ROCHESTER, N.Y.--Bausch & Lomb (B&L) recently hired one new vice president and promoted another for its global vision care business.

 

Joseph Barr, OD

Joseph Barr, OD, has been named vice president, global clinical & medical affairs and professional services, vision care, for B&L. And John W. Sheets, Jr., recently joined the company as its corporate vice president and chief technology officer, leading B&L’s global research and development efforts.

In his newly created position, Barr is responsible for leading a team of clinical researchers, medical affairs and professional services professionals who deliver products and service to eyecare practitioners, according to the company.

“Through his group’s internal and external clinical research, integrated education for eyecare practitioners and support for eyecare organizations and academic institutions, Bausch & Lomb’s vision care teams and partners in practice will be strengthened in their efforts to perfect the vision and enhance the life of customers and patients,” a B&L statement said.

Barr joined Bausch & Lomb in July 2007 as vice president, global research and development, vision care. Prior to that, he served as the associate dean for clinical services and professional program at The Ohio State University College of Optometry.

“Dr. Barr’s knowledge, insights, and opinions are widely known and respected worldwide in the ophthalmic industry,” said Stuart Heap, B&L’s global president, vision care. “As we strengthen our focus on how to best serve our customers, Joe was my first choice to lead this newly established function, which I believe is central to our continued growth and success.”

Sheets has more than 25 years’ experience in the medical device industry, with a specialization in ophthalmic research and development.

Before joining B&L, Sheets was as global president and chief executive officer of HOYA Surgical Optics. Previously, he was worldwide vice president, research and development, and chief technical officer at Ethicon, a Johnson & Johnson company, and vice president, surgical, IOL and therapeutics research and development, at Alcon Laboratories.

Said Gerald Ostrov, B&L’s chairman and chief executive officer, “We expect his leadership to have an exceptionally positive impact on strengthening our existing and future product pipeline.”