Optical Coherence Tomography Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Catheter based OCT Devices, Doppler OCT Devices, Handheld OCT Devices, Tabletop OCT Devices), By Technology (Time Domain OCT (TDOCT), Frequency Domain OCT (FD-OCT), Spatial Encoded Frequency Domain OCT), By Application (Ophthalmology, Cardiovascular, Oncology, Dermatology, Others), By Region and Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 1.88 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	7.31%
Fastest Growing Segment	Frequency Domain OCT (FD-OCT)
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 2.87 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Optical Coherence Tomography Market will grow from USD 1.88 Billion in 2025 to USD 2.87 Billion by 2031 at a 7.31% CAGR. Optical Coherence Tomography is a non-invasive diagnostic modality that utilizes low-coherence interferometry to capture micrometer-resolution, cross-sectional images of biological tissues, extensively utilized for retinal imaging and coronary vascular analysis. The primary drivers propelling market trajectory include the rapidly aging global population and the concurrent rise in chronic ocular diseases such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration, which necessitate frequent and precise monitoring. This demand is quantified by the urgent need for scalable diagnostic solutions; for instance, according to the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, in 2024, vision loss is predicted to increase by as much as 55 percent over the next 30 years, highlighting the critical role of advanced imaging in mitigating preventable blindness.

Despite the strong clinical demand, the market faces a significant challenge regarding the high acquisition and maintenance costs associated with these imaging systems, which can limit adoption in resource-constrained healthcare settings. This financial barrier effectively restricts market penetration in developing regions and smaller independent clinics that lack the capital expenditure budgets of major hospital networks. Furthermore, the requirement for specialized training to operate the equipment and interpret complex tomographic data creates a workforce bottleneck, potentially slowing the integration of these devices into general practice workflows where rapid patient throughput is essential.

Key Market Drivers

The escalating prevalence of age-related ocular disorders serves as a primary catalyst for the Global Optical Coherence Tomography Market, fundamentally expanding the clinical necessity for high-precision diagnostic imaging. As global demographics shift towards an older population, the burden of conditions such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy has intensified, creating a critical need for routine retinal screening and early disease detection. This surge in disease incidence is directly correlating with increased demand for OCT devices in both primary optometry and specialized ophthalmology settings. For instance, according to Eyes On Eyecare, May 2024, in the article 'Modeled Estimates: Prevalence of Diabetic Retinopathy', data indicates that approximately 1 in 4 Americans ages 40 and older with diabetes now have diabetic retinopathy, underscoring the massive patient volume requiring regular tomographic assessment.

Technological advancements in Spectral-Domain and Swept-Source OCT are further accelerating market growth by overcoming previous limitations in imaging speed, resolution, and tissue penetration. Manufacturers are heavily investing in research and development to integrate artificial intelligence and enhanced visualization capabilities, which streamline clinical workflows and improve diagnostic accuracy. This commitment to innovation is evident in the financial strategies of leading market players; according to Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, December 2024, in the 'Annual Report 2023/24', the company allocated 16.6 percent of its revenue to research and development to drive future growth and technological differentiation. These advancements not only enhance clinical utility but also support widespread adoption across community healthcare levels. Illustrating this scale of utilization, according to Specsavers, October 2024, in the 'Annual Review 2023-24', the provider captured more than 7.7 million OCT scans during the year, demonstrating the technology's integral role in modern eye care infrastructure.

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Key Market Challenges

The substantial capital expenditure required for acquiring and maintaining Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) systems represents a critical bottleneck restricting global market growth. This high cost of ownership effectively bars smaller independent clinics and healthcare facilities in developing regions from adopting the technology, limiting the market primarily to well-funded hospital networks. When diagnostic centers face strict budget limitations, the inability to allocate funds for such capital-intensive equipment directly reduces the Total Addressable Market (TAM) for manufacturers, regardless of the clinical necessity for retinal imaging.

This financial barrier is further exacerbated by declining reimbursement rates, which extend the Return on Investment (ROI) period for these devices and discourage practice owners from upgrading their technology. For instance, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, in 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services finalized a decrease of approximately 2.8 percent in the physician fee schedule conversion factor for the 2025 calendar year. Such reductions in operational revenue severely constrain the purchasing power of ophthalmology practices, compelling them to defer the acquisition of advanced OCT systems and slowing the overall velocity of market expansion.

Key Market Trends

The emergence of home-based OCT systems is altering retinal disease management by decentralizing diagnostic care. This trend enables daily tracking of conditions like neovascular age-related macular degeneration, allowing for early detection of pathology without frequent clinic visits. The clinical feasibility of this approach was solidified by recent regulatory approvals for patient-operated units, which address the logistical burden of in-office monitoring. Highlighting the usability of such platforms, according to Notal Vision, May 2024, in the 'FDA Grants AI-Powered Notal Vision Home OCT "SCANLY" De Novo Marketing Authorization' press release, pivotal trials showed that 97 percent of participants were able to successfully obtain OCT images at home, confirming self-imaging as a reliable method for longitudinal disease surveillance.

Simultaneously, the market is expanding into interventional cardiology, where intravascular OCT is proving superior to standard angiography. By providing high-resolution visualization of vessel morphology, this technology enables cardiologists to optimize stent deployment in complex cases, significantly improving patient safety. This clinical utility is driving adoption in catheterization laboratories by offering precision that traditional imaging cannot match. Underscoring this benefit, according to the European Society of Cardiology, September 2024, in the article 'Optical coherence tomography outperforms conventional angiography for stent guidance in complex cases', the OCCUPI trial revealed that OCT guidance reduced the combined risk of adverse cardiovascular events by 38 percent compared to angiography-guided procedures.

Segmental Insights

Frequency Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (FD-OCT) represents the fastest-growing technology segment within the global market due to its ability to provide rapid image acquisition and high-resolution visualization. This method significantly reduces motion artifacts during patient scans, making it preferable to Time Domain alternatives for diagnosing complex retinal disorders. The segment is further bolstered by consistent product clearances from regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which facilitates broader commercial availability. Consequently, ophthalmologists are increasingly adopting FD-OCT systems to enhance diagnostic accuracy and improve clinical throughput in medical facilities.

Regional Insights

North America maintains a dominant position in the global optical coherence tomography market, driven by a well-established healthcare infrastructure and high adoption rates of advanced diagnostic technologies. The region benefits significantly from favorable reimbursement policies established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which encourage the utilization of ophthalmic imaging solutions. Additionally, the increasing prevalence of chronic eye disorders fuels consistent demand for non-invasive diagnostics. Continuous product approvals by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration further support market expansion by ensuring clinical access to compliant and effective imaging systems.

Recent Developments

• In April 2025, Leica Microsystems launched the Proveo 8x, a new 3D digital ophthalmic microscope, during the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. The system featured advanced integration with optical coherence tomography and phacoemulsification data, presenting real-time information directly in the surgeon's cockpit view. Its design eliminated perceivable latency and offered high-resolution 3D imaging to support precise decision-making during complex anterior and posterior segment surgeries. The platform allowed surgeons to seamlessly switch between binocular and heads-up digital visualization, enhancing ergonomic comfort and operational flexibility in the operating room.
• In September 2024, Topcon Healthcare secured 510(k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration for the optical coherence tomography angiography module on its Maestro2 robotic system. This approval established the Maestro2 as the first robotic OCT and color fundus camera system in the United States to offer integrated angiography capabilities. The updated platform provided automated image capture and advanced vascular visualization tools, such as PinPoint Registration and color-coded flow density maps. These features enabled eye care professionals to assess retinal structure and vascular function more effectively within a single, streamlined examination.
• In July 2024, Heidelberg Engineering announced that it had received 510(k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration for its SPECTRALIS Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Module featuring SHIFT technology. This technical advancement allowed clinicians to switch between varying scan speeds, including a rapid 125 kHz preset for angiography, which reduced image acquisition time by approximately 50 percent compared to previous iterations. The update aimed to improve clinical workflow efficiency and patient comfort without compromising the high-resolution image quality that is essential for the precise diagnosis and management of complex retinal vascular diseases.
• In June 2024, Nidek Co., Ltd. announced the global launch of the RS-1 Glauvas, a comprehensive optical coherence tomography system tailored for high-volume clinical practices. The device utilized a high-speed engine capable of 250,000 A-scans per second, which minimized artifacts from patient eye movement and significantly improved clinic workflow. It integrated deep learning-based analytics to provide precise segmentation and diagnostic data for retinal and optic nerve assessment. Furthermore, the system delivered wide and deep area imaging, enabling detailed visualization of the retina from the optic disc to the temporal arcade in a single efficient capture.

Key Market Players

• Agfa - Gevaert Group
• Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
• Heidelberg Engineering GmbH
• Imalux Corp.
• Michelson Diagnostics
• Novacam Technologies, Inc.
• OPTOPOL Technology S.A.
• Metall Zug AG
• Topcon Corporation
• Thorlabs, Inc

By Type	By Technology	By Application	By Region
Catheter based OCT Devices Doppler OCT Devices Handheld OCT Devices Tabletop OCT Devices	Time Domain OCT (TDOCT) Frequency Domain OCT (FD-OCT) Spatial Encoded Frequency Domain OCT	Ophthalmology Cardiovascular Oncology Dermatology Others	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Optical Coherence Tomography Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Optical Coherence Tomography Market, By Type:

• Catheter based OCT Devices
• Doppler OCT Devices
• Handheld OCT Devices
• Tabletop OCT Devices

• Optical Coherence Tomography Market, By Technology:

• Time Domain OCT (TDOCT)
• Frequency Domain OCT (FD-OCT)
• Spatial Encoded Frequency Domain OCT

• Optical Coherence Tomography Market, By Application:

• Ophthalmology
• Cardiovascular
• Oncology
• Dermatology
• Others

• Optical Coherence Tomography Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE