Three generations of innovation and collaboration
Haag-Streit Group started in the city of Bern, Switzerland in 1858. The legacy of tradition and innovation began by combining the talents of two precision mechanics: F. Herman and H. Studer.

These clever entrepreneurs began their careers by manufacturing and supplying meteorologic measurement instruments to the observatory and weather station in St. Petersburg, Russia.

The next big break came when they realized the market for precision mechanics included ophthalmology. They began designing instruments with Dr. Hans Goldmann, who taught at the University of Bern.

It began with instruments for ophthalmologists
Together, the three men began creating precision instruments to aide examination techniques for ophthalmologists. These instrument designs remain the basis for instruments in use today.

By 1965, Haag-Streit International recognized a need to establish an American market subsidiary, and opened the first US office in New Jersey. In the early 70s, we acquired a supplier to better secure the high quality optics required for the integral slit lamp design and other mass-produced products.

To this day, the slit lamp manufactured by Haag-Streit Group is considered the finest in the world.

Global expansion and market leadership
Haag-Streit created completed product ranges for medical professionals across the US and Europe, with a focus on supplying universities.

Further acquisitions followed to complete the product range for medical professionals and improve access to the US market—especially instrument and medical equipment supply delivery.

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The acquisition of Reliance Medical Products
Haag-Streit Group acquired Reliance Medical Products in 1988. With four distribution units in Europe and the US, Reliance rounded out our offerings into the medical supply industry, bolstering our market leadership. Today, products and supplies are delivered to 80 countries.

Reliance revolutionized the hydraulic lift using a primary lever, and continues to deliver the highest quality products. Treatment chairs made in the 1940s are still in use today. The innovative hydraulic lift required only one lever for raising, lowering, revolving, or locking the chair. The Reliance chair was so famous even the barber on The Andy Griffith Show, Floyd, owned one.

Reliance - Model 520 - Stylish Assisted Recline Tilt Chair Brochure