and Now alcon.

com

Alcon Laboratories, Inc.

Historic Highlights
Then
6201 South Freeway
Fort Worth, Texas 76134
© 2013 Novartis Telephone: 817-293-0450

1209N04 Alcon Timeline Bro.indd 1 2/18/13 11:35 AM

 and Now alcon.com

Alcon Laboratories, Inc.

Historic Highlights
Then
6201 South Freeway
Fort Worth, Texas 76134
© 2013 Novartis Telephone: 817-293-0450

1209N04 Alcon Timeline Bro.indd 1 2/18/13 11:35 AM

 and Now alcon.com

Alcon Laboratories, Inc.

Historic Highlights
Then
6201 South Freeway
Fort Worth, Texas 76134
© 2013 Novartis Telephone: 817-293-0450

1209N04 Alcon Timeline Bro.indd 1 2/18/13 11:35 AM

 70 YEARS OF VISION
NEAR LY Alcon, the global leader in eye care, provides innovative products that enhance quality of life by
helping people see better. The three Alcon businesses – Surgical, Pharmaceutical, and Vision Care –
offer the widest spectrum of products addressing the world’s most pressing eye care needs.

2012 Alcon enters into a strategic licensing

1945 Two pharmacists,
Robert Alexander and William
Conner, open a small pharmacy
in Fort Worth, Texas, combining
the first syllables of their last
names to call it Alcon.
1971 With sales of $31 million, Alcon goes
public with a listing on the New York Stock
Exchange.
1972 Ed Schollmaier
assumes the role of
president. During his tenure,
Alcon sales grow from
$36 million to $2 billion and
the company becomes the
world’s largest ophthalmic
company.
1950 Alcon introduces its first two 1978 Swiss food company Nestlé acquires
ophthalmic products: Ophthalzin™ for Alcon. The acquisition provides capital
minor eye infections and Zincfrin® for to accelerate Alcon’s global growth and
red, itchy eyes. manufacturing expansion.
agreement with ThromboGenics to commercialize
2000 Alcon acquires ocriplasmin outside the U.S. Ocriplasmin has the
2005 Alcon launches the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL, potential to become the first pharmacological
Summit Autonomous and which provides a full range of vision. This lens
Grieshaber to enter the 2010 Alcon expands its treatment for vitreomacular traction (VMT) and
quickly becomes the global leader in multi-focal cataract surgical portfolio with macular hole. The licensing agreement confirms
refractive laser market and IOLs.
expand its line of retinal the acquisition of LenSx® Laser Alcon’s commitment to bringing innovative eye care
surgery instruments. 2006 Alcon significantly expands its glaucoma and cataract platform. The innovative laser treatments to patients with unmet medical needs.
1990 Alcon’s Irvine Technology
treatments with TRAVATAN Z® ophthalmic solution, which technology enables surgeons to
Center, the world’s foremost center 2012 Alcon enters into the
2000 Alcon introduces lowers intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients and perform the most delicate manual
for the development of ophthalmic ophthalmic microscope market
OPTI-FREE® EXPRESS®, the the AcrySof® Toric IOL for cataract patients with steps of cataract surgery with
instrumentation, opens in California. through the acquisition of Endure
world’s first no-rub solution astigmatism. image-guided visualization and
for contact lens disinfection. laser precision. Medical Systems, which specializes
2007 Alcon introduces Pataday™ ophthalmic in advanced technology surgical
1982 The William C. Conner Research 2001 Alcon introduces solution, the first once-a-day prescription eye drop for 2011 Alcon commits to a $5 billion investment microscopes. The LuxOr™ Ophthalmic
Center is established, helping Alcon TRAVATAN® ophthalmic eye allergy itching. to discover and develop new and innovative Microscope, with applications for
significantly expand research into solution for lowering treatments for vision conditions and eye diseases. both cataract and vitreoretinal
treatments for eye diseases and intraocular pressure in 2007 Alcon expands its product portfolio for LASIK This represents the largest commitment to research surgeries, offers improved intra-
disorders. glaucoma patients. surgery through regulatory clearance to purchase Wavelight AG. and development in the eye care industry. operative visualization.

1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2010

1947 With William Conner
as Alcon’s first president,
Alcon Laboratories, Inc. is
incorporated. The company
begins manufacturing specialty
pharmaceutical products.
Alexander and Conner fill
prescriptions during the day, and
at night prepare sterile, injectable
vitamins and oral products using
a blender and pressure cooker.
1953 While on a sales call in West 1962 Alcon begins its patient 1988 Alcon acquires Sharpoint, Inc., 1994 The FDA approves Alcon’s 2002 Alcon offers 25 percent of its shares on the 2008 Alcon launches the company’s first nasal 2011 The boards of 2012 To further improve patient outcomes in cataract
rt Alexander and
Texas, Robert assistance program, providing free expanding its surgical manufacturing AcrySof® intraocular lens (IOL) [glossary], New York Stock Exchange, re-entering the stock product, Patanase® nasal spray, to treat nasal allergy Novartis and Alcon surgery, Alcon acquires the ophthalmic division of
cian create
a local physician medications to low-income glaucoma capabilities. representing the first time a material market 40 times larger than when it left in 1978. symptoms and AcrySof® line expansions with the complete its merger SensoMotoric Instruments, providing Alcon with
and patent the patients and supporting medical had been developed specifically for an Phakic and IQ ReSTOR® +3.0 D IOLs. agreement, giving leading ocular surgical guidance technology.
DROP-TAINER®ER® missions worldwide. IOL. Today, Alcon’s portfolio of AcrySof® 2003 Alcon launches Novartis 100 percent
eye drop IOLs are the world’s most frequently several flagship products, 2008 Novartis purchases approximately 25 percent ownership of Alcon. 2012 Alcon celebrates
dispensing 1969 Alcon’s surgical division is formed implanted lenses. including Systane® eye of Nestlé’s stake in Alcon, becoming its second The merger unites the its 30-year partnership
bottle, now with seven associates. drops for the treatment largest shareholder. Novartis also retains the option strengths of Alcon, CIBA with ORBIS International*,
standard 1997 Alcon of dry eye symptoms, to purchase the remaining 52 percent of Nestlé’s Vision and Novartis reaffirming its commitment
for eye introduces Patanol® Vigamox® ophthalmic ownership of Alcon beginning in 2010. Ophthalmics into one eye care business, making Alcon the to restoring sight and
ophthalmic solution, solution for bacterial eliminating preventable
care products. 1979 Alcon 2009 Alcon’s leading brand of intraocular lenses second-largest division of Novartis. Sales reach $10 billion.
begins an ongoing 1989 Alcon purchases CooperVision now the leading conjunctivitis [glossary] blindness across the globe.
prescription eye drop (IOLs), AcrySof®, exceeds 40 million implants. 2011 Alcon launches DAILIES
Surgical and combines them with its or “pink eye,” CIPRODEX®
1959 Alcon opens an office in Canada, partnership with
for treating allergic optic suspension for TOTAL1® contact lenses within
ORBIS International* existing operations to become the 2009 Alcon Laboratories, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of
beginning its international operations.
world’s leading ophthalmic surgical conjunctivitis. middle and outer ear infection, Alcon, is recognized for the 11th consecutive year as select European markets. DAILIES
to bring eye care
company. and the AcrySof® Natural IOL, one of FORTUNE’s “Best Companies To Work For.” TOTAL1® contact lenses are the
services and health 1997 Tim Sear, a which filters UV and blue light. first and only water gradient
care provider training longtime leader in 2009 Kevin Buehler, who joined the Alcon sales contact lenses featuring an
to impoverished Alcon’s international 2004 Cary Rayment, who force in 1984, is appointed Alcon’s fifth president increase from 33 percent to over 80 percent water content
communities expansion, becomes joined Alcon in 1989 with and CEO. from core to surface, and with a surface water content that’s
worldwide. the company’s third the CooperVision acquisition, nearly the same as the cornea.
* Trademark of Project ORBIS International president and CEO. is appointed Alcon’s fourth * Trademark of Project ORBIS International
president and CEO.

1209N04 Alcon Timeline Bro.indd 2 2/18/13 11:35 AM

 70 YEARS OF VISION
NEAR LY Alcon, the global leader in eye care, provides innovative products that enhance quality of life by
helping people see better. The three Alcon businesses – Surgical, Pharmaceutical, and Vision Care –
offer the widest spectrum of products addressing the world’s most pressing eye care needs.

2012 Alcon enters into a strategic licensing

1945 Two pharmacists,
Robert Alexander and William
Conner, open a small pharmacy
in Fort Worth, Texas, combining
the first syllables of their last
names to call it Alcon.
1971 With sales of $31 million, Alcon goes
public with a listing on the New York Stock
Exchange.
1972 Ed Schollmaier
assumes the role of
president. During his tenure,
Alcon sales grow from
$36 million to $2 billion and
the company becomes the
world’s largest ophthalmic
company.
1950 Alcon introduces its first two 1978 Swiss food company Nestlé acquires
ophthalmic products: Ophthalzin™ for Alcon. The acquisition provides capital
minor eye infections and Zincfrin® for to accelerate Alcon’s global growth and
red, itchy eyes. manufacturing expansion.
agreement with ThromboGenics to commercialize
2000 Alcon acquires ocriplasmin outside the U.S. Ocriplasmin has the
2005 Alcon launches the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL, potential to become the first pharmacological
Summit Autonomous and which provides a full range of vision. This lens
Grieshaber to enter the 2010 Alcon expands its treatment for vitreomacular traction (VMT) and
quickly becomes the global leader in multi-focal cataract surgical portfolio with macular hole. The licensing agreement confirms
refractive laser market and IOLs.
expand its line of retinal the acquisition of LenSx® Laser Alcon’s commitment to bringing innovative eye care
surgery instruments. 2006 Alcon significantly expands its glaucoma and cataract platform. The innovative laser treatments to patients with unmet medical needs.
1990 Alcon’s Irvine Technology
treatments with TRAVATAN Z® ophthalmic solution, which technology enables surgeons to
Center, the world’s foremost center 2012 Alcon enters into the
2000 Alcon introduces lowers intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients and perform the most delicate manual
for the development of ophthalmic ophthalmic microscope market
OPTI-FREE® EXPRESS®, the the AcrySof® Toric IOL for cataract patients with steps of cataract surgery with
instrumentation, opens in California. through the acquisition of Endure
world’s first no-rub solution astigmatism. image-guided visualization and
for contact lens disinfection. laser precision. Medical Systems, which specializes
2007 Alcon introduces Pataday™ ophthalmic in advanced technology surgical
1982 The William C. Conner Research 2001 Alcon introduces solution, the first once-a-day prescription eye drop for 2011 Alcon commits to a $5 billion investment microscopes. The LuxOr™ Ophthalmic
Center is established, helping Alcon TRAVATAN® ophthalmic eye allergy itching. to discover and develop new and innovative Microscope, with applications for
significantly expand research into solution for lowering treatments for vision conditions and eye diseases. both cataract and vitreoretinal
treatments for eye diseases and intraocular pressure in 2007 Alcon expands its product portfolio for LASIK This represents the largest commitment to research surgeries, offers improved intra-
disorders. glaucoma patients. surgery through regulatory clearance to purchase Wavelight AG. and development in the eye care industry. operative visualization.

1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2010

1947 With William Conner
as Alcon’s first president,
Alcon Laboratories, Inc. is
incorporated. The company
begins manufacturing specialty
pharmaceutical products.
Alexander and Conner fill
prescriptions during the day, and
at night prepare sterile, injectable
vitamins and oral products using
a blender and pressure cooker.
1953 While on a sales call in West 1962 Alcon begins its patient 1988 Alcon acquires Sharpoint, Inc., 1994 The FDA approves Alcon’s 2002 Alcon offers 25 percent of its shares on the 2008 Alcon launches the company’s first nasal 2011 The boards of 2012 To further improve patient outcomes in cataract
rt Alexander and
Texas, Robert assistance program, providing free expanding its surgical manufacturing AcrySof® intraocular lens (IOL) [glossary], New York Stock Exchange, re-entering the stock product, Patanase® nasal spray, to treat nasal allergy Novartis and Alcon surgery, Alcon acquires the ophthalmic division of
cian create
a local physician medications to low-income glaucoma capabilities. representing the first time a material market 40 times larger than when it left in 1978. symptoms and AcrySof® line expansions with the complete its merger SensoMotoric Instruments, providing Alcon with
and patent the patients and supporting medical had been developed specifically for an Phakic and IQ ReSTOR® +3.0 D IOLs. agreement, giving leading ocular surgical guidance technology.
DROP-TAINER®ER® missions worldwide. IOL. Today, Alcon’s portfolio of AcrySof® 2003 Alcon launches Novartis 100 percent
eye drop IOLs are the world’s most frequently several flagship products, 2008 Novartis purchases approximately 25 percent ownership of Alcon. 2012 Alcon celebrates
dispensing 1969 Alcon’s surgical division is formed implanted lenses. including Systane® eye of Nestlé’s stake in Alcon, becoming its second The merger unites the its 30-year partnership
bottle, now with seven associates. drops for the treatment largest shareholder. Novartis also retains the option strengths of Alcon, CIBA with ORBIS International*,
standard 1997 Alcon of dry eye symptoms, to purchase the remaining 52 percent of Nestlé’s Vision and Novartis reaffirming its commitment
for eye introduces Patanol® Vigamox® ophthalmic ownership of Alcon beginning in 2010. Ophthalmics into one eye care business, making Alcon the to restoring sight and
ophthalmic solution, solution for bacterial eliminating preventable
care products. 1979 Alcon 2009 Alcon’s leading brand of intraocular lenses second-largest division of Novartis. Sales reach $10 billion.
begins an ongoing 1989 Alcon purchases CooperVision now the leading conjunctivitis [glossary] blindness across the globe.
prescription eye drop (IOLs), AcrySof®, exceeds 40 million implants. 2011 Alcon launches DAILIES
Surgical and combines them with its or “pink eye,” CIPRODEX®
1959 Alcon opens an office in Canada, partnership with
for treating allergic optic suspension for TOTAL1® contact lenses within
ORBIS International* existing operations to become the 2009 Alcon Laboratories, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of
beginning its international operations.
world’s leading ophthalmic surgical conjunctivitis. middle and outer ear infection, Alcon, is recognized for the 11th consecutive year as select European markets. DAILIES
to bring eye care
company. and the AcrySof® Natural IOL, one of FORTUNE’s “Best Companies To Work For.” TOTAL1® contact lenses are the
services and health 1997 Tim Sear, a which filters UV and blue light. first and only water gradient
care provider training longtime leader in 2009 Kevin Buehler, who joined the Alcon sales contact lenses featuring an
to impoverished Alcon’s international 2004 Cary Rayment, who force in 1984, is appointed Alcon’s fifth president increase from 33 percent to over 80 percent water content
communities expansion, becomes joined Alcon in 1989 with and CEO. from core to surface, and with a surface water content that’s
worldwide. the company’s third the CooperVision acquisition, nearly the same as the cornea.
* Trademark of Project ORBIS International president and CEO. is appointed Alcon’s fourth * Trademark of Project ORBIS International
president and CEO.

1209N04 Alcon Timeline Bro.indd 2 2/18/13 11:35 AM

 70 YEARS OF VISION
NEAR LY Alcon, the global leader in eye care, provides innovative products that enhance quality of life by
helping people see better. The three Alcon businesses – Surgical, Pharmaceutical, and Vision Care –
offer the widest spectrum of products addressing the world’s most pressing eye care needs.

2012 Alcon enters into a strategic licensing

1945 Two pharmacists,
Robert Alexander and William
Conner, open a small pharmacy
in Fort Worth, Texas, combining
the first syllables of their last
names to call it Alcon.
1971 With sales of $31 million, Alcon goes
public with a listing on the New York Stock
Exchange.
1972 Ed Schollmaier
assumes the role of
president. During his tenure,
Alcon sales grow from
$36 million to $2 billion and
the company becomes the
world’s largest ophthalmic
company.
1950 Alcon introduces its first two 1978 Swiss food company Nestlé acquires
ophthalmic products: Ophthalzin™ for Alcon. The acquisition provides capital
minor eye infections and Zincfrin® for to accelerate Alcon’s global growth and
red, itchy eyes. manufacturing expansion.
agreement with ThromboGenics to commercialize
2000 Alcon acquires ocriplasmin outside the U.S. Ocriplasmin has the
2005 Alcon launches the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL, potential to become the first pharmacological
Summit Autonomous and which provides a full range of vision. This lens
Grieshaber to enter the 2010 Alcon expands its treatment for vitreomacular traction (VMT) and
quickly becomes the global leader in multi-focal cataract surgical portfolio with macular hole. The licensing agreement confirms
refractive laser market and IOLs.
expand its line of retinal the acquisition of LenSx® Laser Alcon’s commitment to bringing innovative eye care
surgery instruments. 2006 Alcon significantly expands its glaucoma and cataract platform. The innovative laser treatments to patients with unmet medical needs.
1990 Alcon’s Irvine Technology
treatments with TRAVATAN Z® ophthalmic solution, which technology enables surgeons to
Center, the world’s foremost center 2012 Alcon enters into the
2000 Alcon introduces lowers intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients and perform the most delicate manual
for the development of ophthalmic ophthalmic microscope market
OPTI-FREE® EXPRESS®, the the AcrySof® Toric IOL for cataract patients with steps of cataract surgery with
instrumentation, opens in California. through the acquisition of Endure
world’s first no-rub solution astigmatism. image-guided visualization and
for contact lens disinfection. laser precision. Medical Systems, which specializes
2007 Alcon introduces Pataday™ ophthalmic in advanced technology surgical
1982 The William C. Conner Research 2001 Alcon introduces solution, the first once-a-day prescription eye drop for 2011 Alcon commits to a $5 billion investment microscopes. The LuxOr™ Ophthalmic
Center is established, helping Alcon TRAVATAN® ophthalmic eye allergy itching. to discover and develop new and innovative Microscope, with applications for
significantly expand research into solution for lowering treatments for vision conditions and eye diseases. both cataract and vitreoretinal
treatments for eye diseases and intraocular pressure in 2007 Alcon expands its product portfolio for LASIK This represents the largest commitment to research surgeries, offers improved intra-
disorders. glaucoma patients. surgery through regulatory clearance to purchase Wavelight AG. and development in the eye care industry. operative visualization.

1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2010

1947 With William Conner
as Alcon’s first president,
Alcon Laboratories, Inc. is
incorporated. The company
begins manufacturing specialty
pharmaceutical products.
Alexander and Conner fill
prescriptions during the day, and
at night prepare sterile, injectable
vitamins and oral products using
a blender and pressure cooker.
1953 While on a sales call in West 1962 Alcon begins its patient 1988 Alcon acquires Sharpoint, Inc., 1994 The FDA approves Alcon’s 2002 Alcon offers 25 percent of its shares on the 2008 Alcon launches the company’s first nasal 2011 The boards of 2012 To further improve patient outcomes in cataract
rt Alexander and
Texas, Robert assistance program, providing free expanding its surgical manufacturing AcrySof® intraocular lens (IOL) [glossary], New York Stock Exchange, re-entering the stock product, Patanase® nasal spray, to treat nasal allergy Novartis and Alcon surgery, Alcon acquires the ophthalmic division of
cian create
a local physician medications to low-income glaucoma capabilities. representing the first time a material market 40 times larger than when it left in 1978. symptoms and AcrySof® line expansions with the complete its merger SensoMotoric Instruments, providing Alcon with
and patent the patients and supporting medical had been developed specifically for an Phakic and IQ ReSTOR® +3.0 D IOLs. agreement, giving leading ocular surgical guidance technology.
DROP-TAINER®ER® missions worldwide. IOL. Today, Alcon’s portfolio of AcrySof® 2003 Alcon launches Novartis 100 percent
eye drop IOLs are the world’s most frequently several flagship products, 2008 Novartis purchases approximately 25 percent ownership of Alcon. 2012 Alcon celebrates
dispensing 1969 Alcon’s surgical division is formed implanted lenses. including Systane® eye of Nestlé’s stake in Alcon, becoming its second The merger unites the its 30-year partnership
bottle, now with seven associates. drops for the treatment largest shareholder. Novartis also retains the option strengths of Alcon, CIBA with ORBIS International*,
standard 1997 Alcon of dry eye symptoms, to purchase the remaining 52 percent of Nestlé’s Vision and Novartis reaffirming its commitment
for eye introduces Patanol® Vigamox® ophthalmic ownership of Alcon beginning in 2010. Ophthalmics into one eye care business, making Alcon the to restoring sight and
ophthalmic solution, solution for bacterial eliminating preventable
care products. 1979 Alcon 2009 Alcon’s leading brand of intraocular lenses second-largest division of Novartis. Sales reach $10 billion.
begins an ongoing 1989 Alcon purchases CooperVision now the leading conjunctivitis [glossary] blindness across the globe.
prescription eye drop (IOLs), AcrySof®, exceeds 40 million implants. 2011 Alcon launches DAILIES
Surgical and combines them with its or “pink eye,” CIPRODEX®
1959 Alcon opens an office in Canada, partnership with
for treating allergic optic suspension for TOTAL1® contact lenses within
ORBIS International* existing operations to become the 2009 Alcon Laboratories, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of
beginning its international operations.
world’s leading ophthalmic surgical conjunctivitis. middle and outer ear infection, Alcon, is recognized for the 11th consecutive year as select European markets. DAILIES
to bring eye care
company. and the AcrySof® Natural IOL, one of FORTUNE’s “Best Companies To Work For.” TOTAL1® contact lenses are the
services and health 1997 Tim Sear, a which filters UV and blue light. first and only water gradient
care provider training longtime leader in 2009 Kevin Buehler, who joined the Alcon sales contact lenses featuring an
to impoverished Alcon’s international 2004 Cary Rayment, who force in 1984, is appointed Alcon’s fifth president increase from 33 percent to over 80 percent water content
communities expansion, becomes joined Alcon in 1989 with and CEO. from core to surface, and with a surface water content that’s
worldwide. the company’s third the CooperVision acquisition, nearly the same as the cornea.
* Trademark of Project ORBIS International president and CEO. is appointed Alcon’s fourth * Trademark of Project ORBIS International
president and CEO.

1209N04 Alcon Timeline Bro.indd 2 2/18/13 11:35 AM

 70 YEARS OF VISION
NEAR LY Alcon, the global leader in eye care, provides innovative products that enhance quality of life by
helping people see better. The three Alcon businesses – Surgical, Pharmaceutical, and Vision Care –
offer the widest spectrum of products addressing the world’s most pressing eye care needs.

2012 Alcon enters into a strategic licensing

1945 Two pharmacists,
Robert Alexander and William
Conner, open a small pharmacy
in Fort Worth, Texas, combining
the first syllables of their last
names to call it Alcon.
1971 With sales of $31 million, Alcon goes
public with a listing on the New York Stock
Exchange.
1972 Ed Schollmaier
assumes the role of
president. During his tenure,
Alcon sales grow from
$36 million to $2 billion and
the company becomes the
world’s largest ophthalmic
company.
1950 Alcon introduces its first two 1978 Swiss food company Nestlé acquires
ophthalmic products: Ophthalzin™ for Alcon. The acquisition provides capital
minor eye infections and Zincfrin® for to accelerate Alcon’s global growth and
red, itchy eyes. manufacturing expansion.
agreement with ThromboGenics to commercialize
2000 Alcon acquires ocriplasmin outside the U.S. Ocriplasmin has the
2005 Alcon launches the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL, potential to become the first pharmacological
Summit Autonomous and which provides a full range of vision. This lens
Grieshaber to enter the 2010 Alcon expands its treatment for vitreomacular traction (VMT) and
quickly becomes the global leader in multi-focal cataract surgical portfolio with macular hole. The licensing agreement confirms
refractive laser market and IOLs.
expand its line of retinal the acquisition of LenSx® Laser Alcon’s commitment to bringing innovative eye care
surgery instruments. 2006 Alcon significantly expands its glaucoma and cataract platform. The innovative laser treatments to patients with unmet medical needs.
1990 Alcon’s Irvine Technology
treatments with TRAVATAN Z® ophthalmic solution, which technology enables surgeons to
Center, the world’s foremost center 2012 Alcon enters into the
2000 Alcon introduces lowers intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients and perform the most delicate manual
for the development of ophthalmic ophthalmic microscope market
OPTI-FREE® EXPRESS®, the the AcrySof® Toric IOL for cataract patients with steps of cataract surgery with
instrumentation, opens in California. through the acquisition of Endure
world’s first no-rub solution astigmatism. image-guided visualization and
for contact lens disinfection. laser precision. Medical Systems, which specializes
2007 Alcon introduces Pataday™ ophthalmic in advanced technology surgical
1982 The William C. Conner Research 2001 Alcon introduces solution, the first once-a-day prescription eye drop for 2011 Alcon commits to a $5 billion investment microscopes. The LuxOr™ Ophthalmic
Center is established, helping Alcon TRAVATAN® ophthalmic eye allergy itching. to discover and develop new and innovative Microscope, with applications for
significantly expand research into solution for lowering treatments for vision conditions and eye diseases. both cataract and vitreoretinal
treatments for eye diseases and intraocular pressure in 2007 Alcon expands its product portfolio for LASIK This represents the largest commitment to research surgeries, offers improved intra-
disorders. glaucoma patients. surgery through regulatory clearance to purchase Wavelight AG. and development in the eye care industry. operative visualization.

1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2010

1947 With William Conner
as Alcon’s first president,
Alcon Laboratories, Inc. is
incorporated. The company
begins manufacturing specialty
pharmaceutical products.
Alexander and Conner fill
prescriptions during the day, and
at night prepare sterile, injectable
vitamins and oral products using
a blender and pressure cooker.
1953 While on a sales call in West 1962 Alcon begins its patient 1988 Alcon acquires Sharpoint, Inc., 1994 The FDA approves Alcon’s 2002 Alcon offers 25 percent of its shares on the 2008 Alcon launches the company’s first nasal 2011 The boards of 2012 To further improve patient outcomes in cataract
rt Alexander and
Texas, Robert assistance program, providing free expanding its surgical manufacturing AcrySof® intraocular lens (IOL) [glossary], New York Stock Exchange, re-entering the stock product, Patanase® nasal spray, to treat nasal allergy Novartis and Alcon surgery, Alcon acquires the ophthalmic division of
cian create
a local physician medications to low-income glaucoma capabilities. representing the first time a material market 40 times larger than when it left in 1978. symptoms and AcrySof® line expansions with the complete its merger SensoMotoric Instruments, providing Alcon with
and patent the patients and supporting medical had been developed specifically for an Phakic and IQ ReSTOR® +3.0 D IOLs. agreement, giving leading ocular surgical guidance technology.
DROP-TAINER®ER® missions worldwide. IOL. Today, Alcon’s portfolio of AcrySof® 2003 Alcon launches Novartis 100 percent
eye drop IOLs are the world’s most frequently several flagship products, 2008 Novartis purchases approximately 25 percent ownership of Alcon. 2012 Alcon celebrates
dispensing 1969 Alcon’s surgical division is formed implanted lenses. including Systane® eye of Nestlé’s stake in Alcon, becoming its second The merger unites the its 30-year partnership
bottle, now with seven associates. drops for the treatment largest shareholder. Novartis also retains the option strengths of Alcon, CIBA with ORBIS International*,
standard 1997 Alcon of dry eye symptoms, to purchase the remaining 52 percent of Nestlé’s Vision and Novartis reaffirming its commitment
for eye introduces Patanol® Vigamox® ophthalmic ownership of Alcon beginning in 2010. Ophthalmics into one eye care business, making Alcon the to restoring sight and
ophthalmic solution, solution for bacterial eliminating preventable
care products. 1979 Alcon 2009 Alcon’s leading brand of intraocular lenses second-largest division of Novartis. Sales reach $10 billion.
begins an ongoing 1989 Alcon purchases CooperVision now the leading conjunctivitis [glossary] blindness across the globe.
prescription eye drop (IOLs), AcrySof®, exceeds 40 million implants. 2011 Alcon launches DAILIES
Surgical and combines them with its or “pink eye,” CIPRODEX®
1959 Alcon opens an office in Canada, partnership with
for treating allergic optic suspension for TOTAL1® contact lenses within
ORBIS International* existing operations to become the 2009 Alcon Laboratories, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of
beginning its international operations.
world’s leading ophthalmic surgical conjunctivitis. middle and outer ear infection, Alcon, is recognized for the 11th consecutive year as select European markets. DAILIES
to bring eye care
company. and the AcrySof® Natural IOL, one of FORTUNE’s “Best Companies To Work For.” TOTAL1® contact lenses are the
services and health 1997 Tim Sear, a which filters UV and blue light. first and only water gradient
care provider training longtime leader in 2009 Kevin Buehler, who joined the Alcon sales contact lenses featuring an
to impoverished Alcon’s international 2004 Cary Rayment, who force in 1984, is appointed Alcon’s fifth president increase from 33 percent to over 80 percent water content
communities expansion, becomes joined Alcon in 1989 with and CEO. from core to surface, and with a surface water content that’s
worldwide. the company’s third the CooperVision acquisition, nearly the same as the cornea.
* Trademark of Project ORBIS International president and CEO. is appointed Alcon’s fourth * Trademark of Project ORBIS International
president and CEO.

1209N04 Alcon Timeline Bro.indd 2 2/18/13 11:35 AM

 and Now alcon.com

Alcon Laboratories, Inc.

Historic Highlights
Then
6201 South Freeway
Fort Worth, Texas 76134
© 2013 Novartis Telephone: 817-293-0450

1209N04 Alcon Timeline Bro.indd 1 2/18/13 11:35 AM