Eyeing the Next Generation with New Breakthroughs + Expanded Horizons

Myopia has been a prevalent concern in Hong Kong, with an alarming trend toward younger demographics. Data from the Department of Health’s Student Health Service showed that about 62% of students at age 12 are myopic. Jeff Ho, General Manager of Bausch + Lomb (Hong Kong) Ltd., a company with presence in Hong Kong for over six decades, notes: “Essentially everyone, regardless of age, is our potential customer. Primary schoolers need glasses for their short-sightedness; Teenagers often shift to contact lenses from secondary school onward; and the middle-aged seek multifocal lenses and eye health supplements; whereas the elderlies often need their intraocular lenses replaced. To ensure long-term growth, we see the importance of cultivating professional brand image.” 

The company’s businesses lie in 3 key areas: vision care, ophthalmic medicines, and ophthalmic surgical equipment. The contact lens market, in particular, is fiercely competitive. To differentiate, Jeff identifies 3 imperatives: product innovation and quality, brand equity and supply chain efficiency.
 

Prioritising Quality and Innovation 

Bausch + Lomb has invested heavily in research and development, using innovation as a lever for improving product standards. The launch of the ULTRA ONE DAY premium contact lens series four years ago exemplifies this strategy; it combines two pioneering technologies to refine material composition, oxygen permeability, and moisture retention – delivering an unprecedented wearing experience. Upon unveiling new offerings, the company’s expert sales team works closely with optometrists to articulate how breakthroughs translate into tangible comfort. The company also deploys multi-channel marketing – from social media campaigns to in-store promotions and trial at optical shops – engaging consumers proactively. 

“I remembered a case when a customer said that she didn’t think our brand’s lenses suit her eyes; but then we endeavored to understand her vision needs and explained the improved comfort and eye health benefits brought by new technology, also arranged for her a trial fitting, she ended up being very satisfied and became a new Bausch + Lomb customer. That’s why our team never gives up on any customer.” 

Despite the ubiquity of e-commerce and the proliferation of Japanese and Korean brands selling online directly, Bausch + Lomb maintains that optometrist involvement is indispensable when fitting contact lenses, to ensure consumers wear products suitable for their eyes that protect their eye health.

3-Seconds Rule: A New Breakthrough 

Jeff admits that convincing contact lens users to switch brands is no easy feat, so they focus on engaging new customers. “We strive to get consumers try our brand from day one of wearing contact lenses. Celebrity endorsements and conventional advertisements may not suffice to win over the younger generation like Gen Z, who prioritizes personal attitude.” he remarks. Hence, the company’s marketing efforts underline notions of ‘breakthrough’. Their recent campaign with Marf Yau, member of girl group COLLAR, marked a first with a mobile-focused vertical video format trimmed to just 15 seconds, building on the 'golden three-second rule’ to captivate Gen Z audiences. Marf was chosen as ambassador not only for her disruptive spirit – who was handpicked for warm-up act at Coldplay concert – but also for breaking new ground by choreographing and performing her first-ever dance on water in the advertisement.

Forging the Asian Supply Chain Hub with Local Strength 

The company’s Asian logistics hub, based in Fo Tan, Hong Kong, orchestrates value-added services such as repackaging and volume adjustments to fulfill country-specific requirements, which accounts for roughly 10–15% of total shipment volume. During repackaging, packages are labeled with barcodes starting with 489 that represent products from companies registered in Hong Kong , facilitating product identification and information exchange for regional partners. 

Bausch + Lomb’s local supply chain is equally nimble; the fastest delivery time for contact lenses is just half a day. The logistics center employs smart scanners to instantly verify all products within a shipment using GS1 DataMatrix enhancing inventory management. Outbound shipments are similarly validated, ensuring precise order fulfillment. The company is actively harnessing global standards to further increase air freight supply chain transparency.

Fulfilling Sustainability 

Since 2016, Bausch + Lomb’s headquarters has spearheaded a number of sustainability initiatives, including an eye care products recycling programme that has collected over 58 million used contact lenses and lens care materials. Solar panels are adopted in headquarters that reduce carbon emissions by 800 tonnes annually. In Hong Kong, the Asian logistics center utilizes recycled materials in repackaging, reiterating the company’s commitment to sustainable practices
Hong Kong’s Supply Chain Edge 

Hong Kong’s Supply Chain Edge 

Jeff is confident in Hong Kong’s logistical prowess. “We have been a strong advocate to our headquarters for Hong Kong to remain Asia’s logistics nexus every year, thanks to its competitive tax regime, infrastructure, and efficiency. While upholding stringent quality and standards set by headquarters, we find Hong Kong more cost-effective than the regional counterparts,” he asserts.