Johnson & Johnson Vision
The Power List 2019 – Surgical Pioneers
Tom Frinzi
Worldwide President, Johnson & Johnson Vision, Surgical
What are the most important surgical innovations the company has brought to ophthalmology?
Innovation is the lifeblood of Johnson & Johnson Vision. Over the last three decades, we have introduced the first small-incision foldable IOL, the first multifocal IOL, the first femtosecond laser for LASIK in the US, and offer the first and only extended depth of focus (EDOF) IOL with TECNIS® Symfony. We’re also innovating with new techniques to help physicians personalize their patients’ vision, by combining our TECNIS Symfony with TECNIS multifocals.
We know we cannot rely on our heritage; we must have a roadmap to continue to deliver disruptive technology on a regular cadence across our full portfolio. Already in the first half of this year, we’re delivering products that were previously unimaginable. We’ve launched ACUVUE OASYS with Transitions, the first-of-its-kind contact lens that can sense lighting conditions and adapt from clear to dark. We also introduced the TECNIS Eyhance IOL to Europe, a next-generation monofocal intraocular lens, and the first in its category to deliver improved intermediate vision and 20/20 distance vision. Beyond that, we have a robust portfolio of new premium IOLs designed to offer the next generation of spectacle independence.
What do you see as the most exciting surgical innovations in the field right now?
There are two key areas of disruptive technologies that have the potential to transform eye care and ophthalmology as we know it. The first area is next generation IOLs. The ability to fine-tune an IOL post implantation, or to perfectly emulate the natural crystalline lens in an IOL without unwanted side effects has always been the “holy-grail,” and we’re getting closer with every innovation.
The second area for breakthrough innovations is in drug delivery. We’re close to being able to bring the first drug-eluting contact lens to market, which I think promises to be the first of many drug delivery innovations to address common issues, such as patient compliance, faced by ECPs.
What changes do you see happening in ophthalmic surgery in the next 10 years?
The combination of 3D image visualization and AI is already transforming the fields of cardiology and radiology, providing efficiencies, improved diagnostics and predictive analytics. I predict it will do the same for ophthalmology. Additionally, I believe big data and digitalization will revolutionize our industry in the next 10 years – in our ability to diagnose and treat, and in our ability to provide an effortless customer experience.
But the changes in the industry are secondary to the change I hope to see in the state of global eye health itself. We know that sight is the sense people fear losing the most. Yet, across the world, 1.3 billion people live with impaired vision, 80 percent of which can be prevented or cured. We have a tremendous opportunity to elevate the importance of eye health, and to address this global health epidemic. I’m excited for the opportunity of Johnson & Johnson Vision to partner with the ophthalmology community to be part of the solution.
