Global eye health company Bausch + Lomb will purchase the Blink product line of eye and contact lens drops from Johnson & Johnson Vision for US$106 million (AU$155 m).
After announcing a separate bid to acquire the Xiidra prescription dry eye drug from Novartis in recent weeks, B+L says it is the latest example of its strategy to focus on over-the-counter (OTC) consumer eyecare products.
“There’s a growing need for relieving the symptoms of dry eyes and dry contact lenses, and OTC products are often the first option consumers choose,” said Mr John Ferris, B+L’s executive vice president of consumer.
“The addition of Blink expands our robust portfolio of OTC eyecare brands, enabling us to provide more choices for consumers and eyecare professionals.”
The Blink range consists of various eye drops and contact lens rewetting drops that are designed to provide immediate and long-lasting symptom relief. The products that are part of the acquisition include:
- Blink Tears Lubricating Eye Drops
- Blink Tears Preservative Free Lubricating Eye Drops;
- Blink GelTears Lubricating Eye Drops
- Blink Triple Care Lubricating Eye Drops
- Blink Contacts Lubricating Eye Drops
- Blink-N-Clean Lens Drops
Under the terms of the deal, B+L has agreed to acquire the Blink product line for $106.5 million with cash on hand.
According to a 2022 Gallup Study, 57% of US adults report suffering from eye dryness, and of them, nearly half (48%) use OTC lubricant drops to obtain relief.
The incidence is increasing, with a strong correlation between the amount of time spent on digital devices and reported dry eyes. In addition, contact lens discomfort and contact lens dryness impacts a third of the 45 million contact lens wearers in the US.
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