fbpx

Bausch + Lomb Collects More Than 84 Million Units of Contact Lenses, Lens Care and Eye Care Materials Through Innovative Recycling Programs

Bausch + Lomb

Bausch + Lomb announced its ONE by ONE and Biotrue® Eye Care Recycling programs have collected 84,343,540 units, or 510,116 pounds, of used contact lenses, eye care and lens care materials in the U.S., which is greater than the weight of the Statue of Liberty.1

“Eye care professionals, patients and consumers have helped us collect hundreds of millions of these used materials through our recycling programs over the years, making a positive impact in the world. In conjunction with our other sustainable business practices, we continue to do all we can to help reduce waste and promote environmental responsibility throughout our organization.”

Amy Butler, vice president, Global Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainability, Bausch + Lomb

In the U.S., an estimated six to ten metric tons of contact lens packaging waste ends up in wastewater each year. Eye health packaging materials collected through the Bausch + Lomb recycling programs are used to create various post-consumer products like picnic tables and benches.

“The Bausch + Lomb recycling programs are an important part of our practice’s efforts to reduce waste and practice sustainability. It’s gratifying to know that the materials we collect in partnership with our patients are repurposed rather than ending up in a landfill or ocean.”

Jennifer Tsai, OD, LINE OF SIGHT, New York

Recycling Programs

The ONE by ONE Recycling program has collected nearly 84 million used contact lenses, blister packs and top foils since the program’s launch in November 2016.

The Biotrue Eye Care Recycling program, which launched in April 2021, has collected nearly 825,000 eye drop single dose units, lens cases, lens solution caps, as well as all Biotrue-branded eye drop bottles2.

In addition to the U.S., Bausch + Lomb has a similar contact lens recycling program in Canada called Every Contact Counts.

Visit www.bausch.com/impact for more information.

Click HERE for the full press release.

Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e-newsletters!

References

1. All About Lady Liberty: The Statue of Liberty. Accessed on April 12, 2024. https://www.royalcoachman.com/blog/all-about-lady-liberty-the-statue-of-liberty/#:~:text=Total%20weight%20of%20the%20Statue,tons%20(or%20450%2C000%20pounds).

2. Contact lens solution bottles are recyclable through standard recycling.

CNIB Reacts to Government of Canada Budget 2024

The Government of Canada released Budget 2024 and announced that the long-awaited Canada Disability Benefit will start in July 2025, pending a regulatory design process. The benefit will be funded with $6.1 billion over the next six years. 

This investment equates to a proposed maximum of $200 per month for eligible recipients who qualify for the Disability Tax Credit. Further, Budget 2024 does not invest in a strategy or programs that enable people who are blind or have low vision to join the workforce. 

While the passage of the Canada Disability Benefit Act was an important first step, CNIB joins the growing list of organizations and advocates calling on the government to commit to more support to lift people with disabilities out of poverty.  

“The announcement in this budget will not significantly impact anyone’s bottom line and will not remove people who are blind or partially sighted from poverty. A maximum benefit of $200 per month, or $6 a day, does not substantially improve the financial security of the disability community.”  

John M. Rafferty, President and CEO of CNIB

CNIB has been advocating for the Canada Disability Benefit program to be implemented in tandem with a national employment strategy for people with disabilities.  

“One of the major contributing factors behind this benefit is that the employment landscape in this country is not equitable or inclusive for Canadians who are blind or low vision,” said Rafferty. “While CNIB is supportive of the benefit – and critical of the level of funding that is being provided for people who need this benefit – we’re even more critical of the fact that there is nothing in Budget 2024 that addresses employment levels for those who can work and want to work.” 

Based on CNIB’s 2018 International Level of Employment Study, only 28% of Canadians with sight loss work full-time.   

During the passage of the Canada Disability Benefit Act, CNIB urged the Government of Canada to ensure that the development and implementation of the Act is done in tandem with a national employment strategy for people with disabilities. This strategy must consider skills development, the cognitive load of job seeking, culture change of employers, accessibility enhancements to the workplace, a national assistive devices program, mentorship opportunities, and continuous professional development.   

CNIB will continue to call on the government to fully enhance the monthly benefit amount while rolling out a national employment strategy that supports people with disabilities in finding meaningful employment.   

Click HERE for the press release.

Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e-newsletters!

Specsavers Welcomes Dr. Laurie Lesser as Key Addition to Their Team

Specsavers logo
Specsavers Laurie Lesser

Specsavers announces the appointment of Dr. Laurie Lesser as their Head of Optometry Attraction. This comes at a time of accelerated growth and commercial success at the company, as it’s become the fastest growing network of optometrists in Canada. Lesser brings an illustrious career with more than three decades of experience as an optometrist working in diverse modes of practice in both Canada and the United States.

In her capacity as Head of Optometry Attraction, Lesser will play a pivotal role in driving Specsavers’ growth strategy forward to make eye care more accessible across communities in Canada. Her proven track record for placing optometrists in rewarding careers and establishing optometry networks for emerging optical brands makes her an invaluable asset to the team.

“Not many individuals share Dr. Lesser’s clout and experience. Her deep understanding of the intricacies of the industry will grow Canadian optometry and improve patient access to quality eye care in step with Specsavers’ continued expansion and prominence in the market.”
Bill Moir, Managing Director of Specsavers Canada

Lesser joins Specsavers at an exciting time of growth and change in the industry. Prior to joining Specsavers, Lesser held leadership roles at national optical retailers, where she guided teams of optometrists supporting their growth as professionals.

“I am thrilled to be joining the worlds’ largest optometrist owned and led company. Specsavers has shown how they prioritize eyecare by supporting doctors with the technology they need to provide earlier diagnosis leading to better outcomes for patients. I’m eager to collaborate with such a talented team. I look forward to contributing to the company’s purpose of ‘changing lives through better sight’ while helping to shape the success of the profession.”

Dr. Laurie Lesser

Specsavers extends a warm welcome to Dr. Lesser and looks forward to the positive impact her expertise and leadership will have on the organization.

Click HERE for the press release.

Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e-newsletters!

Contact Lens Institute & IACLE Collaborate to Bring Practice and Patient Insights to Contact Lens Educators

The Contact Lens Institute (CLI) and the International Association of Contact Lens Educators (IACLE) announced a collaboration to provide university-level instructors with direct access to CLI-developed research publications and practice tools.

Nearly 950 IACLE members—spanning more than 600 academic institutions and 81 countries—will be able to view and download CLI training and professional development materials from IACLETOP, the organization’s digital resource and teaching platform. These include multilingual assets for The EASY Way, CLI’s program to promote healthy contact lens wear-and-care, and in-depth consumer and practice management reports from CLI’s See Tomorrow initiative.

“Putting Contact Lens Institute materials in the hands of contact lens educators around the globe allows them to be even more closely connected to relevant trends and insights from top clinicians. This will translate into better preparing tens of thousands of students entering the profession, who in turn can deliver better patient care and improved practice performance.”

Bonnie Boshart, chief executive officer of IACLE

Established in 1979, IACLE welcomes contact lens educators from all eye care professions and related disciplines. The non-profit organization is dedicated to raising the standard of contact lens education and promoting the safe use of contact lenses worldwide. It is the leading provider of educational and information resources essential to contact lens educators. For more information, visit iacle.org.

The Contact Lens Institute advances the latest innovations in safe and effective contact lens and lens care products and services that provide unique benefits to patients while satisfying the evolving needs of eye care professionals. CLI undertakes activities that properly assess, enhance, promote, and balance contact lens and lens care industry welfare and growth, including the safe use of products in the marketplace. Its members include Alcon, Bausch + Lomb, CooperVision, and Johnson & Johnson Vision. For more information, visit contactlensinstitute.org.

Click HERE for the press release.

Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e-newsletters!

CORE Publication Helps ECPs Prepare for a New Wave of Dry Eye Disease Medications

Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE)

In response to accelerating clinical interest about new, innovative treatments for dry eye disease, the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has dedicated Issue 77 of Contact Lens Update to several recent introductions and promising pipeline developments. The publication is available at no charge by visiting ContactLensUpdate.com.

“Dry eye disease affects millions of people across the world and can have a significant impact on their lives. Our growing understanding of this complex condition has led to the development of multiple new medications—both approved for sale and undergoing trials—that we believe have important clinical potential.”

“In primary eye care settings, dry eye is encountered daily. These additional treatments, targeting different aspects of the disease, will offer practitioners more options to incorporate into their prescribing arsenal and help patients better manage the condition.”

Alex Hui, Head of Biosciences at CORE

Hui, who is also an adjunct associate professor at the School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW Sydney, shares his expertise in the issue’s editorial. His overview covers recently approved treatments such as a short-term corticosteroid to treat acute periods of worsened dry eye, a preservative-free ophthalmic solution that slows tear evaporation,  and investigational products that either target inflammation or stimulate receptors on the ocular surface to increase the production of tears.

Contact Lens Update, issue 77

The feature article is authored by Etty Bitton, a professor and director of the Externship Program and Dry Eye Clinic, School of Optometry, University of Montreal. She summarizes the findings of a systematic review and meta-analysis that investigated the efficacy and safety of a novel nasal spray to manage dry eye. Her article provides an overview of how different doses can impact signs of dry eye and reviews observed ocular and non-ocular adverse events.

Quillan M. Austria, an ophthalmology resident at Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital, and Christopher Starr, an associate professor of ophthalmology and director of ophthalmic education at Weill Cornell Medical Center, co-author the issue’s clinical insight column. The case report details a patient’s experience with dry eye and management with a recently approved ophthalmic solution to treat Demodex blepharitis. 

The conference highlight is contributed by Alison Ng, a Lead Clinical Scientist at CORE, University of Waterloo. The abstract summarizes a presentation from the American Academy of Optometry 2023 annual meeting, detailing a phase two clinical trial that investigated the use of a new topical ointment to treat meibomian gland dysfunction. The work details changes in signs and symptoms over a three-month period of use.

Published six times per year, Contact Lens Update provides a global platform for unbiased clinical insights based in current research. Since 2011, each issue has provided dependable and up-to-date ocular health information for more than 60,000 leading eye care professionals.

In addition to a complete archive of back issues, ContactLensUpdate.com offers a resource library that provides no-cost professional tools, patient resources, images and video. It also houses complimentary technical training videos produced by International Association of Contact Lens Educators, plus an industry glossary. Industry professionals can access the latest issue directly from ContactLensUpdate.com or quickly sign up for email receipt of future issues.

Click HERE for the full press release.

Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e-newsletters!

Featured Posts

Fall eyewear trends dispensary stocking

Fall Frames + Smarter Lenses: What to Stock and Why

Explore fall eyewear trends and smart lens innovations. Learn how to curate frame inventory, precision fit small silhouettes, and pair tech-driven lenses.

Learn More
opti Munich 2027

opti 2027: “Next.” Brings Future‑Driven Technologies Into the Optical Market

opti 2027 expands its See. Hear. Next. vision with SMART TECH, a new area dedicated to smart eyewear, wearables and connected applications. Director Cathleen Kabashi explains how “Next.” turns future technologies into real business opportunities for optics and hearing care.

Read more
The Vision Council logo

New Data from The Vision Council: Rising Prices Sustain Optical Market as Volume and Provider Confidence Decline

New data from The Vision Council shows that rising prices are sustaining optical market revenue in early 2026, even as exam volume, patient visits and provider confidence decline. Market inSights and Provider inSights reports reveal a sector holding steady on value while underlying softness continues to build.

Read more
Voila July-August Optik 2026 WestGroupe NI-157

Life Italia Debuts Playful New Gradient Designs for Kids

Life Italia adds a playful new dimension to children’s eyewear with the NI-157, combining bright gradient colours with durable TR-90 Grilamid, hypoallergenic rubber and flexible hinge technology.

Read more
Nikon Optical Canada logo

Nikon Optical Canada Launches A New Era – Z Series Single Vision Lenses

Nikon launches Z Series Single Vision, a new portfolio of single vision lenses engineered with Asymmetric Z Contrast Technology to enhance binocular contrast and clarity.

Read more
Fall eyewear trends dispensary stocking

Fall Frames + Smarter Lenses: What to Stock and Why

Explore fall eyewear trends and smart lens innovations. Learn how to curate frame inventory, precision fit small silhouettes, and pair tech-driven lenses.

Learn More
opti Munich 2027

opti 2027: “Next.” Brings Future‑Driven Technologies Into the Optical Market

opti 2027 expands its See. Hear. Next. vision with SMART TECH, a new area dedicated to smart eyewear, wearables and connected applications. Director Cathleen Kabashi explains how “Next.” turns future technologies into real business opportunities for optics and hearing care.

Read More
The Vision Council logo

New Data from The Vision Council: Rising Prices Sustain Optical Market as Volume and Provider Confidence Decline

New data from The Vision Council shows that rising prices are sustaining optical market revenue in early 2026, even as exam volume, patient visits and provider confidence decline. Market inSights and Provider inSights reports reveal a sector holding steady on value while underlying softness continues to build.

Read More
Voila July-August Optik 2026 WestGroupe NI-157

Life Italia Debuts Playful New Gradient Designs for Kids

Life Italia adds a playful new dimension to children’s eyewear with the NI-157, combining bright gradient colours with durable TR-90 Grilamid, hypoallergenic rubber and flexible hinge technology.

Read More
Nikon Optical Canada logo

Nikon Optical Canada Launches A New Era – Z Series Single Vision Lenses

Nikon launches Z Series Single Vision, a new portfolio of single vision lenses engineered with Asymmetric Z Contrast Technology to enhance binocular contrast and clarity.

Read More
Fall eyewear trends dispensary stocking

Fall Frames + Smarter Lenses: What to Stock and Why

Explore fall eyewear trends and smart lens innovations. Learn how to curate frame inventory, precision fit small silhouettes, and pair tech-driven lenses.

Learn More
opti Munich 2027

opti 2027: “Next.” Brings Future‑Driven Technologies Into the Optical Market

opti 2027 expands its See. Hear. Next. vision with SMART TECH, a new area dedicated to smart eyewear, wearables and connected applications. Director Cathleen Kabashi explains how “Next.” turns future technologies into real business opportunities for optics and hearing care.

Read more
The Vision Council logo

New Data from The Vision Council: Rising Prices Sustain Optical Market as Volume and Provider Confidence Decline

New data from The Vision Council shows that rising prices are sustaining optical market revenue in early 2026, even as exam volume, patient visits and provider confidence decline. Market inSights and Provider inSights reports reveal a sector holding steady on value while underlying softness continues to build.

Read more
Voila July-August Optik 2026 WestGroupe NI-157

Life Italia Debuts Playful New Gradient Designs for Kids

Life Italia adds a playful new dimension to children’s eyewear with the NI-157, combining bright gradient colours with durable TR-90 Grilamid, hypoallergenic rubber and flexible hinge technology.

Read more
Nikon Optical Canada logo

Nikon Optical Canada Launches A New Era – Z Series Single Vision Lenses

Nikon launches Z Series Single Vision, a new portfolio of single vision lenses engineered with Asymmetric Z Contrast Technology to enhance binocular contrast and clarity.

Read more
Fall eyewear trends dispensary stocking

Fall Frames + Smarter Lenses: What to Stock and Why

Explore fall eyewear trends and smart lens innovations. Learn how to curate frame inventory, precision fit small silhouettes, and pair tech-driven lenses.

Learn More
opti Munich 2027

opti 2027: “Next.” Brings Future‑Driven Technologies Into the Optical Market

opti 2027 expands its See. Hear. Next. vision with SMART TECH, a new area dedicated to smart eyewear, wearables and connected applications. Director Cathleen Kabashi explains how “Next.” turns future technologies into real business opportunities for optics and hearing care.

Read more
The Vision Council logo

New Data from The Vision Council: Rising Prices Sustain Optical Market as Volume and Provider Confidence Decline

New data from The Vision Council shows that rising prices are sustaining optical market revenue in early 2026, even as exam volume, patient visits and provider confidence decline. Market inSights and Provider inSights reports reveal a sector holding steady on value while underlying softness continues to build.

Read more
Voila July-August Optik 2026 WestGroupe NI-157

Life Italia Debuts Playful New Gradient Designs for Kids

Life Italia adds a playful new dimension to children’s eyewear with the NI-157, combining bright gradient colours with durable TR-90 Grilamid, hypoallergenic rubber and flexible hinge technology.

Read more
Nikon Optical Canada logo

Nikon Optical Canada Launches A New Era – Z Series Single Vision Lenses

Nikon launches Z Series Single Vision, a new portfolio of single vision lenses engineered with Asymmetric Z Contrast Technology to enhance binocular contrast and clarity.

Read more