Tag Archives : Bausch & Lomb

CARLSBAD, Calif.—SPY Optic™ today announced a consulting agreement with optical industry veteran, Jim Pritts. He will facilitate research and development of lens technologies, working closely with the Company on product design and development, sourcing, quality, technology communication, intellectual property and prior art, and marketing and training. “Jim, aka ‘The Wizard of Light’, is a legend in the business and there isn’t much he doesn’t know, from optics and development to sourcing and production and even into the sales and marketing conversation, especially as that relates to what the marketplace embraces technology-wise and, therefore, the opportunities for SPY to further enhance the performance and appeal of its eyewear,” says Carol Montgomery, SPY® CEO.  “He has a great passion for the business and we’re looking forward to working with him across the breadth of our product lines in addition to pursuing new concepts we believe no one has yet considered.” With degrees in optics and marketing and more than 30 years’ experience in the optical industry, Pritts is popularly regarded as one of the world’s leading authorities on performance eyewear....

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Bausch + Lomb, the global eye health company, has named Sheila Hopkins Global President of the company’s Vision Care business, and two of the company’s senior executives – Peter Valenti III and Steven Robins – have assumed new roles within the organization.  Hopkins will oversee the company’s contact lens and lens care product offerings, which include such well-known brand names as Biotrue™, PureVision® and renu®.  Valenti will lead North American Vision Care as President and Robins has been named Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Global Vision Care. “Sheila Hopkins is a world-class marketer and leader with extensive experience launching and building global brands among consumers and professionals,” said Brent L. Saunders, chief executive officer, Bausch + Lomb.  “We’re in the midst of an exciting transformation at Bausch + Lomb; Sheila will help us both maximize the potential of our existing products, and successfully launch breakthrough innovations from the most promising new product pipeline we have had in decades.” Hopkins has built global brands such as Colgate and Oil of Olay through hands-on leadership roles in both retail-...

ROCHESTER, NY & MUNICH, GERMANY — Bausch + Lomb, the global leader in eye health, and Technolas Perfect Vision GmbH (TPV), a leading ophthalmology laser company, have entered into a definitive agreement providing Bausch + Lomb with an option to purchase all outstanding and unowned TPV shares for a total company value of up to €450 million, based on the achievement of certain milestones and earnouts.  TPV was established in 2009 through a joint venture between Bausch + Lomb and 20/10 Perfect Vision AG to develop and sell advanced refractive and cataract technologies. “We have tremendous confidence in TPV’s femtosecond laser technology and the company’s ability to deliver a platform that will meet the needs of doctors and patients well into the future,” said Brent Saunders, chief executive officer of Bausch + Lomb. As previously announced, Bausch + Lomb and TPV will promote and further advance femtosecond laser platforms worldwide. About Femtosecond Lasers Femtosecond lasers emit optical pulses of extremely short duration in the domain of femtoseconds, as short as one-quadrillionth of a second. These ultrashort pulses are too brief to transfer heat or shock to the material...

Rochester, NY – Biotrue™ multi-purpose solution, made by Bausch + Lomb, keeps lenses moist for up to 20 hours, according to data presented at the 35th British Contact Lens Association Clinical Conference and Exhibition.1 The new wettability study provides insight into a solution for the common complaint of dryness among contact lens users. Wettability or the degree to which a contact lens maintains moisture on the surface of the lens is partially dependent upon the retention of wetting agents, or surfactants, within the multi-purpose solution. The in vitro study examined the wetting agent retention of Biotrue versus four leading multi-purpose solutions, as well as a saline control in three types of silicone hydrogel lenses.1 Results showed that Biotrue provided a significant wettability benefit, with 20 hours of continuous wetting agent release in silicone hydrogel lenses. In the other multi-purpose solutions tested, wetting agents were undetectable at eight hours or less. Dryness symptoms have been found to be a prevalent issue among contact lens wearers. In fact, results from the Needs, Symptoms, Incidence, Global Eye Health Trends (NSIGHT) study, a global...

ROCHESTER, N.Y. –Today at the American Optometric Association (AOA) annual meeting, Bausch + Lomb announced plans to help make daily disposable contact lenses more accessible to kids across the U.S., just in time for the start of the new school year. “The Daily Score” will give eye care professionals the opportunity to offer patients instant savings on Bausch + Lomb SofLens® daily disposable lenses enabling them to get the product at a cost of less than $1 per day. There is evidence that suggests that school-age children don’t perform at their best when they can’t see well; additionally kids who wear glasses for vision correction actually choose not to wear them. A study from Eye & Contact Lens showed that the majority of children who previously wore glasses noticed improved performance in activities after switching to contact lenses.1 Although many children are interested in contact lenses, some parents worry about whether their child is ready for the added responsibility associated with cleaning, disinfecting and properly storing extended wear contact lenses. Daily disposable contact lenses, such as SofLens daily disposables, allow for fresh lenses everyday...

Salt Lake City, UT – Today at the annual meeting of the American Optometric Association (AOA), Bausch + Lomb celebrated the 1-year anniversary of the launch of Biotrue™ multi-purpose solution, with the release of U.S. preference data. These data showed that Biotrue is preferred among patients and eye care professionals (ECPs) when compared to the leading multi-purpose solution.1 In fact, both patients and ECPs have expressed overwhelming satisfaction with Biotrue. Ninety-seven percent of patients who have tried Biotrue1 and 99 percent of ECPs who have recommended it2 were satisfied with the solution. Those individuals reporting satisfaction with Biotrue reported being either somewhat, very, or extremely satisfied with the solution. “We studied what the eye does naturally to clean, hydrate and keep itself healthy, in order to provide contact lens wearers with a unique new solution to make wearing contact lenses easier on the eyes,” said Mohinder Merchea, OD, PhD, MBA, FAAO, FBCLA, Director, Medical Affairs – Vision Care, North America, Bausch + Lomb. “It is rewarding to see those years of research come to fruition through the positive real-life experiences...

SALT LAKE CITY, UT — Bausch + Lomb, the company that brought the first soft contact lens to market 40 years ago this month, will showcase product innovations and scientific research focused on improving patient care, outcomes and quality of life this week at the American Optometric Association’s (AOA) annual meeting in Salt Lake City. “Bausch + Lomb’s commercialization of the soft contact lens was a major breakthrough for consumers. By making contact lens wear so much more comfortable, Bausch + Lomb’s soft contact lenses made glasses-free vision available to so many more patients.” said Dr. Calvin Roberts, Chief Medical Officer, Bausch + Lomb. “We continue to pursue similar innovations within vision care, surgical and pharmaceutical platforms staying true to our unwavering goal of helping millions of patients around the world see better to live better.” The company will be showcasing the following eye health innovations in Salt Lake City this week: Biotrue™, a bio-inspired contact lens solution that works like the eyes to help lenses stay clean and moist throughout the day. A recent study indicated Biotrue could keep lenses moist for 20 hours.  Biotrue...

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – According to a global study of vision-corrected subjects surveyed to better understand eye-related symptoms, halos and glare are common and bothersome symptoms. Halos are the appearance of rings around sources of light while glare is the difficulty seeing in the presence of bright light. The majority of patients who experienced these symptoms reported they were most likely to experience halos or glare in the evening or late at night. The symptoms were commonly associated with bright lights, headlights, being in the dark and nighttime driving. The Needs, Symptoms, Incidence, Global Eye Health Trends (NSIGHT) study surveyed 3,800 spectacle- and contact lens-corrected subjects, 15 to 65 years of age, from seven different countries (China, Korea, Japan, France, Italy, United Kingdom, United States) to better understand the eye-related symptoms that vision-corrected patients experience. The NSIGHT data provided valuable details on how often patients experienced halos and glare and the degree to which they found them bothersome. NSIGHT Study Highlights: About half of the spectacle and contact lens wearers surveyed reported suffering from the symptoms of...

ALISO VIEJO, Calif. — Bausch + Lomb Storz® Ophthalmic Instruments has improved upon its existing line of vitreoretinal instrumentation with the U.S. release of StableGrip™ Vitreoretinal Instruments for comfort and control. The new StableGrip Vitreoretinal Handle features a contoured, titanium handle for lightweight balance and tactile control. The squeeze handle mechanism has been designed to activate compatible vitreoretinal tips smoothly and consistently with fingertip rotation control designed for accurate tip alignment. In addition to the new handle, Storz Ophthalmics is introducing new vitreoretinal tips with an enhanced hub design. The new hub design incorporates a compact configuration that is designed to provide enhanced comfort and control to the surgeon. In addition, the hubs feature a color-coding system to indicate the instrument’s gauge size and tip design. The StableGrip collection includes five vitreoretinal forceps and two vitreoretinal scissors, each available in 23- and 25-gauge options. The available tip configurations include: Micro Pic Forceps, Asymmetrical Peeling Forceps, ILM Forceps, Endgripping Forceps, Micro Forceps, Vertical Scissors and Curved...

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — On May 12, 2011, representatives from Bausch + Lomb and Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) awarded the Tianjin Eye Hospital a $150,000 grant to finance a specialized pediatric cataract training initiative. The grant is made possible through the Pediatric Cataract Initiative (PCI), which identifies, funds and promotes innovative methods for overcoming visual impairments caused by pediatric cataracts. “Today there may be as many as 40,000 children in China suffering from pediatric cataract, a condition that is treatable, and in some cases, preventable,” said Joe Barr, O.D., M.S., F.A.A.O, vice president, Global Clinical and Medical Affairs and Professional Services, Vision Care, Bausch + Lomb.  “This grant continues Bausch + Lomb’s commitment to China; helping people to see better — to live better. We hope that this grant will enable Tianjin Eye Hospital to provide much-needed training and treatment in the region, so that together we can improve patient health, outcomes and quality of life.” Eberhard J. Wirfs, chairperson of LCIF adds, “This partnership allows us to further our efforts at improving eye care in an...

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Bausch + Lomb, the global eye health company, and Technolas Perfect Vision GmbH (TPV) today announced an agreement in principle to globally distribute the first femtosecond laser capable of performing both cataract and refractive procedures on one platform. TPV is a leading ophthalmology laser company and was established in 2009 through a joint venture between Bausch + Lomb and 20/10 Perfect Vision AG to develop advanced refractive and cataract technologies. TPV has a full range of expertise in both femtosecond and excimer laser businesses with current innovations focused on laser cataract surgery and the correction of presbyopia. Under the arrangement, TPV will develop and manufacture its innovative femtosecond cataract and refractive laser system from its state-of-the-art facilities in Munich, Germany, and service the product through its current worldwide service organization. Bausch + Lomb Surgical will leverage its cataract expertise and commercial capabilities to globally distribute TPV’s femtosecond laser. Financial terms were not disclosed. TPV will continue to commercialize the refractive portfolio. Femtosecond laser technology provides...

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Bausch + Lomb, the global eye health company, announces the appointment of David Mordaunt, Ph.D. as vice president, Development and Research, Bausch + Lomb Surgical. In this position, Dr. Mordaunt will be a member of the Surgical senior leadership team and will be responsible for global strategies and execution of development and research programs for the full portfolio of products. This includes equipment used for cataract and vitroretinal procedures, intraocular lenses including Crystalens®, which is the only FDA-approved accommodating intraocular lens offering a full range of natural vision, viscoelastics and new technologies focused on enhancing ophthalmologists ability to offer patient-centric procedures. “I’m thrilled to be joining Bausch + Lomb Surgical,” said Dr. Mordaunt. “They have a strong pipeline for innovative new technologies focused on improving ophthalmic surgical outcomes, which enhance patient vision and quality of life. I look forward to collaborating with the ophthalmic physician community to continue to advance Bausch + Lomb’s product portfolio.” “Dr. Mordaunt’s proven leadership in the development of transformational...

ALISO VIEJO, CA. — Bausch + Lomb, the global eye and health company, announces Broadway, TV and film star, Florence Henderson, will be featured at the company’s exhibit during the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) annual meeting in San Diego, Calif., on Saturday, March 26. The ASCRS meeting, which will be held at the San Diego Convention Center from March 25-29, is the world’s largest gathering of cataract and refractive surgeons. Ms. Henderson, whose remarkable career has included starring performances on Broadway, film and television, is the national spokesperson for Crystalens®, which is the only FDA-approved accommodating intraocular lens (IOL). She will appear at the Bausch + Lomb exhibit from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday. Ms. Henderson, who turned 77 on Valentine’s Day, had the Crystalens surgery to treat a cataract that had developed in her eye. She has been the center of the Crystalens marketing campaign in print, online, and local television advertising for the past year. She is best known for her role as Carol Brady in the iconic television series The Brady Bunch. She was prominently featured as a competitor on ABC’s...

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Bausch + Lomb, the global eye health company, announced today that it is activating a relief support plan in response to the earthquake and tsunami disaster affecting Japan. “Our colleagues on the ground in Japan and in our headquarters here in the U.S. are assessing needs and will be collaborating with relief efforts to determine how we can be of greatest assistance with expertise, products, or other forms of assistance,” said CEO Brent Saunders. “As a company with more than 30 years of eye health experience in Japan, we are committed to helping to respond to this enormous natural disaster.” Saunders also stated that the company was assessing impacts of the disaster on its own employees in Japan, and would be stepping in to provide them and their communities with assistance should it be needed. “We are prepared to help immediately if help is needed by our own people,” said Saunders. About Bausch + Lomb Bausch + Lomb is one of the best-known and most respected healthcare companies in the world. Its core businesses include contact lenses and lens care products, ophthalmic surgical devices and instruments, and...

MADISON, N.J.—Bausch + Lomb has launched a voluntary recall of its Soothe Xtra Protection (XP) eye drops, with expiration dates from February 2011 through August 2012. Soothe XP is only available within the U.S., the company said. Bausch + Lomb initiated the recall “based on testing which showed specific lots of the Soothe Xtra Protection (XP) product were out of specification for preservative efficacy prior to their listed date of shelf-life expiration. There have been no adverse events reported for this product which have been attributed to preservative efficacy,” an announcement said. B+L said it is recalling all lots of Soothe Xtra Protection (XP) eye drops in the interest of patient safety. The company said product which is out of specification near the end of shelf-life “may present insufficient protection against inadvertent microbial contamination during storage and usage of the product.” The company, which has alerted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration about the recall, said it is conducting an ongoing investigation to determine why those specific lots of the eye drops were out of shelf-life specification.