ciba

[icyou]

Hey, Does anyone know what's going on with ciba. Focus toric and Optix are on backorder for who knows how long. Am I the only one refitting pt. because ciba has problems?

[HarryChiling]

Our rep told us to refit O2optix patients. I don't know what the deal is, but I thought they were coming out with a custom O2? I don't know if we will be using it or not.

[chip anderson]

I have used O2OPtix and about 50% of patients couldn't stand them. 50% liked them. I think Ciba is fazing out all Focus. Lots of Ciba has been on intolerable backorder (Odd for someone in the "eye care business" isn't it). My secretary calls them "Back Order Charlies).
As to the O2Optix I have had much better results with the B&L product.

Chip

[cocoisland58]

Just recieved a letter from Ciba. O2optix being phased out. New product on the way? Don't know about Focus Toric, our docs use mostly B&L Softlens 66.

[nickrock]

I am almost positive O2Optix is not being phased out.
This should clear a few things up.
http://www.us.cibavision.com/docs/recall_letter.pdf

[harry a saake]

i cant believe all the optiboarders did not jump all over this issue like they did to bausch and lomb back last year when they had a problem, what has happpened is CERTAIN lots of o2 optix have been recalled because of an ion exchange problem that was below standards and was and could produce irritation, call ciba and they will tell you all about it. On the phone today they claimed it did not affect any other of thier products and not all of the o2 optix, just certain batches

[Johns]

Ciba has been banned from my offices. They recalled a product that I have paid for, and will not give refunds, except to refit a patient in other CIBA product. What a bunch of crap!!

[muucow]

Ciba is a great company and has great product. So they had a recall. They took the chance to pull stock that could affect our patients. Think of what they may have lost in this? Yes it's a **** off, but it's better than us looking dumb because we can't explain why our patients are suddenly having difficulty. I would be suprised if reps are not doing all they can to help. As said B/L had similar problems a few years ago - yet we seem to have forgotten that and continue to sell their products. So this time it's Ciba's turn. If you know how to properly talk to your patients they will understand. Who knows maybe instead of 02 optix they will be addicted to Dailies and you'll sell more and make a better profit?
There can always be good to every situation.
:p

[muucow]

Just want to make sure no one was offended. I was trying to say P I S S off not anything improper... Just reviewed my comment and saw that it was *****
Ok - thanks!!! :-)

[chip anderson]

Of course Ciba spent a lot of time telling us that uncomfortable lens was best for our patients and we just had to make them stick with it for two weeks and all thier little corneal problems would disappear. When we told them our patients weren't gonna put up with less comfortable lenses, they replied they should take thier medicine, it's good for them.

And is a recall any excuse for having all thier other products on "Backorder". We know we are in the "eye care business" but the patients will just have to go without seeing til we decide to make some more.

Chip

[Johns]

Ciba is a great company and has great product. So they had a recall.
:p

Two months ago, I had a meeting w/ the Ciba rep. I hsvr 5 offices, and don't do much business w/ CIBA, but was looking to stock their product.

He told me, "I just drove 40 miles to tell you that I can't help you. Because of the popularity of CIBA products at WalMart and internet retailers, as well as the new toric they're rolling out, the distribution channels are strained, and CIBA has no interest in bringing on any independent practioners."

He did not mince words, he did not beat around the bush, he did not skirt the issue. Those were his EXACT words. He's a nice guy, and I told him that I truly appreciated his candor and honesty.

There is no way that I will support a company that has no desire to do business with me. Great Company ? NOT EVEN CLOSE!:angry:

My heart goes out to CIBA and their recall.:p

[Jubilee]

Ciba is really ticking me off.

I have only a handful of patients in ciba lenses.

If I need a Ciba product I order via my buying group.

However, in December we received a split shipment of some lenses. We called them on the day the first one arrived to tell them we did not order these lenses. They said "oops" and agreed to send a shipping label to have them sent back.

Second shipment arrives 3 days later. Call again. This time the rep said I faxed in the order, so therefor they are mine. I asked to have a copy sent to me, since I don't order ANY product via the fax. I don't even have their fax number! I again explained we only order Ciba through our buying group and they must have a wrong account number tied to the order. Can they please send someone to pick it up. They finally agree.

Received a bill mid January saying I owed several hundred dollars for this product. Called again. Someone would send a recall tag....

Received a past due statement last week. Had to explain everything again. I did not order this product, I am not paying for this product and I refuse to spend my money to ship it back.

Still waiting on a recall tag...

[ELM OPTICAL]

Quote from the other website!

CIBA O2 Optix contact lenses have been recalled. They are a disposable 1-2 week contact lens. Sam's Club Vision Center has dropped the price of CIBA Focus Dailies contact lenses 90 pack from $49 to $19.87 to sell in place of the recalled O2 Optix. The Dailies are 1 day disposable contacts. (They are wonderful)

There is a $70 Mail in Rebate when you buy eight (8) 90 packs. This rebate form is available at the store.

So... This calculates to eight (8) 90 pack boxes @ 19.87 = 158.96 - 70MIR = $88.96 for a years supply of CIBA Focus Dailies contact lenses!!

Regular price would be 8 @ $49 = $392

Mail in Rebate:

Save $70
When you get an eye exam and purchase an annual supply of Focus DAILIES Contact Lenses. Eight (8) 90-packs
Valid on purchases January 1 2007 through July 31 2007

There is also an additional $30 Mail in Rebate for cost of the eye exam.

Save $30
When you get an eye exam and purchase any of the following contact lenses by CIBA Vision.

Two (2) 6-packs NIGHT & DAY
Two (2) 6-packs O2OPTIX (recalled not available)
Two (2) 90-packs of Focus DAILIES

Valid on purchases January 1 2007 through July 31 2007

Both of these MIR are available at Sam's Club / Walmart Vison Centers


http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthr...light=contacts

[Johns]

Quote from the other website!
So... This calculates to eight (8) 90 pack boxes @ 19.87 = 158.96 - 70MIR = $88.96 for a years supply of CIBA Focus Dailies contact lenses!!

More proof that they mean it when they say "We don't care about the independents."

[NavyChief]

They (ciba) aren't offering the rebate on the reduced Focus lenses. Only if you paid the full price.

[walleye]

I have been waiting over one month for a simple Focus 1-2week evergreen lens in -3.00. Unacceptable. We have already given the patient a sample to carry her over till the lens comes in. The other eye is a +1.50 and it came in 2 days!!

[ikon44]

ciba are sinking fast in the uk, all the independants are fitting alternative products.

[drk]

Funny thing is that this is all it takes to alter a prescribing habit. B&L's luck may have turned. Vistakon is going to be a clear winner.

Remember when Renu Moistureloc was recalled? How many of you have replaced it with Renu MP? I didn't think so. AMO called me and offered to ship kits of Complete Moisture Plus within one week.

Consistency counts. Hats off to Vistakon and Alcon.