CooperVision produces hand sanitizer at manufacturing sites

August 4, 2020

Brooke Beery, Associate Editor

Brooke Beery is Associate Editor of Optometry Times^®.

Initiative helps eye care and local communities address COVID-19

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, CooperVision converted two of its manufacturing facilities into hand sanitizer production sites. One manufacturing location is in Hampshire, United Kingdom, the other is in Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico.

Benefits are two-fold: a portion of the sanitizer that is being produced stocks internal supplies for employee hygiene needs. This consistent, internal supply ensures commercial stocks are freed for consumer use elsewhere, according to the company. Additional reserves are being donated to community organizations and customers.

Before conversion, the UK and Juana Diaz sites were manufacturing a range of contact lenses, including Biofinity and MyDay. Laboratory and operating procedure re-designs were issued in order to meet material handling retirements. The company was able to produce bottles of hand sanitizer in volume—safely, efficiently and in line with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines—within 3 weeks.

Community recipients include areas of the National Health Service, schools, community facilities, care homes, and charities. In the US, the company has distributed complimentary bottles to customers as well.