Keefer to retire from JJVC after 23 years

Jacksonville, FL-After a 23-year career with Johnson & Johnson Vision Care (JJVC), and over 40 years in the eye care, Phil Keefer has announced his decision to retire, effective Sept. 1.

Keefer joined JJVC in 1989 as executive vice president sales, marketing, professional affairs and strategic planning, where he oversaw the initial launch of the Acuvue brand. In 1993, Keefer was appointed vice president, new business development, where he created and implemented global strategic plans that included the international expansion of the vision care franchise. He served as managing director/president of multiple regions, including Asia Pacific, the Americas, Latin America, and Japan.

Keefer is currently president of The Vision Care Institute, where he conceived and implemented a professional education strategy that resulted in the creation of 15 Vision Care Institutes and 9 satellite centers around the world. He has also served as an active member of the JJVC Global Management Board for his entire 23-year career.

In addition to his job responsibilities, Keefer was chairman of the Contact Lens Institute Board of Governors, and has also served on several boards, including the American Optometric Foundation, VisionWeb Inc., the National Boards of The Vision Council of America and Prevent Blindness America, and the Florida Board of Prevent Blindness America. In 2009, The American Academy of Optometry presented him with the Honorary Fellowship Award for his distinguished contributions to the science and art of optometry.

Before joining Johnson & Johnson in 1989, Keefer held positions at Allergan, CooperVision, Optical Radiation Corporation, and Polymer Technology, where he was instrumental in taking the company from start up to global distribution and worldwide success.

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