Key Takeaways

  • CooperVision has opened The Vision Centre, a 9,940-square-meter global innovation hub in Southampton, England, that integrates R&D, clinical, manufacturing, technology, and commercial capabilities
  • The company outlined six planned contact lens advancements spanning myopia control, silicone hydrogel technology, toric and multifocal designs, monthly lenses, and products for patients with astigmatism

CooperVision has opened The Vision Centre, a new global innovation hub in Southampton, England, while outlining six contact lens advancements the company plans to introduce over the next several years.

According to CooperVision, the new facility brings together research and development, clinical expertise, pilot manufacturing, advanced technologies, and commercial capabilities. CooperVision said the integrated approach is intended to accelerate the development and commercialization of new products for patients and eye care professionals worldwide.

During the opening, CooperVision highlighted plans for six product advancements:

  • The build-out of what the company describes as the world’s first complete family of 1-day contact lenses for myopia control, built on its toric design;
  • A novel premium 1-day silicone hydrogel (SiHy) technology;
  • A next-generation SiHy material for a high-performing monthly contact lens;
  • A differentiated entry-level 1-day SiHy innovation designed to drive new fits;
  • An advanced 1-day SiHy toric multifocal contact lens;
  • A new toric 1-day contact lens experience for patients with astigmatism.

CooperVision characterized the products as one of the most ambitious pipelines in the company’s history and said the portfolio reflects its continued investment in contact lens innovation.

“We’re not satisfied with simply keeping pace with the evolution of eye care. We intend to help define what’s next, while strengthening CooperVision’s position as an innovative, technology-forward and consumer-connected vision care leader,” Jerry Warner, president of CooperVision, said in a statement.

The Vision Centre is designed to strengthen connections among scientific discovery, customer insights, product development, and commercialization, according to the company. CooperVision said the facility is intended to create faster learning cycles and shorten the path from early-stage concepts to market-ready products.

The site also expands the company’s ability to use advanced modeling, simulation, analytics, and artificial intelligence-enabled tools to support product development and decision-making.

“The future of eye care will be shaped by collaboration, scientific advancement, and a deep understanding of the people who provide and benefit from our innovations,” Mr. Warner said. “The Vision Centre provides an environment that helps our teams build on the strong collaboration that already exists across CooperVision, enabling faster learning, deeper integration, and accelerated discovery.”

Spanning 9,940 square meters, the multistory facility includes advanced laboratories, pilot manufacturing capabilities, a clinic, customer engagement spaces, and technology-enabled environments. Approximately 350 employees will be based at The Vision Centre. The facility will also host customers, partners, employees, and other members of the vision care industry through learning, development, and collaborative programs.