MedTech Spectrum highlights how India has been chosen as the first launch destination for Alcon’s PRECISION1™ contact lenses with SMARTSURFACE™ technology, reflecting the country’s growing importance in the company’s global strategy. Mahesh Yermal, Head of Marketing, Vision Care (Consumer and Pharma), Alcon, explains the clinical insights that shaped this innovation, the partnerships driving awareness and accessibility, and how next-generation lenses are designed to meet the demands of digital lifestyles while supporting long-term ocular wellness.
What drove Alcon’s decision to introduce the PRECISION1™ SMARTSURFACE™ technology in the Indian market first, and how does it align with the company’s broader global strategy for contact lens innovation?
India is one of Alcon’s most promising markets globally, driven by a rapidly growing population, increasing urbanization, and rising awareness around eye health. As the global leader in eye care, with a legacy spanning over 75 years, Alcon is committed to expanding access to innovative vision care solutions in both metro and emerging cities.
Launching PRECISION1™ with SMARTSURFACE™ technology in India aligns with our broader global strategy to make premium contact lens technology more accessible to new wearers worldwide. Our goal is not just to grow the contact lens category, but to shape the future of eye health in India through education, innovation, and close collaboration with eye care professionals.
SMARTSURFACE™ is Alcon’s proprietary technology designed to deliver long-lasting comfort and excellent vision throughout the day. It features a micro-thin, high-performance moisture layer—comprising over 80% water at the outermost surface—designed to keep lenses moist and comfortable even at 16 hours of wear. PRECISION1™ lenses offer the benefits of a premium lens without compromising on comfort, vision, or affordability, making them ideal for new daily disposable lens users in India.
The development of PRECISION1™ was driven by deep clinical insights and wearer feedback from across the globe. One of the key challenges for contact lens users—especially new wearers—is managing dryness and maintaining comfort throughout long hours of wear.
To address these concerns, our R&D team focused on creating a lens that could offer high performance and comfort throughout the day. PRECISION1 contact lenses are designed to combat the top three causes for new wearer dropout: poor vision, poor comfort and handling issues. The result was the SMARTSURFACE™ technology—a breakthrough design with a micro-thin, water-rich surface layer that locks in moisture and enhances comfort for up to 16 hours.
PRECISION1 users experienced long lasting comfort, precise vision and ease of handling even at 16 hours of wear. PRECISION1 contact lens wearers agreed their lenses were so comfortable that they had the freedom to enjoy activities throughout their long days.
How is Alcon working with local eye care professionals and retail partners to ensure proper education and accessibility around the benefits and fitting of PRECISION1™ lenses across urban and rural markets?
Alcon’s go-to-market strategy for PRECISION1™ in India is anchored on three key pillars: consumer awareness, eye care professional (ECP) engagement, and in-store visibility.
We are running targeted digital campaigns to dispel myths around contact lens usage, leveraging influencers and optometrists to simplify the lens-wearing journey. Simultaneously, we are strengthening in-store activations and educational content at key consumer touchpoints.
Partnership with ECPs remains core to our strategy. We work closely with optometrists through training sessions, tools, and resources to help them educate patients on the fitting, benefits, and long-term value of PRECISION1™ lenses. Our aim is to build a robust and inclusive distribution model that empowers both urban and rural consumers to access high-quality vision care.
Yes, Alcon is actively exploring and executing community partnerships and digital outreach initiatives in India to extend the benefits of vision correction to underserved regions.
Our outreach strategy includes:
Sustainability is also embedded into our innovation pipeline. While daily disposable contact lenses must remain single-use for hygiene and safety reasons, we are committed to reducing environmental impact through:
As the eye care landscape evolves, we’re working toward a model that balances clinical excellence, sustainability, and accessibility.
With the increasing prevalence of screen time and digital lifestyles, visual fatigue and dryness are becoming more common. In this context, next-generation lenses like PRECISION1™ are more than just vision correction tool, unlike traditional silicone hydrogel (SiHy) lenses, Alcon's Water Surface Technology lenses - PRECISION1, increase water content from the core to the surface to help provide an outstanding lens-wearing experience.
Alcon envisions a future where consumers expect contact lenses to deliver all-day lens hydration, comfort, and visual clarity—even during long hours of screen exposure.
PRECISION1 contact lens wearers agreed that their lenses were so comfortable it gave them the freedom to enjoy long hours on digital devices such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops etc. When using digital devices for an average of 8.5 hours, patients rated end of the day and overall comfort of PRECISION1 as 9/10. (*Based on median value; 0-10 scale; 0 worst and 10 best).
We are also doubling down on digital transformation to complement our lens technology. From tele-optometry to digital education and e-commerce, we’re creating a hybrid model where optometrists remain central but are supported by tech-enabled convenience.
Our long-term goal is to offer lenses that not only adapt to modern lifestyles but proactively promote eye health—making PRECISION1™ the first choice for young, lasting Performance Seekers [or Gen Z consumers] who need a lens that works from the first to the last hour of their day, but many aren't getting this from their existing contact lenses.
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