throughput justifies the cost. I can perform far more procedures in a day, which offsets the click fee. I can justify it because I'm more productive."
Sales Strategy
Targeted Approach by Segment
The Comprehensive Ophthalmologist
This is the large, underserved market of comprehensive ophthalmologists and cataract/refractive surgeons who manage a significant volume of glaucoma patients but have not adopted manual SLT as first-line therapy. They represent approximately 80-85% of the market.
Lead with Efficiency
Show how DSLT integrates seamlessly into a busy comprehensive practice
Position as Practice Builder
Frame as a new revenue stream with minimal disruption
Highlight Patient Experience
Share data on comfort and convenience — no drops, no blurry vision
Simplify the Financials
Use the ROI argument with clear path to profitability
The Existing SLT User
Glaucoma specialists or high-volume ophthalmologists already performing manual SLT. They are acutely aware of the poor ergonomics, physical strain, and clinic bottlenecks of the current procedure.
Lead with Ergonomics
Stand-up procedure eliminates neck and back strain from slit lamp
Workflow Transformation
Enable 'DSLT clinic' model for high-volume treatment blocks
Acknowledge Expertise
Position as a tool that amplifies their skill, not replaces it
Address Data Head-On
Discuss GLAUrious study transparently, pivot to 12-month results
Key Selling Messages
Unlock First-Line Glaucoma Care
Make the proven benefits of SLT available to every appropriate patient
A Better Experience for Everyone
Win for the patient (comfort), win for the physician (ergonomics), win for the practice (profitability)
The Future of Glaucoma Laser Therapy
Position Voyager™ as the next generation — manual SLT is the outdated standard
Handling Objections
Anticipating and effectively handling objections is a critical sales skill. For the Voyager™ DSLT, you can expect two primary objections: one clinical and one financial. Below are detailed response frameworks for each.
Objection 1: "The clinical data isn't as good as manual SLT."
Acknowledge
"That's an excellent point, Doctor. I appreciate you bringing up the specifics of the GLAUrious study. It's crucial that we look at the data critically."
Be Transparent
"You are correct. The study did not meet its pre-defined statistical endpoint for non-inferiority at the 6-month mark. However, it's important to look at the complete picture."
Pivot to 12-Month Data
"At one year, the IOP reduction between DSLT and manual SLT was identical — 3.2 mmHg for both groups. This shows a comparable long-term effect."
Shift to Holistic Value
"When you consider the totality — zero serious adverse events, unparalleled patient experience, and dramatically more efficient workflow — the Voyager™ presents a superior value proposition."
Objection 2: "I'm not paying a per-procedure click fee."
Empathize
"I completely understand. The click-fee model is different, and it's natural to question it for an insurance-reimbursed procedure."
Isolate the Goal
"If we set the pricing model aside — would you agree that treating more glaucoma patients, more efficiently, with a better experience would be positive for your practice?"
Introduce ROI
"The per-procedure fee is more than offset by the dramatic increase in throughput. With manual SLT, you might treat 4-5 patients in an afternoon. With Voyager™, you could treat 15-20."
Target the Untapped Market
"This isn't just about converting existing SLT volume. This is about capturing the 80% of the market not getting first-line laser therapy — an entirely new, profitable service line."
Knowledge Quiz
Before heading into the field, test your mastery of the Voyager™ DSLT value proposition. This 18-question quiz covers every section of the training guide. Score 90% or higher to confirm you are ready for customer-facing conversations.
Ready to Test Your Knowledge?
18 questions covering all sections of the Voyager™ DSLT training guide. Score 90% or higher to confirm you are field-ready.
Flashcard Review
Use these flashcards for a quick pre-meeting refresher. Flip through key stats, product features, clinical evidence, objection responses, and competitive intelligence. Filter by category or shuffle for a randomized review.
Flashcard Review
23 cards across 5 categories. Flip to reveal answers, swipe or use arrow keys to navigate. Perfect for a quick pre-meeting refresher.
Role-Play Practice
Practice your sales conversations with realistic physician scenarios. Each simulation features a different physician persona with unique concerns. Choose your responses and receive immediate feedback on your approach.
You're Selling the Future of Glaucoma Care
The Alcon Voyager™ DSLT represents a fundamental shift in how glaucoma is managed. Lead with the vision of a more efficient practice, a better experience for everyone, and a higher standard of care for millions of patients.