Bausch & Lomb Fluorets Replacement: 2026 Guide for Eye Care Practices

Last updated: May 16, 2026. Written by SciMed Clinical Team.

Bausch & Lomb Fluorets fluorescein strips were discontinued over a decade ago — yet eye care clinics continue searching for a direct replacement. This guide documents the discontinuation history, covers every viable 2026 replacement option, and provides a clinical equivalence reference to help optometry and ophthalmology practices transition their procurement with confidence.

The Fluorets Discontinuation: What Happened

In 2013, Bausch & Lomb announced the global discontinuation of Fluorets, their branded fluorescein sodium ophthalmic strips (1mg). The decision was driven by commercial factors: Bausch & Lomb cited raw material availability and manufacturing cost of goods as the primary reasons, making the product economically unviable to continue at scale. The announcement was reported by Optician magazine, which documented significant concern among UK and international practitioners who had used Fluorets as their default diagnostic strip for decades.

Fluorets had been the dominant branded fluorescein strip in many markets — particularly the UK and Commonwealth countries — for so long that clinicians used “Fluorets” interchangeably with “fluorescein strip.” When discontinuation was confirmed, practices faced a replacement search for a product that had been functionally standard equipment for two generations of clinicians.

Thirteen years later, search volume for “Fluorets replacement” and “Bausch Lomb Fluorets alternative” remains consistent. The explanation is generational: newly qualified optometrists and ophthalmologists trained in programs that historically stocked Fluorets still encounter the name in training materials, older clinical protocols, and legacy equipment documentation. They search for it, cannot find it, and need a clear answer on what to stock instead.

That answer is clear: multiple fluorescein sodium 1mg ophthalmic strips are commercially available today that are clinically equivalent to Fluorets for every diagnostic application the original covered. This guide identifies all of them.

What Fluorets Was Used For

Fluorets were fluorescein sodium 1mg sterile ophthalmic strips — a Class II medical device designed to instil a precise, controlled dose of fluorescein dye onto the ocular surface for diagnostic visualization under cobalt blue illumination. The clinical applications that relied on Fluorets, and that any functional replacement must cover, include:

• Corneal abrasion detection. Fluorescein highlights epithelial defects under blue light, making abrasions, ulcers, and erosions immediately visible. This is the highest-frequency use case in primary care optometry and emergency settings.
• Tear break-up time (TBUT). A standardized strip dose is essential for accurate TBUT measurement — excess fluorescein from solutions distorts the reading by artificially elevating initial fluorescence. See the TBUT fluorescein protocol guide for the strip-based standardized technique.
• Goldmann applanation tonometry. Fluorescein strips provide a precisely calibrated dye dose needed to form the Goldmann mire without excess tearing. Over-dosing with solution produces a thick meniscus that is harder to read accurately and affects IOP measurement reliability.
• Contact lens fitting — RGP and scleral. Fluorescein pattern evaluation is the standard method for assessing rigid gas-permeable and scleral lens fit. Soft lenses must be removed before fluorescein instillation; 1mg strips provide the correct dose for pattern visualization.
• Foreign body and corneal trauma detection. Foreign bodies embedded in or beneath the epithelium are identified by fluorescein pooling at the disruption site under cobalt blue illumination.
• Seidel test. The Seidel test uses fluorescein to detect aqueous leakage through corneal wounds or incisions. Strips allow controlled, localized application that solutions do not.
• Jones I dye disappearance test. Used to evaluate nasolacrimal drainage patency, this test requires a standardized initial dose of fluorescein — which strips reliably provide, and solutions do not.

Every one of these applications is covered by any currently available fluorescein sodium 1mg ophthalmic strip that meets USP standards. The Fluorets name specified a brand and a manufacturer; it did not specify a unique formulation or proprietary technology.

Functional Replacement Options Available in 2026

Five options currently serve practices seeking Fluorets replacements. Each is assessed on clinical equivalence, pricing, availability, supply reliability, and US market accessibility.

a. Bausch + Lomb Minims Fluorescein (1% / 2% Solution)

Bausch + Lomb continues to manufacture Minims fluorescein — single-use preservative-free fluorescein solution in 1% and 2% concentrations, available through their professional vision care division at bauschvisioncare.com. Minims are classified as an ophthalmic drug, not a medical device — a distinction that matters for hospital formulary routing and reimbursement coding.

The clinical limitation of solutions versus strips is well-documented: instilling even a small volume of 1% solution delivers significantly more fluorescein than a 1mg strip. This leads to over-fluorescence that masks subtle staining, complicates TBUT readings, and produces a thick mire for Goldmann tonometry. For high-volume emergency screening where speed takes priority over precision, Minims may be acceptable. For TBUT, contact lens fitting pattern evaluation, and Goldmann tonometry, a 1mg strip is the clinically preferred format.

Best for: Practices requiring the Bausch + Lomb brand specifically, or where hospital formularies require drug-classified ophthalmic products. Not the preferred option for TBUT or precision tonometry.

b. Amcon GloStrips®

GloStrips by Amcon Labs are 1mg fluorescein sodium sterile ophthalmic strips, one of the most widely cited Fluorets replacements among US optometry practices. Amcon markets GloStrips as American-made — a correct claim — and they are distributed through Amcon’s established optometry supply network as well as through their direct website.

GloStrips are clinically equivalent to Fluorets: same 1mg dose, same USP fluorescein sodium, same single-use sterile format. Pricing through distributors runs above SciMed’s direct manufacturer pricing at equivalent volumes. Amcon’s own website provides the most direct procurement route, though institutional volume pricing typically requires direct engagement with their sales team.

Best for: Practices already in Amcon’s distribution network, or those who prefer a well-established US optometry supplier brand with broad distributor reach.

c. BioGlo Fluorescein Strips (HUB Pharmaceuticals)

BioGlo strips, distributed by HUB Pharmaceuticals, are 1mg fluorescein sodium strips well-known in UK and international markets where Fluorets was historically the dominant brand. In the US, BioGlo is available through specialty ophthalmic distributors at mid-tier pricing. For a detailed strip-by-strip comparison including BioGlo, see the Bio-Glo vs Fluorets vs SciMed comparison guide.

BioGlo is clinically equivalent to Fluorets at the 1mg dose. It is manufactured in the UK, not the US — a consideration for practices with domestic supply chain requirements. US supply reliability is generally adequate through distributor channels, though not available direct-to-practice.

Best for: Practices with established HUB Pharmaceuticals distributor relationships, or those familiar with BioGlo from international training environments.

d. Akorn Fluorescein Strips

Akorn Pharmaceuticals previously produced fluorescein ophthalmic strips available in US ophthalmic supply chains. Akorn filed for bankruptcy in 2022, and supply reliability for Akorn-branded products has been inconsistent since. Extended lead times and backorders have been documented. Practices should not rely on Akorn strips as a primary procurement source without confirming current availability through their specific distributor.

Best for: Not recommended as a primary source. Verify current availability before committing to Akorn as your default supplier.

e. SciMed Fluorescein Sodium Ophthalmic Strips (1mg USP)

SciMed’s fluorescein sodium ophthalmic strips are 1mg USP sterile single-use strips manufactured in San Jose, California. SciMed is the direct manufacturer — not a distributor — which eliminates distributor margin and is the primary reason per-strip pricing is lower at equivalent volumes versus distributor-channel alternatives.

Like Amcon GloStrips, SciMed strips are American-made. The key operational distinction is the procurement model: SciMed sells direct to practices through scimedstore.com, with same-day dispatch for orders placed before 3pm PT, free US shipping, and bulk pricing at 5, 10, 25, and 50-box tiers. Net-30 terms are available for qualifying practices. HSA/FSA-compatible receipts are provided at checkout.

SciMed also offers lissamine green 1.5mg ophthalmic strips for practices that use both stains in dry eye assessment. See the lissamine green vs fluorescein comparison for clinical selection guidance. Full formulation and technical specifications are covered in the complete fluorescein strip guide, and storage and shelf life in the fluorescein strip storage guide.

Best for: Practices seeking direct manufacturer pricing, same-day US dispatch, bulk clinic tier pricing, and American-made supply chain assurance without distributor intermediary.

Comparison Table — Fluorets vs. 5 Replacements

Brand	Manufacturer	Strips/Box	Concentration	Made in USA?	Same-day dispatch?	Direct from mfr?	Best for
Fluorets (discontinued)	Bausch & Lomb	100	1mg	No (UK mfg)	N/A	N/A	Discontinued — reference only
Minims Fluorescein	Bausch + Lomb	20 single-dose vials	1% / 2% solution	No	Via distributor	No	B&L brand continuity; drug-classified
Amcon GloStrips®	Amcon Labs	100	1mg USP	Yes	Via distributor	No (distributor)	Established US optometry distributor network
BioGlo	HUB Pharmaceuticals	100	1mg USP	No (UK mfg)	Via distributor	No (distributor)	Distributor channel; UK-trained clinicians
Akorn Strips	Akorn (post-bankruptcy)	Varies	1mg	Yes (historically)	Unreliable	No	Not recommended as primary source
SciMed Fluorescein Strips	SciMed (San Jose, CA)	100	1mg USP	Yes	Yes (order by 3pm PT)	Yes — direct manufacturer	Best unit pricing at volume; bulk clinic tiers

Which Replacement is Right for Your Practice

The right procurement choice depends on practice volume, existing distributor relationships, and operational priorities.

Small Private Optometry Practice (1–3 ODs)

A practice consuming 1–3 boxes per month benefits most from a direct-manufacturer relationship with no minimum quantity commitment and transparent per-box pricing. SciMed’s single-box ordering with same-day dispatch is designed for this. GloStrips through Amcon is an equally valid clinical option if you already consolidate orders through their network. Either provides clinical equivalence to Fluorets at better pricing than distributor-channel alternatives with no commitment required.

Multi-Location Optometry Group (4–10 Locations)

Multi-location groups benefit from bulk pricing and centralized invoicing. SciMed’s 25-box and 50-box tier pricing reduces per-strip cost significantly compared to single-box orders. Net-30 terms support standard accounts payable workflows without prepayment. Contact clinic@scimedstore.com for a group pricing quote that reflects your consolidated volume across locations.

Hospital Ophthalmology Department

Hospital formularies often require drug-classified products to route through pharmacy, while device-classified products route through clinical supply. SciMed and GloStrips are Class II medical devices — not drugs — which means they can typically be purchased directly by the ophthalmology department without pharmacy formulary approval. Minims (solution) is an ophthalmic drug and routes through pharmacy. This distinction simplifies procurement for hospital departments replacing Fluorets, which was also a device-classified product.

Urgent Care / ED with Ophthalmic Emergencies

For emergency use — primarily corneal abrasion detection and foreign body evaluation — strip dose precision matters less than in TBUT or tonometry. However, strips remain preferred over solutions for single-handed application without requiring additional assistance. SciMed’s same-day dispatch means an ED that runs low can have restocked strips within 1–2 business days from California with standard free shipping, without paying expediting fees to distributors.

University Teaching Hospital / Wet-Lab Training

Training environments consume fluorescein strips at high volume — every student in a wet lab typically uses multiple strips per session. Reliable supply and bulk pricing are the priority. SciMed’s 50-box tier pricing and Net-30 terms align with university accounts payable workflows. Direct manufacturer contact — no distributor intermediary for backorder troubleshooting — also simplifies institutional procurement management.

Equivalence Quick Reference

For practices transitioning directly from Fluorets protocols, the following clinical equivalences apply. No protocol changes or staff retraining are required:

• Using Fluorets 1mg for slit-lamp corneal exams? Switch to any 1mg USP fluorescein strip — SciMed, GloStrips, or BioGlo are clinically equivalent. Same dose, same blue-light visualization technique.
• Using Fluorets for Goldmann applanation tonometry? Any 1mg strip provides the correct dose for Goldmann mire formation. Avoid switching to solution — excess volume distorts the mire and affects IOP reading accuracy.
• Using Fluorets for TBUT? A 1mg strip is the clinical standard for TBUT measurement. Solutions oversaturate and artificially elevate initial fluorescence, compromising measurement accuracy. Any 1mg replacement strip maintains protocol precision.
• Using Fluorets for RGP or scleral contact lens fitting? 1mg strip, same application technique. Remove soft lenses before instillation. All 1mg USP strips are equivalent for lens fitting pattern evaluation.
• Using Fluorets for the Seidel test? Any 1mg strip. Apply directly to the area of suspected leakage. Aqueous streaming appears as a dark rivulet through the fluorescein pool under cobalt blue illumination.
• Using Fluorets for Jones I dye disappearance test? Any 1mg strip provides the standardized initial dose required for accurate disappearance timing. Clinically equivalent results with SciMed, GloStrips, or BioGlo.
• Need higher fluorescein dose for fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA)? FFA uses intravenously administered fluorescein (10% solution, 500mg dose) — a completely separate drug product. Ophthalmic diagnostic strips (1–2mg) are not used for angiography and are not a substitute for IV fluorescein.

Bulk Pricing for Clinics

SciMed offers tiered bulk pricing for eye care practices procuring fluorescein strips at volume:

• 1 box (100 strips): Standard retail pricing, free US shipping, same-day dispatch
• 5-box tier: Reduced per-box pricing — suited for practices with regular monthly ordering
• 10-box tier: Further per-box reduction — suited for practices consuming 1+ boxes per month
• 25-box tier: Institutional pricing — suited for multi-location groups and mid-size hospital departments
• 50-box tier: Maximum bulk pricing — suited for teaching hospitals, university wet labs, and large multi-site groups

All orders ship free within the continental US. Net-30 payment terms are available for qualifying practices: hospitals, university departments, and established group practices. To request a bulk pricing quote or discuss Net-30 terms, contact clinic@scimedstore.com.

Order direct at scimedstore.com — fluorescein strips direct from the manufacturer. No minimum order. Same-day dispatch before 3pm PT.

FAQ

1. Why was Bausch & Lomb Fluorets discontinued?

Bausch & Lomb discontinued Fluorets globally in 2013, citing commercial reasons — specifically raw material availability and manufacturing cost of goods. The decision was reported by Optician magazine, which documented the significant concern among eye care practitioners. There was no safety or clinical efficacy issue with Fluorets; it was a commercial manufacturing decision that has not been reversed.

2. What is the best replacement for Fluorets in 2026?

For most US eye care practices, the best direct Fluorets replacement is a FDA-cleared 1mg fluorescein sodium ophthalmic strip from an American manufacturer. SciMed and Amcon GloStrips are the two American-made options with consistent supply. SciMed offers direct manufacturer pricing and same-day dispatch; GloStrips are available through established ophthalmic distribution networks. Both are clinically equivalent to Fluorets for all standard diagnostic applications. The full comparison guide covers all options in detail.

3. Are Amcon GloStrips the same as Fluorets?

Clinically, yes. GloStrips are fluorescein sodium 1mg sterile ophthalmic strips — the same formulation and dose as Fluorets. Both are Class II FDA-cleared medical devices. GloStrips are manufactured in the US by Amcon Labs. The manufacturer is different from Bausch & Lomb, but clinical performance for all diagnostic applications — TBUT, tonometry, corneal staining, contact lens fitting — is equivalent.

4. Where can I buy fluorescein strips in bulk for my clinic?

SciMed sells fluorescein strips direct from the manufacturer at scimedstore.com with bulk pricing at 5, 10, 25, and 50-box tiers. Net-30 terms are available for qualifying practices. Contact clinic@scimedstore.com for institutional pricing. Amcon GloStrips are available in bulk through Amcon’s distribution network at amconlabs.com.

5. Are fluorescein strips made in the USA?

Yes — both SciMed and Amcon GloStrips are manufactured in the United States. SciMed produces its fluorescein sodium ophthalmic strips in San Jose, California. BioGlo (HUB Pharmaceuticals) is manufactured in the UK. Bausch + Lomb Minims are manufactured outside the US. For practices with domestic manufacturing requirements, SciMed and GloStrips are the American-made options.

6. How does fluorescein solution (Minims) compare to strips for clinical use?

Fluorescein solutions such as Bausch + Lomb Minims are classified as ophthalmic drugs, not medical devices. Clinically, the key difference is dose precision: a 1mg strip delivers a controlled, standardized amount of fluorescein. A single-use vial of 1% solution delivers a higher fluid volume that produces over-fluorescence, which masks subtle staining, complicates TBUT measurements, and creates an over-sized mire for Goldmann tonometry. For routine corneal abrasion screening in urgent settings, the difference is minor. For TBUT, Goldmann tonometry, and contact lens fitting evaluation, strips are the preferred format.

7. Is SciMed fluorescein clinically equivalent to Fluorets?

Yes. SciMed fluorescein sodium ophthalmic strips are 1mg USP sterile single-use strips — the same formulation and dose classification as Fluorets. Both are Class II medical devices. Clinical equivalence covers all standard applications: corneal abrasion detection, TBUT, Goldmann applanation tonometry, RGP and scleral contact lens fitting, Seidel test, Jones I dye disappearance test, and foreign body detection. The manufacturer is different (SciMed is a US manufacturer; Fluorets was Bausch & Lomb); the diagnostic performance is equivalent.

8. What is the difference between 1mg and 2mg fluorescein strips?

Standard clinical fluorescein strips are 1mg — this dose covers all routine diagnostic applications including TBUT, Goldmann tonometry, corneal staining, and contact lens fitting. A 2mg strip delivers a higher fluorescein dose, historically used in applications requiring more intense initial staining. For routine US clinical practice, 1mg strips are the standard and cover every application that Fluorets covered. 2mg strips are not routinely stocked in most practices and are not needed for standard diagnostic use. Note that 2mg strips are also not a substitute for IV fluorescein used in fundus fluorescein angiography.

9. Are fluorescein strips covered by HSA/FSA?

FDA-cleared fluorescein sodium ophthalmic strips are Class II medical devices eligible for HSA/FSA reimbursement when purchased for medical diagnostic use. SciMed provides HSA/FSA-compatible receipts at checkout. For guidance on reimbursement claim submission for ophthalmic diagnostic supplies, refer to your HSA/FSA plan administrator’s documentation on eligible medical device expenses.

10. Do all US fluorescein strips meet USP standards?

FDA-cleared fluorescein sodium ophthalmic strips sold in the US must meet USP (United States Pharmacopeia) standards for fluorescein sodium purity and concentration. SciMed strips are 1mg USP-grade. GloStrips and BioGlo are also USP-grade. The American Academy of Ophthalmology references USP-grade fluorescein as the standard for diagnostic use without specifying a brand preference. Practices can confirm USP compliance through the manufacturer’s certificate of analysis or product specification documentation.

Conclusion

Bausch & Lomb Fluorets has been gone since 2013. A commercial decision made over a decade ago for reasons of raw material availability and manufacturing cost — a decision that has not been reversed and is not expected to change. The clinical need Fluorets served, however, is unchanged and fully covered by currently available 1mg fluorescein sodium ophthalmic strips from multiple manufacturers.

For US eye care practices in 2026, the direct Fluorets replacement is any FDA-cleared 1mg fluorescein sodium ophthalmic strip from a reliable, consistent source. SciMed and Amcon GloStrips are the American-made options with documented supply. BioGlo is a legitimate distributor-channel alternative. Akorn is not recommended as a primary source. Minims solution covers emergency screening but is not the correct format for TBUT, precision tonometry, or contact lens pattern evaluation.

The transition from Fluorets to any 1mg strip replacement is immediate: no protocol changes, no staff retraining, no clinical equivalence concerns. Same technique, same diagnostic results, from an American manufacturer with transparent pricing and direct procurement.

Order SciMed fluorescein strips direct from the manufacturer: scimedstore.com — fluorescein sodium ophthalmic strips 1mg USP

Bulk and institutional pricing inquiries: clinic@scimedstore.com