Generic Contact Lenses

Hi,

I'm not an eyecare professional in any way but was wondering why no one has attempted to make generic contact lenses? In pharmaceuticals it is a rite of passage...why not in contacts?

Thanks

Anybody that cheap really needs my card . I specialize in artificial eyes.

Chip:eek:

Our industry has already lost it's brands on many types of lenses and we are losing more every day. It will come soon enough to the contact lens world.

Thanks for the response. I guess another similar question would be in what way do we already have generic contact lens in the market? Wouldn't a generic contact lens just be a low cost private label lens that is the "generic equivalent" of a branded/popular lens? Or perhaps, by the time a generic could be made the large manufacturers are already on to the next big thing?

Already done. Generic contacts and solutions have been around for a long time. Some lenses are even marketed under different names, and some groups are "allowed" to buy them under certain names, while others are not. There are also lenses available that can be branded with any name you choose. eg "mom&Pop" brand contacts. The idea is to prevent someone from buying "your" brand elsewhere.

Of course you realize that generics will not be suitable for everyone? And how will consumers know the difference?
Chip will be glad to send his card.

Fda

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Originally Posted by mh84

Thanks for the response. I guess another similar question would be in what way do we already have generic contact lens in the market? Wouldn't a generic contact lens just be a low cost private label lens that is the "generic equivalent" of a branded/popular lens? Or perhaps, by the time a generic could be made the large manufacturers are already on to the next big thing?

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Big thing is the industry is so competitive, that dispensaries really do not make much, if any, profit on them. Actually, if you include the indirect costs, it is definitely a loss. The only reason why they are carried is to help build loyalty.

So why did I say this? Well it is so competitive that the prices are much lower than they should be, thus not much opportunity for generic.