A vision to provide physicians with a better, easier way to diagnose illness in their patients. A vision to design instruments that can help physicians help others.

A toolmaker by trade but a salesman at heart, William Noah Allyn did more than just help found a medical products company. He started an organization whose commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology represents a model for manufacturers everywhere.

The visionaries were Dr. Francis A. Welch and William Noah Allyn. When the hand-held, direct-illuminating ophthalmoscope they developed and built was first sold in 1915, the world caught a glimpse of what a little imagination - and a lot of dedication - could achieve.

Dr. Welch wouldn't live to see just how much of an impact his talents would eventually make on the medical profession. But when William Noah Allyn became the sole owner of the company they founded together, he vowed to make sure Welch's legacy lived on.

Where it all began: The world's first hand-held, direct-illuminating ophthalmoscope, circa 1915. It launched a new era in medical diagnostics and a company that's still breaking technological ground to this day.

Today, nearly a century later, vision is still the heart and soul of Welch Allyn. Thanks to the continued commitment of William Noah Allyn's son, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a global family of employees, distributors, suppliers, and other business partners, Welch Allyn is recognized the world over as a leader and innovator in a number of different markets. These include medical and dental diagnostics, veterinary medicine, lighting, remote visual inspection, and data collection.

Two generations of vision (l. to r.) Peter Soderberg, William G. Allyn, Bill Allyn, and Lew Allyn. As a family-owned and operated company, Welch Allyn offers its customers something few manufacturers can match: A caring, hands-on commitment to providing everything they need to do their job better.

In the years to come, Welch Allyn will grow and strengthen its position in a variety of fields worldwide by continually enhancing and leveraging its core technologies, developing key partnerships, and making strategic acquisitions. Through these clearly defined initiatives, Welch Allyn will continue its visionary tradition of innovation, exploration and growth.