JACKSONVILLE, Fla.—Johnson & Johnson Vision announced Wednesday a global strategic collaboration with contact lens maker Menicon aimed at creating a portfolio of products and services to manage the progression of myopia in children. "For decades, Johnson & Johnson Vision has invested in research collaborations with academic centers, research institutes and leading global health organizations who share our vision of leading with science to reshape the future of myopia and eye health," said Peter Menziuso, global president, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care.

"Our collaboration with Menicon marks another step forward to bring a portfolio of differentiated products to help manage the progression of myopia in children, as we work towards our vision of helping the world see better, connect better, live better."

The new collaboration extends J&J Vision's effort in the area of myopia management, which includes its own internal effort to develop novel myopia control contact lenses. (VMAIL reported on this effort, which at the time received a "breakthrough device" designation by the FDA, in July 2020.)

As part of the new collaborative effort, Menicon will develop and manufacture the contact lenses to help manage the progression of myopia in children. Johnson & Johnson Vision will focus on expanding availability of these lenses around the world.

The strategic collaboration with Menicon is the latest from Johnson & Johnson Vision to address the growing myopia epidemic following the development of a first-of-its-kind myopia management guide with new recommendations for eyecare professionals, and the establishment of a research partnership with the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC) and the Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI).

"As eyecare practitioners, we see the long-term impact when myopia progresses or worsens, which can lead to other eye disease and even loss of vision," said professor Ian Flitcroft, MA, DPhil, FRCOphth. "There is no safe level of myopia and there is an emerging need for more myopia treatment options, with an even greater need for industry, eyecare providers, and parents to collaborate and help stop the progression of myopia in children."

Eyecare providers who want to learn more about future products and services from Johnson & Johnson Vision to help manage the progression of myopia can go to www.jnjvisionpro.com/seemyopia.