J&J takes over local distribution of TearScience

TearScience was founded in the US in 2005, focusing on medical devices for the ophthalmic market. In 2012 the company launched LipiView, the first device of its kind that captures images of meibomian glands in the eyelids, and the LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation Syst, which treats evaporative dry eye by liquefying and evacuating obstructions in meibomian glands.Two years later LipiView II, which ploys reflected and transilluminated light sources to provide high definition structural meibomian gland images, was launched.{{quote-A:R-W:450-I:2-Q: In joining forces with Johnson & Johnson Vision, we’ll connect more with the TearScience and ophthalmology communities to assure they have the tools needed to optimise ocular surface health for millions of patients. -WHO:Joe Boorady, CEO of TearScience}}The third device forming the dry eye suite, LipiScan was launched in 2016. It is a dedicated high-definition gland imager that allows eyecare professionals to assess meibomian gland structure during routine workups in a practice setting.While the range was previously available in Australia and New Zealand prior to the takeover, J&J’s local focus over the coming months will be on strengthening existing customer relationships, and introducing the range to new clients, especially at conferences such as the RANZCO Scientific Congress in Novber.At the time of the international acquisition, TearScience CEO Mr Joe Boorady said, “In joining forces with Johnson & Johnson Vision, we’ll connect more with the TearScience and ophthalmology communities to assure they have the tools needed to optimise ocular surface health for millions of patients.”The J&J move was seen as strategic and Mr Tom Frinzi, worldwide president of surgical vision for Johnson & Johnson Vision explained that the “TearScience technology is proven to treat one of the leading causes of dry eye, which is directly aligned with our product portfolio and our commitment to improve and restore sight for patients.”