With 2017 in full swing, Alcon, the global leader in eye care and a division of Novartis, is continuing its commitment to educate patients about the latest innovations in treating cataracts and astigmatism with a variety of social media initiatives and local market activations. The Alcon “Two Birds” campaign aims to raise patient awareness about cataract treatment options, including a 2-in-1 surgery in which a patient can “get two birds with one stone” by correcting cataracts and astigmatism at the same time.

“Information is critical to people with cataracts and astigmatism, as many may not know they can treat their cataracts and reduce dependence on glasses simultaneously,” said Chuck Marshall, Head of Patient Engagement Strategy, U.S. Surgical Marketing, Alcon. “We’re reaching millions of people through social and traditional media, and talking with them first-hand about cataracts at our live events. This campaign is a unique opportunity to arm patients with the right tools and information about the latest cataract surgery options for more productive conversations with their doctors.”

Alcon kicked off the year with a series of live, local market events and resources to engage one-on-one with potential patients, including:

• A partnership with actress Chery Ladd, an avid golfer whose husband recently had cataract surgery. She traveled the country educating people about the importance of knowing treatment options for cataracts and astigmatism.
• A golf simulator at the Allianz Championship golf tournament in Boca Raton, Florida where visitors to the “Two Birdies” tent took a shot while wearing cataract-simulating glasses to experience the impact that cataracts could have on their game. The event was part of the Company’s partnership with the PGA Champions Tour.
• Live events at Robson Ranch active senior living community centers where attendees participated in interactive discussions with a surgeon about cataracts and surgery options, and put their eyes to the test with a visually themed painting class.
• A call center (1-844-MYCATARACT) where patients can ask questions and receive additional information from a live counselor.

In addition, Alcon is reaching cataract patients online through its campaign website MyCataracts.com, YouTube Channel and recently launched Facebook page. The “Two Birds” campaign mascots, “Cathy Cataracts” and “Andy Astigmatism,” encourage visitors to learn more about cataracts and astigmatism, watch videos of real patients sharing their cataract stories, and “like” information about the 2-in-1 treatment option.

To date, the MyCataracts website has had more than 1 million visitors, the campaign video has been viewed nearly 6.5 million times and the MyCataracts Facebook continues attracting new followers every day since its early April launch.

For more information about ongoing consumer campaigns and cataract surgery options, visit MyCataracts.com, YouTube.com/MyCataractsand Facebook.com/MyCataracts.