Blog

February 4, 2015April 24, 2018

Novartis and its Alcon Division Report Marginally Increased Global Sales in 2014

Novartis sales increased 1%, or 3% at constant exchange rates to $ US 58 billion ($74 billion CDN). The company expects growth of approximately 5% of its net sales in 2015. Alcon, a Novartis division since 2010, reported an increase of 3% in 2014 to US $10.8 billion ($13.7 billion CDN). Sales of the Vision Care segment, which includes the launch of Dailies Total1 lenses and AirOptix Colors, increased by 2%, while sales of contact lens care products declined.

The surgery business increased by 5%, while Ophthalmic Pharmaceuticals grew by 3% due to good performance of Systane of Ilevro and treatments for glaucoma.

The Novartis report did not provide any North American or Canadian results relating to the Alcon Division.

For more information:

http://www.novartis.com/downloads/investors/financial-results/quarterly-results/q4-2014-media-release_en.pdf

February 3, 2015April 24, 2018

Brien Holden Teams with Contamac to Develop Contact Lenses for Myopia Control

Contamac, UK global provider of biocompatible materials for the ophthalmic industry and the Brien Holden Institute announced a partnership to develop gas permeable and silicone hydrogel contact lens products (CLs) focused on myopia control. The goal is to commercialize specialized CLs designs that reduce myopia progression in children.

“This is an important step in making effective myopia control technologies available to reduce the rate of progress of myopia and the risk of permanent vision impairment associated with high levels of myopia later in life,” said Professor Brien Holden, CEO of the Brien Holden Vision Institute.

Contamac indicates that the number of eye care professionals using CLs to control myopia is rising and interest in specialty contacts is growing rapidly. Martin Dalsing, Contamac’s Director of Global Strategy and Business said, “Making available these specialized custom lens parameters and designs to the eye care professional through our laboratory network will be crucial for today’s modern specialty contact lens practice.”

Source: http://www.contamac.com/Company/News/news-23-01-20151024.aspx

February 2, 2015April 24, 2018

Nikon Solo now available surfaced

Nikon’s all-purpose spherical single vision lens, Nikon Solo, is now available surfaced. With good optical performance at an affordable price, it now offers these additional features:

• 1.50, 1.60 and 1.67 indices in clear and Transitions® (brown, grey and graphite green)

• 1.50 Polarized (brown and grey)

• Wide power range; from -13.00D to +8.00D, cyl. -4.00D (total sphere)

For additional information, contact your Nikon Territory Manager, Nikon customer services department at
1-800-663-8654 or visit www.nikonlenswear.ca.

February 2, 2015April 24, 2018

Transitions Optical Launches Multi-Dimensional Consumer Campaign

Transitions Optical, Inc.aims to expand the reach of the Transitions^® brand in Canada by targeting more groups of eyeglass wearers and highlighting the expanded availability of the Transitions^® family of brands through a new multi-dimensional consumer campaign in 2015. The national advertising campaign will continue to communicate the advanced performance of Transitions^® Signature^™ lenses with Chromea7™ technology.

“Despite the fact that the technology behind Transitions lenses has improved, some consumers still have outdated perceptions of how the lenses perform,” said Patience Cook, associate director, North America marketing, Transitions Optical. “Our increased efforts to talk about the technology, the unique options available in the Transitions family and the different people who wear the product, will ultimately help more consumers realize that there is a Transitions product out there for people like them.”

Through digital and social visibility in English and French, Canadians will still experience the “iconic style” of Transitions Signature lenses – but this year, there will be many more product-specific ads to complement this foundational exposure to the Transitions brand.

January 30, 2015April 24, 2018

ZEISS OFFERS NEW PROGRESSIVE LENSES DESIGNED FOR DIGITAL DEVICE USERS

The launch of the new ZEISS Progressive Lenses Portfolio for 2015 offers a solution for progressive lens wearers who use digital devices frequently. New Digital Inside™ Technology is embedded in the entire Precision portfolio to provide sharp, strain-free digital device viewing as part of an all-day, all-distance vision experience.

The new ZEISS Progressive Lenses are freeform, customized designs and are available in a wide variety of lens materials and extensive Rx ranges. ZEISS is also introducing a 1.6 Polarized lens with this launch. Lenses come standard with premium anti-reflective coatings and are also available with i.Scription.

Over the past few years the use of computers, mobile phones and tablets has become integral to consumers business and personal lives. ZEISS aims to address the trend and meet patients’ vision needs and challenges in today’s world.