The ifa systems group of companies was founded 1984 in Cologne, Germany, with the sole charter to provide comprehensive, intelligent-rich IT solutions for ophthalmic professionals worldwide. Since its inception, members of the ifa family have been standard bearers to that mission, each deeply dedicated to serving the eye care community.  In fact, the core ifa team has more than 500 combined years of specialized, real-world experience in ophthalmic software technology—from application development to systems implementation to work flow engineering of the ophthalmic environment.

Through the years, ifa’s pragmatic approach towards quality assurance has reaped the rewards of industry respect, market dignity and business success. For example, few software centric companies, let alone those in the fields of either health care or ophthalmology, can boast the fact that they have endured 28 years of growing success to a single mission. And in Germany, where the wave to adopt universal electronic medical records (EMR) technology started in earnest before all other industrial nations, ifa captured the title of market leader with an impressive share of more than 45%. All proud accomplishments that set ifa apart from the competition. 

In 2005, ifa systems AG began its life as a public company when it was listed on the Frankfurt stock market (Deutsche Boerse). The move to go public was born of practicality, not of necessity nor desire to raise capital.  Strategically, it had two objectives. One, to streamline the financial due diligence process when conducting either international or governmental business. Secondly, it was a way to empower and motivate the ifa team towards long-term success in a global economy. Nearly 80% of stockholders are ifa management and team members as well as customers, leaving a free float of 20%. The ownership ratio keeps the ifa systems group of companies independent from external financial interest, allowing it to focus on sustaining profitability as it expands its global market reach. Today, ifa has revenue streams from sales and licenses in 14 countries around the world.

In the third quarter of 2009, the ifa team achieved another industry breakthrough with the introduction of the 3rd software generation (3G) of its leading EcMR (Electronic connected Medical Records) system, complete with an unique and unprecedented connectivity guarantee—the ifa 3G EcMR system will connect to any third party device, hospital records system, or practice management application, regardless if the device or application conforms to industry standards or protocols. It is a promise only ifa can deliver; it is what differentiates the company as the best in its class. Moreover, it is another reason why every day more than 10,000 ophthalmic professionals manage more than 200,000 patient visits with ifa applications.   

In 2011 ifa united i-tech became fully certified in the following:

ONC EHR certification (stimulus) - DICOM conformance statement

IHE eye care actors (HL7) - GSA approval (US government)

IOTA approval for OPHTEL 2010 project

ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management.