GlobalCONTACT
ISSUE 02/2026
Overview
Report: EFCLIN Congress 2026 // Technology: Particle release from IOLs – are contact lenses next? // Manufacturing: Hand painted prosthetic contact lenses // Fitting Background: HOA Correction // Ortho-K: Optimizing myopia management // Business & Marketing: Employee 3.0
NEWS
CooperCompanies releases 2025 corporate sustainability report
CooperCompanies, a leading global medical device company, released its 2025 Corporate Sustainability Report, showcasing the company’s commitment to people and planet, supported by expanded performance metrics and continued progress on sustainability priorities. A key milestone in this year’s report is the company’s first-time disclosure of Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing transparency and strengthening its…
Collaboration between Alcon and RxSight
Alcon and RxSight, Inc., an ophthalmic medical device company focused on providing high-quality customized vision to patients following cataract surgery, have announced a non-exclusive collaboration to jointly develop adjustable presbyopia-correcting intraocular lenses (PCIOLs). As part of the agreement, RxSight will receive a $60 million upfront payment to begin development and could receive up to an additional…
Johnson & Johnson invests in Jacksonville
Johnson & Johnson has announced an investment of more than $1 billion in Jacksonville, Fla., to strengthen its vision operations by scaling the U.S.-based manufacturing, packaging and distribution capabilities. The investment includes construction of a new, state-of-the-art distribution facility, alongside advanced manufacturing and packaging technologies to expand capacity and meet growing demand for the company’s…
Applications open to fill vacancies on BCLA council
The British Contact Lens Association is inviting applications to fill three vacancies on a group that oversees the organisation’s ongoing development and growth. Practice owner Rakesh Kapoor, ophthalmologist Christopher Liu and hospital optometrist Jonathan Jackson will all complete their terms on the BCLA Council later this summer, and the process to find their replacements is now…
BCLA to host webinar on disease risk communication in myopia
The British Contact Lens Association is inviting eye care professionals to register for an upcoming webinar exploring how risk is communicated in myopia management – an area of growing importance as prevalence rises across the UK. Taking place on Tuesday, 9 June, Disease Risk Communication and Myopia will be delivered by Emma Lennox, optometrist and PhD…
ARTICLES
Czech made & Checkmate
Otto Wichterle’s pioneering work changed the future of contact lenses. Eef van der Worp revisits the inventor’s remarkable legacy and its lasting impact on modern contact lens practice.
Bringing HOA correction intoeveryday laboratory practice
High-order aberrations can significantly influence visual quality and contact lens performance. Filippo Selden explains their clinical relevance and practical implications.
First-time assessment of particle release from IOLs – are contact lenses next?
Microplastics have already been investigated in intraocular lenses—but what about contact lenses? Dr. Borkenstein examines the current knowledge and raises important questions for clinical practice.
Beyond technology
Even the most advanced manufacturing technologies cannot unlock their full potential without the right processes and leadership. Erik Larsen and Dr. M. Peter Scontrino explore how continuous improvement and Lean thinking can drive sustainable competitive advantage. Explore the full article.
Hand painted prosthetic contact lenses
Discover the fascinating world of hand-coloured contact lenses. Lefteris Karageorgiadis shares his techniques, experience and the craftsmanship behind creating individually painted lenses. Continue to the article.
EFCLIN 2026 in Sitges
The EFCLIN Congress in Sitges brought together experts from across Europe to discuss the latest developments in contact lenses and IOL. Our comprehensive report includes key highlights, photo impressions and an exclusive interview with Marion Beeler-Kaupke and Helga Seiler. Read the full congress report.
LETTER
Employee, where are you?
Are you having trouble finding employees? And to keep them? There’s a specter haunting the EU – and unfortunately, it’s very real: The shortage of skilled workers. And it’s particularly noticeable in some EU countries. That’s because demographic change is in full swing here – and often more advanced than in other regions of the world.
