The Future of Vision Care

CooperVision Canada is a global leader in the contact lens industry, dedicated to helping people around the world see better every day. Through cutting-edge scientific research, advanced technology, and strong partnerships with eye care professionals, the company has improved the vision of millions. With a steadfast focus on innovation and operational excellence, CooperVision Canada has earned a reputation as a trusted and forward-thinking provider in vision care.

1. Can you tell us your name and a bit about your role at CooperVision Canada?

My name is Nathalie Trottier, and I am the Senior Manager of Professional Affairs and Academics at CooperVision Canada. I am responsible for educational programs for optometrists and opticians across Canada, whether they are in practice or still studying. I am delighted to share my insights on innovation in contact lenses on your platform, and am excited to discuss with you how CooperVision is shaping the future of contact lenses through innovative practices, sustainable and forward-thinking strategies.

2. What does innovation mean to you?

Innovation is at the heart of what we do at CooperVision Canada. In fact, innovation is one of the five core values that guide our decisions. By innovating to offer contact lenses specifically designed for every stage of life, we can help more patients see better. Moreover, 99.9% of patients can be fitted with CooperVision lenses since we have the widest range portfolio of contact lenses worldwide.

3. How do CooperVision Canada's MyDay Energys® stand apart from other competing products on the market?

The MyDay Energys® contact lens is truly unique in the market! We spend a significant portion of our days in front of screens, whether for work, entertainment, or communicating with those around us. Naturally, this leads to eye fatigue, which manifests in various symptoms such as dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches, and more. These symptoms often recur due to the use of digital screens like smartphones, tablets, computers, or televisions.

MyDay Energys® is an innovative contact lens designed to help alleviate these symptoms of digital eye strain. In fact, a study conducted in the United States found that 80% of MyDay Energys® lens wearers felt their eyes were less fatigued and their comfort improved by the end of the day.

4. How does DigitalBoostTM Technology in MyDay Energys® specifically reduce eye muscle strain caused by frequent screen use?

When we constantly look at close distances, the ciliary muscles inside the eye must exert continuous effort to allow us to see clearly. Like any muscle, if we constantly contract a muscle, it becomes fatigued. The DigitalBoostTM technology is truly what makes this lens unique. At the center of the lens, we have created a +0.3D boost through asphericity. This means we add power to the center of the lens. This added power reduces the effort required by the muscles to maintain focus at intermediate (computer screen) and close distances. Thus, we reduce eye strain and improve comfort!

5. Can you explain how Aquaform® Technology contributes to all-day comfort for people who spend extended hours on digital devices?

Aquaform technology is the material technology of the lens, the very substance from which the lens is made. The molecular structure retains water molecules within, ensuring that the lenses remain hydrated to twice their weight in water. What does this mean for the patient? Well, since the lens is hydrated, it does not dry out, contributing to exceptional comfort throughout the day.

What sets CooperVision Canada's technology apart from other contact lens manufacturers is that this technology is intrinsic to the material itself. Consequently, we do not need to add other products to enhance comfort, guaranteeing stable and uniform comfort throughout the day. It's like a mattress—if you have an uncomfortable mattress, you might try adding foam or thicker sheets, but that wouldn't be necessary if the mattress were comfortable from the start!

6. What makes MyDay Energys® different from other daily lenses marketed for digital lifestyles or screen-related eye fatigue?

That's an excellent question, and it's precisely what sets MyDay Energys® apart from other contact lenses on the market. The answer is simple: it is the only contact lens that has been scientifically proven, with supporting studies, to reduce symptoms of eye fatigue. Additionally, the fact that the lens is daily usage is a significant advantage for wearers. Every day, you have the pleasure of putting on a fresh lens, with the convenience of not having to worry about disinfecting with solutions.

7. How are you leveraging AI in your innovation process if applicable? What are some unexpected benefits or challenges you've encountered with AI adoption?

CooperVision Canada is leveraging AI alongside its teams’ deep industry knowledge to help identify growth opportunities for eye care practices, identify specifically tailored data and recommended actions. In addition, we’re using AI to better understand what type of information is most relevant to each of our customers. For instance, AI helps to assess what’s working for customers, then uses those criteria to recognize new opportunities. This partnership pinpoints options that practices can use for better decision making.

One clear outcome has been improved efficiency for our sales organization and our customers. Although, there’s always bias with AI, since humans are building the models. We are mindful that human intelligence and interaction has to remain a big part of the picture.

8. Looking to the future, how will CooperVision Canada continue to be a leader in innovation?

We tend to move fast—as a company and as a profession. Together, our innovation is changing lives. By analyzing the needs of our current patients and envisioning their future needs, CooperVision Canada innovates to find practical, high-performance, and distinctive solutions. CooperVision Canada is also a leader in sustainability. From manufacturing to packaging to energy optimization, everything is designed to minimize the carbon footprint of our products. For example, one of our plant in New York State operates 100% on wind energy! Thus, innovation is an integral part not only of our products but of every aspect of the company.