CL practice at the crossroads

In the next two years practitioners will polarise into two groups to promote contact lenses on the basis of either modality or benefits.

This was the prediction of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care's managing director for the UK and Ireland Rob Hollin, at a J&J Acuvue Centre of Excellence meeting last week. 'In America contact lenses are promoted on the basis of benefits rather than modality,' he said. 'But I think in the UK we currently have a culture of promoting contact lenses based on price.

'I really think over the next couple of years the market is set to polarise with professionals who will continue to promote lenses on the basis of price and those who are prepared to go after benefits and value.'

Over 200 people attended the pre-launch of J&J's latest Ultra Comfort Series contact lens in Glasgow, Manchester and a final meeting in London on March 23.

Acuvue Oasys with Hydraclear Plus is billed as the ultimate comfort lens for patients with dry eyes. J&J claimed that the Hydraclear Plus next generation of proprietary technology created a more wettable, ultra-smooth contact lens that provided exceptional comfort even in the most challenging environments.

The new contact lens, recommended for one week extended wear or two weeks' daily wear, will be available to Acuvue Centre of Excellence customers from May 2 and to all opticians from May 16.