US deal for UltraVision

UltraVision CLPL Group has completed a large-scale transatlantic partnership deal with Art Optical Contact Lenses, giving the US gas-permeable manufacturer the licence to its advanced lathe-cut soft CL technology.

Art Optical is investing significantly in equipment, building, infrastructure and staffing development at its Grand Rapids, Michigan headquarters. The US firm celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2008 and its president Thomas E Anastor said that like Art Optical, the UltraVision CLPL team was quality-focused so it was a natural fit.

UltraVision CLCP president and group CEO, J Keith Lomas, said the partnership would allow Art Optical to take the lead in lathe-cut soft lenses. 'While the global players quite rightly focus their efforts on mass-market and commodity contact lenses, there is, and will remain to be, a large market in more specialist and custom-manufactured lenses to satisfy the more demanding eye care requirements.'