THE VISION CARE INSTITUTE®, LLC (TVCI)
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (November 20, 2013) – THE VISION CARE INSTITUTE®, LLC, an affiliate of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. has achieved a major milestone with 100,000 eye care professionals attending courses throughout its network of 14 sites worldwide.
Launched in 2004, THE VISION CARE INSTITUTE® was a first-of-its-kind learning destination and has remained the only institution of such magnitude sponsored by a vision care company. It has evolved from one institute in the U.S. to sites across four continents. To date, there have been over 4,000 courses taught by 257 faculty members in 30 languages to accommodate attendees from 56 countries.
THE VISION CARE INSTITUTE® in Jacksonville, Fla. opened in 2004 and has offered about 280 classes to date.
“Having 100,000 eye care professionals come through our doors is an incredible milestone that shows the importance placed on continuous learning,” said Ian Davies, Head, Global Professional Education, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care. “We have challenged ourselves to understand the diverse issues and concerns of practicing eye care professionals in both developing and developed markets so we can foster more confident and current vision care that will ultimately benefit patients.”
Through both lectures and hands-on training, attendees improve technical skills, expand clinical knowledge, and gain new patient communication skills and management techniques, all of which can have a measurable effect on their practice and patient outcomes. Feedback from participants has confirmed this. In fact, class exit surveys early in 2013 showed a boost in confidence in fitting spherical contact lenses of 18%; and an increase in confidence in fitting contact lenses for astigmatism of 42% – all in a one or two-day course. In fact, 90% of attendees agree that they will increase the role of contact lenses in their practice as a result of the class.
“We strive to create a stimulating environment that understands adult learning and provides a forum for peer interactions and real-time exchange of ideas,” said Colleen Jones, Director, THE VISION CARE INSTITUTE®. “Time dedicated to learning enhances how eye care professionals can support patients to have a safe, compliant experience with wearing contact lenses that brings patients back for ongoing eye care.”
Today, a wide range of pioneering techniques are employed at THE VISION CARE INSTITUTE® from electronic headgear that demonstrates eye movement and contact lens stability, to the use of mannequins to show UV exposure to the eyes. In other classes, simulation software provides coaching on patient communications.
Currently 125 million people worldwide wear contact lenses1. THE VISION CARE INSTITUTE® was created in response to a growing industry and the subsequent need to assist practitioners with fitting contact lenses and understanding how they can address refractive errors. Its demand increased over the years in recognition of the value behind hands-on instruction to broaden knowledge and skills.
For more information on THE VISION CARE INSTITUTE®, please visit www.thevisioncareinstitute.com
About THE VISION CARE INSTITUTE®, LLC
THE VISION CARE INSTITUTE® is an innovative professional resource for eye care providers. Headquartered in Jacksonville, FL, U.S., it also has locations in Brazil, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Japan, Mexico, Russia, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. These state-of-the-art facilities give participants a rare opportunity to experience the latest in vision diagnostic and treatment technologies through hands-on instruction, including training on contact lens fitting and prescribing. For more information, please visit www.thevisioncareinstitute.com
About Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. is committed to creating life-long solutions to vision care needs. Since the ACUVUE® Brand made its debut in 1987 as the world’s first disposable soft contact lens, the company has repeatedly brought innovative, quality, and scientific advancements to the industry. Headquartered in Jacksonville, FL, U.S., the company has some 3,000 employees worldwide. For additional information, visit www.jnjvc.com