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August 7, 2020August 7, 2020

Bausch Health Announces Intention to Spin Off Eye Health Business Into Independent Publicly Traded Company

Bausch Health announced that it intends to spin off its leading eye health business into an independent publicly traded entity from the remainder of Bausch Health.

The spinoff will establish two separate companies that include:

A fully integrated, pure play eye-health company built on the iconic Bausch + Lomb brand and long history of innovation; and
A diversified pharmaceutical company with leading positions in gastroenterology, aesthetics/dermatology, neurology and international pharmaceuticals.

The benefits of separating these attractive, but disparate businesses include improved strategic focus and enhanced financial transparency to better enable stakeholders to value each business independently. The timing of the anticipated spinoff will be tied to certain conditions and approvals, and the Company’s completion of several important actions, including the reorganization of the reporting segments, which we expect to begin reporting in the first quarter of 2021.

Click HERE for the full press release.

August 3, 2020August 3, 2020

Essilor and Tencent Join Forces to Enhance Vision Health in China

Essilor and technology company Tencent will work together to leverage their industry insight and innovation advantages to provide innovative digital products and applications, to increase the public awareness of visual health and to offer more professional and efficient services.

Poor vision has become one of the biggest threats to China’s public health, with more than 600 million of China’s 1.4-billion-population suffering from uncorrected poor vision. Due to low awareness regarding vision problems, lack of industry standard enforcement and a limited access to professional eye care service, the issue is in great need of improvement in China.

This new partnership will combine the strengths and knowledge of both companies to reach a deeper understanding of consumers, further empower China’s eye care professionals and ultimately better serve China’s vision needs. Essilor will contribute its know-how and strong innovation capabilities in vision care, as well as its awareness and educational programs which have proven successful across the globe, while Tencent will bring its wide network with and understanding of consumers, as well as its strong experience in digital tools.

Arnaud Ribadeau Dumas, CEO of Essilor Greater China and Global Instruments Division, declared: “We are very proud to be partnering with such a leading and iconic company as Tencent. Essilor and Tencent share the same dedication to improving the current state of vision health in China through public education and innovation. At Essilor, we aim to eliminate poor vision from the world in one generation and we can only achieve this goal by working with partners like Tencent to achieve greater reach and awareness. This partnership also reflects Essilor’s sustained presence and long- standing commitment to China.”

Click HERE for the full press release.

August 3, 2020August 3, 2020

SILMO 2020 Outside the Box

The still unstable health situation is driving us to think outside the box and to provide alternatives to a major gathering fraught with cross-border difficulties. After announcing that its 2020 edition would not be held at Paris Nord Villepinte, SILMO Paris activated its plan B to address the optical and eyewear industry’s expectation and the anticipation of exhibitors and visitors hoping to reunite.

An exceptional year calls for exceptional solutions, and this year a nomadic version of SILMO Paris will be held in different formats adapted to the market. Showrooms will open in convenient, convivial locations:

Paris, October 3rd and 4th
Bordeaux, October 12th
Rennes, October 19th
Lyon, October 26th
Brussels: date to be confirmed

Click HERE for the full press release.

August 3, 2020August 3, 2020

CooperVision Hires Rajeev Garg, PhD as Global Head of Myopia Management Strategy

CooperVision has hired Rajeev Garg, PhD, as Global Head of Myopia Management Strategy. In this newly created role, he leads initiatives including market development, acquisitions and joint ventures, technology licensing, and lifecycle management in this growing segment of vision care.

Dr. Garg brings more than 20 years of experience in driving innovation and growth in healthcare, including optometry and ophthalmology. He most recently served as Executive Director, Surgical Marketing at Bausch + Lomb, and prior to that in senior marketing roles within Johnson & Johnson’s cataract, contact lens and sterilization businesses.

“Continuing to advance myopia management requires expanded investment in science and technology, as well as adding to an already strong team of visionary, experienced and passionate people,” said Dr. Juan Carlos Aragon, President, CooperVision Specialty EyeCare. “Garg’s proven expertise will be invaluable as we pioneer new techniques, introduce new products, and establish new collaborations to address the global myopia epidemic.”

Click HERE for the full press release.

July 30, 2020July 30, 2020

Smith Announces New GM, Additional Hires and Promotions

Smith, one of Safilo Group’s own core brands, announces the appointment of Francesco Rinaldi Ceroni as General Manager. Francesco joins the company following more than 13 years in the eyewear industry across wholesale and retail, serving most recently as VP International Strategy & Business Development at Costa Del Mar. Under his new role at Smith, he will lead the global business across all commercial channels out of the Portland headquarters, reporting to Angelo Trocchia, CEO of Safilo Group.

“We welcome Francesco who is a highly experienced professional in the industry, with strong entrepreneurial skills and successful background,” commented Angelo Trocchia. “As we focus on executing our new business plan, we see tremendous opportunities to further develop our own core brands and I am confident that Smith will go from strength to strength under Francesco’s leadership.”

Following his successful tenure as Bike Category Manager for the last few years, Jon Raymer is promoted to the new position of Senior Marketing Manager at Smith. Under his new title, Jon oversees the entirety of the marketing team, social media, public relations and partnerships with contracted agencies, reporting to Francesco.

In addition, Allie Flake joins the Smith team as Eyewear Category Manager to support, strengthen and grow the sport eyewear and optical channels. Allie has over a decade of experience in the eyewear industry, supporting the product development at Oliver Peoples, Fox Head, ROKA Sports, and Costa Del Mar. She reports to Graham Sours, Category Director at Smith.

Tuomas Kronqvist is appointed Smith CFO and Ken Salvador is promoted to Senior Finance Manager at Smith.

Click HERE for the full press release.

Bausch Health Announces Intention to Spin Off Eye Health Business Into Independent Publicly Traded Company

Essilor and Tencent Join Forces to Enhance Vision Health in China

SILMO 2020 Outside the Box

CooperVision Hires Rajeev Garg, PhD as Global Head of Myopia Management Strategy

Smith Announces New GM, Additional Hires and Promotions

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