Alcon event gathers 400 ECPs

Alcon gathered more than 400 eye care practitioners, along with members of the press and distributors from across Europe, to discuss a new contact lens modality at an event held from 1–2 October.

The event drew attendees from more than 30 countries to Prague, home of the development of the first soft contact lens material, for an early access introduction to a new contact lens technology – Precision 7 – set to arrive in the UK next year.

The two-day event was held at Novà Spirála, a 360-degree auditorium with revolving stage, and featured a programme of educational sessions and performances.

Jonathon Bench, professional education director at Alcon International, hosted the event, which saw colleagues from professional education, clinical and market research, and marketing, present insight on the process of bringing a new contact lens to market.

Attendees learnt about the new material used in the contact lens design, as well as clinical studies with the product, and case studies from practitioners who had trialled the contact lens.

The programme included a “journey” of the development of silicone hydrogel materials, delivered by Professor Fabrizio Zeri, researcher at the University of Milano-Bicocca and visiting research fellow at Aston University, exploring the importance of oxygen transmissibility, comfort, and water content.

Professor Philip Morgan, head of optometry, and deputy head of the division of pharmacy and optometry at The University of Manchester, presented an overview of contact lens prescribing trends, comparing rigid lens fitting, silicone hydrogel daily disposable and reusable contact lenses.

Steve Martin, visiting professor of behavioural science at Columbia University Graduate School of Business and author, and Audrey von Rueckmann, a behavioural science consultant, discussed communication tips and building new habits.

Roger Lopez, president of Alcon International, described the decade of research and development that has gone into the new product, telling OT that, to be approaching the official launch: "means a lot.”

With eye care professionals gathered for an introduction to the lens, Lopez added: “I hope that these events will help to establish a new replacement schedule that is good for the patients, the contact lens fitters, and the industry.”

OT will have more on the new contact lens technology, including interviews and insight from Alcon International, in the approach to the 2026 UK launch.