CooperVision drives portfolio transformation towards silicone hydrogel contact lenses
As part of a global strategic portfolio adjustment, CooperVision is also realigning its range of soft contact lenses in the DACH region and will focus primarily on silicone hydrogel materials in the future.
The aim of this focus is to ensure the long-term marketability of the portfolio and to provide opticians with modern, high-performance material technologies and advanced optical designs. At the same time, the focus on silicone hydrogel creates the basis for future innovations.
„The decision for a clearly focused silicone hydrogel portfolio is part of a global long-term strategy and not a regional measure by CooperVision DACH,“ explains Andreas Sudrow, Managing Director of CooperVision DACH. „The requirements for eye health, comfort and professional fitting are continuously increasing - both in terms of regulations and in the awareness of contact lens wearers. Under today's wearing conditions, the use of hydrogel contact lenses requires a differentiated approach, while silicone hydrogel offers established advantages for many cases. With this realignment, we are making targeted investments in a future-proof portfolio that makes medical sense, is economically scalable and marketable in the long term.“
At the same time, CooperVision is aware that portfolio changes can raise questions in the market. „We take any concerns that some opticians may have very seriously. Changes to the portfolio directly affect day-to-day work and the care of existing customers,“ emphasizes Sudrow. „This is precisely why it was important for us to be transparent about the decision and communicate it at an early stage: By clearly focusing on silicone hydrogel, we want to provide guidance, simplify consultation and at the same time ensure that healthy alternatives are still available for a very large proportion of common visual defects.“
Gradual changeover over two years
The portfolio adjustment will take place over a period of two years and includes the gradual discontinuation of selected hydrogel products from the Biomedics and Proclear brands:
- Proclear monthly contact lenses
- Biomedics monthly disposable contact lenses
- Proclear 1 day multifocal
- Biomedics 1 day disposable contact lenses
CooperVision already discontinued the fitting contact lenses of these brands on April 30, 2026. Sales lenses will be discontinued by October 31, 2027. Biomedics 1 day Extra sphere and Proclear 1 day sphere will remain available.
Despite the gradual phasing out of hydrogel products, CooperVision remains a leading provider in the silicone hydrogel segment. With over 250,000 correction options, the company continues to offer the broadest silicone hydrogel portfolio on the market and will continue to provide comprehensive support to opticians and contact lens wearers.*¹,²
„It was particularly important to us that the changeover remains practical for specialist retailers,“ says Sudrow. „A suitable silicone hydrogel alternative from our Biofinity, Avaira or clariti 1-day portfolio is available for almost all discontinued hydrogel products. This ensures that adjustments can be made seamlessly and existing customer relationships are not affected.“
Silicone hydrogel as the preferred option in many treatment cases
The strategic focus on silicone hydrogel technologies is based on clear medical and market developments. Silicone hydrogel enables a healthy contact lens wearing experience, as it allows significantly more oxygen to reach the eye during daytime wear compared to hydrogel contact lenses.†³ Accordingly, the use of this material has increased steadily over the past 25 years: Worldwide, silicone hydrogel contact lenses are now fitted around three times more frequently than hydrogel contact lenses.⁴
CooperVision is convinced that a clearly structured silicone hydrogel portfolio also facilitates consultation, reduces material discussions and supports opticians in clearly recommending a contemporary standard of care.
Investments in production and security of supply
Parallel to focusing on its portfolio, CooperVision is investing extensively in the expansion of its global production capacities. With modern infrastructure, future-oriented production systems and the targeted expansion of technological expertise, the company is ensuring the long-term supply of silicone hydrogel contact lenses.
Opticians who have questions can contact their CooperVision sales representative or contact customer service by e-mail at [email protected] or by telephone:
Germany: +49 6071 305-100
Austria: +43 310 12-50
Switzerland: 0842 266737
Footnotes:
*Based on Rx option combinations (sphere, cylinder, axis & add) manufactured, across all soft lenses in sphere, toric & multifocal (including made to order), in SiHy from 4 main manufacturers. Includes 1 day, 2 weekly, and monthly disposable contact lenses. Cosmetic & Photochromatic contact lenses not included. Multiple base curve variants not included.
† With high oxygen delivery for daily wear, SiHy materials minimize or eliminate hypoxia-related complications.
References
- CVI data on file, 2024. Industry reports and internal estimates based on Tyler's Quarterly, 9/2024.
- CooperVision Data on File, 2024. Based on prescription option combinations (sph, cyl, axis & add) available across all SiH soft lenses in sphere, toric & multifocal, from JJV, Alcon, B+L and CVI in UK, France, Germany and Italy Sep 2024. Includes stock & made to order lenses in 1 day, 2 weekly and monthy replacement options. 11.5x more prescription options than closest manufacturer. Multiple base curve variants not included.
- CVI data on file, 2024; Sulley A, Dumbleton K. Silicone hydrogel daily disposable benefits: The evidence. CLAE. 2020;43(3):298-307.
- Morgan PB et al. International Contact Lens Prescribing in 2024. Contact Lens Spectrum. Jan 2025:22-30.
Source: www.coopervision.com
