J & J Vision Care Southeast Asia General Manager , Eugene Yoo shared : “ J & J Vision ’ s global mission is to bring science and sense of sight through world-class innovation and customer experience .”

Eugene has 19 years of tenure in J & J Vision , serving in different sectors within the company , in Medical Technologies , Pharmaceuticals and Vision Care .

“ Scientific innovation is part of our DNA . We launched the world ’ s first disposable soft contact lenses in 1987 , and it redefined the whole contact lens industry . Over the years , we have continued to roll out innovations to cater to consumer needs and comfort .

“ And for the customer experience , we do it in a couple of ways . First , we support eye care practitioners ( ECPs ) in elevating standards and capabilities to serve consumers better .

“ Secondly , we build a stronger connection between consumers and ECPs . In Malaysia , we recently launched the MyACUVUE ® app . It allows consumers to search for the stores and connect with the particular ECPs throughout their whole contact lens-wearing journey , going beyond a one-time transaction .”

From birth to cradle

As we progress through different stages of life , from pediatric to old age , there are different needs for each stage .

J & J Vision is committed to betterserving consumers from all age spectrums through continuous contact lens enhancements and elevating eye health simultaneously .

“ At J & J Vision we note what is required for each stage . For example , at the paediatric stage , we focus on myopia control because it would not require corrective treatment if you can control them at an early stage . It is about shifting from treating to prevention through early interventions .

“ When you enter middle age , contact lenses would be the more suitable choice of eyewear as it allows you to have your freedom , define yourself , and live your life to the fullest .”

And age 40 and above , he said , most would start living with a reading glass or lenses due to presbyopia .

“ J & J Vision aims to serve from birth to cradle . We are moving beyond just correction and are actively focused

Eugene Yoo

on prevention . We ’ re moving towards enhancing our contact lens products , including beauty lenses .”

Southeast Asian landscape for eyewear

According to Eugene , the Southeast Asia region is filled with potential as it is made up of 11 markets with the combined population size being the third largest in the world .

“ Another potential of this region is the contact lens penetration is relatively low , ranging between two to three per cent . Comparatively , the contact lens penetration in Korea is 24 per cent , and in Japan , it is 40 per cent .

“ Apart from the penetration potential , there is also a huge opportunity to innovate on the idea of eye health . Sight is the most important and complex sense . However , eye health and eye care are often neglected .

“ As part of J & J Vision ’ s effort of driving

contact lens wear and usage , I think we could elevate the eye health industry and awareness as a whole and continue to do our part in the community .”

Collaborations and partnerships

Eugene said J & J Vision , as an industry leader , has an important role in bringing stakeholders together .

“ It is essential to bring different stakeholders together across the eye health industry , such as opticians , optometrists , ophthalmologists , and even governmental and non-governmental bodies .

“ Together , resonating as one voice , we can drive towards the common goal of elevating eye care awareness and annual eye health examinations and be able to change the whole trajectory of how people view eye health .”

Sharing his thoughts on the 3rd Asia Optometric Congress ( AOC ), Eugene said : “ This is the first major conference right after Covid-19 and I witnessed the enthusiasm from all participants , forging new bonds and collaborations , spurring new thinking and innovative ideas on moving together in the same direction .”

He also shared J & J Vision ’ s continuous commitment to supporting professional bodies and associations .

“ We are always one of their strongest supporters , and it is not just in terms of sponsorship , but also bringing in our experts to contribute in talks and workshops .” – The Health