#50: Acuvue Oasys 1-Day: New Product Launch, Exclusive Interviews

Mine came yesterday too. Gonna wear them today. I found the TruEye to be super comfortable but have been wearing Clariti for the past several months, also very comfortable. My eyes are dry and picky, so they are a good test case. (DT-1, 1-Day Moist, Aqua Daily Comf Plus are all extremely dry on my eyes.)

I was actually awake when Adam's thread published overnight, stayed super late to catch up on some stuff. It was fun to get the "breaking news" that way. Nice work, Adam!
 
Been wearing my lenses for a few days.....observations:

1. Handling is better than Moist, not quite as stiff as Tru-Eye. Will be an easy lens for new wearers as it stands well on the insertion finger.

2. Initial comfort is fantastic. You can tell they changed the blister pack solution. The first 10 seconds matters, and this one is a homerun.

3. Wore lenses for 16 hours past 2 days. Don't get the 'gotta get these out' like I get with Proclear and Aqua.

The price point I believe is ~$50 less than DT1 for the annual supply. This lens initially appears to be a winner. Gotta figure out who I will kick out of my top 4 if the 10 patient trial goes well.
 
Latest word is that CDT1 will have a $100 rebate for year supply purchase.

Spoke to rep yesterday. They are obviously aware of the pricing and plan to combat it.
 
Much ado about nothing, then.

We can't sell $700/yr contact lenses.

You know your market. So...

What is the price point you can live with if you eliminate the cost of daily sterilization?
 
You know your market. So...

What is the price point you can live with if you eliminate the cost of daily sterilization?

Sub $400 would be nice. Can get close with Soflens Dailies, which I love and wear myself. Plus they always have like a $100 rebate. About the only daily I ever have luck selling, with a little Aqua Comfort Plus thrown in.
 
How are fees quoted to a patient?

Annual...semi annual...quarterly...monthly...weekly or daily?

I have tried getting ODs to cough up supporting membership for ODwire.org using $49 a year...Less than $1 a week and even less than 14 cents a day. Nothing seems to work.

With that frugal mindset, it's no wonder that 1day wear seems an extravagance, even though most ODs would consider it the safer, healthier approach for patients.
:confused:
 
I just can't make the dumb Starbucks price comparison. Maybe that's my problem.
 
Make all the comparisons you like, cup a joe a day, manicure per week, whatever. The fact remains that people do not like to fork out money, be it annual, quarterly, monthly for vision correction devices. It is not as much fun nor create as much feel-good as the comparisons.

I vote that all lenses are less costly, but then they are still not a desirable purchase so does it really matter?

Deep thought by a Panzer wannabe?

I just solved a frustrated computer vision mono-vision issue with 1DayAcuvueMultiFocal. Do you think she purchased them?

No sir or madam, she doesn't want to spend that much on contacts even though they solved her chief concern. So back she comes to try monthly multifocal I suppose.

She did not know the cost of the lens up front as I wanted her go judge based on vision performance. Well...where did that get us?
 
I just solved a frustrated computer vision mono-vision issue with 1DayAcuvueMultiFocal. Do you think she purchased them?

No sir or madam, she doesn't want to spend that much on contacts even though they solved her chief concern. So back she comes to try monthly multifocal I suppose.

She did not know the cost of the lens up front as I wanted her go judge based on vision performance. Well...where did that get us?
1 patient today loved the AV1 Day Multifocal, but said she'd budget for it next year and bought her year supply of Oasys. Another patient complained of dry eyes with contacts and poor near vision, left with trials of AV1 day MF & CVUE Multifocals. We'll see which one she orders.

Also had a lawyer yesterday who said he liked his (single vision) AV Moist but wondered if there was anything cheaper. I said, "Not if you want to stay in a one day lens, but I've got something more expensive I'd like you to try". He was in his 50's and read J1 pretty easily with AV Moist Medium adds. I think he even bought some!

I received my free Oasys 1 day trials and I will say they are very comfortable. Anyone know what the Dk is on them?
 
I appreciate the wannabe Panzer comment.

I am just a humble Optometrist in Houston. I got an extra fit set of the Medium Power one day Acuvues. They sent me two huge boxes.

Now, why exactly would they do that if I weren't ordering any?

Not sure, but I simply run out of the powers. I have already used up my +1.50, +1.75 and +2.00 Mediums out of my new set and the spaces have not been filled in the original set.

I wish I could somehow magically instill whatever it is I do in all of you.

Sprinkle some fairy dust or something. I do not typically sell a year supply, but I do sell three months and the patients know what they are in for.

My presentation is simple. These are the best. No..they probably won't introduce them as a one month or two week product. And yes, they are pretty much UPP.

Mrs. Patient...perhaps you might like to buy a three month supply and wear them for special occasions????

Answer: Well, I would, but they are so comfortable and I see so well, I think I'll probably just wear them all the time.

Well, then Mrs Patient...Just pay the $198.00+Evaluation and it will be three months before you need to order additional lenses. That will give you plenty of time to get the next money together.


And no Mrs. Patient..you don't need a care kit because you won't be saving the lenses.
Nope, every day you are going to have that good fresh feel you get every time you change out your two week or one month lens.

Mrs Patient: Well, I do like the way my monthly lenses feel when I replace them. And these are so comfortable. I'll just try a three month supply.

Thank you..please pay at the front desk.
Next!!!!! I think I fit 4 or 5 patients on Friday..

This is not intended to brag, its intended to scream at you all....YOU TOO CAN DO THIS!!!

Its an attitude thing. If you shrug your shoulders and act like your patient won't want to pay the money, they won't. Its a self fulfilling prophecy.

You think I don't have cheap..I mean frugal patients?

Kidding right? You think there is a sign on my door..those who are "frugal" need not come in?

No, the sign on the door...says..."Angie's List Super Service Award Winner 2013 and 2014"

I intend to live up to that. I am going to give them "Super Service".

Do all of your patients drive up in 1998 Kia Sorentos?

Do some actually have the nerve to drive late model Lexus, Mercedes, and even the occasional Tesla?

Did the dealer prejudge the driver? No, I don't intend to ask them what they paid for their car...I intend to realize that they are paying a bunch for something.

Oh, I hear from my friend in the Dallas area..
They all have nice houses, drive nice cars, and they are in debt up to their eyeballs.

So, they don't have anything left for Air Titanium Eyewear...they don't have anything left for CDT1 or AV One Day Moist multifocal.

Heck, its all they can do to buy that new Coach purse and those Louis Vitton shoes.

I have seen our problem. It looks back at me every morning when I look in the mirror.

And the customer isn't in my bathroom.

Keep trying. You won't succeed 100%, but if you get 50%..you are ahead.

BTW..I charge a very healthy "Evaluation Fee" for these. And you know what...they are actually easier to fit than many things.
 
I appreciate the wannabe Panzer comment.

I am just a humble Optometrist in Houston. I got an extra fit set of the Medium Power one day Acuvues. They sent me two huge boxes.

Now, why exactly would they do that if I weren't ordering any?

Not sure, but I simply run out of the powers. I have already used up my +1.50, +1.75 and +2.00 Mediums out of my new set and the spaces have not been filled in the original set.

I wish I could somehow magically instill whatever it is I do in all of you.

Sprinkle some fairy dust or something. I do not typically sell a year supply, but I do sell three months and the patients know what they are in for.

My presentation is simple. These are the best. No..they probably won't introduce them as a one month or two week product. And yes, they are pretty much UPP.

Mrs. Patient...perhaps you might like to buy a three month supply and wear them for special occasions????

Answer: Well, I would, but they are so comfortable and I see so well, I think I'll probably just wear them all the time.

Well, then Mrs Patient...Just pay the $198.00+Evaluation and it will be three months before you need to order additional lenses. That will give you plenty of time to get the next money together.


And no Mrs. Patient..you don't need a care kit because you won't be saving the lenses.
Nope, every day you are going to have that good fresh feel you get every time you change out your two week or one month lens.

Mrs Patient: Well, I do like the way my monthly lenses feel when I replace them. And these are so comfortable. I'll just try a three month supply.

Thank you..please pay at the front desk.
Next!!!!! I think I fit 4 or 5 patients on Friday..

This is not intended to brag, its intended to scream at you all....YOU TOO CAN DO THIS!!!

Its an attitude thing. If you shrug your shoulders and act like your patient won't want to pay the money, they won't. Its a self fulfilling prophecy.

You think I don't have cheap..I mean frugal patients?

Kidding right? You think there is a sign on my door..those who are "frugal" need not come in?

No, the sign on the door...says..."Angie's List Super Service Award Winner 2013 and 2014"

I intend to live up to that. I am going to give them "Super Service".

Do all of your patients drive up in 1998 Kia Sorentos?

Do some actually have the nerve to drive late model Lexus, Mercedes, and even the occasional Tesla?

Did the dealer prejudge the driver? No, I don't intend to ask them what they paid for their car...I intend to realize that they are paying a bunch for something.

Oh, I hear from my friend in the Dallas area..
They all have nice houses, drive nice cars, and they are in debt up to their eyeballs.

So, they don't have anything left for Air Titanium Eyewear...they don't have anything left for CDT1 or AV One Day Moist multifocal.

Heck, its all they can do to buy that new Coach purse and those Louis Vitton shoes.

I have seen our problem. It looks back at me every morning when I look in the mirror.

And the customer isn't in my bathroom.

Keep trying. You won't succeed 100%, but if you get 50%..you are ahead.

BTW..I charge a very healthy "Evaluation Fee" for these. And you know what...they are actually easier to fit than many things.
Thanks Allan, you are correct I can do this.

BTW, how can I be Da Man if you Da Man?
 
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There is plenty of room in my sandbox.
We can all play!

Actually need to go to sleep..that class Lloyd is mastering starts mighty early in the morning.

Eight straight..I ain't as young as I once was.
 
I appreciate the wannabe Panzer comment.

I am just a humble Optometrist in Houston. I got an extra fit set of the Medium Power one day Acuvues. They sent me two huge boxes.

Now, why exactly would they do that if I weren't ordering any?

Not sure, but I simply run out of the powers. I have already used up my +1.50, +1.75 and +2.00 Mediums out of my new set and the spaces have not been filled in the original set.

I wish I could somehow magically instill whatever it is I do in all of you.

A multifocal that works properly should not be a hard sell for an existing CL wearer crashing into middle age -- in the few weeks i've been wearing these (Acuvue Dailies Moist MF in my case), i would NOT want to switch back to SV unless I absolutely had to. Even if it meant rationing the lenses, using them on a part-time basis with the old SV as fill-in, etc. My productivity in front of the screens is so much higher that switching back would be painful.

At the risk of alienating everyone involved in the contact lens industry (sorry, dad, advertisers ....), I think we went through a period of time -- perhaps close to a decade -- where there wasn't too much in the way of real innovation in the space.

And by "innovation", i mean products that were quantum leaps better than what they replaced, or provided some new functionality for patients that didn't exist before. There were some swings and misses, but I can't think of many mainstream home runs during the drought. With that sort of backdrop, you can see how consumers might start to think of all CLs as "interchangeable" or a "commodity". It is the same in every industry -- if you don't achieve product differentiation, you will eventually get commoditization. It is inevitable.


In my mind this seemed to change with the release of DT1 -- here was something very new, very different, and very expensive -- but with enough of a functional improvement that it could justify its price for a certain market segment. It was different enough that Alcon was willing to risk going UPP.

And now the product floodgates are opening as the pipeline of new products seems strong across the major manufacturers.

Just in the past 1-2 years, we've seen -- daily multifocals that actually work properly; subtle "cosmetic" lenses that improve people's looks almost invisibly (and don't look like they belong in a carnival), JJ with this new Oasys product attempting to shift people toward the 1-day modality (this BTW is more of a manufacturing breakthrough than anything -- you have no idea how much $$ one needs to invest to make enough of this product from -12 to +8), and so on.... with more new products to come. Or so i'm told!

But I would love to know Allan's "secret sauce", too... maybe i'll tie him down at VEW and force him to do an ODwire.org Radio interview.... :)
 
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It is the same in every industry -- if you don't achieve product differentiation, you will eventually get commoditization. It is inevitable.

An interesting take from a non-clinician MBA very familiar with the contact lens industry and a contact lens wearer when 9 years old.
 
An interesting take from a non-clinician MBA very familiar with the contact lens industry and a contact lens patient for most of his life.

That's a basic economic principle . If you can't differentiate your product, it becomes a commodity and will sell at the market-clearing price for a commodity. Sort of like when you buy wheat, or shipping boxes or something similar -- the features are the same, and the brand becomes almost irrelevant. So the only thing that matters is price.

The way out of that trap is innovation. Which is hard. And the innovation has to matter to the consumer, or else the differentiation isn't meaningful.
 
And the innovation has to matter to the consumer, or else the differentiation isn't meaningful.

The way it will mean something to the consumer is a combined effort by the contact lens manufacturers and the the clinicians.

This means a major advertising/PR initiative by the industry combined with ODs who really believe in the superiority of product and the value of the one day lens approach. This enthusiasm must be transferred to staff as well.
 
Think about this..CDT1 out what one to two years ago....Acuvue Oasys one day in the process for what...ten years?

Its like fashion. It all looks the same and yet..takes a while to get on the market.

So, CDT1 was the "first new product" in however many years...that's what I tell patients.

Next...they are poor at coming out with a plus or a toric lens.

I asked about that yesterday. It seems that initially they were only made overseas. Now, they only had one production line here.

I know it costs a bunch, but how stupid is that..YOU are CIBA for gosh sakes. You got a couple of bucks..
Remember the stupidity of the contaminated production line on the solutions..so they were gone! I just don't get it?

Its like not having a spare tire and driving across the country.

They run a company with only one solution production facility?

Now, comes J&J..coming out with a plus lens immediately. Why? Because old people are hyperopes and they have dry eye. So, here's hoping its as good as CDT1.

And guess what? I'll switch in a second. I have no loyalty! None.

(To a company) My loyalty is to my patients and family..PERIOD.

So, I change products with the wind..blows one way, I use that product. Blows the other way..I use that product.
I'll shut up now.
 
(To a company) My loyalty is to my patients and family..PERIOD.

So, I change products with the wind..blows one way, I use that product. Blows the other way..I use that product.
I'll shut up now.

Your loyalty should be to your patient's first. (Just like our loyalty with ODwire.org is with the docs on the site first -- always. Advertisers necessarily come second. How could it be otherwise?)

You don't need to 'shut up', your complaint is a legitimate one, if bluntly stated. I think everyone else is asking the same question: where are the plus lenses? (i've been on that patient 'waiting list' to try it for over a year.) What is the sticking point?

One of my goals at VEW was to meet with the brand managers at Novartis, specifically around DT1 to see what is happening on the ground & report back to everyone.

I've reached out a couple of times now via e-mail, so far I have received no response. Hopefully something will materialize before the show.
 
Internal versus external marketing.

ODs are looking for ways to attract new patients. Ask any OD who uses advertising or PR the difficulties in this approach.

Established practices have a ready made market of patients who are just an e mail or newsletter away. With the range of new products, it should be an easy sell.

Will ODs have the self confidence of charging a fee for a diagnostic evaluation using a new product especially going into a multifocal. There is professional time involved.

I can never understand the approach of "Try this lens on and see if you like it more".

I know the argument "Things are different now". I wonder...
 
Got monovision trials in my rx from the rep under the "big secret" trial plan.

Did seem bigger, easy to handle, 123, comfort ok, doesn't seem better than others when it came to dryness or end of the day comfort. I still don't see much advantage to a sihi daily disp, isn't the reason for silicone to make it breathe enough to sleep in?

I would love to try dt1 but I need plus, I agree they have been way negligent in getting + powers
 
Confirmed, UPP is going to be $88.50.

tech specs coming...

ad
 
I wonder if it were $50 per 90 if j&j could make money?

I am sure they would sell more but at what volumes?

Glad I don't have to figure that out.

I get the larger OAD to support a larger OZ, but with the 8.5mm base curve that larger diameter is iffy in my mind, time will tell. I did read the package insert and a 9.0 BC is listed but I doubt the fitting sets will include that. If it does kudos to J&J vision care. Kudos anyway for always launching with full power fitting sets, but I really do use both Oasys and 1DMoist base curves.

Thanks Adam for your ground work!
 
Day one...wearing my Acuvue one Day Oasys.

Comfort....good as the CDT1. But lets be honest, when was an Acuvue typically uncomfortable?

Lens does appear "stiffer". Truthfully, lately, even I have been having a tiny bit of trouble removing my CDT1s. See, I sit up very late playing on this site. So, sometimes I fall asleep for a couple of minutes then wake up and take them out. So, lately taking them out and placing them in the trash beside my bed, the CDT1 have occasionally been a pain. Not enough to discontinue them.

I have actually had a patient or two who I forgot to mention the slipperyness of the CDT1 and they wanted to go back to their old product. This will give me an option.

Next Clarity....I wear monovision of sorts....I wear -4.50 in my left (dominant) eye and -4.25 in my right. Give myself that +0.25 add as an "emerging" presbyope.

Its hell growing old....
Truthfully, the Ciba were a bit blurry out of that right eye at distance. Sometimes...which is even more disconcerting.

Occasionally, the comfort of one of the lenses, mostly the right was a problem. I think Ciba has issues with QC...otherwise they were always stellar. But now and then there would be (like any other product) some problem of comfort. Only time will tell as it relates to these.

But my initial impression is that this is a good product. Handling wise and clarity..which as I said seems much better out of that right lens. I will know more once I make the long drive (1.1 miles) through the blinding...oh I almost forgot, there isn't anything blinding..I drive south then west) ok..well, I can clearly tell on the way to work if the right lens that gives me some near vision is blurrier than the Ciba Dailies...

I have run my inventory down on those anyhow.

So, just for all of you out there who use only one lens forever...

There is one last benefit! I get to tell patients I have a new lens..would they like to try it.

Yeah, that's the best benefit of all.;)
 
I'm really, really impressed. Not a hint of dryness after four 16-18 hour days of wearing the 1-Day Oasys with lots of computer use and super lousy air quality due to the fires in our area. My eyes are very picky, so that says a lot.

The distance vision is better than I've seen with any soft lens, comparable to GP's with my -12 Rx. Does anyone know if this is an aspheric design?

Can't wait to try them with my patients.
 
So, its now 12:01. Acuvues still in my eyes since 6:30am
Did have a minute of discomfort a few hours ago.

But now they are ready to go in the trash
Not bad for 18 hours.

My typical day.
 
The polymer for the Oasys 1-Day is the same as the Acuvue Oasys. Senofilcon A. What is the difference between Hydraluxe and Hydraclear Plus? They are 8.5 / 14.3 vs 8.4 / 14

Is there a major difference in the two products? Just curious.
 
I did read the package insert and a 9.0 BC is listed but I doubt the fitting sets will include that. If it does kudos to J&J vision care. Kudos anyway for always launching with full power fitting sets


Fit sets will roll out with 8.5 and 9.0 base curves (at least per my rep).
 
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That would make me happy


As I was leaving the exhibit hall, I stopped by the acuvue booth. I spoke with Dr. Weslie Hamada, who is now in research at Johnson and Johnson. She is the famous Dr Hamada daughters from Oogp fame.

I asked her about plus lenses and they are available. I have never worn contacts and she placed a plus 2.50 mono vision on my left eye. I fought her getting it in my eye, but she did it and I have been wearing it about 4 hours. It took me a little while to adapt to the mono, but can't feel the lense and I can read for the first time in 20 years without glasses.

The only problem is that I may need her to insert the lens everyday.
 
The polymer for the Oasys 1-Day is the same as the Acuvue Oasys. Senofilcon A. What is the difference between Hydraluxe and Hydraclear Plus? They are 8.5 / 14.3 vs 8.4 / 14

Is there a major difference in the two products? Just curious.
Hydraclear is polyvinylpyrrolidone.
Hydraluxe is magic tear juice.
 
If we don't hear form Greg in the next couple of days its probably because the Acuvue UPP police raided his office and shut him down.
 
So apparently my office is the outlier. I have three employees wearing DD contact lenses, two in BioTrue and one in DT1. We got diagnostic lenses for all three of them. None of them has been able to wear them longer than 6-8 hours without experiencing significant burning. We are in a dry climate, which may be influencing the comfort. I don't have a prescription, so have not been able to try them out myself. Anyone else had a negative experience with this lens so far?
 
So, I have to admit...I miss my one day Acuvue Oasys....Waaaaaa...
The clarity is superior to my Ciba Dailies Total 1
There I said it. I been pushing this Ciba product but as far as clarity. The stinking Acuvue has it beat.

I wear a -4.50 in my dominant eye and a -4.25 in my non dominant eye..but truthfully, the Ciba is a little blurry in the right eye...the Acuvue..clear as clear..
And that's saying something.
Truthfully, I can only say the Acuvue has a bit more heft to it..and its easier to remove after 1:00am when I finally give it up.

Otherwise the comfort is the same. Now truthfully, the Ciba do occasionally have a bum lens in the bunch. Not horrible, but the few Acuvues I wore were spot on. That +0.25 really clears up my emerging presbyopia.

But I digress. It strikes me as odd that Acuvue won't release any more sets til the first of the year..here is a picture of an entire extra set of mid power they sent to me.
I can't keep the inventory on those. You really need to give a patient 10 lenses. How on earth are they going to get by with 5 when its Monday and they need to wear them a bit before ordering.

Again..I have never been an Acuvue supporter since they put up those cute posters at Walmart advertising Acuvue2 for 14.95/box and I paid 14.50
Really got under my skin.
But here is the reality.

You need to use that which works.
Face facts..Cooper is no angel either. They private label anything and everything. They sell to Costco and let them charge what they want.
Bausch sells the Purevision 2 as an Equate..

What's that saying...let's see, its not in my religion, but I think it goes something like
"Let he who is without sin cast the first stone".

They are all rotten..every one has something they do to make money.

If we excluded all of them.there would be no contacts, frames, or even spec lenses to sell.
So, lets all just use that which works.

No prejudice. No discrimination.
Best acuity, best comfort...best handling..all of these things trump the company that panders to us..Did I say "Trump" That guy sure knows how to get publicity..even in a rant on ODwire...

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