The HEALTH | May-June. 2025

• Educating ECPs about addressing digital eye strain due to increased device usage

• Annie Yam ' s journey with contact lenses motivated her to advocate for their adoption

• Collaborating with ECPs and launching innovative products to improve patient care and raise awareness

At the recent Johnson & Johnson Institute( JJI) symposium, Vision at Johnson & Johnson( Vision, J & J) Marketing Lead( Australia & New Zealand, India, SEA, Taiwan), Annie Yam, shared her insights on the challenges facing eye care practitioners( ECPs) and the innovative solutions that could reshape the industry.

DIGITAL EYE STRAIN

Annie highlighted the primary purpose of the JJI symposium: to increase awareness of digital eye strain( DES) and to promote digital eye health.

The symposium also offers ECPs a collaborative space to learn, discuss best practices, and elevate industry standards through peer-to-peer education.

" We aim to drive a healthier future for our patients," Annie explained. " Through workshops, we raise awareness and equip ECPs to educate patients about their vision care needs."

The symposium was a platform not just for education but for collaboration among industry partners to tackle these challenges. " The landscape of vision healthcare is changing, and we must adapt to meet the growing demands."

ENHANCED VISION CARE

Vision, J & J ' s mission in the vision care sector is encapsulated in its tagline: " Vision Made Possible ".

For Annie, this means ensuring that individuals can enjoy the freedom and quality of life that comes with improved vision. " With better vision care, people can connect with loved ones and live fuller lives."

The focus on innovation is crucial to achieving this mission. Annie outlined how Vision, J & J positions its contact lens products as leaders in the management of astigmatism.

She emphasised the brand ' s commitment to consumer education and awareness: " We are on a mission to educate consumers about astigmatism, especially in this digitalised world."

The introduction of Eyelid Stabilised Design( ESD) exemplifies this innovative spirit. This design allows the lens to stabilise with the eyelid, ensuring

Annie Yam

“ With better vision care, people can connect with loved ones and live fuller lives.” optimal positioning for clear vision, regardless of the user ' s posture or activity.

CONNECTION TO VISION CARE

Annie ' s passion for her work is deeply personal. She shared her own journey with vision correction, starting with thick spectacles at a young age. " I realised that to be competitive in university, I needed to present myself well," she reflected.

At 19, she switched to contact lenses and experienced a profound boost in confidence.

" It was liberating," she recalled. " Wearing contact lenses allowed me to express myself fully and engage with the world without the barrier of glasses."

This personal mission drives her work at Vision, J & J particularly in regions with low contact lens penetration, such as Malaysia, where only 3-4 per cent of individuals with vision correction need to use contact lenses.

" I want to bring this option to them and help them understand that there are choices available," she affirmed.

COLLABORATIONS FOR GREATER IMPACT

Annie believes that collaborations with ECPs are essential for category visibility.

The symposium serves as a vital opportunity for Vision, J & J to connect with ECPs, fostering partnerships that can drive awareness and education. " Our ECPs are the primary point of contact for consumers looking for vision care solutions."

One innovative initiative introduced at the symposium was the " Large-Scaled Astigmatism Visualization Toolkit ", a tool designed to help patients visualise the effects of astigmatism.

Annie explained: " Astigmatism is a conceptual challenge for many patients. This tool helps ECPs educate consumers about the need for correction."

Consumers should seek appropriate professional healthcare advice.

NAVIGATING FUTURE TRENDS

Looking to the future, Annie identified the rise of beauty contact lenses as a significant trend within the vision care market.

In Malaysia, this segment constitutes approximately 20-25 per cent of the total contact lens market, highlighting a growing consumer interest in aesthetics alongside vision correction.

However, she cautioned against the risks associated with this trend, noting that many consumers treat contact lenses as mere cosmetic products rather than medical devices.

" There ' s a potential risk if consumers don ' t recognise the importance of choosing quality lenses," she warned. " Educational efforts are essential to ensure that people understand the health implications of their choices."

Annie concluded her remarks by emphasising Vision, J & J ' s commitment to innovation and education within the vision care sector.

" We are here to drive change and improve the overall eye health of our patients. By working together with ECPs and leveraging new technologies, we can create a healthier future for vision care."

As the symposium showcased, the path forward in vision care is one of collaboration, innovation, and a deep understanding of consumer needs. – The HEALTH

ENGAGING INSIGHTS: Annie Yam shares her insights on innovative solutions for vision care during her presentation at the symposium.

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