Two technologies and three products when others promote a unique photochromic solution; isn’t your strategy a bit risky? 

On the contrary, we think that photochromic diversity could be the most successful option for several reasons. First because our customers like to be free to choose between:

1. An attractively priced, universal, in-mass photochromic lens, SunSensors® by Corning.

2. A high performance photochromic lens made from a mid-index in-mass material, SunSensors®+.

3. A powerful fast-reacting photochromic lens, SunSensors® HPC, the newest technology used by Corning, which is a patented, state-of-the-art coating process designed for polycarbonate and high indices lenses. 

Our customers can therefore get the SunSensors® quality and communication support at different levels that fit the specific needs and profiles of the various markets they target. 

Finally, this genuine photochromic range has a unique market positioning, especially in the current economic context: this is why we now describe our SunSensors® range as “the alternative photochromic.” 

How will you promote these technologies within the ophthalmic industry?

On our side, under the Corning name, we will promote the whole SunSensors® photochromic range with a global B-to-B communication campaign, as well as through our completely new ophthalmic website, now loaded with useful information and addressing all constituencies including teachers, students and eyeglass wearers. From our website you can schedule American Board of Opticianry approved seminars, as well as have access to our media center which has downloadable technical data sheets and information on our new “wild” style communication campaign. 

What are the objectives of your new “wild” style communication campaign? 

A few years ago, when launching SunSensors® by Corning we used the term, “Technology you can trust.” With the changing times we thought that humor and something out of the ordinary would not harm our “technologist” reputation! A closer look at the concept reveals its logic: these “exotic” and differentiated eyes symbolize the wide variety of lens wearers’ profiles and needs. For example, is there a better analogy than the tiger to describe our fast-reacting new photochromic coating? Overall, we walk the talk of photochromic diversity, offering Eye Care Professionals this differentiation, whether in brand or product terms, a way to address all of the needs of their customers. 

Your communication strategy has always been based on customer partnerships; is it still the case? 

Yes, we always want to give the priority to collaborative solutions which best serve our customer’s interests. As I explained, each SunSensors® lens will have its own visual identity, reflecting its precise market positioning. These will be echoed in specific ads and commercial/technical literature. In our media center we have advertisements and communication guidelines that will enable our customers to be part of the “wild” style communication campaign. 

We also have available to the Eye Care Professional point of purchase displays for each of our photochromic solutions. These displays encourage the consumer to interact with the photochromic lenses in a tester that uniquely highlights how SunSensors® lenses change under the sun. Our customers can either use these individual solutions as is, or they can choose to customize them to include their own messages.

Are there any new SunSensors® items planned for 2009 or 2010?

Yes, Corning’s commitment to this market is stronger than ever. Widening our portfolio with innovative technologies will remain our development strategy to make sure SunSensors® remains The Alternative Photochromic.