John C. Phelan, PhD

A highly-intelligent problem identifier and solver with more than 25 years of experience in the science field, John C. Phelan, PhD has excelled as the Head of Research and Development at Clearlab SG Pte, Ltd. since 2012 and the owner of a private consulting firm since 2019. He leads and supervises an R&D team in the development of new contact lenses, plus cleaning and disinfecting solutions, and the design and implementation of solvent recovery and inline solvent purity measuring process utilized in the manufacturing of contact lenses. He also works with engineering, manufacturing, and marketing to ensure successful product launches, lends his technical expertise, and oversees all pre-clinical and clinical studies required—among several other responsibilities. His efforts in these areas have led to the commercialization of such products as Air Optix® Colors, AIR OPTIX Individual ™, and Clearday™ BEYOND, and the issuance of 19 U.S. patents, as well as several pending. He also secures premarket approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and assists the finance and purchasing departments in estimating the cost of manufacturing new products.

Some of Dr. Phelan’s patents include “Method of Lathing Silicone Hydrogel Lenses”; “Method for Preparing Silicone Hydrogels”; “Colored Printing Ink for Contact Lenses”; “Polysiloxane Copolymers with Terminal Hydrophilic Chains”; and “Curable Colored Inks for Making Colored Silicone Hydrogel Lenses.” His most recent patent was for a contact lens material that allows the eye to breathe easier as the cornea needs oxygen. Prior to his current appointments, he served as the principal scientist at Alcon Laboratories, Inc./CIBA Vision, now known as Alcon, from 2011 to 2012 and the principal scientist at CIBA Vision from 2000 to 2011. He launched his career at Wesley Jessen, Inc. as a senior scientist from 1996 to 2000—during which he helped develop the formulation process that led to the FreshLook UV-blocking contact lenses. Over the course of these positions, he was recognized with the Wesley Jessen Enterprise Leadership Award, an award for new business development from the Genesis Program of CIBA Vision, and a Distinguished Performance Award from CIBA Vision. Dr. Phelan has accrued numerous other corporate awards.

Previously affiliated with the American Chemical Society, Dr. Phelan prepared for his professional journey by attaining a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry from SUNY Potsdam in 1985, a Master of Science in polymer science from the University of Connecticut in 1996, and ultimately a Doctor of Philosophy in organic chemistry from the University of Vermont. He subsequently continued his educational path with numerous postgraduate courses in such subjects as polymer science and rheology. In the next five years, he strives to retire from his corporate position and focus on consulting work.