Saying Yes to More Patients

How Expanded Toric Parameters Can Open New Fitting Conversations

By Maria Sampalis, OD

Astigmatism is one of the most common findings we encounter, yet it can still narrow the contact lens conversation before it fully begins. A patient may have heard that contacts are not an option. Another may have tried lenses years ago and quietly returned to glasses. A third may be wearing a spherical lens even though a toric correction could better address the prescription.

Expanded toric parameters give us an opportunity to revisit those assumptions. For me, the significance is very practical: broader prescription coverage can help eye care professionals open the conversation with patients who previously had fewer readily available options.

That is what saying yes to more patients means in daily practice. It means looking again at the patient in front of us, understanding how that person lives and presenting appropriate options with confidence.

The Opportunity Is Already in Our Chairs

Research helps put the opportunity into perspective. A large review of 101,973 patient records found that 41% of eyes had astigmatism of at least 0.75 D. The researchers also found that estimated toric lens coverage increased substantially as the available ranges of sphere, cylinder and axis expanded. In the analysis, estimated coverage ranged from 30.7% for a relatively limited stock range to 96.4% for a broader range extending from +6.00 D to -10.00 D, with cylinders through -2.75 D and 18 axes._^[1]

Those numbers reinforce something clinicians already understand. Parameter availability directly shapes which patients can be fit with a readily available soft toric lens. Each additional power, cylinder or axis can represent a patient whose conversation now has a different ending.

See the Patient Behind the Prescription

The best contact lens recommendation begins with the patient’s goals. Clear vision matters, and so do comfort, schedule, hobbies, work demands and the ability to follow a replacement and care routine.

Newer consumer research from the Contact Lens Institute found that at least 70% of Gen Z, Millennial and Gen X patients want their eye care team to explain the value of vision-correction recommendations. The same research found that patients continue to view their eye care team as their most trusted source, ahead of artificial intelligence platforms and social media.^[2]

That trust gives us a meaningful role. Patients may arrive with old assumptions about astigmatism or contact lenses. A clear explanation of what has changed, why a toric design may be appropriate and how different replacement schedules fit different lifestyles can help them make an informed decision.

Revisit the Patients Who Heard ‘No’ Before

Some of the strongest opportunities may come from patients we already know. Alcon’s 2026 AOA educational program highlighted three groups for renewed consideration: glasses-only wearers, former contact lens wearers and patients with higher cylinder prescriptions.^[3]

The supporting consumer research is revealing. Among glasses-only wearers who believed a vision condition might prevent contact lens use, 44% cited astigmatism as a factor. The same research reported that one in three people with astigmatism who did not currently wear contact lenses were former wearers.^[4]

These patients may benefit from a fresh conversation. Their prescription may have changed. Their lifestyle may have changed. Available toric ranges and lens technologies have continued to evolve. Asking about a previous experience can uncover whether the barrier was vision, comfort, handling, cost, care requirements or limited parameters at the time.

Use Modality as Part of Personalization

Expanded toric parameters across Alcon’s Water Innovations portfolio create fitting options across daily disposable, weekly replacement and monthly replacement modalities. The 2026 expansion includes PRECISION1® for Astigmatism, PRECISION7® for Astigmatism and TOTAL30® for Astigmatism.[5]

The value of that breadth becomes clear when the conversation stays centered on the patient. A daily disposable may suit someone who values a fresh lens each day. A weekly replacement lens may align with a patient seeking a reusable option with a shorter replacement rhythm. A monthly lens may fit another patient’s established routine and preferences. The clinical decision remains individualized, supported by the prescription, ocular health, wearing goals and the product’s approved labeling.

For corporate and retail-affiliated optometrists, this flexibility can also support consistency across a broad patient population. Doctors often see patients of different ages, prescription needs and levels of contact lens experience in the same day. A wider range of parameters and modalities can make it easier to begin with the patient’s needs and select an appropriate option from there

Turn Expanded Parameters Into Better Conversations

New parameters create their greatest value when the entire practice understands what they mean. Doctors, technicians and optical teams all influence whether an opportunity is recognized and whether the patient feels confident moving forward.

As I thought about how a practice can put this expansion into action, I came back to a few simple questions for the next team huddle:

· Which patients in today’s schedule have astigmatism and currently wear glasses only?

· Which former contact lens wearers could be invited to discuss what has changed since their last experience?

· Are we correcting clinically meaningful cylinder rather than defaulting to a spherical lens?

· Does our team understand the daily, weekly and monthly toric options available for different patient needs?

· Are we explaining the practical value of our recommendation in language the patient can use?

These are small shifts in preparation, and they can lead to better conversations. They can also help practices identify patients who may have been overlooked because of an old assumption or a parameter limitation.

A Broader Definition of Access

Access in contact lenses includes the ability to find an option that addresses the patient’s prescription, wearing goals and lifestyle. Expanded toric parameters advance that goal by giving eye care professionals additional opportunities to consider patients with astigmatism across multiple modalities.

For me, the most encouraging part of this expansion is the invitation it gives us as clinicians: look again, ask another question and revisit the patient who once believed contact lenses were out of reach.

For me, this is the promise of expanded parameters: giving more eye care professionals the confidence to tell appropriate patients, “Yes, we have an option to consider for you.” Look again at the patients already in your practice. Start the conversation. See how many more times your team can say yes.

References

1. Alcon data on file, 2017. REF-15290 2. Shifting Focus: Generational Perspectives of Contact Lenses & Eye Care. Contact Lens Institute. Published Fall, 2025. Accessed February 6, 2026. https://www.contactlensinstitute.org/news/shiftingfocus_report/ 3. Multi-sponsor Surveys, Inc. 2024 Study of the U.S. Consumer Contact Lens Market REF-29889 4. Alcon data on file, 2026. REF-29086

Important information for Product PRECISION7® (serafilcon A) for Astigmatism contact lenses: For daily wear or extended wear up to 6 nights for near/far-sightedness. Risk of serious eye problems (i.e., corneal ulcer) is greater for extended wear. In rare cases, loss of vision may result. Side effects like discomfort, mild burning or stinging may occur.

See product instructions for complete wear, care and safety information.

©2026 Alcon Inc. US-PR1-VCL-2600102