Vision Council Merges Contact Lens Division into Healthcare Division

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The Vision Council, a leading industry group, has announced that its Contact Lens Division will be merging into the organization's Healthcare Division. This move aims to leverage the shared interests of both sectors in providing quality eye care and expanding access to vision services for all.

Why it matters

The merger highlights the growing convergence between contact lens manufacturing and broader healthcare initiatives, as the industry seeks to deliver more integrated and accessible vision care solutions. This shift reflects the evolving role of eye care professionals in managing patient health through emerging virtual care and AI-driven technologies.

The details

As part of the reorganization, Jerry Warner of CooperVision will continue to lead the newly united Healthcare Division. Additionally, Dr. Jonathan Christie, a senior managing optometrist at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles, has been selected as the division's new vice chair. Dr. Christie has spearheaded virtual care initiatives such as remote contact lens renewals, integration of vision reports into electronic medical records, and the rollout of e-visits for certain eye conditions.

• The Vision Council announced the merger on March 15, 2026.

What’s next

The newly merged Healthcare Division under the Vision Council will focus on driving further integration of vision care services with broader healthcare initiatives, leveraging emerging technologies to improve access and patient outcomes.