Publication Illustrates Significant ECP Preference and Market Demand;
Recommends How to Address Cost, Allergy and Comfort Misperceptions with Staff and Patients
RICHMOND HILL, ONTARIO, February 2019—A new CooperVision report published recently illustrates substantial opportunity for the continued adoption of 1-day silicone hydrogel contact lenses, directly addressing common misperceptions held by Eye Care Professionals (ECPs) and revealing self-created gaps when compared to patients’ needs.
“1-Day Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lens Report: Does Professional Practice Align with Consumer Expectations?” is based on proprietary research among more than 450 ECPs and 1,500 consumers in Japan, the United Kingdom and United States, investigating their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. It is now available for download or online viewing at https://coopervision.ca/1-day-silicone-hydrogel-contact-lens-report.
“Comparing the ECP and consumer responses shows disparities between what patients want and what is often prescribed in practice,” said Dr. Michele Andrews, Senior Director of Professional & Academic Affairs for North America. “We found ECPs’ reluctance to recommend a 1-day silicone hydrogel lens is often because of misunderstandings about cost, allergy and comfort—self-imposed barriers to adoption that run counter to the data.”
As noted in the report, nearly all ECPs (95%) agree that if cost were equivalent they would choose silicone hydrogel over hydrogel for their 1-day patients, yet feel restrained out of concern for patients’ budgets. However, 68% of consumers say they expect their ECP to recommend the healthiest option regardless of cost, and 75% of consumers are likely to follow the advice of their ECP no matter the cost.
“Patients are interested in wearing the healthiest lenses for their eyes, want to hear about those options, and are willing to pay for what their ECP recommends,” noted Michele. “Considering that 92% of ECPs agree that 1-day silicone hydrogel lenses are the best choice to safeguard patient eye health related to contact lens wear, fitting that material and modality presents significant potential to help practices succeed.”
CooperVision offers ECPs the broadest 1-day silicone hydrogel portfolio in the world, including clariti™ 1 day contact lenses with pricing similar to many 1-day hydrogels, as well as premium MyDay® daily disposable contact lenses.
In conjunction with the publication of the report, CooperVision has begun a companion educational campaign to help dispel myths revealed by the studies. This includes a panel discussion that took place in Philadelphia on August 21, 2018, featuring Lyndon Jones, PhD, FCOptom, FAAO, FBCLA, Professor, University of Waterloo School of Optometry & Vision Science and Director of the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE); Karen Walsh, BSc(Hons), PGDip, MCOptom, FIACLE, Clinical Scientist, CORE; and Michele Andrews, OD, Senior Director, Professional & Academic Affairs, North America, CooperVision.
For more information regarding the study, please visit https://coopervision.ca/1-day-silicone-hydrogel-contact-lens-report.
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About CooperVision
CooperVision, a unit of The Cooper Companies, Inc. (NYSE:COO), is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of soft contact lenses. The Company produces a full array of monthly, two-week and daily disposable contact lenses, all featuring advanced materials and optics. CooperVision has a strong heritage of solving the toughest vision challenges such as astigmatism and presbyopia; and offers the most complete collection of spherical, toric and multifocal products available. Through a combination of innovative products and focused practitioner support, the company brings a refreshing perspective to the marketplace, creating real advantages for customers and wearers. For more information, visit coopervision.ca.
About The Cooper Companies
The Cooper Companies, Inc. ("Cooper") is a global medical device company publicly traded on the NYSE (NYSE:COO). Cooper is dedicated to being A Quality of Life Company™ with a focus on delivering shareholder value. Cooper operates through two business units, CooperVision and CooperSurgical. CooperVision brings a refreshing perspective on vision care with a commitment to developing a wide range of high-quality products for contact lens wearers and providing focused practitioner support. CooperSurgical is committed to advancing the health of families with its diversified portfolio of products and services focusing on women’s health, fertility and diagnostics. Headquartered in Pleasanton, CA, Cooper has more than 12,000 employees with products sold in over 100 countries. For more information, please visit www.coopercos.com.
Media Contact
Mike McDougall, APR, Fellow PRSA
McDougall Communications for CooperVision, Inc.
mike@mcdougallpr.com or +1-585-434-2150