BASEL, Switzerland--Sales growth by its CIBA Vision operation helped Novartis’ (NYSE: NVS) consumer health segment post a 9 percent increase in first-quarter sales, a Novartis announcement said.

“CIBA Vision delivered strong growth thanks to new product launches for Dailies and AirOptix contact lenses and full product supplies following shortages in 2007,” the announcement said.

The consumer health segment “generated higher operating income that supported investments in new product launches in CIBA Vision,” according to an announcement from Novartis.