NEWS spectrum

Ciba, J&J Reach Global Settlement

Novartis recently announced that Ciba Vision (Ciba) has reached a global settlement agreement with Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. (J&J) to license the Ciba “Nicolson” patents, which protect Ciba's proprietary silicone hydrogel (SiHy) lens technology. The settlement ends ongoing litigation in the United States as well as in several European countries.

Novartis indicated that the settlement covers the J&J full portfolio of SiHy lenses, including Acuvue Oasys, Acuvue Advance and 1-Day Acuvue TruEye. It allows J&J to continue to manufacture, market and sell its SiHy lenses world-wide under a license from Ciba, including markets previously under court-ordered injunction. Terms of the agreement are confidential.

Grant Program Supplies Free Hybrid Lenses

The Sharing Vision Grant Program, sponsored by SynergEyes, Inc., was created to bring the new ClearKone hybrid lens (SynergEyes) to keratoconus patients who may otherwise not have access.

The Sharing Vision Grant Program is a three-way partnership between SynergEyes, an eyecare practitioner and a patient. Prospective patients apply to the program by sharing their vision stories and why they believe ClearKone could positively improve their lives. SynergEyes will select 25 candidates for the grant program based on a patient application process and refer the patients to participating practitioners in their area to be fit with the lenses.

SynergEyes will supply one lens for each eye fit for the patient. The practitioner will donate his professional contact lens fitting fees, and the patient receives the lenses and fitting for free.

Currently, more than 15 patients are enrolled in the program receiving free lenses from SynergEyes and free fitting from participating eyecare practitioners. Patients can apply for the program on at www.TreatKeratoconus.com.

B+L Initiates Voluntary Recall of Eye Drops

Bausch + Lomb (B+L) is conducting a voluntary recall of its Soothe Xtra Hydration (XH) eye drops, which have been available in the United States since April 2010. B+L chose to initiate this recall based on a small number of consumer reports citing the presence of possible foreign matter in the tip of the bottles. Initial testing by B+L on the opened, partially used product has identified the particles as mold.

While there have been no adverse events reported for this product in connection to mold, the company chose to voluntarily recall all existing lots of the eye drops. The company alerted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration of the voluntary recall and is conducting an ongoing investigation into the reports of mold in the tip of the bottles. A determination of future product distribution will be made at the close of this investigation, which could last for several months.

The Soothe XH eye drops are the only eye drops affected in this recall; all other Soothe eye products remain on the market.

B+L directly contacted U.S. retailers who have been shipped this product to initiate the recall as well as eyecare professionals. The company is asking anyone who currently has Soothe XH eye drops to return them to B+L, even if they're comfortable using them. Consumers who have this product in their home should call one of the following numbers for instructions on returns and reimbursement: Soothe XH Recall Hotline at (877) 907-9964 or B+L customer service center at (800) 553-5340.

The recalled lot numbers are: GC0124, GD0146, GF0121, GF0157, GJ0023, GK0044, GC0135, GC0142, GE0049, GE0050/GE0074, GF0063, GF0064/GF0065, GF0021, GG0035, GG0036, GG0055, GJ0003, and GJ0004.

Bill Shelly Joins Alden Optical

Alden Optical Inc recently announced that Bill Shelly has joined the organization. Shelly will lead the U.S. sales efforts of Alden Optical and will report to Tom Shone, president, Alden Optical.

Most recently, Shelly served in sales management and customer oriented roles at CooperVision. In addition, Shelly has served in sales-related capacities at Paragon Vision Sciences, UCO Optics, and Gordon Contact Lenses. He has also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Contact Lens Society of America and has attained NCLC status as bestowed by the National Contact Lens Examiners.

“Bill possesses tremendous contact lens sales management experience, an in-depth knowledge of the specialty lens niche and innumerable connections with eyecare professionals across the country. Bill's strengths will be extremely important as we look to serve more U.S. practitioners with our custom and specialty lenses” stated Shone.