Alcon expanding eye care biz in China

Having operated in China for more than 30 years, Geneva-headquartered eye care company Alcon plans to step up investment and deepen localization, with rising demand for higher-quality eye care and rapid technological advances underpinning its confidence in the market's long-term prospects, a senior executive told China Daily.

"China is one of our most important markets in the world and is strategically important for our international business," said Rick Kozloski, president of Alcon China, in an interview earlier this month on the sidelines of the 30th Congress of the Chinese Ophthalmological Society in Tianjin.

Alcon is exploring collaboration opportunities with Chinese innovators in areas such as artificial intelligence and robotics, which could help shape the future of ophthalmology, Kozloski said.

"We're very interested in partnering with Chinese experts and innovators," he said.

The company invests nearly $990 million in research and development worldwide each year and is looking to involve Chinese specialists earlier in the product development phase to better address local client needs.

Feedback from Chinese surgeons has already helped Alcon improve Wavelight Plus since the personalized laser vision-correction technology made its global debut in China in 2023 during the China International Import Expo, he said.

Beyond post-launch feedback, Alcon is increasingly involving Chinese ophthalmologists earlier in the innovation process through advisory boards and product development discussions, helping ensure future technologies are designed around local patient needs from the outset.

China's manufacturing expertise, potential cost advantages and policies encouraging multinational companies to produce locally are also reinforcing Alcon's commitment to the country, Kozloski said, adding that Alcon is increasing investment in local manufacturing.

"Some of the most advanced technologies in the world are made here," he said.

A survey released in May by the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China found that 75 percent of respondents considered production in China more efficient than elsewhere. Some 94 percent regarded China as an important sourcing destination, citing delivery speed, cost, reliability and quality.

The company is localizing production of the "wavelight refractive excimer laser", which has entered the final stage of regulatory review. Subject to approval, the localization effort is expected to further strengthen Alcon's ability to serve the China market, Kozloski said.

The manufacturing push follows investment in the company's local supply chain. About two years ago, Alcon invested in a new distribution facility and operating model in Kunshan, Jiangsu province, to improve distribution efficiency, he added.

Kozloski said his assessment of China's long-term market potential remains unchanged, supported by its large population of people with myopia, growing demand for cataract treatment as the population ages and steady growth in demand for refractive surgery.

Patients' expectations are also rising, with greater emphasis on the quality of vision after treatment, creating sustained demand for more advanced products and services, Kozloski added.

National volume-based procurement is helping more patients gain access to advanced intraocular lenses, including extended depth-of-focus and trifocal lenses, Kozloski said.

Alcon will participate actively in the next round of procurement and continue investing in professional education programs, he said.