Alcon launches back-to-school campaign to introduce more students to contact lenses

Alcon stated in the release that given the substantial screen time that younger patients clock in every day, the company’s contact lens portfolio of proprietary WaterInnovations can work to meet the generation’s eye health and lifestyle needs. Image credit: AdobeStock/DraganaGordic

In an effort to engage the younger generation, Alcon has debuted a campaign to empower eye care professionals during the back-to-school season by providing Generation Z insights, comprehensive practice resources, and PRECISION contact lens portfolio rebates.¹ Alcon will also be working with eye care key opinion leaders in the form of strategic partnerships to feature social media content that will highlight patients sharing their eye health and contact lens journeys, according to a news release.

“We recognize the critical role ECPs play in shaping lifelong vision habits, and for many patients, that starts with early childhood intervention and proper vision correction. Every year, ECPs enable more and more students to succeed in the classroom, and Alcon is proud to support their work,” said Dr. Carla Mack, Head, Global and US Professional Education and Development at Alcon. “This campaign is about uplifting ECPs with the tools, insights, and support they need to connect with Gen Z patients and their families in meaningful ways. Together, we’re helping the next generation see brilliantly—today and for years to come.”

Specifically, the campaign will provide eye care providers with practice growth insights via data-driven tools that provide information on the opportunities for Generation Z outreach opportunity in terms of contact lens use. The Generation Z patient profiles will offer statistics and behavioural insights that can help providers to more effectively guide their conversations with their younger patients. Additionally, the in-office materials provide support for the contact lens conversation with young wearers. According to Alcon, August is a particularly significant month to suggest contact lenses to younger patients for back-to-school season, with an approximate 13% increase in contact lens patient volume in August compared to other months of the year.²

Alcon stated in the release that given the substantial screen time that younger patients clock in every day, the company’s contact lens portfolio of proprietary WaterInnovations can work to meet the generation’s eye health and lifestyle needs. For instance, between study session and schoolwork, patients who are students spend 44% of their waking hours looking at screens, on average. The company stated that PRECISION1 daily disposable lenses are the top prescribed contact lens for patients under 25 years old, with PRECISION7 1-week replacement lenses as the fastest growing contact lens brand in the market.^1,2

Other members of the WaterInnovations portfolio include DAILIES TOTAL1 and TOTAL30. Both utilize water gradient technology, with nearly 100% water on the outermost surface of the lens. TOTAL1 utilizes Smartears technology, which releases phosphatidylcholine, which is an ingredient found naturally in tears that can help stabilize the lipid layer. TOTAL30 also blocks UVA and UVB rays and filters blue-violet light.³

“PRECISION lenses have been extremely beneficial for my Gen Z patients—especially students juggling academics, athletics, and constant screen time,” said Dr. Aaron Luekenga, optometrist at Heritage Valley Eye Care Optometric Center in Fillmore, CA. “These lenses offer the comfort and vision^10-11 they need to stay focused and productive all day. Since introducing them into my practice, my patients have loved how seamlessly the lenses integrate into their lifestyles.”

PRECISION1 utilizes SMARTSURFACE technology that provides a microthin layer of moisture (around 2-3 microns), with water content increasing from 51% at the core to greater than 80% at the outer surface. For PRECISION7, the lens provides 16 hours of comfort and is the first and only lens to utilize the ACTIV-FLO System that moisturizes the lens surface for the full 7 days.³

References:

1. Alcon launches back-to-school campaign to encourage student eye exams and support eye care professional practices. News release. Alcon. August 14, 2025. Accessed August 15, 2025.

2. Back-to-school just got good. Alcon. Accessed August 15, 2025. https://www.myalcon.com/professional/contact-lenses/daily/precision1/back-to-school/#3169006954-1032721070

3. Let’s harness the power of water together, with WaterInnovations lenses. Alcon. Accessed August 15, 2025. https://www.myalcon.com/professional/water-innovations/