SightGlass Vision joint venture begins operation

EssilorLuxottica and CooperCompanies are pleased to announce the finalization of their joint venture agreement for SightGlass Vision. This collaboration of two global vision care leaders accelerates the commercialization of novel spectacle lens technologies to expand the myopia management category. SightGlass Vision’s Diffusion Optics Technology incorporates thousands of micro–dots into the lens that softly scatter light to reduce contrast on the retina, which is intended to reduce myopia progression in children.

“As a global leader with a 30–year track record in myopia research, we have been developing the myopia
management category for more than a decade. As such, we are thrilled to see our joint venture with
CooperCompanies come to life as SightGlass Vision begins to operate and the first products start to reach the
market. Together with eye care professionals, we will be able to grow awareness about existing solutions and
improve access to technologies that can help children today and in their future lives,” said Norbert Gorny, co–Chief
Operating Officer at EssilorLuxottica.

“We are excited to begin this joint venture with EssilorLuxottica to grow the overall myopia management category.
Adding spectacle lenses with SightGlass Vision technology to our portfolio of myopia management products
translates into better eyesight and brighter lives for countless children. SightGlass Vision’s commitment to clinically
based performance fits well with CooperVision, which has conducted the world’s longest–running myopia
management clinical study and is committed to establishing myopia management as a standard of care for affected
children,” said Dan McBride,Chief Operating Officer and General Counselat CooperCompanies.

The last several decades have seen a steady rise in the prevalence of myopia worldwide, notably under the effect
of lifestyle changes. Today affecting 2.6 billion people globally, it is estimated that nearly 5 billion people – half the
world’s population – will be myopic by 2050. Myopia is the leading cause of visual impairment in children and, over
time, may contribute to an increased risk of developing permanent vision impairment, including macular
degeneration, retinal detachment, cataract and glaucoma, and blindness associated with high myopia.