“If optometry is healthy, we are healthy”

“I get to work with really talented people who are leaders in the contact lens industry,” he explains when OT catches up with the man who deftly combines his role as president of CooperVision with executive vice president and COO of The Cooper Companies.

The last four years has been a defining period, framed by the acquisition of Sauflon. Consolidating on this significant investment – to the tune of $1.2bn – Mr McBride said the company today is driven by the complementary goals of providing the broadest range of products in the industry, while remaining committed to the wellbeing of optometry. 

“We recognise that the health of optometry is critical to the health of the patients. After all, the relationship between the optometrist and the consumer is critical to contact lenses in a lot of ways. They introduce contact lenses to patients, and contact lenses are a medical device – they are tricky to learn how to use,” he says.

“When you consider that the biggest problem is the category is dropout, this relationship is vital. That’s why CooperVision provides not just products but also services and training for eye care practitioners. We spend a lot of time looking at the problems optometry is having and finding solutions. If optometry is healthy, we are healthy,” he adds.

What does Mr McBride identify as the most pressing issues and opportunities in eye health today? And how is CooperVision rising to meet this challenge in a meaningful way?

The answer, Mr McBride contends, is in part about highlighting the opportunity for consumers, optometrists and manufacturers.

“We are in a world where there is a lot of fear out there right now. Practice is changing; consumer behaviour is changing; online players are coming in. Within this mix it is right to ask: where can contact lenses go?”

Recognising the value

Asked about the changing the way consumers think about contact lenses and driving a better level of penetration, Mr McBride is quick to tackle the idea that price is driving consumers decisions. “If we focus on those consumers fixated on price, we miss the point,” he concludes.

“The craziest thing – and shame on all of us – is the premise that contact lenses are expensive. We are talking about our most valuable sense – our sight. And we spend less money on eye health than we do on make-up, clothing, or the coffee we drink.”

“People still like to shop on the High Street, but it is not the cheapest option,” he adds. “If you look at consumer behaviour, people don’t buy at the cheapest price. Trust and relationships matter more. We have bought into the idea that contact lenses are an expensive option, and we have let this dominate conversation.”

OT asks the CooperVision president if the currency of the optometry brand being is exploited fully. Pausing, Mr McBride suggests the profession should recognise that consumers “want a variety of vision correction solutions in their lives, not just a single solution.”

“There is more we can do. We need to build on the equity with the consumer. And we need to get away from the idea that there is a competition between contact lenses and glasses. Contact lens wearers all have glasses – and they need both in their lives.”