Outlook on Industry

J&J gets real

Functional device measures, support for practices bring innovative tech to life. Howard Larkin reports

Cataract surgery isn’t just to help surgeons be more effective and about reading letters at efficient. For example, new software six metres. It’s also about for the Catalys Precision Laser System helping patients read their for femtosecond laser-assisted cataract phones, shop, cook and surgery improves astigmatism correction avoid falls in their daily lives. in several ways.

Measuring such functional and economic Developed in collaboration with Cassini benefits of intraocular lenses (IOLs) and Technologies, the CATALYS™ System other devices is just one example of how cOS 6.0 update adds iris registration for Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision is automatic cyclotorsion compensation. innovating to do a better job of meeting The software also reduces the need for patient – and surgeon – needs, said Erin intraoperative aberrometry for IOL McEachren, J&J Surgical Vision’s new alignment by allowing radial laser marks regional vice president for Europe, the with a mean accuracy of 0.6°, or 5.5 times Middle East and Africa. more precise than manual markers.

Eyhance®, the TECNIS Automated data entry increases monofocal IOL that improves accuracy and efficiency while intermediate as well as distance built-in nomograms reduce vision, is a good example, time spent on calculations for McEachren said. “It’s not just arcuate incisions. innovation, but innovation at Combined with the TECNIS a cost that is not prohibitive. Synergy™ Toric II, introduced at This really enables big institutions this year’s Congress of the ESCRS, to use great technology in a way that delivers value that you can see, such as Erin McEachren the update further strengthens J&J’s astigmatism platform. TECNIS potentially reducing falls.” Synergy™ Toric II is a newly

To that end, J&J is developing registries designed lens with a flat defocus curve, and other survey tools that do a better job which offers a broad range of continuous not only of quantifying patient benefits, vision and superior low-light performance but of also detecting and addressing unmet for reading in dim lighting. The new lens patient needs. “We are looking at it from also features frosted haptics designed to a data-driven perspective; not just clinical improve rotational stability in the eye. outcomes but the whole picture so we can It’s all part of an overall corporate focus better understand functional outcomes on improved effectiveness, efficiency and and the healthcare economics of our sustainability that includes professional products,” McEachren said. education, research and clinic systems

McEachren sees this as a J&J strength improvements. “One reason I joined J&J is due to its broad portfolio of businesses and there is so much development and a vision resources, which include pharmaceutical platform with a 2030 goal,” McEachren said. development and non-surgical ocular products. “Pharma does a good job COPING WITH COVID with value-based healthcare and we are applying that approach to medical device development, which is more dynamic. I won’t say we have it all figured out, but the data is driving it.” Similarly, J&J Surgical Vision is innovating As many ophthalmic practices have reported, COVID-19 has had one upside for J&J Surgical Vision, as it has enabled surgeons around the globe to collaborate more through video and webinars. “It has given us strategic time to reflect on our past and

It’s not just innovation, but innovation at a cost that is not prohibitive. This really enables big institutions to use great technology in a way that delivers value that you can see Erin McEachren plan our future, strengthening our organisation and our partnerships with clinicians,

One reason I joined J&J is there is so much development and a vision platform with a 2030 goal Erin McEachren

private clinics, and public hospitals, and look at more-creative solutions,” McEachren said.

Throughout the pandemic, J&J has provided assistance in the hardest hit areas. In one UK case, J&J Surgical Vision donated a Tecnis Toric IOL and helped arrange surgery that allowed a critically needed consultant anaesthesiologist to return to work in London while elective surgeries were shut down. He had a first Tecnis lens implanted before the lockdown, and needed the second to correct anisometropia that left him barely able to function using PPE.

Fogged spectacles from mask wearing also appears to be driving an uptick in refractive surgery, McEachren noted. “It’s an opportunity for refractive lens exchange and to help younger patients transition to IOLs.” Overall, refractive centres have recovered a little quicker than cataract practices, though whether the trend holds remains to be seen.

Overall, the pandemic took a toll on J&J as well as practices, especially during the second quarter of 2020. Recovery has happened at different rates across the region, accordingly to lock down timings and local restrictions, McEachren said.

These unmet needs set the stage for a strong comeback, perhaps with more efficient processes and effective products, said McEachren, who is optimistic about the field’s prospects over the next few years. She believes J&J Surgical Vision has prepared and has the resources to change the trajectory of eye care going forward.

“I have been blown away by the great people at J&J and their commitment to our customers. I feel very lucky and supported as a business leader that we can focus on what really matters for our patients both now and in the future,” McEachren said.