Kelman-McPherson Forceps
Also known as: Kelman-McPherson tying forceps
Angled, fine ophthalmic forceps of the McPherson type, used in cataract surgery to hold lens material, intraocular lenses and fine sutures.
Reusable hand instrument
About the Kelman-McPherson Forceps
The Kelman-McPherson forceps is an angled variant of the McPherson ophthalmic forceps. McPherson-type forceps are fine, untoothed and angled, and are used to hold parts of the lens, intraocular lenses and very fine sutures.
Most versions have smooth jaws. Some add a tying platform for suture work, and others have small 1×2 teeth for holding tissue.
The pattern is made with several handle styles, such as flat handles and wider Castroviejo-style handles, and in standard and very delicate tip grades. Jaw length and tip finish vary between makers.
Product reference: Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments — official product page. The listed company is shown as a source; check the catalogue for its role as manufacturer or supplier.
Common uses
- Holding intraocular lenses during cataract surgery
- Handling lens material
- Holding and tying fine sutures (tying-platform versions)
Variations, sizes & configurations
Shapes
- Angled
- Curved
Jaw, tip & blade configurations
- Delicate
- Smooth
- Fine
- Serrated
- 1×2 teeth
Handles, rings & locks
- Flat handle
Specifications vary by manufacturer. Confirm exact dimensions and patterns in the manufacturer’s catalogue.
Catalogue specifications (Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments)
- Kelman McPherson Forceps with Tying Platform, 1X2 Teeth,.12mm, Flat Handle, 7.5mm Jaws, Angled,
- Kelman-McPherson Forceps, 7.5mm long smooth jaw, Angled (with Katena style handle)
- Kelman-McPherson Forceps (Wide Castroviejo Handle) Very Delicate, 7.5mm Smooth Jaw, Angled,
- Kelman-McPherson Forceps, Very Delicate, 7.5mm Angled, Jaw with Tying Platform
- Kelman-McPherson Forceps, Very Delicate, 7.5mm Smooth Jaw, Angled, (with castroviejo handle)
As published in the brand’s online catalogue. View official product ↗
Catalogue listings from manufacturers
| Brand | Catalogue item | Model no. | Size / length | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments (ASSI) | Kelman-McPherson Forceps | ASSI.4393 | 7.5mm · Delicate, 7.5mm Smooth Jaw | Official site ↗ |
| Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments (ASSI) | Kelman-McPherson Forceps | ASSI.4393-P | 7.5mm · Delicate, 7.5mm Angled, Jaw | Official site ↗ |
| Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments (ASSI) | Kelman-McPherson Forceps | ASSI.4394 | 7.5mm · Delicate, 7.5mm Smooth Jaw | Official site ↗ |
| Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments (ASSI) | Kelman-McPherson Forceps | ASSI.4394K | 7.5mm · smooth jaw | Official site ↗ |
| Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments (ASSI) | Kelman-McPherson Forceps | ASSI.4917 | 1X2 Teeth, 7.5mm Jaw · 7.5mm Jaws | Official site ↗ |
| Rigor Instruments | Kelman-McPherson Forceps (RI-01212) | RI-01212 | Official site ↗ | |
| Rigor Instruments | Kelman-McPherson Forceps (RI-01226) | RI-01226 | Official site ↗ | |
| Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments (ASSI) | Kelman-McPherson Lens Holding Forceps | ASSI.4919 | 7.5mm · Delicate, 7.5mm Smooth Jaw | Official site ↗ |
| Rigor Instruments | Kelman-McPherson Lens Holding Forceps (RI-01352) | RI-01352 | Official site ↗ | |
| Rigor Instruments | Kelman-McPherson Suture Tying Forceps (RI-S-2133) | RI-S-2133 | Official site ↗ | |
| Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments (ASSI) | Kelman-McPherson Suturing Forceps | ASSI.4373 | 8.5cm · 1X2Teeth, 0.2mm | Official site ↗ |
| Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments (ASSI) | Kelman-McPherson Suturing Forceps | ASSI.4378 | 8.5cm · 1X2Teeth, 0.2mm, 7.5mm · Platform, 7.5mm Angled, Jaw | Official site ↗ |
| Rigor Instruments | Kelman-McPherson Tissue Forceps (RI-S-2098) | RI-S-2098 | Official site ↗ | |
| Sklar Surgical Instruments | Sklar® Kelman-McPherson Forceps | 66-6180 | angled, smooth tying platform | Official site ↗ |
| Sklar Surgical Instruments | Sklar® Kelman-McPherson Forceps | 66-7680 | 1x2 teeth | Official site ↗ |
| Sklar Surgical Instruments | Sklar® Kelman-McPherson Forceps Titanium | 66-7681 | Official site ↗ | |
| Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments (ASSI) | Thornton Titanium Instruments | ASSI.2160 | 8mm · 8mm Angled,Jaws | Official site ↗ |
17 items listed in manufacturers’ own online catalogues, with sizes and model numbers as published. Check the exact item on the manufacturer’s page before ordering.
Companies offering this instrument

Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments
Westbury, United States
New York supplier of surgical instruments for many specialties, with offices on both US coasts.
Shown only where the company’s own catalogue or website lists this instrument.
Further reading
- Kelly, Crile, Mosquito and Rochester-Pean Hemostats ComparedHow the Halsted mosquito, Crile, Kelly and Rochester-Pean hemostats differ in size and jaw serration, plus how to…
- Tissue Forceps Compared: Adson, DeBakey, Toothed vs SmoothToothed vs non-toothed thumb forceps, and how Adson and DeBakey forceps compare in tip design, grip, length and…
- How to Read a Surgical Instrument CataloguePatterns, lengths, tips, locks, materials and finishes: the catalogue terms buyers need to compare instrument offers like for…
Questions about the Kelman-McPherson Forceps
What are Kelman-McPherson Forceps used for?
Angled, fine ophthalmic forceps of the McPherson type, used in cataract surgery to hold lens material, intraocular lenses and fine sutures.
What other names is the Kelman-McPherson Forceps known by?
The Kelman-McPherson Forceps is also known as Kelman-McPherson tying forceps.
Which configurations of the Kelman-McPherson Forceps are documented?
This guide records these variations, shapes: Angled and Curved; jaw, tip or blade: Delicate, Smooth, Fine, Serrated and 1×2 teeth; handles and locks: Flat handle. See variations, sizes & configurations for the full list.
Where can I find catalogue listings for the Kelman-McPherson Forceps?
17 items matching this pattern are listed from manufacturers’ own online catalogues: Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments (9), Rigor Instruments (5) and Sklar Surgical Instruments (3). The catalogue table gives each model number and size as published, with a link to the official product page.
Which companies offer the Kelman-McPherson Forceps?
Companies whose own catalogues list the Kelman-McPherson Forceps include Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments. Check the exact pattern and size with the company.
Which instruments are related to the Kelman-McPherson Forceps?
Other forceps in this directory include Bishop-Harmon Forceps, Castroviejo Suturing Forceps, Jameson Muscle Forceps and McPherson Tying Forceps. See all forceps.
What should I check when sourcing forceps?
- Pattern and size: compare the tip and jaw pattern (smooth, serrated or toothed) and the working length with the supplier’s catalogue drawing or a sample. For the Kelman-McPherson Forceps this page records Angled and Curved shapes and Delicate, Smooth and Fine tips.
- Material: confirm the exact steel grade or alloy in the supplier’s documentation, such as the material specification or certificate.
- Finish and any coating, as stated by the supplier.
- Regulatory marking or registration required in your target market (see medical device certifications).
- Reprocessing: the cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation instructions in the manufacturer’s instructions for use (IFU).
Sources
- accuratesurgical.com/forceps-stainless-steel-titanium/kelman-mcpherson-forceps-5/
- accuratesurgical.com/forceps-stainless-steel-titanium/kelman-mcpherson-forceps-4/
- accuratesurgical.com/forceps-stainless-steel-titanium/kelman-mcpherson-forceps-3/
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_instruments_used_in_ophthalmology
Last checked 29 Oct 2026. Information is general reference, not clinical guidance.
Suggest a correction if any detail on this page is wrong.