Responsible Economic Growth
Through the delivery of new products and procedures to growing markets worldwide, Alcon is helping to change the state of eye care on a global scale. We provide products, equipment and training to those areas that have the most need while paving the way for future development by investing in the local physician with assistance and education. In this way, Alcon is raising the global level of eye care to a higher standard.
Commitment to New Markets
Alcon's dedication to global eye care includes the development of new markets throughout the world. By introducing products, devices and educational expertise into these areas, the quality of local care increases - a result that Alcon believes is worth overcoming a few obstacles.
Case in point is the Argentina market. Seen as an opportunity for many companies in the 1980s and 90s, things changed dramatically with the ushering in of the new millennia. Soon, the country was in political upheaval and a lingering economic downturn had progressed into an unstoppable freefall. Many companies' hopes of a lucrative new market turned sour, and they pulled out rather than suffer a loss. For Alcon, Argentina represented an opportunity to raise the standards of ophthalmic care in South America, and it was not a market we were willing to disregard. By 2003, Argentina began to show signs of recovery, and Alcon was well established in the area. Many of our competitors sought to reenter the market, but unsuccessfully due to restrictions imposed by the new government. Ultimately, our commitment and dedication to helping the community paid off for Alcon in a way that goes beyond profit.
Opportunity for Impact
Not surprisingly, Alcon is the only global eye care company with a direct presence and operations in many developing markets. It is in these areas where the largest impact can be made, as eye care knowledge and expertise can often be lacking in these markets.
For example, we have recently expanded our worldwide physician training centers to 60, through the addition of 12 training centers in India. By going into such markets and establishing an infrastructure to improve technology and techniques, we are helping local physicians realize their potential in regards to what can be done for their communities as well as how this contributes to the state of eye health on a global basis. It's an investment that we're proud to make, and it's one that offers great rewards. It is our belief that, through education and enablement, we can address problems in these areas today while offering a better solution for tomorrow.