TRENDSPOTTING: FIRST PERSON

5 Questions for…

New J&J Vision Care President Peter Menziuso

Peter Menziuso

Peter Menziuso was recently named president of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc., North America, maker of Acuvue contact lenses and other products. Menziuso has been with J&J for more than 25 years, first in the pharmaceutical division and most recently as head of marketing for its Diabetes Care Companies.

Here, Menziuso talks with Eyecare Business about his role with the company, and the state of contact lens sales.

What does your 25 years at J&J bring to your new role as president?

We are a credo-based company focused solely on health care, so no matter where you work within the organization your North Star always remains the same, and that is to take care of the patient first. The fact that I’ve worked across the different sectors, regions, and functions has given me a broad view of health care that I can apply to help accelerate growth within the Johnson & Johnson Vision Care business.

In April, J&J discontinued its UPP (Unilateral Pricing Policy) for contact lenses. How has that affected the consumer?

We are always looking to help grow the category and help patient retention with meaningful commercial programs. UPP was an effective tool to help patients access our products, but it was part of a broader program that is still in existence. We will continue to launch innovative initiatives focused on patient affordability and retention supporting all ECPs, regardless of where they practice, and all patients, wherever they choose to shop.

J&J has been advocating for Senate Bill 2777 (which strengthens the prescription verification process). Why, and what will that mean for consumers?

We are advocates for patient safety. The Cassidy bill is about protecting patient health and safety. Contact lenses are Class II & III medical devices that need to be administered under the care of an eyecare professional and dispensed as prescribed.

How can independent ECPs not only protect, but also grow their contact lens sales?

Patients crave products that work to meet their individual needs. If ECPs can understand the lifestyle habits and practices of their patients, they can then showcase to them the value of contact lenses, bringing them into the category earlier while also growing that part of their business.

J&J launched several new products in 2015, and has announced another one is on the way. Where is the future of contact lens technology headed?

Our innovation is guided by unmet patient needs—be they lifestyle, physiological, or environmental. We are excited about continued innovation in the category inspired by the human eye, and we are committed to growing the category beyond vision correction. Stay tuned for more!