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MCC Daily Tribune Archive

Powers Quoted in News 10NBC Story


"Bausch and Lomb in serious damage control mode"
4/14/06

Bausch and Lomb has launched a national ad campaign suggesting customers use a different contact lens solution, while MoistureLoc is temporarily removed from store shelves. B&L is voluntarily pulling the contact lens solution off store shelves nationwide. But, it says there is still no evidence that the product is linked to a fungal eye infection in several states.

How is all of this affecting the company's bottom line and image? Our experts agree that B&L’s image has been tarnished.  But how severe is the damage?  Only time and the company's response can determine that.

George Conboy of Brighton Securities says, “If it turns out that there is a problem with the product from B&L, a formulation problem or a manufacturing problem then that could tarnish B&L’s reputation in the marketplace.”

Marketing Professor CARMEN POWERS added, “If you are seen to be in charge, if you remove the dangerous products, if you clearly take steps people will trust you again.  But you have to be seen as being fast, responsive and very concerned for public safety.”

Bausch and Lomb is striking first, clearing store shelves and hoping to clear up confusion. B&L is voluntarily recalling it's ReNu MoistureLoc contact lens solution. The federal government is investigating a potential link to a fungal eye infection. However, Bausch and Lomb says there's still no proof its ReNu MoistureLoc causes this eye infection.

Late Thursday, the company released a statement, asking retailers to take the product off the market. NEWS 10NBC found that local CVS, Rite-Aids and Wegmans are all complying. At the East Avenue Wegmans, the contact lens solution selection was thinned, catching John DeLeon by surprise. “I didn't think about it until I came here and said 'Oh, I got to get some solution, but probably not the ReNu',” he said.   

The CDC and FDA are investigating reports linking the solution to Fungal Keratitis, a severe eye infection which can cause blindness. “It looks like a handful of people have been infected,” DeLeon said. “I'm not too worried.” But optometrist Dr. Bob Ryan says at least six patients came in for checkups on Thursday. He says in 15-years of practice, he's never seen a patient with the eye infection. The fungus is more commonly diagnosed in southern states. “I think they're trying to do what's in the patient's best interest, and make sure that if there is any causal relationship that has not been shown, scientifically that they are doing what's in the patients' best interest.” Dr. Ryan said. He says proving a link will be difficult, because many of those with the infection used other products besides ReNu MoistureLoc.  He believes improper contact lens care is more likely to blame. “A number of complications can result as a function of them not complying, and so it may be very difficult to ferret all these things out.” Dr. Ryan said.

So, while the investigation continues in the lab, real world users are left to pick an alternative. For John DeLeon that means going with an old standby, and B&L's main competitor. “I'll probably go with the Optifree then, just to be safe,” DeLeon said.

Dianne E McConkey
College and Community Relations
04/18/2006