Pentax 2009 Annual Report Download - page 19

Hoya’s Eye Care business provides a wide range of eye-related products and services worldwide. Based on years of experi-
ence in optics and materials technology, we develop, manufacture and sell eyeglass lenses, contact lenses, and intraocular
lenses for use after cataract surgery.
EYE CARE
EYEGLASS LENSES
Fiscal 2009 Business Overview and Results
Hoya manufactures and sells eyeglass lenses on a global basis,
offering products ranging from standard lenses to high-value-added
lenses tailored to the vision needs and lifestyle of each individual
customer. We utilize IT systems to link eyeglass retail stores to our
production bases, thereby achieving an efficient supply chain for
customers around the world.
In the fiscal year under review, consumption faltered under the
shadow of the global economic slowdown. Against this backdrop,
the eyeglass lens market saw prices fall and products grow increas-
ingly commoditized. In this environment, Hoya focused on devel-
oping high-quality premium lenses and on improving price
competitiveness by enhancing mass production facilities and
Super RX Labs (special processing plants), with the twin aims of
expanding market share and improving profitability.
Japan
The eyeglass lens market in Japan is continuing to contract overall
under the growing impact of low-priced lenses produced in China
and other Asian countries. In response to these conditions, Hoya
introduced the Hoyalux Trinity premium progressive lens product,
expanded sales of high-function coatings and the EYVIA 1.74 high-
index lens. In the price-sensitive single-focus lens market as well,
we focused on sales of REMARK, rolling out measures to help resist
price competition. Nevertheless, earnings declined year on year.
Europe
The European market also saw stronger downward price pressure,
with apparent growth in the market for lower-price-range lenses.
Hoya saw robust sales of Hoyalux iD MyStyle high-grade progres-
sive lens and Hoyalux iD Lifestyle, primarily in Western European
countries. In the single-focus lens market, we expanded sales of
NULUX Active, which offers a more comfortable range of vision. We
also strengthened our service and support offer to eyeglass retail
stores through consultation and dispensing tools like the MyStyle
Identifier and Visureal, which help select lenses that meet customer
needs. As a result of these efforts, sales volume rose year on year.
Sales also grew steadily in Poland, Hungary, and other countries in
the Eastern Europe region.
North America
In the United States, where consumption dropped considerably in
light of the Lehman Shock, Hoya continued efforts to strengthen
sales to independent eyeglass retailers. As a result, we were able to
boost sales volume for Hoyalux iD Lifestyle and other high-value-
added products like special coatings, and saw results on a par with
the previous year. In Canada, meanwhile, sales volume was
Vision Care Division
Hoyalux Trinity/
Hoyalux iD MyStyle/
Hoyalux iD LifeStyle
Created using Hoya’s propri-
etary FreeForm technologies,
these multifocal progressive
lenses are customized to
ensure optimal performance
tailored to each customer’s
prescription and lifestyle. The
brand is sold under different
names in Europe, the United
States and Japan.
NULUX Active
These new-concept lenses use
advanced optical design prin-
ciples to enhance comfort and
high-mobility vision for single
vision patients. Because it takes
into account all types of eye
motion, this strategic product is
aimed at young people who
make active use of their eyes.
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HOYA Annual Report 2009