Noel Brennan discusses J&J’s new ortho-k lens at O=Mega23

Speaking to a packed auditorium at O=Mega23/WCO4 in Melbourne, Noel Brennan unveiled Johnson and Johnson Vision’s (J&Js) latest, self-proclaimed “breakthrough soft contact lens for myopia control”.

With approval expected imminently, but not yet given by Australia’s TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) and the New Zealand equivalent, Medsafe, Brennan and the J&J ANZ team were unable to name the lens but were able to present and discuss its scientific data.

The new lens was FDA-approved and launched as Acuvue Abiliti in the US in mid-2021 with much fanfare and has been highly anticipated in this region ever since. An overnight orthokeratology (ortho-k) lens, the new lens has been scientifically proven to reduce axial elongation and marks a key milestone in J&J’s commitment to change the trajectory of myopia, said Brennan. The lenses employ noncoaxial ring-focus designs for enhancing efficacy and vision when compared with dual-focus and single-vision lens designs¹, with each lens specifically designed to fit the unique shape of each patient's cornea and prescription, he said.

Born from J&J’s collaboration with Japanese-based contact lens manufacturer Menicon, the lenses reduce refractive error up to 6.00D and up to 1.50D of astigmatism, when worn overnight in children as young as six years of age, reported J&J. Where it has launched, the Abiliti brand includes a suite of myopia management products, from the new ortho-k lenses and associated FitAbiliti software, to help eyecare professionals with the bespoke fitting process, to digital companion apps to address children’s individual needs as they grow, said J&J spokespeople in those regions, adding there are more products in the pipeline.

J&J launches new ANZ digital learning platform

J&J ANZ also unveiled a new digital learning platform, JNJVisionPro, for optometrists in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) at O=Mega23.

Specifically designed to streamline and simplify the online learning experience in Australasia, the new digital platform is a unique resource that will deliver accredited online learning, patient education materials and practice resources, said Michelle Ho, J&J Vision’s business unit director ANZ. “It will serve as (optometrists’) virtual partner, giving them exclusive, instant access to all-important resources including contact lens fitting guides, calculators and patient resources for their practices, plus self-paced accredited CPD courses.”

Online learning material will be accredited in New Zealand and Australia by the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board of New Zealand and the Optometry Board of Australia respectively, and should be available from early 2024, said Ho.

Reference

1. Cheng X, Xu J, Brennan NA. Randomized Trial of Soft Contact Lenses with Novel Ring Focus for Controlling Myopia Progression. Ophthalmol Sci. 2022 Oct 18;3(1):100232