Our Story

Designed with detail in mind.

For generations, COIL has developed magnification products that help people keep reading, creating, repairing and enjoying the things that matter.

COIL magnifier on a warm wooden workbench with sketches and drawing tools

Good magnification should feel almost invisible.

The product should not get in the way of the task. It should sit comfortably in the hand, rest steadily on the page, or give both hands the freedom to keep working.

That is the idea behind COIL: practical magnification designed around the way people actually read, create, repair and enjoy detail every day.

Our Approach

Every detail has a purpose.

Every COIL product begins with a simple question: how can we make close-up viewing easier? Whether it's reducing hand fatigue, improving lighting or giving both hands the freedom to work, every design decision exists for a reason.

Our products are shaped by real tasks and real people—not trends. From reading and hobbies to detailed repair work, we focus on practical magnification that feels intuitive from the moment you pick it up.

Comfort First

Designed to feel natural in the hand and comfortable during extended use.

Optical Clarity

Quality lenses chosen to provide bright, distortion-free magnification where it matters most.

Built to Last

Reliable engineering and dependable materials designed for everyday life.

COIL AT Max magnifier in a model railway workspace.
Our Heritage

Designed to endure.

Since 1936, COIL has focused on practical magnification tools that make close-up viewing clearer, easier and more comfortable. The products may evolve. The purpose remains the same.

Then and now desk scene showing heritage optical tools alongside a modern COIL AT Max magnifier
1936 Then
Today Now

From early optical instruments to modern illuminated magnifiers, COIL’s work has always centred on the same practical idea: helping people see the detail that matters.

1936

A commitment to practical magnification.

COIL begins with a focus on optical instruments that help people see more clearly in everyday life.

1950s–1970s

Supporting everyday tasks.

The range grows to support reading, hobbies, craft, inspection and detailed work, with products shaped around real use.

1980s–2000s

Expanding choice and accessibility.

Broader product development helps more people find the right magnifier for their needs, from compact pocket designs to illuminated solutions.

Today

Still designed with the user in mind.

COIL continues to develop magnification products with the same philosophy that started in 1936: clarity, comfort and practical use in every detail.

About COIL

Seeing the difference is in the details.

Thoughtfully designed magnification for people who want to keep reading, creating, repairing and enjoying the things that matter.

COIL Tilt Stand Magnifier on an engineering workbench
ABOUT COIL

Precision Magnification Since 1936

For nearly a century, COIL has been designing and manufacturing specialist magnification products trusted by eye care professionals, low vision users, educators, and industry worldwide. Our commitment to optical quality, practical innovation, and user-focused design continues to shape every product we create.

Built Around Practical Vision Solutions

Since 1936, COIL has focused on one simple goal: helping people see more clearly.

From low vision support and specialist reading aids to clinical ophthalmic instruments and industrial magnification products, our solutions are designed to make everyday tasks easier, more comfortable, and more accessible.

Today, COIL products are used by eye care professionals, healthcare organisations, educators, businesses, and individuals around the world. While technology continues to evolve, our commitment remains the same — delivering dependable magnification solutions that combine optical quality, thoughtful design, and practical functionality.

The best optical solutions are those that disappear into everyday life — helping people read, work, learn, and live with confidence.

COIL Design Philosophy

Trusted by Professionals Worldwide

For generations, COIL has combined optical expertise, practical design, and specialist knowledge to create magnification solutions used across healthcare, education, industry, and everyday life.

Optical Expertise

Nearly a century of experience developing precision magnification products for professional and personal use.

Optical Expertise

Global Distribution

COIL products are supplied through trusted distributor networks across the UK, Europe, North America, and beyond.

Global Distribution

Professional Trust

Used by optometrists, low vision specialists, educators, healthcare organisations, and industry professionals worldwide.

Professional Trust

Designed for Everyday Life

Every product is developed to solve real-world challenges with practical, comfortable, and reliable magnification.

Designed Around Users

A Legacy of Magnification Excellence

For generations, COIL has combined optical expertise, practical design, and specialist knowledge to create magnification solutions trusted around the world.

Today, our products support healthcare professionals, educators, industry specialists, and everyday users alike.

1

Optical Expertise

For generations, COIL has specialised in designing practical magnification solutions that combine optical performance with everyday usability. Our commitment to helping people see more clearly remains at the heart of everything we do.

2

User Understanding

From healthcare professionals and educators to hobbyists and low vision users, COIL products are shaped by real-world feedback and practical requirements. Every design begins with understanding how people use magnification in everyday life.

3

Practical Innovation

Our products are developed to make reading, working, learning, and completing everyday tasks easier and more comfortable. Practicality, reliability, and ease of use guide every stage of development.

4

Global Trust

Today, COIL products are supplied through trusted distributors and used by professionals and consumers across the UK, Europe, North America, and beyond. While technology evolves, our focus on quality and user-centred design remains unchanged.

Explore COIL Magnification Solutions

From everyday reading aids to specialist low vision products, COIL continues to develop practical magnification solutions trusted by professionals and users around the world.