Bausch + Lomb Launches Second Annual Faces of Glaucoma Campaign

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Bausch + Lomb announced the launch of the second annual Faces of Glaucoma campaign.¹ The event is scheduled for the entire month of January, Glaucoma awareness month, and is being held in partnership with the Glaucoma Research Foundation. Aside from raising awareness for the condition, the campaign will highlight patient stories.

The campaign will also include educational resources for both patients and their families. Bausch + Lomb will also match ever dollar donated, up to $20,000.

In a press release, Andrew Stewart, president of. Bausch + Lomb’s global pharmaceuticals and international consumer divisions, said, “It’s estimated that half of people with glaucoma don’t know that they have it, demonstrating a need for continuing education and awareness efforts. In collaboration with Glaucoma Research Foundation, we aim to encourage people to take an active role in understanding and managing their risk, starting with seeing an eye doctor.”

In the same press release, the Glaucoma Research Foundation’s president and CEO Thomas M. Brunner added, “While glaucoma is often thought of as an older person’s disease, it’s important to understand that it can impact anyone, regardless of race, age or gender. This year we build on our previous efforts by highlighting a new group of diverse patient stories to bring to life the many faces of glaucoma. We are grateful for the ongoing partnership with Bausch + Lomb and excited to be working with them again.”

In December, Bausch + Lomb announced the acquisition of Elios Vision, a global eye health company that developed the ELIOS procedure.² This minimally invasive glaucoma surgery is expected to be used alongside Bausch + Lomb’s existing glaucoma treatment portfolio.

In a press release issued at the time, Luc Bonnefoy, president of Bausch + Lomb’s surgical division, said, “Today’s announcement further demonstrates our commitment to investing in smart, innovative technologies that enable eye care professionals to better address the evolving needs of their patients. The ELIOS system offers a differentiated approach for the treatment of glaucoma, a condition expected to increase in prevalence by 47% from 2020 to 2040.”

In the same press release, former Elios Vision chairman and CEO Elliot Friedman added, “Bausch + Lomb’s extensive reach in cataract surgery will introduce ELIOS to a broader range of eye care professionals and help change the treatment paradigm for the estimated 80 million people worldwide living with glaucoma. The goal is to make combining cataract and glaucoma treatment the new standard of care, and that’s even more attainable given Bausch + Lomb’s presence in nearly 100 countries.”

The release also included a statement from Professor Ike K. Ahmed, MD, from the University of Toronto and Moran Eye Center, which said, “ELIOS provides a tissue-friendly, precision non-thermal laser-based and highly adoptable procedure for the treatment of glaucoma. The synergy between cataract surgery and MIGS can help ophthalmologists provide streamlined care and improve patient quality of life.”

Sources

1. Bausch + Lomb and Glaucoma Research Foundation Launch Second Annual “Faces of Glaucoma” Campaign and Fundraising Challenge. Bausch + Lomb. January 7, 2025. https://www.bausch.com/news/?id=243
2. Bausch + Lomb Acquires Elios Vision, Significantly Enhances Glaucoma Treatment Capabilities. Bausch + Lomb. December 11, 2024. Accessed January 9, 2025. https://www.bausch.com/news/?id=239