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News & Events

Jun 22, 2007

Art Optical to Manufacture Custom Soft Contact Lenses

Art Optical Contact Lens, Inc. is pleased to announce the completion of a large scale transatlantic partnership agreement with the UltraVision CLPL Group. The agreement grants Art Optical, USA’s leading independent GP manufacturer, license to advanced, lathe-cut soft contact lens technology from UltraVision CLPL, the largest independent dedicated contact lens manufacturer and supplier in the UK.

Specializing in custom-made contacts since 1958, Art Optical looks forward to bringing CLPL’s award-winning soft lens design technology to their extensive base of U.S. eye care professionals. In preparation of the new venture, the company is investing significantly in equipment, building, infrastructure, and staffing development at their Grand Rapids, Michigan, headquarters.

CLPL owns numerous patented contact lens designs in territories all around the world and in 2006 received the very highest level of recognition that can be bestowed on any UK business, The Queen’s Award for Enterprise – Innovation. The award was received specifically for the patented contact lens designs that Art Optical has agreed to license and manufacture in the U.S.

Looking forward to celebrating his company’s 50th year in contact lenses in 2008, Art Optical President, Thomas E. Anastor, is excited about the new opportunity.

“Partnering with another world-class contact lens organization to bring lathe-cut soft lenses into our product mix will give our customers a fuller range of custom-lens choices,” said Anastor. “Like Art Optical, the CLPL team is quality-focused, so this is a natural fit for us,” he continued.

J Keith Lomas, President & Group CEO of UltraVision CLPL, added “Art Optical is a clear leader in USA GP manufacturing and supply and we believe our partnership will allow Art Optical to also take the lead in lathe-cut soft contact lenses. While the global players quite rightly focus their efforts on mass-market and commodity contact lenses, there is, and will remain to be, a large market in more specialist and custom-manufactured lenses to satisfy the more demanding eye care requirements.”

For additional information, contact:
Mindy Spicer, Director of Marketing & Communications
616-559-5162

Art Optical
3175 3 Mile Road
Grand Rapids, MI 49501-1848


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