Johnson & Johnson Vision at 100% Optical

Johnson & Johnson Vision showcased its latest contact lens design at 100% Optical (23–25 April), also highlighting the importance of comfort and sustainability initiatives.

The Acuvue portfolio was in the spotlight at the optical trade fair, including the Acuvue Oasys Multifocal, which launched last year. The two-weekly contact lens uses pupil-optimised design technology to support patient’s vision across near, distance, and levels in between.

Sustainability was also a focus for the contact lens company. Speaking to OT, Dr Rachel Hiscox, professional education and development manager, UK & Ireland, shared: “Two years earlier than planned, we’ve been able to make our Jacksonville manufacturing facility completely powered by solar energy, which we think is massively important.”

The company has also removed the plastic pouches from Acuvue deliveries in Europe.

On display at the stand was an Acuvue recycling bank, part of an established initiative in partnership with TerraCycle that allows patients and practitioners to recycle the soft contact lenses, blister packs and foil of any brand of contact lens.

During the show, Johnson & Johnson Vision delivered a range of education workshops in partnership with the AOP.

A key topic discussed was ‘time to upgrade’, Hiscox told OT, addressing comfort as a key issue for contact lens wearer retention.

“We know that the number one reason for contact lens drop-out is comfort, so we really want to be able to encourage practitioners to be able to have those conversations with their patients, to identify when they might not be perfectly happy with their contact lenses,” Hiscox said. Sessions also outlined how practitioners can articulate the benefits of new products.

Reflecting on the past few years in the contact lens category, Hiscox noted the “massive impact” of COVID-19, including on levels of contact lens wear.

However, a recent survey by the company found that around 50% of patients have returned to their previous wearing patterns, indicating a recovery of the contact lens category, while reports from practices suggest patients are increasingly looking for contact lenses to “fulfil a functional need.”