JOHNSON & JOHNSON VISION CARE, INC. FOCUSES ADVOCACY EFFORTS TO DEFEND REGULATION OF THE CONTACT LENS INDUSTRY
JOHNSON & JOHNSON VISION CARE, INC. FOCUSES ADVOCACY EFFORTS TO DEFEND REGULATION OF THE CONTACT LENS INDUSTRY
Company Replaces Unilateral Pricing Policy and Focuses on Continued
Innovation, Access and Affordability to Patients, Doctors and Customers
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 13, 2016: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. announced its renewed and continued commitment to advocate in support of the doctor-patient relationship and against legislation that threatens to undermine patient health and deregulate the industry. To support these focused advocacy efforts, the company has discontinued its Unilateral Pricing Policy (UPP) and is replacing it with new programs to ensure broad access and support the needs of patients, doctors, and customers.
“The patient comes first,” said Millicent Knight OD, Vice President of Professional Affairs, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. “We believe that it is in the best interest of the patient to see an eye doctor on a regular basis, and we will continue to advocate state by state to protect that relationship. Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. has a long history of education and advocacy on the issues that matter most to our patients, doctors and customers, and we’re more active than ever before across the country working for the future of patient eye and overall health.”
Proponents of deregulation advocate for online prescribing of contact lenses and extending contact lens prescription expiration limits. We strongly believe that the safe and appropriate use of contact lenses must be firmly grounded in a legislative and regulatory environment that prioritizes and recognizes the vital role of eye care providers in ensuring patients’ health and safety. And, opposing these efforts requires our undivided attention.
The company’s new approach includes category growth initiatives and a rewards program that allows patients to submit for savings before they leave their eye care professional’s office. These commercial initiatives will further improve patient affordability and access. Unlike current programs used in the industry, this rewards program will be simple and convenient for patients and eye care professionals’ staff.
“We are always looking for new and better ways to offer the right solutions to customers and patients that promote eye and overall health,” said Peter Menziuso, President, North America, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. “Our evolved strategy is still grounded in delivering meaningful innovation to meet patients’ needs while also improving patient affordability and access. We are excited about our new category growth initiatives and rewards program, and there is much more to come this year as we continue to invest to protect patient safeguards and grow the contact lens category.”
The new business strategy is consistent with Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.’s overall commitment to lead on:
- Innovation: Four new vision care products launched in 2015 and eight more over the next four years, with the next one in July.
- Investing to Grow the Category: Amplified investment in education and marketing efforts to activate new patients.
- Access & Affordability: Majority of patients paying less for their ACUVUE® Brand Lenses today than they were two years ago.
- Advocacy: Working on the ground in states where legislation is being considered that could interrupt the doctor-patient relationship or undermine patient safeguards. For more information, visit www.jnjvisioncareinfo.com.
About Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. is committed to creating life-long solutions to vision care needs. Since the ACUVUE® Brand made its debut in 1987 as the world’s first disposable soft contact lens, the company has repeatedly brought innovative, quality, and scientific advancements to the industry. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, the company has some 3,000 employees worldwide. For more information, visit www.jnjvisionpro.com.
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For further information, contact:
Donna Lorenson
732-524-5190 (office)
410-258-8571 (cell)