Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Announces Collin Low & Christina Liew-Gin as their Singapore Astigmatism Ambassadors

Online, February 18, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Johnson & Johnson Vision Care today announced Collin Low, part of winning duo of "The Amazing Race Asia 2" and co-owner of Pilates Bodyworks (Holland Branch), and Christina Liew-Gin, winner of OCBC Cycle Singapore 2009 (Super Challenge 50KM), as the Ambassadors for ACUVUE® FOR ASTIGMATISM. The celebrated sports personalities will play a pivotal role in educating the public on the need to correct astigmatism and how to achieve optimal vision.

Ms Bebe Teo, Country Manager for Johnson & Johnson Vision Care said, "In Singapore, about 64% of the contact lens wearers who have the condition of astigmatism have yet to fully correct their astigmatism. These contact lens wearers often 'mask' their astigmatism knowingly or unknowingly by increasing their myopia power of their existing contact lenses in an attempt to see clearly. The Eye Care Professionals here advise that 'masking' could potentially risk having a worsening of the myopic condition."

Johnson & Johnson Vision Care aims to facilitate public education on astigmatism, Singapore's top 2 visual condition, through the personal experiences of Collin and Christina. Both still experienced blurred vision even though they were wearing contact lenses that correct their short-sightedness. Despite their condition, they have never worn contact lenses that are designed specifically to correct astigmatism, otherwise known as toric lenses.

Singapore's Top Female Road Cyclist, Christina Liew-Gin commented, "I knew I had astigmatism but did not feel the urgency to correct the condition. I had to delay getting my eyes checked because of my grueling work and training schedule. As a result of the procrastination, both my myopia and astigmatism worsened."

"Since my optometrist recommended 1.DAY ACUVUE® FOR ASTIGMATISM to correct my condition, I can now see clearer than before and I can perform at my best in every cycling race. I urge everyone who has astigmatism to take immediate action to correct the condition, as procrastination risk further damage to your eye sight." Christina added.

Collin Low shared, "I have always suspected I have astigmatism. I used to experience blurred vision even when I was wearing contact lenses that corrected my short-sightedness. After a long overdue visit to my optometrist, I learned about my condition and was recommended with 1.DAY ACUVUE® FOR ASTIGMATISM. Now, I fully realize what I have missed out. I can see clearly now!"

"As a Pilates trainer, I need to maintain stable vision when I practise advanced Pilates movements. Since wearing 1.DAY ACUVUE® FOR ASTIGMATISM, I enjoy clear and stable vision when executing my Pilates moves. My contact lenses do not shift out of focus, even with upside down positions or other head movement exercises. The daily disposable lenses are also healthy, convenient and comfortable to wear. It suits my busy and active lifestyle. I would also encourage all contact lens wearers to proactively visit their Eye Care Professionals to get their eyes checked for astigmatism." Collin added.

Johnson & Johnson Vision Care now caters to the growing number of contact lens wearers with astigmatism, like Collin and Christina, with 1.DAY ACUVUE® FOR ASTIGMATISM and ACUVUE® OASYS FOR ASTIGMATISM. Designed using Johnson & Johnson proprietary technology, Accelerated Stabilisation Design (ASD), it is the only technology that harnesses the natural pressures of the blink to secure the lens in its place. This means that contact lens wearers can experience crisp, clear and stable vision even when they lie down or tilt their head.

The astigmatism awareness campaign is part of Johnson and Johnson Vision Care's continued drive for public education and efforts to raise the overall standards of eye health in Singapore. With our Astigmatism Ambassadors Collin and Christina leading the efforts, we hope that their personal experiences of correcting astigmatism to see clearly will resonate with the public. We encourage Singaporeans to take the proactive step to visit their regular Eye Care Professional to have their eyes checked for astigmatism. The Eye Care Professional will advise on how to correct this condition with the appropriate lens which meets their eye care and lifestyle needs.

For more information on astigmatism, please visit Johnson & Johnson Vision Care astigmatism education site at www.acuvue.com.sg/seeclearly