Alcon Joins 'Think About Your Eyes' Initiative as a Leadership Partner

Alcon, a global leader in eyecare and a division of Novartis (NYSE: NVS) is the latest industry partner to join Think About Your Eyes, a national public awareness campaign aimed at educating consumers on the benefits of vision health. This addition continues the growth and momentum of the industry initiative presented by The Vision Council and the American Optometric Association, which speaks directly to consumers and promotes the importance of getting an annual comprehensive eye exam.   "Alcon is passionate about developing advanced products to help people see better and enjoy a higher quality of life, so partnering with the 'Think About Your Eyes' campaign was a natural step in our continued efforts to encourage proper eyecare," said Eric Bruno, vice president and general manager for U.S. Vision Care at Alcon.   "We're proud to take part in such a vital health initiative." In a statement about the partnership issued by Alcon, Bruno noted, "This campaign is about doing the right thing for patients. It's not about specific companies or products, it's about how our industry can partner with eyecare professionals to transform eyecare. We know many eye health and systemic issues can be identified through regular, comprehensive eye exams, so it's critical that we make annual eye exams part of every person's health care routine."   Since the national launch of the Think About Your Eyes campaign, eye exams have increased 4.5 percent, leading to an additional 5.2 million annual eye exams and the diagnosis of more than 525,000 previously undiagnosed eye diseases. The initiative employs national television, radio, print and online/digital advertising to share educational and motivational messages about eye disease, eye strain, children's vision and how regular eye exams can positively affect overall health.   The campaign is designed to encourage consumers to schedule an eye exam by visiting ThinkAboutYourEyes.com. The site, which has received more than one million visitors, features a comprehensive locator tool where visitors can easily find local Think About Your Eyes member eyecare providers.   "Alcon is truly a leader in the contact lens industry, creating groundbreaking products that serve patients through the full life cycle of eyecare needs. Their addition to the 'Think About Your Eyes' initiative is very exciting," said Mike Daley, CEO of The Vision Council. "With Alcon joining, coupled with our existing partnerships with Essilor and Luxottica, we now are supported by the core of the industry's most influential eyecare leaders. Through this new support, the 'Think About Your Eyes' campaign is strongly positioned to educate all Americans on the importance of annual eye exams and comprehensive eyecare throughout the coming year."   Current Think About Your Eyes partners include The Vision Council, American Optometric Association, All About Vision, Gunnar Optiks, National Vision, Inc. (NVI), SpecialEyes, SPY, Walman Optical, Transitions, Fatheadz, Chemistrie Eyewear, Essilor, Luxottica Group, Eschenbach and Alcon.