The British
Contact Lens Association (BCLA) has awarded members of the Alcon Research and
Development team – Erich Bauman, OD and Dr. John Pruitt – during the 2021 BCLA
Awards ceremony for their outstanding contribution to the contact lens industry
and profession. Their invention and development of water gradient technology,
featured notably in DAILIES® TOTAL1® contact lenses, were recognised with
the 2021 Industry Award.
More than 100 scientists,
engineers and clinicians across two continents worked closely together over the
course of 10 years to solve dozens of complex technical challenges. This work
resulted in more than 100 patents during the development of water gradient
technology, which is nearing its 10-year anniversary. Erich Bauman led the
overall DAILIES TOTAL1 program that co-developed the chemistries and novel
manufacturing process while Dr. John Pruitt led the team that developed the
separate core and surface chemistries of water gradient technology.
Erich Bauman, Senior
Director of Vision Care Development, Alcon, said, “We continually strive to foster
a culture of innovation within our R&D community. Perhaps most rewarding
for our team is knowing that an enormous number of contact lens wearers around
the world wake up each day and insert a new pair of DAILIES TOTAL1 lenses, and
their lives are better for it. I am both honoured and humbled to receive this
award on behalf of the team who worked so passionately to bring this innovation
to the eye care market.”
Dr. John Pruitt, Senior
Director of Vision Care Research, Alcon, said, “I am proud of our chemistry and
engineering teams that were able to optimize the surface and core materials
separately to achieve both extremely high oxygen transmission and an
ultra-soft, high water surface. These characteristics often work against each
other, and the team overcame many difficult obstacles to achieve what was once
considered unachievable.”
Click HERE for the full press release.
Other related articles