The History of Topcon

The History of Topcon

• 1932 Topcon was established to manufacture optical instruments for the Japanese government.
• 1945 After the end of World War 2, the Topcon factory was converted to produce civil surveying instruments. 
• 1947 The Ophthalmic and Medical Instrument division was established. 
• 1949 Topcon was listed on the Tokyo and Osaka Stock Exchange. 
• 1957 Topcon released its first model of SLR camera. 
• 1970 Topcon Europe and Topcon USA where established within the same year. 
• 1978 Topcon begins selling a refractometer RM-100 incorporating near-infrared beam and a television system. 
• 1989 Company name is changed to Topcon Corporation. 
• 1994 Topcon Laser Systems Inc. established, Topcon acquires Advanced Technology and began its transition into the Machine Control industry. 
• 1994 Topcon delivers a nationwide GPS continuous observation system to Geographic Survey Institute (Japan) & the Surveying Instrument Division obtained IOS 90001 certification. 
• 2007 Global group created consisting of three business structures: Positioning Unit, Eye Care Unit and Finetech Business Unit. 
• 2008 Position Partners forms and becomes the exclusive Australian Distributor of Topcon products. 
• 2011 Topcon Positioning Middle East and Africa established.