ALPHA CORP ADVANCING THE SCIENCE THAT WILL SAVE MORE CHILDREN FROM VISION LOSS
Myopia is a public health burden that threatens the quality of life of children and young adults especially in urban areas throughout Asia, where its prevalence has increased rapidly. If left unabated, about 5 billion people will be myopic by 2050, with 1 billion at risk of vision loss caused by myopia. Since the discovery of orthokeratology (ortho-k) in the 1950s after more than a century of attempts at myopia correction, eye care practitioners (ECPs) have collaborated with industry on various fronts to accelerate efficacy and improve its safety for children. The treatment involves wearing speciality contact lenses overnight to reshape the anterior cornea and reduce the refractive error after lens removal.
Alpha Corp, the Japanese front runner in ortho-k treatment, is advancing the science to address the evolving and precise needs of new generations of patients. The company has invested more than 50 years towards improving the clinical performance of specialised contact lenses considering individual eye shape and refractive error progression.
“We lead the industry when it comes to designing lenses that match the shape of the individual cornea, thanks to the big contribution of doctors who have been engaging with us,” says CEO Masamichi Kanegae.
Alpha was the first Japanese ortho-k lens manufacturer to enter China, where it has become hugely successful since joining the market in 2011. Collaborating closely with Chinese doctors, the company succeeded in creating the Alpha ORTHO-K brand of customised ortho-k lenses that have been tested rigorously and performed consistently well in achieving “bullseye” lens centration.
Using state-of-the-art equipment, Alpha has fully automated its manufacturing process. Its lathing process delivers an unmatched accuracy level of
1 / 10,000mm to support detailed orders according to varying eye conditions. Since contact lenses come into direct contact with patients’ eyes, the company’s skilled inspectors check each lens surface delicately to ensure exactness and safety. This is part of the final inspection process because ortho-k lenses are made to order based on doctors’ prescriptions.
After joining the Menicon Group in 2016, Alpha expanded its footprint and penetrated more markets in Asia and Oceania. It has enabled the business to strengthen critical infrastructure and systems towards rapid growth across Asia. Given the rising prevalence of vision loss caused by myopia, the company is exploring opportunities for private labelling in more overseas markets. With continuing expansion, Alpha is committed to educating ECPs about the potential of ortho-k treatment to prevent vision impairment and vision loss especially among children.
“Our mission is to advance the science in this area of vision,” Kanegae says.