Jacksonville, Fl. – October 5, 2026 – Johnson & Johnson today announced its scientific and educational program for the 2026 American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Annual Meeting, highlighted by three milestones shaping the future of cataract care:
- New data reinforcing Johnson & Johnson's leadership in image contrast and quality vision for patients
- Continued momentum for the TECNIS portfolio as TECNIS PureSee IOL and TECNIS Odyssey IOL surpass 1 million implants worldwide[1]
- The launch of SmartLOAD Delivery Technology, the first and only IOL delivery system to pair a reusable titanium inserter with a preloaded disposable cartridge[12].
"Today's cataract patients expect more than improved visual acuity alone," said Erin Powers, President, North America, Surgical Vision, MedTech, Johnson & Johnson. "They want confidence in daily activities across a variety of lighting conditions, and surgeons want technologies that help them consistently deliver excellent outcomes. Surpassing one million TECNIS PureSee IOL and TECNIS Odyssey IOL implants[1] underscores the enduring impact of the platform and Johnson & Johnson's leadership in shaping the future of cataract care through decades of innovation. We are proud to highlight that meaningful innovation at the AAO Annual Meeting.”
While visual acuity remains an important measure of surgical success, contrast can influence how patients perform everyday activities in varying lighting conditions, including driving, mobility and object recognition. At AAO, Johnson & Johnson will spotlight new data demonstrating that both TECNIS PureSee IOL and TECNIS Odyssey IOL delivered higher image contrast than leading competitive IOLs.
- TECNIS PureSee IOL delivered higher image contrast in both daylight and low-light conditions[2,3*] and remains the first and only extended depth of focus (EDOF) IOL in the United States without a warning for loss of contrast sensitivity in its labeling[4,5**]. Most patients implanted with a leading competitive EDOF IOL are "likely to experience significant loss of contrast sensitivity as compared to a monofocal IOL," according to the warning included in its Directions for Use[5].
- TECNIS Odyssey IOL delivered 40% higher image contrast during the day and more than two times higher image contrast in low-light conditions compared with a leading competitive IOL6,7, based on pre-clinical bench testing, while providing a full range of vision[8].
Now trusted in more than 1 million eyes globally[1], TECNIS PureSee IOL and TECNIS Odyssey IOL reflect Johnson & Johnson's continued leadership in premium cataract surgery, delivering differentiated solutions across the spectrum of patient lifestyle needs.
Expanding Innovation Beyond the Implant with SmartLOAD Delivery Technology
At AAO, Johnson & Johnson is launching SmartLOAD Delivery Technology with TECNIS Eyhance IOL, the first and only IOL delivery system to pair a reusable titanium inserter with a preloaded disposable cartridge[12], representing a new approach to efficiency and sustainability in cataract surgery. Developed in response to surgeon feedback, SmartLOAD Delivery Technology was designed to help address common challenges associated with lens loading, procedural efficiency, and waste generation in cataract surgery[9].
SmartLOAD Delivery Technology may help reduce risk factors associated with contamination during lens preparation^^ and demonstrated high surgeon satisfaction in clinical evaluations[10].
- 93% of surgeons expected SmartLOAD Delivery Technology to reduce the number of IOL loading errors ^^10.
- 69% of surgeons strongly agreed that the delivery system would minimize the risk of infection and inflammation ^^10.
- 86% of surgeons were very satisfied with overall performance[+10] and 84% were very satisfied with ease of use [+10].
In addition to procedural benefits, SmartLOAD Delivery Technology generates:
- 55% to 75% less product and primary packaging waste than competitive preloaded disposable systems[~11]
- 49% less shipper packaging weight vs. single-use IOL inserters[11]
- 47% smaller packaging footprint than the Simplicity box (by volume)[11]
Innovation Shaped by Surgeon Feedback
Johnson & Johnson will also showcase enhancements to the VERITAS Vision System, reinforcing its commitment to continuous innovation across every step of the cataract procedure.
The updated ELLIPS FX Phaco Handpiece incorporates a new locking Luer connector that helps maintain a secure irrigation tubing connection throughout surgery, along with a lighter cable designed to enhance ergonomics, improve wrist mobility, and reduce surgeon fatigue. These enhancements were developed in response to surgeon feedback and are designed to provide a more seamless experience without changes to existing operation or maintenance procedures.
Attendees can experience Johnson & Johnson technologies firsthand through hands-on demonstrations and wet lab sessions at booth #2318.
Visit us at jnjvisionpro.com/en-us/ and follow Johnson & Johnson | Vision on LinkedIn.