Alcon has introduced AL, a new collectible contact lens case that the company says is designed to make the first-time contact lens experience more engaging for young wearers.
Launched for the back-to-school season, the compact, portable collectible clips onto bags and backpacks and stores a backup pair of contact lenses in their original blister packs. Additionally, AL features a QR code that connects wearers to digital resources, including videos demonstrating contact lens insertion and removal.
Eligible patients who purchase an annual supply of participating Alcon contact lenses through participating eye care professionals can receive an AL collectible while supplies last.
Supporting the Transition to Contact Lenses
Dr. Amanda Nanasy, director of the Florida Institute of Sports Vision at The Eye Center and past chair of the American Optometric Association Sports and Performance Vision Board, says this month provides parents a good sense for how their children are navigating school and activities.
“It’s a natural time to check in on whether their vision correction is meeting their needs and to talk with an eye care professional about whether contact lenses may be a good fit,” she says. “For teens who are ready to make that transition, AL can bring an approachable element to the experience while connecting new wearers with helpful resources as they get started.”
“The first-time contact lens experience is an important opportunity to help young wearers start off on the right foot,” adds Dr. Carla Mack, head of global and U.S. professional education and development at Alcon. “AL brings a fresh approach to that experience by combining something fun and collectible with practical resources new wearers can use as they get started.”
Parents See Potential Benefits
The release follows recently released data from Alcon’s Student Vision Survey. The results showed a gap between parents’ perceptions of contact lenses and current contact lens wear among young people. While 70% of parents believe contact lenses could benefit their children, 23% of people ages 13 to 25 currently use them for vision correction.
Among parents surveyed, 43% cited the potential for greater confidence as a potential benefit of contact lenses, while 42% pointed to improved feelings about how their child perceives their appearance. Another 30% cited convenience, and 30% identified better performance in sports or other activities. The survey also found that 81% of parents consider age 13 or older an appropriate time to begin wearing contact lenses.