SECO 2026: New contact lens wearers’ real-world experience with a novel daily disposable toric contact lens

John Womack, OD, chief medical officer for Family First Vision Care in Kenton, Georgia, discussed real-world clinical experience with a kalifilcon A daily disposable silicone hydrogel toric contact lens (INFUSE for Astigmatism, Bausch + Lomb). He detailed the poster he presented at SECO 2026 in an exclusive interview with Optometry Times.

Womack explained that this work focuses on real-world performance rather than purely theoretical or lab-based expectations. Instead of relying on controlled clinical trial conditions, the study looks at how the lens behaves in the day-to-day reality of a busy optometric practice—during comprehensive exams, with typical time pressures, and a broad mix of patients. A key emphasis is on new wearers, for whom ease of handling and comfort are critical; if the lens is difficult to apply or uncomfortable early on, patients often abandon contact lens wear altogether.

Womack highlighted several core performance attributes:

• Handling: The lens’s modulus makes it stable rather than overly floppy on the finger, which helps patients, especially first-time wearers, insert it quickly and confidently.
• Comfort and moisture: In today’s digital environment, where patients blink less and lenses can dry out, this lens is designed to maintain moisture and comfort throughout wear.
• Vision and orientation: As a toric lens, it must orient rapidly to provide clear vision. Womack reported that the lens orients quickly, giving patients the visual performance they need early in wear.

Womack noted there were no strict demographic exclusions. Doctors used their own clinical discretion in the exam room, fitting a wide variety of patients—from young first-time wearers to more mature patients—reflecting true practice diversity.

To avoid bias, patient feedback was collected via online surveys completed at home, without the doctor present. Womack believes this methodology improves the credibility of the findings, as patients can respond candidly about comfort, handling, and vision.

For optometrists, Womack’s main takeaway is that this lens is a reliable, innovative option that belongs in their “toolbox.” It can help patients who have previously struggled with contact lenses as well as those who are already “happy” but could benefit from new integrated technology—combining advanced design, material properties, and moisture retention. He stressed that the technology is proven in practice, and that confidence grows as more patients are fit and real-world data continues to accumulate. Ultimately, he encourages colleagues to try the lens themselves on their own patients to see its performance firsthand.