About Alcon
As far as the eye can see
For over 60 years, Alcon has been committed to just one thing: helping people in all corners of the world attain better vision.
Today, Alcon holds steadfast to its commitment. Recognized by the global medical profession for its leadership in discovering and manufacturing ophthalmic pharmaceutical, surgical and vision care products, Alcon's nearly 12,000 employees devote their energies and insights to preserving, restoring and enhancing vision. Alcon's sales totaled $3.9 billion in 2004 and it has market-leading positions in most eye care product areas.
Research and development
Alcon has been responsible for many of the innovations in eye care over the years. It now invests more than $400 million per year in research and development to discover and bring to the market new medicines and technologies to improve health and vision.
Products
The world has reaped the benefits of Alcon's unswerving drive to innovate with products for both consumers and eye care professionals.
You may be familiar with some of Alcon's over-the-counter products. They include
OPTI-FREE® RepleniSH® Multi-Purpose Disinfecting Solution for soft contact lenses, SYSTANE® Lubricant Eye Drops for dry eye and ICAPS® Vitamins.
Important Alcon pharmaceuticals include VIGAMOX® solution for eye infections, PATADAY™ solution for eye allergies, and TRAVATAN® Z solution for glaucoma.
For the ocular surgery market, Alcon offers and sells world-renowned products such as the ACRYSOF® IQ Natural intraocular lens and the ACRYSOF® ReSTOR® intraocular lens, which help cataract patients restore their vision. Other surgical products include the INFINITI® cataract system, GRIESHABER® instruments, the ACCURUS® vitreoretinal system, the LADARVision® excimer laser system and the CustomCornea® laser vision correction procedure.
These and many other outstanding brands are the products of a company that respects its employees, takes pride in their work and rewards their achievement. It should be no surprise that for seven consecutive years, Fortune magazine has named Alcon one of "The 100 Best Companies to Work For in the U.S."
Community outreach
"Giving back" to the global community has always been a priority with Alcon. In 2004, Alcon Humanitarian Services resources amounting to over $30 million in support of more than 800 medical missions led by ophthalmologists. These eye care specialists volunteered their time and skill to help improve the vision of people around the world.
