Q. Why did VISTAKON®, Division of Johnson
& Johnson Vision Care, Inc., change the package for ACUVUE®
Brand Contact Lenses?
A. We continually
strive to meet and exceed the expectations of our customers and patients
not only in our lens products but in the packaging as well. The new
package is 43% smaller and our market research found that lens wearers
preferred the more compact box design, rating it easy to open and
easy to store.1
Further, it is more environmentally friendly. TOP
Q. Are there the same
number of lenses in a box?
A. Yes, there are still six (6) lenses per
box. TOP
Q. I noticed that the
new package contains Japanese characters on the front and back.
Why is that?
A. ACUVUE® contact lenses are sold around
the world and our packaging must adhere to the regulatory requirements
of many countries. In addition to Japanese, product information also
appears in Spanish, French, German and other languages. The lenses
are manufactured to the same specifications and will provide the same
level of performance. TOP
Q. I noticed that the
new package contains a different UV-Blocking symbol. Did the UV-Blocking
feature change?
A. The UV-Blocking feature has not changed.
All ACUVUE ® lenses block approximately 82% of UV-A and approximately
97% of UV-B rays that would otherwise reach the cornea. However, our
market research found that the new UV-Blocking symbol communicates
the benefit of UV-Blocking more effectively than the previous symbol.2 TOP
Q. I noticed that the
new package says “Manufactured in Ireland.” What can
you tell me about this?
A. VISTAKON®, Division of Johnson &
Johnson Vision Care, Inc. has manufacturing centers in Jacksonville,
Florida as well as Limerick, Ireland. Beginning in May 2003, you will
start to receive ACUVUE® lenses made in our Ireland facility,
and beginning in September 2003, you will start to receive SUREVUE®
Brand Contact Lenses made there as well. The lenses are manufactured
to the same specifications and will provide the same level of performance.
Both facilities meet FDA Quality System requirements and received
approval to manufacture lenses for the U.S. market. TOP
Q. Is it only ACUVUE®
that offers the new package?
A. The new package has already been introduced
successfully for ACUVUE® 2 Brand Contact Lenses, ACUVUE®
Brand TORIC Contact Lenses, and ACUVUE® Brand BIFOCAL
Contact Lenses. The extremely positive response is a testimony to
the benefits the new package offers patients. In September 2003, SUREVUE®
Brand Contact Lenses will change to the new design, and other lenses
in the ACUVUE® Brand Family of Products will also change over
time. 1•DAY ACUVUE® Brand Contact Lenses will remain
in its current package. TOP
Q. Will the diagnostic
lens packs change too?
A. Yes, the diagnostics will be packed in
yellow boxes similar to those for ACUVUE® 2 Brand Contact
Lenses. This new package demonstrates our commitment to combat the
misuse of diagnostic lenses. TOP
ABOUT THE LENSES
Q. Is there anything different
about the ACUVUE® Brand Contact Lenses in the new packaging?
A. There is no difference in any of the product
specifications. We are only changing the package. Patients will enjoy
the same level of comfort, handling and performance they have come
to expect from ACUVUE ® Brand. TOP
ABOUT SHIPMENTS DURING THE TRANSITION
Q. When will you begin shipping
the new ACUVUE® package?
A. VISTAKON®, Division of Johnson &
Johnson Vision Care, Inc., will begin shipping ACUVUE® in the
new package in May 2003. The new packaging will be phased in power-by-power,
and the transition period for all powers will vary by region. SUREVUE®
Brand Contact Lenses will begin shipping in the new package in September
2003. TOP
Q. Does this mean that
my office and my patients may receive two different packages during
the transition?
A. Yes, during the transition period, you
and your patients may receive two different kinds of packages in the
same shipment. Therefore, on occasion, you might dispense two different
box sizes from your inventory, but the lenses inside both are the
same. TOP
Q. Can I return or exchange
my current ACUVUE® inventories for the new package?
A. No, since the specifications for ACUVUE®
lenses in the new package have not changed and will provide the same
level of performance; there is no need to return existing inventories. TOP
Q. If I have received
ACUVUE® Brand Contact Lenses in the new package, is it possible
for me to request it in the original package?
A. No, because the transition to the new package
is power by power. Once we begin shipment of the new package, the
original pack will not be available. TOP
Q. What about ACUVUE®
Patient Delivery (APD) orders? Could a patient potentially receive
an order containing ACUVUE® lenses in both the original and
new package?
A. During the transition, patients may receive
shipments containing both types of package. TOP
ABOUT CONSUMERS/PATIENTS
Q. How do I know that my patients
will like the new package?
A. ACUVUE® 2 Brand Contact Lens
wearers who have received the new package say that they are pleased
with the convenience of the smaller size and the ability to better
carry the cartons with them.1 TOP
Q. What should I say
to a patient who has complained about the new package?
A. You should explain to the patient that
the smaller packaging is more environmentally friendly. History has
taught us that it is possible for consumers to perceive a difference
in the product although the lenses haven’t changed. The lenses
inside the two packages offer the same visual performance and comfort. TOP
Q. What should I say
to the patient who receives boxes of ACUVUE® Brand Contact Lenses
in two different packages at the same time?
A. You should explain to the patient that
the specifications of the lenses inside the two packs have not changed
and therefore offer the same visual performance and comfort they have
come to expect from ACUVUE® Brand. TOP
Q. After the transition
to the new ACUVUE ® package, will patients still be able to
receive ACUVUE® lenses in the original package if they prefer?
A. No, after the transition to the new package
is complete, the original package will no longer be available. TOP
1 ACUVUE® 2 Brand Contact
Lenses Product/Package Test, December 2001
2 UV Symbol Package Test, April 2001
ACUVUE®, OASYS®, ACUVUE ADVANCE®, HYDRACLEAR®, 1·DAY ACUVUE® MOIST®, 1·DAY ACUVUE®, ACUVUE® 2 COLOURS®, FOR THE LIFE OF YOUR EYES®, PUPIL INTELLIGENT DESIGN®, and ULTRA COMFORT SERIES® are all trademarks of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
