An RFID ring illumination system includes an illumination ring and a printedcircuit board. The illumination ring has a light refracting layer integral withthe front of a surgical machine. The printed circuit board is located behind andclose to the front of the surgical machine. The printed circuit board has an RFIDreader antenna and a light source mounted on it. The light emitted by the lightsource travels through the illumination ring and is visible from the front ofthe surgical machine.