Alcon

Alcon is a medical device manufacturing company that develops and manufactures innovative medicines and devices to serve the full life cycle of eye care needs. It specializes in the fields of ophthalmology pharmaceuticals and medical devices, eye care, and eye health. The company was founded in 1945 and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

With more than 35,000 employees in over 75 countries, Alcon is a leader in research and development, manufacturing and distribution, commercialization, and marketing of eye care products, including pharmaceuticals, surgical equipment and devices, contact lenses, and consumer eye care.

Alcon's products are designed to help people see better and live better. From corrective lenses and contact lenses to ophthalmic pharmaceuticals and intraocular lenses, Alcon has eye care products to meet the needs of virtually any patient. Alcon's research and development efforts are focused on improving existing products and introducing new eye care innovations. Alcon also offers a range of services to help eye care professionals enhance their practices, such as patient education, practice marketing, and customized software solutions.

In 1945, two pharmacists, Robert Alexander and William Conner, had a vision to create a small ophthalmic shop in Fort Worth, Texas. They combined the first syllables of their last names to call it Alcon. Little did they know, this small pharmacy would grow into one of the world's leading eye care companies.

In 1959, Alcon opened its first international office in Canada, marking the beginning of its global expansion. Three years later, the Alcon Trust was established, which would later become the Alcon Foundation. The foundation launched the patient assistance program, providing free medications to low-income glaucoma patients and supporting medical missions worldwide.

In 1969, Alcon's surgical division was formed with only seven associates. The company's growth and expansion caught the attention of Swiss food company, Nestlé, which acquired Alcon in 1977. The following year, Alcon partnered with ORBIS International to bring eye care services and healthcare provider training to impoverished communities worldwide. It also acquired the Texas Pharmacal Company, which became Dermatological Products of Texas and is now DPT Laboratories.

In 1982, the William C. Conner Research Center was established to significantly expand research into treatments for eye diseases and disorders. Two years later, Alcon founded the Technical Excellence Award to promote achievements in R&D excellence and has awarded it to more than 100 recipients.

In 1988, Alcon acquired Sharpoint, Inc., expanding its surgical manufacturing capabilities. The company continued to innovate and launched its first soft contact lens exclusively for periodic replacement, NewVue (Focus), in 1989. The following year, Alcon opened the Irvine Technology Center in California, the world's foremost center for the development of ophthalmic instrumentation.

In 1994, the FDA approved Alcon's AcrySof® intraocular lens (IOL), which represented the first time a material had been developed specifically for an IOL. Today, Alcon's portfolio of AcrySof® IOLs are the world's most frequently implanted lenses. Three years later, Alcon introduced Patanol® ophthalmic solution, now the leading prescription eye drop for treating allergic conjunctivitis. Tim Sear, a longtime leader in Alcon's international expansion, became the company's third president and CEO.

In the year 2000, Alcon made a strategic move to enter the refractive laser market and expand its line of retinal surgery instruments by acquiring Summit Autonomous and Grieshaber. The following year, in 2001, Alcon introduced TRAVATAN® ophthalmic solution, which helped to lower intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients.

In 2004, CIBA VISION launched O2OPTIX™, which was later rebranded as AIR OPTIX®, a high oxygen transmissibility, breathable monthly replacement contact lens. In 2006, Alcon continued its expansion with the introduction of TRAVATAN Z® ophthalmic solution, which helped to lower intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients, as well as the AcrySof® Toric IOL, which was designed for cataract patients with astigmatism.

In 2007, Alcon was able to expand its product portfolio for LASIK surgery through regulatory clearance to purchase Wavelight AG. In 2008, Alcon introduced the CONSTELLATION® Vision System, which was used for vitreoretinal surgery. Additionally, Alcon launched its first nasal product, Patanase® nasal spray, to treat nasal allergy symptoms. The company also expanded its AcrySof® line with the Phakic and IQ ReSTOR® +3.0 D IOLs. In the same year, Novartis purchased approximately 25 percent of Nestlé's stake in Alcon, becoming its second-largest shareholder.

By 2009, Alcon's leading brand of intraocular lenses (IOLs), AcrySof®, had exceeded 40 million implants. The United States subsidiary of Alcon, Alcon Laboratories, Inc., was recognized for the 11th consecutive year as one of FORTUNE's "Best Companies to Work For."

In 2010, Novartis retained the option to purchase the remaining 52 percent of Nestlé's ownership of Alcon. The following year, in 2011, Alcon launched DAILIES TOTAL1®, the world's first-and-only water gradient daily disposable contact lens.

In 2013, Alcon launched its most advanced phacoemulsification technology platform, the CENTURION® Vision System. In 2014, Alcon introduced AIR OPTIX® COLORS contact lenses, a monthly replacement color-enhancing lens with silicone hydrogel technology. Additionally, Alcon acquired the developer of the Optiwave Refractive Analysis (ORA) SYSTEM®, the first commercialized intra-operative aberrometry system for cataract surgery, which has now been used in more than two million cases worldwide.

The first Alcon Experience Center (AEC), an eye health education and training centre, opened in 2015. Alcon also launched a next-generation hydrogen peroxide lens care solution, AOSEPT® PLUS with HydraGlyde® Solution, which was later rebranded as CLEAR CARE® PLUS in North America. In 2016, DAILIES TOTAL1® Multifocal contact lenses launched the first-and-only water gradient contact lenses for people with presbyopia.

On April 9, 2019, Alcon completed a 100 percent spin-off from Novartis. The introduction of PRECISION1® silicone hydrogel daily disposable contact lenses offered lasting visual performance and comfort at a mainstream price. Moreover, Alcon launched the LuxOR Revalia™ Ophthalmic Microscope, which was designed for both anterior and posterior procedures, for every type of ophthalmic surgery.

with its latest innovations in 2020 and 2022. In 2020, Alcon launched AcrySof® IQ Vivity® IOL, a breakthrough in presbyopia-correcting extended depth of focus IOL technology. This wavefront-shaping IOL provides excellent vision while minimizing visual disturbances, creating a mono-focal-like visual experience for the patient.

In 2022, Alcon announced the completion of its acquisition of Ivantis, a leader in minimally invasive glaucoma surgery devices. As a result, Alcon was able to bring the Hydrus® Microstent into its surgical portfolio, offering a minimally invasive solution to reduce intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients.

In the same year, Alcon introduced SYSTANE® COMPLETE Preservative-Free Lubricant Eye Drops in an easy-to-use multi-dose bottle. This innovative solution provides long-lasting relief for dry eye symptoms without the use of preservatives.

Additionally, Alcon announced the rollout of the CLAREON® family of IOLs, featuring a novel CLAREON material that delivers consistent visual outcomes. The CLAREON IOLs offer an advanced solution for cataract patients, providing excellent visual quality with reduced glare and halos.

To further support the development of cataract surgeons-in-training, Alcon introduced the Fidelis Virtual Reality (VR) Ophthalmic Surgical Simulator. This portable VR tool allows surgeons to practice and refine their surgical skills in a simulated environment, leading to improved outcomes for their patients. 

Overall, Alcon's continued innovation and dedication to advancing the field of ophthalmology is helping to improve the quality of life for millions of people around the world. From its humble beginnings as a small pharmacy in Texas, Alcon has become a global leader in eye care, with a commitment to improving the quality of life for patients worldwide. With over 75 years of innovation and dedication to research and development, Alcon is poised to continue its growth and success for many years to come.

Mission statement: Alcon's mission is to provide innovative products that enhance the quality of life by helping people see better.

Alcon's mission and vision statements reflect the company's dedication to helping people maintain a healthy vision, and to promoting innovation, excellence, and integrity in all its operations.

Vision statement: Alcon's vision is to be the most trusted leader in eye care.

Through these statements, Alcon expresses its commitment to developing and providing innovative products and services that improve people's vision and quality of life. The company strives to be a leader in the eye care industry, earning the trust of customers, patients, and healthcare professionals alike.

• Surgical products: Alcon provides a range of surgical products for ophthalmic surgeries, such as cataract surgery, vitreoretinal surgery, and glaucoma surgery. These products include intraocular lenses (IOLs), surgical equipment, and accessories.
• Pharmaceutical products: Alcon produces a range of pharmaceutical products used to treat eye conditions, such as glaucoma, inflammation, and infections. These products include eye drops, ointments, and injectables.
• Vision care products: Alcon offers a variety of vision care products, including contact lenses, lens care products, and over-the-counter eye drops for dry eye relief.
• Consumer health products: Alcon also offers a range of consumer health products, such as eye vitamins and supplements, and eye drops for allergy relief.
• Education and training: Alcon provides education and training programs for eye care professionals, including residency and fellowship programs, and courses on surgical techniques and technologies.