History + Heritage

J. J. Bausch opens an optical goods store in Rochester, New York. He borrows $60 from friend Henry Lomb to expand the business, sealing the deal with a handshake.

J. J. Bausch’s revolutionary Vulcanite eyeglass frames become the first great success for the young company.

Bausch + Lomb begins microscope production.

Edward Bausch, J. J.’s son, patents the “between the lens” iris diaphragm and shutter, helping to give rise to snapshot photography.

Bausch + Lomb introduces the Balopticon slide projector.

Bausch + Lomb introduces Honorary Science Award for high school students; hundreds of thousands of awards have been bestowed since.

The first Ray-Ban aviator goggles for military pilots are produced.

The first films made with the CinemaScope lens premiered in movie theaters, bringing widescreen movie projection to the big screen.

Bausch + Lomb receives an Honorary Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for contributions to the advancement of the motion-picture industry.

First images of the surface of the moon are taken using Bausch + Lomb Super Baltar lenses.

Bausch + Lomb launches SofLens® contact lenses, the first mass-produced soft contact lens in the U.S.

The company creates its first toric contact lens, and the following year launches its first bifocal contact lens.

Polymer Technology Corporation, a leader in rigid gas permeable contact lenses and solutions, is acquired; the Boston® contact lenses and solutions brands join the Bausch + Lomb portfolio.

Bausch + Lomb expands into ophthalmic pharmaceuticals by acquiring Dr. Mann Pharma, and then the following year, Pharmafair Inc.

ReNu® multipurpose solution for soft contact lenses is launched.

Bausch + Lomb releases 15 new pharmaceutical products, greatly expanding its pharmaceutical portfolio.

Bausch + Lomb establishes a surgical business unit through acquisitions of Chiron Vision and Storz® Ophthalmics, focusing on cataract, refractive and vitreoretinal surgery.

PureVision® contact lenses, the first silicone hydrogel contact lenses in the U.S., are launched.

Bausch + Lomb launches PreserVision® brand of eye vitamins in the US, after supporting the landmark National Eye Institute AREDS study.

Bausch + Lomb receives FDA clearance for SofLens® daily disposable contact lenses

The Stellaris® vision enhancement system is launched, breaking new ground in cataract surgery.

Biotrue® multi-purpose solution and PureVision®2 contact lenses are introduced.

Bausch + Lomb receives FDA approval for enVista® intraocular lens.

Bausch + Lomb receives FDA clearance for Biotrue® ONEday daily disposable contact lenses.

Bausch + Lomb and Technolas Perfect Vision receive FDA clearance for Victus® Femtosecond Laser Platform.

Bausch + Lomb ULTRA® silicone hydrogel monthly contact lenses and Biotrue® ONEday for Presbyopia contact lenses are introduced.

Bausch + Lomb ULTRA® for Presbyopia is launched.

Bausch + Lomb launches Stellaris Elite® vision enhancement system for cataract and retina surgery.

Bausch + Lomb ULTRA® Multifocal for Astigmatism is launched.

Bausch + Lomb bring Preservative Free Multidose Eye Drops to the UK to treat glaucoma

The Viscotears Range is enhanced with preservative free multidose formulations launched into the UK market

Bausch + Lomb expands into animal health with the launch of Project Watson™ health care products for dogs.