B&L Repositions ReNu Portfolio with Introduction of Two Lens Care Solutions
Bausch & Lomb Vision Care (B&L) announces a renewed focus on its ReNu brand of lens care solutions through a U.S. consumer need-based rebranding effort that introduces eye care practitioners and consumers to ReNu Fresh Lens Comfort and ReNu Sensitive Eyes. Additionally, the company has recently established a dedicated U.S. lens care solution and eye care product sales force that is primarily responsible for engaging with eye care practitioners and keeping them updated on the benefits of B&L products for their patients and their practice.
ReNu Fresh Lens Comfort, formerly ReNu MultiPlus, is specifically designed to keep contact lenses feeling like a fresh pair every day. The formula is the only multi-purpose solution on the market with Hydranate, a clinically-tested ingredient that removes protein deposits that accumulate during wear. It also contains poloxamine to help remove dirt and debris and enhance wettability and moisture retention for a more comfortable feeling throughout the day, as well as DYMED, which provides unsurpassed disinfection efficacy, according to the company.
To support the introduction of Fresh Lens Comfort solution, B&L has launched a fully integrated consumer marketing campaign which includes the www.renufresh.com website, a free-standing advertising insert distributed in newspapers nationally, in-store shelf talkers and banners, and an online advertising and search keyword campaign.
Additionally, B&L has repositioned its ReNu Multi-Purpose Solution as ReNu Sensitive Eyes. Available in new packaging at stores nationwide in July 2009, this multi-purpose solution is designed specifically for lens wearers who want a gentle formula. ReNu Sensitive Eyes features fewer ingredients and is intended to provide gentle cleaning without sacrificing performance and a high level of disinfection for healthy lens wear, per the company. B&L will also launch a fully integrated consumer campaign to support the ReNu Sensitive Eyes solution.
B&L has also established a dedicated U.S. sales force known as the Eye Care Specialist (ECS) team. Tasked with reaching out to the medical community and driving engagement, the ECS team is currently focusing on reaching eye care practitioners in the eastern half of the U.S. The program may also expand to the western half of the country next year.
ReNu Fresh Lens Comfort, formerly ReNu MultiPlus, is specifically designed to keep contact lenses feeling like a fresh pair every day. The formula is the only multi-purpose solution on the market with Hydranate, a clinically-tested ingredient that removes protein deposits that accumulate during wear. It also contains poloxamine to help remove dirt and debris and enhance wettability and moisture retention for a more comfortable feeling throughout the day, as well as DYMED, which provides unsurpassed disinfection efficacy, according to the company.
To support the introduction of Fresh Lens Comfort solution, B&L has launched a fully integrated consumer marketing campaign which includes the www.renufresh.com website, a free-standing advertising insert distributed in newspapers nationally, in-store shelf talkers and banners, and an online advertising and search keyword campaign.
Additionally, B&L has repositioned its ReNu Multi-Purpose Solution as ReNu Sensitive Eyes. Available in new packaging at stores nationwide in July 2009, this multi-purpose solution is designed specifically for lens wearers who want a gentle formula. ReNu Sensitive Eyes features fewer ingredients and is intended to provide gentle cleaning without sacrificing performance and a high level of disinfection for healthy lens wear, per the company. B&L will also launch a fully integrated consumer campaign to support the ReNu Sensitive Eyes solution.
B&L has also established a dedicated U.S. sales force known as the Eye Care Specialist (ECS) team. Tasked with reaching out to the medical community and driving engagement, the ECS team is currently focusing on reaching eye care practitioners in the eastern half of the U.S. The program may also expand to the western half of the country next year.
Art Optical Brings Award-Winning GP Bifocal from France to U.S.
Art Optical Contact Lens, Inc. has entered into an agreement with Laboratoire Precilens of Paris, France, to manufacture and distribute the BiExpert GP Bifocal lens design in the United States.
BiExpert is a patented design that features slab-off GP lens technology. The non-truncated, alternating vision bifocal incorporates a unique inverse curve that fits the lower eyelid and provides a natural lens translation to near vision. The slab-off technology also creates a thinner, uniform edge profile 360 degrees around the circumference of the lens, resulting in less patient lid awareness and improved wearing comfort, according to the company. The state-of-the-art technology behind this unique, patented translation system helped earn Precilens the prestigious "Innovative Company" award by the French innovation agency in 2007, as well as the "European Innovation" award last May.
According to Michael A. Johnson, FCLSA, and Director of Consultation Services at Art Optical, multifocal designs remain the most popular method of fitting presbyopic patients for the all-range acuity they provide. "However," notes Johnson, "there are patients who rely heavily on the precise near vision that only a segmented option can provide." He added, "BiExpert's slab-off technology provides easy translation into the segment while avoiding excessive base thickness."
The lenses, manufactured exclusively in Boston GP materials, can be ordered by providing K readings and Rx to the laboratory beginning June 29, 2009. For additional information on BiExpert, visit www.artoptical.com or call 800-253-9364.
BiExpert is a patented design that features slab-off GP lens technology. The non-truncated, alternating vision bifocal incorporates a unique inverse curve that fits the lower eyelid and provides a natural lens translation to near vision. The slab-off technology also creates a thinner, uniform edge profile 360 degrees around the circumference of the lens, resulting in less patient lid awareness and improved wearing comfort, according to the company. The state-of-the-art technology behind this unique, patented translation system helped earn Precilens the prestigious "Innovative Company" award by the French innovation agency in 2007, as well as the "European Innovation" award last May.
According to Michael A. Johnson, FCLSA, and Director of Consultation Services at Art Optical, multifocal designs remain the most popular method of fitting presbyopic patients for the all-range acuity they provide. "However," notes Johnson, "there are patients who rely heavily on the precise near vision that only a segmented option can provide." He added, "BiExpert's slab-off technology provides easy translation into the segment while avoiding excessive base thickness."
The lenses, manufactured exclusively in Boston GP materials, can be ordered by providing K readings and Rx to the laboratory beginning June 29, 2009. For additional information on BiExpert, visit www.artoptical.com or call 800-253-9364.
I-Site, Newsletter on GP Contact Lenses, Now Available
I-site is an educational newsletter, distributed on a monthly basis and edited by Eef van der Worp, BOptom, PhD, FAAO, FIACLE, FBCLA. It provides an update on rigid gas permeable related topics (based on scientific research, case reports and other publications worldwide). I-site is objective and non-political. To view an example and to sign up for this free newsletter, go to www.i-sitenewsletter.com and click the 'join our mailing list' button in the left column.
Offer Your Patients All-Day Comfort That Won't Blink Away
1·DAY ACUVUE® MOIST® Brand Contact Lenses provide your patients comfort with every blink. They are the only daily disposable contact lenses that feature patented LACREON™ Technology, which permanently embeds a hydrophilic wetting agent into the lens material. This allows your patients to comfortably wear contact lenses longer throughout the day compared with DAILIES® AquaComfort PLUS™1-which in turn leads to exceptional patient satisfaction.
1. Data on file. Johnson & Johnson, 2008.
ACUVUE® Brand Contact Lenses are indicated for vision correction. As with any contact lens, eye problems, including corneal ulcers, can develop. Some wearers may experience mild irritation, itching or discomfort. Lenses should not be prescribed if patients have any eye infection, or experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems. Consult the package insert for complete information. Complete information is also available from VISTAKON®, Division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc., by calling 1-800-843-2020 or by visiting jnjvisioncare.com.
ACUVUE®, 1·DAY ACUVUE® MOIST®, LACREON™, and VISTAKON® are trademarks of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
Other brand names/product names are trademarks of their respective owners.
© Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. 2009.
--ADVERTISINGACUVUE® Brand Contact Lenses are indicated for vision correction. As with any contact lens, eye problems, including corneal ulcers, can develop. Some wearers may experience mild irritation, itching or discomfort. Lenses should not be prescribed if patients have any eye infection, or experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems. Consult the package insert for complete information. Complete information is also available from VISTAKON®, Division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc., by calling 1-800-843-2020 or by visiting jnjvisioncare.com.
ACUVUE®, 1·DAY ACUVUE® MOIST®, LACREON™, and VISTAKON® are trademarks of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
Other brand names/product names are trademarks of their respective owners.
© Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. 2009.
Girls' Overall Self-Worth Improves with Contact Lens Wear, Study Shows
Contact lenses improve the overall self-worth of girls, according to data drawn from a three-year multisite study assessing the effects of glasses and contact lenses on the self-perception of nearsighted children ages eight to 11 years. As reported, the research, a unique collaboration between psychology and optometry, further demonstrates the value-added benefits of contact lens wear beyond vision correction.
A total of 484 eight-to 11-year-old nearsighted children (59% female) participated in the ACHIEVE study, the largest randomized trial of its kind. In the study, conducted from September 2003 to October 2007 at five clinical centers in the United States, children were randomly assigned to wear spectacles (n=237) or contact lenses (n=247) for three years.
Researchers measured outcomes using the Self-Perception Profile for Children scale, a measurement tool employed in numerous studies in the development psychology and social development literature. The scale consists of five domain-specific sub-scales (Scholastic Competence, Social Acceptance, Athletic Competence, Physical Appearance, Behavioral Conduct) and one global measure of self-worth. Gender was examined as a moderator of results.
Change in Global Self-Worth was statistically significant over three years for both treatment groups, but the change was not significantly different between contact lens wearers and spectacle wearers except among girls who at baseline reported low levels of satisfaction with spectacles.
The ACHIEVE study was supported by funding from Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. and The Vision Care Institute, LLC, a Johnson & Johnson Company.
A total of 484 eight-to 11-year-old nearsighted children (59% female) participated in the ACHIEVE study, the largest randomized trial of its kind. In the study, conducted from September 2003 to October 2007 at five clinical centers in the United States, children were randomly assigned to wear spectacles (n=237) or contact lenses (n=247) for three years.
Researchers measured outcomes using the Self-Perception Profile for Children scale, a measurement tool employed in numerous studies in the development psychology and social development literature. The scale consists of five domain-specific sub-scales (Scholastic Competence, Social Acceptance, Athletic Competence, Physical Appearance, Behavioral Conduct) and one global measure of self-worth. Gender was examined as a moderator of results.
Change in Global Self-Worth was statistically significant over three years for both treatment groups, but the change was not significantly different between contact lens wearers and spectacle wearers except among girls who at baseline reported low levels of satisfaction with spectacles.
The ACHIEVE study was supported by funding from Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. and The Vision Care Institute, LLC, a Johnson & Johnson Company.
PolyVue and Lensco Announce Distribution Agreement
Effective immediately, Lensco customers can purchase PolyVue lenses, including the HDX2 Multifocal Progressive and HD2 Aspheric lenses, using their existing Lensco accounts because of a new distribution agreement between Lensco and PolyVue.
"We are excited to partner with Lensco on the roll out of our new 2nd Generation contact lenses," says Courtney McMillon, Vice President of Operations for PolyVue. "Lensco shares the same high commitment to quality and service as our organization, and we look forward to serving their ECPs with the same level of excellence they are accustomed to."
The HDX2, a progressive lens with a proven 87.3% fitting success rate, builds on the high definition aspheric design providing a +1.25 to +2.50 Add with both reduced adaptation time and crystal clear distance vision, according to the companies. The patented optics in both the HD2 and HDX2 naturally mask up to 0.75 diopter (and in certain scenarios, even up to 1.50 diopter) astigmatism, making either lens a good choice for patients with mild astigmatism, per the companies. The PolyVue HD2 and HDX2 lenses are offered in Methafilcon A with a 55% water content and are available in powers from -10.00 to +6.00 in 0.25 steps. Fitting kits are available. For more information visit www.lensco.com to call 800-528-1175.
"We are excited to partner with Lensco on the roll out of our new 2nd Generation contact lenses," says Courtney McMillon, Vice President of Operations for PolyVue. "Lensco shares the same high commitment to quality and service as our organization, and we look forward to serving their ECPs with the same level of excellence they are accustomed to."
The HDX2, a progressive lens with a proven 87.3% fitting success rate, builds on the high definition aspheric design providing a +1.25 to +2.50 Add with both reduced adaptation time and crystal clear distance vision, according to the companies. The patented optics in both the HD2 and HDX2 naturally mask up to 0.75 diopter (and in certain scenarios, even up to 1.50 diopter) astigmatism, making either lens a good choice for patients with mild astigmatism, per the companies. The PolyVue HD2 and HDX2 lenses are offered in Methafilcon A with a 55% water content and are available in powers from -10.00 to +6.00 in 0.25 steps. Fitting kits are available. For more information visit www.lensco.com to call 800-528-1175.
Global Specialty Lens Symposium ... Call for Papers and Posters
The Educational Program Committee of the Global Specialty Lens Symposium invites the submission of abstracts for the Free Paper Section to be held January 28-31, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Papers related to presbyopia, keratoconus, corneal topography, post penetrating keratoplasty or related irregular corneal surface, myopia control, ortho-k and lens care topics are welcome.
Those interested in submitting free papers or posters to the Global Specialty Lens Symposium can visit www.GSLSymposium.com for more information. Web submissions only. Deadline for submissions is Monday, August 31, 2009.
--ADVERTISING
Those interested in submitting free papers or posters to the Global Specialty Lens Symposium can visit www.GSLSymposium.com for more information. Web submissions only. Deadline for submissions is Monday, August 31, 2009.
--ADVERTISING
New Global CEO for Optometry Giving Sight
After five years as both Executive Chair and CEO of global fundraising organization, Optometry Giving Sight, Professor Brien Holden has stepped down as CEO and the Board has appointed Clive Miller to the position of CEO. Mr. Miller has been with the organization for three years, initially as the Director of Marketing and Fundraising and, for the past two years, as Deputy CEO. Professor Holden will remain as Executive Chair and will continue to provide strategic direction and oversight to Optometry Giving Sight.
Mr. Miller, who has been a fundraising professional for more than 20 years, said "It is a privilege to take over the operational management and aim to achieve Optometry Giving Sight's vision of a world where no one is blind or vision impaired through lack of an eye examination and a pair of glasses. We have a great team and I look forward to tackling this very exciting role."
Clive Miller has worked in the non-government sector since 1987, primarily as the head of Fundraising and Marketing for the AIDS Trust of Australia, AUSTCARE, the Yothu Yindi Foundation, the Fred Hollows Foundation and UNSW Foundation. He has an MBA from University of Technology, Sydney.
Mr. Miller, who has been a fundraising professional for more than 20 years, said "It is a privilege to take over the operational management and aim to achieve Optometry Giving Sight's vision of a world where no one is blind or vision impaired through lack of an eye examination and a pair of glasses. We have a great team and I look forward to tackling this very exciting role."
Clive Miller has worked in the non-government sector since 1987, primarily as the head of Fundraising and Marketing for the AIDS Trust of Australia, AUSTCARE, the Yothu Yindi Foundation, the Fred Hollows Foundation and UNSW Foundation. He has an MBA from University of Technology, Sydney.
Abstract: Refractive Surgery in Children: Treatment Options, Outcomes and Controversies
In this literature review, the authors' goal was to summarize the evolution of the treatment of pediatric refractive errors, with an emphasis on recent advancements in the use of refractive surgery to treat children. They searched MEDLINE (1950 through October 2007), the Cochrane library (December through October 2007), and the Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature (December 1982 through October 2007) for English language articles using the following search strategy with MeSH terms and key words: pediatric refractive errors and amblyopia, anisometropia, hyperopia, myopia, laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK), excimer laser, refractive intraocular lens (IOL). They also searched the bibliographies of all identified articles.
No multicenter, long-term, controlled trial has been published on the use of refractive surgery in children. The current literature shows that LASIK, PRK, and LASEK show promising results in children with refractive amblyopia over the intermediate follow-up period. Corneal haze and myopic regression are the main complications, especially in very high myopia (> 12 diopters). In such patients with extremely high myopia, small studies have reported phakic IOLs or clear lens extraction with or without IOL implantation to be a useful alternative.
The authors concluded that refractive surgery is appropriate in children with severe anisometropia or bilateral high ametropia that is resistant to conventional therapy. More information is needed before pediatric refractive surgery can be widely adopted by the ophthalmic community. This could be achieved with a large, prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical trial.
Daoud YJ, Hutchinson A, Wallace DK, Song J, Kim T. Refractive surgery in children: treatment options, outcomes, and controversies. Am J Ophthalmol 2009;147:573-582 e2.
No multicenter, long-term, controlled trial has been published on the use of refractive surgery in children. The current literature shows that LASIK, PRK, and LASEK show promising results in children with refractive amblyopia over the intermediate follow-up period. Corneal haze and myopic regression are the main complications, especially in very high myopia (> 12 diopters). In such patients with extremely high myopia, small studies have reported phakic IOLs or clear lens extraction with or without IOL implantation to be a useful alternative.
The authors concluded that refractive surgery is appropriate in children with severe anisometropia or bilateral high ametropia that is resistant to conventional therapy. More information is needed before pediatric refractive surgery can be widely adopted by the ophthalmic community. This could be achieved with a large, prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical trial.
Daoud YJ, Hutchinson A, Wallace DK, Song J, Kim T. Refractive surgery in children: treatment options, outcomes, and controversies. Am J Ophthalmol 2009;147:573-582 e2.
Editor's Commentary: A Different Perspective
I learn a lot from talking with folks in industry about the eyecare business, and it always amazes me as to the simple things that we take for granted as practitioners. This is often because we are simply unaware of many of the issues and challenges presented to the industry. Next time you have someone from industry visit your office, take a moment to see if you can learn a new tidbit about our industry. Every bit we learn and understand will help us all continue to grow and profit.
Jason J. Nichols, OD, MPH, PhD, FAAO
Jason J. Nichols, OD, MPH, PhD, FAAO
This month at www.siliconehydrogels.org: worldwide trends in silicone hydrogel lens wear, fitting silicone hydrogels for a patient with high myopia and reduced vision secondary to posterior staphyloma, evaluating the performance of an "upgrade" silicone hydrogel lens, and part one of out AAO 2008 synopsis.
Report adverse contact lens reactions here: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/ or call (800) FDA-1088.
Report possible grievances related to the Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act or associated Contact Lens Rule at: https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/.
Report possible grievances related to the Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act or associated Contact Lens Rule at: https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/.
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