New Contact Lens Success Program Guarantee

Rouses Point, NY (PRWEB) April 12, 2005 -- Imperial Optical, Inc., the leading independent wholesale contact lens distributor in North America, today launched its “Contact Lens Success Program” guarantee. The "Program" provides eyecare practitioners with a full refund on up to two opened and partially used boxes of disposable contact lenses that are returned as a result of a patient’s unsuccessful transition to contact lenses and/or a patient’s unsuccessful conversion from one contact lens product to another.

David Pearce, Imperial Optical’s Marketing Manager said, “After talking with many independent practitioners, it became clear that Imperial Optical could take a leading position in the contact lens distribution marketplace by developing a no-hassle return policy to support practitioners who offer a contact lens success program to their patients. I strongly urge all independent ECPs to develop a contact lens success program. Eyeglass-wearing patients are more likely to give contact lenses a try, either as a lifestyle supplement to their glasses or a full-time transition, if there is little or no financial risk involved.”

The “Contact Lens Success Program” guarantee will give eyecare practitioners a full refund on up to two (one box if the Rx is the same for both eyes) opened and partially used boxes of disposable contact lenses. A patient name will be required at the time of order specific to their prescription. Whether ECPs order one box or eight for their specific patient, Imperial will credit the purchase price of the entire order when the unused and undamaged boxes are returned with the opened and partially used box(es) (some restrictions apply – see terms of guarantee at: www.imperialoptical.com/contactlenssuccessprogramguarantee.aspx ).

“Imperial Optical is devoted to finding new and innovative ways to help independent eyecare practitioners be more successful. I hope that more of our ECP strategic partners will develop and implement a contact lens success program knowing that Imperial Optical is here to take back, at a full refund, the lenses from patients whose transition was unsuccessful,” Pearce concluded.

Extended contact-lens wear increases the probability of serious infections such as bacterial keratitis. Bacterial keratitis is the most common type of infectious keratitis and people who obtain keratitis can suffer from photophobia and acute pain. Medical treatment, which varies for each patient, should be immediate because keratitis can result in the formation of scar tissue in the cornea that can lead to blindness.

Binder said that sleeping with contacts restricts oxygen flow to the eye. As a result, the cornea swells and bacteria can more readily penetrate the corneal surface, also called the epithelium.

Researchers are working on new technology to improve contact lenses for those who have sensitive eyes and reduce general adverse side effects.

A yearlong study directed by Dr. Philip B. Morgan, an optometrist at the University of Manchester in England, found that eye patients wearing new contact lenses made of silicon hydrogel were less likely to suffer from an eye infection than patients wearing regular contact lenses.

The silicon hydrogel allows oxygen to pass through to the cornea, reducing the risk of eye injuries. Even though these contact lenses were found to be safer, Binder said he still recommended removing contact lenses before sleeping.