CONTACT LENS MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION

PRESIDENT'S EDITORIAL

There is something energizing about this time of year in our industry. Fresh off an incredible Global Specialty Lens Symposium in Las Vegas this past January where practitioners, researchers, and manufacturers gathered to share the latest in specialty lens innovation. I find myself genuinely inspired by what our community is capable of when we come together.

GPLI NEWS

GPLI celebrated an exceptional 2025 marked by collaboration, education, and growth. Highlights included successful symposia, expert-led webinars, new training resources, refreshed websites, and continued partnerships with organizations across the industry. With more than 800 ECP members and 2,000 students, our community continues to grow. As we launch a new five-year strategic plan in 2026, we remain grateful to the CLMA, our partners, volunteers, and members who make GPLI’s mission possible. We invite you to view the GPLI award winners recognized at GSLS in January (https://gpli.info/gpli-awards/), and we look forward to soon celebrating the Clinical Excellence Award recipients at schools of optometry across North America. For more, visit gpli.info.

INDUSTRY NEWS

EU MDR Compliance Countdown: Critical Deadlines Every Contact Lens Manufacturer Needs to Know

If your company sells contact lenses in the EU, 2026 brings a series of non-negotiable regulatory deadlines that require immediate attention. 

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Higher-Order Aberration Correction: Precision Manufacturing's Next Frontier

Higher-order aberration (HOA) correction is one of the most demanding frontiers in specialty lens manufacturing.

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EU PFAS Restrictions: What RGP Manufacturers Need to Know Now

The EU's proposed PFAS ban under REACH has contact lens manufacturers watching closely, and with good reason.

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Precision Technology Services

Founded in Vancouver, British Columbia, PTS Optics has been serving Canadian practitioners and patients for over 35 years.

CLMA MEMBER UPDATES

Contamac is proud to announce they have received FDA Premarket Approval (PMA) for the Optimum Infinite® (tisilfocon A) Orthokeratology Lenses II for overnight wear. Authorized US contact lens laboratories will soon be able to manufacture Optimum Infinite® (tisilfocon A) Orthokeratology Lenses II utilizing the hyper Dk (180) Optimum Infinite material, further expanding high Dk options for practitioners and patients. Learn more at contamac.com.

PTS Optics is having an exciting stretch heading into spring. We will be launching a new soft myopia control lens next month, adding to its growing portfolio in the myopia management space. PTS is also actively working with the Medmont Vantage system, bringing advanced corneal topography capabilities to Canadian eye care professionals. The team is energized by both initiatives and looks forward to sharing more as they develop.

In 2025 Optik K&R renewed our commitment to our contact lens division by investing in both machinery and expanding our team also adding both Plasma and Tangible Hydrapeg options to our portfolio. Committing to establish faster turnaround times and higher precision. 2026 will see the launch of our first SiHi custom SCL, providing expanded parameters for patients with extraordinary needs. Our consulting team, licensed opticians, have the technical experience to help troubleshoot difficult GP and SCL fits.

VisiónLab CR is a specialized contact lens laboratory dedicated to the design and manufacture of premium custom contact lenses. We integrate advanced technology with clinical expertise to deliver highly precise, comfortable, and reliable visual solutions. Based in San José, Costa Rica, VisiónLab CR represents precision, trust, and excellence in specialty contact lenses.

CLMA COMMITTEE UPDATES

CLMA's committees are at the heart of everything we do. From regulatory affairs to Lean manufacturing, each committee is driven by member volunteers who share their expertise to benefit the entire community. We encourage all members to explore the full list of committees at clma.net/members-area, find one that aligns with your interests or expertise, and reach out to the committee chair to get involved. Your participation makes CLMA stronger.

Manufacturing Resources & Lean

CLMA's Lean Six Sigma hub is one of the most practical resources available to member labs, and it lives right in the members area. The Manufacturing Resources & Lean Committee creates tools, training materials, and best practices to help member labs improve efficiency and reduce waste on the production floor. Whether you are new to Lean or looking to deepen your practice, this is a resource worth exploring. Log in at clma.net/lean-six-sigma to check it out.

Internal Affairs

This committee is responsible for overseeing the financial stability of the association’s funds and ethics code issues. If any association members have questions regarding financial or ethical concerns, please feel free to contact Chris Pantle directly or via Beth at the CLMA office. Also, if there are any questions about CLMA historical decisions or actions, please feel free to contact Chris Pantle with those items.

GTR (Government, Technical, and Regulatory Affairs)

Did you know you can submit regulatory questions directly to the Government, Technical, and Regulatory (GTR) Committee through the CLMA Members Area? The "Ask the GTR" feature gives members access to expert guidance on regulatory matters affecting contact lens manufacturing. It is a valuable and often overlooked member benefit. Log in at clma.net/members-area to submit your question.

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