Bausch + Lomb Acquires Blink® Product Line, Expanding OTC Eye Care Portfolio

Bausch + Lomb Corporation last week announced that one of its affiliates has successfully acquired the Blink® product line of eye and contact lens drops from Johnson & Johnson Vision. This strategic acquisition demonstrates Bausch + Lomb's dedication to enhancing over-the-counter (OTC) consumer convenience in eye care.

As per John Ferris, the Executive Vice President of Consumer at Bausch + Lomb, there is a growing demand for products that relieve the symptoms of dry eyes and dry contact lenses, and OTC solutions are often the preferred choice for consumers. The inclusion of Blink in its extensive portfolio of OTC eye care brands enables the company to offer a wider range of choices to consumers and eye care professionals.

The incidence of dry eyes is on the rise, primarily due to increased screen time on digital devices. Moreover, contact lens discomfort and dryness affect approximately one-third of the 45 million contact lens wearers in the United States.

The Blink product line includes various eye drops and contact lens rewetting drops, which deliver immediate and long-lasting relief from symptoms. The acquired products consist of Blink® Tears Lubricating Eye Drops, Blink® Tears Preservative Free Lubricating Eye Drops, Blink GelTears® Lubricating Eye Drops, Blink® Triple Care Lubricating Eye Drops, Blink Contacts® Lubricating Eye Drops, and Blink-N-Clean® Lens Drops.

Under the agreed-upon terms, Bausch + Lomb has acquired the Blink product line for US$106.5 million using its existing cash reserves. This transaction represents another significant step by the company to expand its presence in the OTC eye care market, further solidifying its position as a leader in the industry. The acquisition of the Blink product line strengthens the company's ability to meet the evolving needs of consumers and eye care professionals, offering them a more comprehensive array of effective and convenient eye care options.