About Alcon
Alcon is the global leader in eye care, dedicated to helping people see brilliantly. With our 75-plus-year heritage, we are the largest eye care device company in the world – with complementary businesses in Surgical and Vision Care
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1945 Two pharmacists, Robert Alexander and William Conner, open a small pharmacy in Fort Worth, Texas, combining the first syllables of their last names to call it Alcon -
1950 Alcon introduces its first two ophthalmic products: Ophthalzin™ for minor eye infections and Zincfrin® for red, itchy eyes -
1953 While on a sales call in West Texas, Robert Alexander and a local physician develop and patent the DROPTAINER® eye drop dispensing bottle, now standard for today’s eye care products -
1969 Alcon’s surgical division is formed with seven associates -
1989 Alcon purchases CooperVision Surgical to become the world’s leading ophthalmic surgical company -
1990 Launch of Focus®, the first soft contact lens exclusively for periodic replacement -
2003 Alcon launches SYSTANE® eye drops for the treatment of dry eye symptoms -
2005 Alcon launches the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL quickly becoming a global leader in multifocal IOLs by offering the widest array of eye care and eye health products -
2008 CIBA Vision launches AIR OPTIX® for Astigmatism, AIR OPTIX® AQUA, and DAILIES® AquaComfort Plus® contact lenses
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Alcon introduces the CONSTELLATION® Vision System for vitreoretinal surgery -
2011 Alcon launched the world’s first and only water gradient daily disposable contact lens, DAILIES TOTAL1® -
2013 Alcon launches VERION™ Reference Unit and the VERION™ Digital Marker an advanced surgical planning, imaging and guidance technology designed to provide greater accuracy and efficiency during cataract surgery -
2014 Alcon expands its DAILIES® AquaComfort Plus® family of contact lenses with the introduction of multifocal and designs.
Alcon introduces AIR OPTIX® COLORS contact lenses, a monthly colour-enhancing lens with silicone hydrogel technology available in nine natural-looking colours -
2014 Alcon enters into an agreement with Verily (formerly Google Life Sciences) to license smart lens” technology.
Alcon acquires WaveTec Vision, the developer of the first commercialised intra-operative aberrometry system for cataract surgery -
2015 The Alcon Experience Center, an eye health education and training center, opens at the Fort Worth, Texas global headquarters -
2016 The NGENUITY® 3D Visualisation System is launched, to aid in retinal surgery visualisation -
2016 Two new contact lens innovations are launched: DAILIES TOTAL 1® Multifocal, the first and only water gradient lenses designed for people with presbyopia, and AIR OPTIX® plus HydraGlyde, which combines SmartShield® Technology and HydraGlyde® Moisture Matrix – for a unique combination of deposit protection and long-lasting lens surface moisture -
2016 Alcon enters into a strategic alliance with PowerVision, Inc. to develop fluid-based accommodating lens implants
Disclaimer: Content contained in the timeline on this page relates to Alcon’s US corporate history. Not all products described in this section are approved for use in Australia and/or New Zealand.
Our Business Focus
Our leadership is grounded in cutting-edge innovation and breakthrough technology, transforming the way we treat eye diseases and eye conditions. We have the widest array of eye care offerings in the industry with products organised into two business: Surgical and Vision Care.
Surgical
Surgical
We offer a wide range of ophthalmic surgical and diagnostic products, enabling surgeons to achieve the best results for their patients. Our surgical portfolio includes technologies and devices for cataract, vitreoretinal and refractive surgery, as well as advanced technology intraocular lenses (ATIOLs) to treat cataracts and refractive errors, like presbyopia and astigmatism. We also provide visualisation instrumentation, consumables, ophthalmic visco-surgical devices (OVDs), surgical solutions, Custom-Paks® and other disposable products for cataract and vitreoretinal surgery.
Vision Care
Vision Care
We are one of the largest manufacturers of contact lenses and lens care products. Our Vision Care portfolio offers a broad range of daily disposable, reusable and colour-enhancing contact lenses and a comprehensive portfolio of ocular health products. These include products for dry eye, contact lens care and ocular allergies, as well as ocular vitamins and redness relievers.
