Alcon Sees Future in Development of New Eye-Care Products.

Byline: Maria M. Perotin

Nov. 10--FORT WORTH, Texas--Nestled among the factories and administrative offices at Alcon Inc.'s sprawling campus are rows of laboratories, filled with researchers seeking ophthalmology's Next Big Thing in their glass beakers and petri dishes.

The scientists are experimenting with new treatments for macular degeneration, designing lenses for cataract sufferers and developing what they hope will be blockbuster drugs that may someday prevent blindness -- and boost Alcon's bottom line at the same time.

Combined, their work represents what Alcon calls "the largest eye-related research and development investment by any company in the world."

The company, which already controls more than 25 percent of the almost $12 billion global eye-care market, has spent $255 million this year on developing new products. Executives are planning to spend $2 billion over five years on research and development.

By 2005, Alcon expects to launch several new surgical devices and drugs, including a treatment for age-related macular degeneration that could create a lucrative foothold in that virtually …