I. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In a conventional contact lens package, the contact lens typically sits in a molded plastic base having a cavity (or "bowl") that houses the contact lens in a concave-side-up orientation. As a result, the user experience for transferring a contact lens from the package to an eye generally involves the user "fishing" the contact lens out of the bowl with a finger and then flipping the lens so that it is in the correct orientation on the finger for placement on the eye. This process requires touching the lens multiple times, which can transfer contaminants or pathogens from the hand to the lens and ultimately to the eye. Not only is this handling experience unsanitary, but it is also unduly cumbersome, messy, and mechanically stressful to the lens, which can tear, rip, or distort when overly manipulated. While some packages have been designed to present the lens in a convex-side-up orientation to obviate the need for flipping the lens, they often still require the lens to be "fished" from the packaging solution or otherwise necessitate manipulation of the lens and/or multiple touches of the lens to achieve transfer of the lens to the eye.

In view of the growing awareness around ocular health and the customer demand for a more convenient experience, a need has arisen for contact lens packaging that enables a less messy and more sanitary contact lens handling process. In one respect, it would be ideal to provide wearers of contact lenses with a "no touch" package— that is, a package whereby the wearer of contact lenses can take the lens from the lens storage package via a holder which also allows for the user to position the lens correctly on the eye without touching the lens with his or her fingers at all. In such a design, there would be no need for transfer and manipulation of the lens from one finger to another before placing the lens on the eye. Providing such a single touch or no touch package would not only streamline the lens preparation and insertion process; it would also diminish the possibility of dropping the lens or exposing the lens to additional bacteria on a wearer's other fingers as the lens is being prepared for orientation and insertion onto the eye, and it also reduces the possibility of touching the side of the lens which is intended to contact the eye.

Known packages that have sought to provide single touch or no-touch orientations fail to provide one or more of the above-noted desired attributes for a reduce-touch package. For example, US6401915 discloses a package with a contact lens applicator, which allows a user to apply the contact lens without touching it. However, the package neither includes a lid applicator nor describes mechanisms for effective solution drainage of solution. WO2017220684 also discloses a no-touch contact lens dispensing base. However, the base includes a separate applicator that is distinct from the packaging. This reference's applicator also does not include bendable portions configured to form a handle for contact lens insertion.

Thus, there remains a need for contact lens packages which provide an optimal no-touch lens removal experience or addresses one or a combination of the aforementioned challenges or deficiencies.

II. SUMMARY

It has now been found that some or all the foregoing and related objects may be attained in a contact lens package having one or more aspects described herein. For example, a contact lens package of the invention may house a contact lens and packaging solution wherein a portion of the package is manipulated to form a handle, by which the user may insert the contact lens into the wearer's eye without touching the contact lens.

In one aspect, an example contact lens package includes a lid and a base that is sealedly coupled to the base, where the base has a cavity configured to house a contact lens and packaging solution. The lid includes a lens support arranged within the cavity and a plurality of tabs bendably coupled to the lens support. The lens support is configured to seat a contact lens upon opening of the lid. Additionally, at least two of the plurality of tabs are bendably configurable to form a handle for insertion of the contact lens.

In another aspect, the lens support is configured to seat the contact lens in a concave- side-up orientation. Alternatively or additionally, the cavity is configured to house the contact lens such that a concave surface of the contact lens faces the internal surfaces of the base.

In another aspect, the cavity is arranged between the lid and the base. Alternatively or additionally, the lid and the base collectively surround the cavity. Alternatively or additionally, the lid and the base collectively define the cavity.

In another aspect, the plurality of tabs are bendably coupled to opposite sides of the lens support.

In another aspect, the lid further defines a respective bendable zone between the lens support and each of the plurality of tabs. The respective bendable zones are configured to facilitate bendable coupling between the lens support and each of the plurality of tabs. Optionally, the lid is sealedly coupled to the base in the respective bendable zones.

In another aspect, the lid is sealedly coupled to the base using a heat seal, thermal bond, adhesive, or weld. In another aspect, the lid includes a flexible substrate and a rigid layer arranged on the flexible substrate. Additionally, the rigid layer includes a plurality of sections, where a first section corresponds to the lens support, a second section corresponds to a first tab of the plurality of tabs, and a third section corresponds to a second tab of the plurality of tabs. Optionally, the first section includes a deformed region configured to seat the contact lens. Alternatively or additionally, each of the plurality of sections is spaced apart from an adjacent section. Optionally, the rigid layer and the base are made of a uniform material. Optionally, at least one of the lid and the base includes a plastic.

In one aspect, an example method of applying a contact lens to a wearer's eye is described herein. The contact lens is stored in a contact lens package, for example, as described herein. The method includes separating the lid and the base; manipulating the plurality of tabs to form the handle for insertion of the contact lens; presenting, using the handle, the contact lens in proximity to the wearer's eye in an insertion orientation; and applying the contact lens to the wearer's eye.

In another aspect, the step of applying the contact lens to the wearer's eye is performed without the wearer touching the contact lens.

In one aspect, an example method of packaging a contact lens is described herein. The method includes providing packaging solution in a base; and placing a contact lens in a concave- side-down orientation in the base. The method also includes providing a lid including a lens support and a plurality of tabs bendably coupled to the lens support, wherein at least two of the plurality of tabs are bendably configurable to form a handle for insertion of the contact lens. The method further includes sealedly coupling the lid to the base, wherein the lens support is arranged within the cavity, the lens support being configured to seat the contact lens upon opening of the lid.

In one aspect, an example contact lens package includes a lid; a base having a cavity configured to house a contact lens and packaging solution, the lid being sealedly coupled to the base; and an insert arranged in the cavity. The insert includes a lens support, the lens support being configured to seat the contact lens, and a plurality of tabs bendably coupled to the lens support. Additionally, at least two of the plurality of tabs are bendably configurable to form a handle for insertion of the contact lens.

In another aspect, the lens support is configured to seat the contact lens in a concave- side-up orientation.

In another aspect, the cavity is arranged between the lid and the base. Alternatively or additionally, the lid and the base collectively surround the cavity. Alternatively or additionally, the lid and the base collectively define the cavity.

In another aspect, the plurality of tabs are bendably coupled to opposite sides of the lens support.

In another aspect, the insert further defines a respective bendable zone between the lens support and each of the plurality of tabs. The respective bendable zones are configured to facilitate bendable coupling between the lens support and each of the plurality of tabs.

In another aspect, the lid is sealedly coupled to the base using a heat seal, thermal bond, adhesive, or weld.

In another aspect, the lens support includes at least one void. The at least one void is configured for draining packaging solution into the cavity. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one void is configured for seating the contact lens. Optionally, the lens support includes a plurality of voids.

In another aspect, the base and the insert are made of a uniform material.

In another aspect, at least one of the base and the insert includes a plastic.

In another aspect, the lid is made of a lidstock material.

In one aspect, an example method of applying a contact lens to a wearer's eye is described herein. The contact lens is stored in a contact lens package, for example, as described herein. The method includes separating the lid and the base; removing the insert from the cavity; and manipulatingthe plurality of tabs to form the handle for insertion of the contact lens. The method also includes presenting, using the handle, the contact lens in proximity to the wearer's eye in an insertion orientation; and applying the contact lens to the wearer's eye.

In another aspect, the step of applying the contact lens to the wearer's eye is performed without the wearer touching the contact lens.

In one aspect, an example method of packaging a contact lens is described herein. The method includes providing packaging solution in a base; and providing an insert including a lens support and a plurality of tabs bendably coupled to the lens support, wherein at least two of the plurality of tabs are bendably configurable to form a handle for insertion of the contact lens. The method also includes placing the insert into the base such that the lens support is arranged in the cavity; placing a contact lens in a concave-side-up orientation in the base; and sealedly coupling a lid to the base with the insert being arranged between the lid and the base, wherein the lens support is configured to seat the contact lens upon opening of the lid. III. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a contact lens packages for no-touch application in unopened state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is side and perspective views illustrating a contact lens package of FIG. 1 in an opened state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates steps of handling the contact lens package of FIGS. 1 and 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a contact lens package for no-touch application in unopened state according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is side and perspective views illustrating the contact lens package of FIG. 4 in an opened state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is another perspective view illustrating the contact lens package of FIG. 4 in an opened state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates steps of handling the contact lens package of FIGS. 4-6 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein reference numerals indicate certain elements. The following descriptions are not intended to limit the myriad embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

References to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "an example embodiment," etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, aspect, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, aspect, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

As used herein, the following terms have the following meaning. A benefit of the certain embodiments the present invention is that they facilitate consistent no-touch lens transfer from the package to a wearer's eye without the lens inverting, falling off the holder or further manipulation. The lens also desirably "sits up" on the holder without collapsing or inverting and then transfers to the eye when placed there. Packages of certain embodiments may provide the desired no-touch transfer across a range of wearer finger sizes, and dab pressures. Use of notouch package with a holder may reduce the effects of environmental conditions, such as the temperature and whether the finger is wet or dry, which may impact lens transfer.

Lens(es) or contact lens(es) refer to ophthalmic devices that reside on the eye. They have a generally hemispheric shape and can provide optical correction, cosmetic enhancement, UV blocking and visible light or glare reduction, therapeutic effect, including wound healing, delivery of drugs or neutraceuticals, diagnostic evaluation or monitoring, or any combination thereof. The term lens includes soft hydrogel contact lenses, which are generally provided to the consumer in a package in the hydrated state, and have a relatively low moduli, which allows them to conform to the cornea. Contact lenses suitable for use with the packages of the present invention include all hydrated contact lenses, including conventional and silicone hydrogel contact lenses.

A hydrogel is a hydrated crosslinked polymeric system that contains water in an equilibrium state, and may contain at least about 25%, or at least 35% water in the hydrated state. Hydrogels typically are oxygen permeable and biocompatible, making them excellent materials for producing contact lenses.

Conventional hydrogel contact lenses do not contain silicone containing components, and generally have higher water content, lower oxygen permeability, moduli, and shape memories than silicone hydrogels. Conventional hydrogels are prepared from monomeric mixtures predominantly containing hydrophilic monomers, such as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate ("HEMA"), N-vinyl pyrrolidone ("NVP") or polyvinyl alcohols. United States Patents Nos. 4,495,313, 4,889,664 and 5,039,459 disclose the formation of conventional hydrogels. Conventional hydrogels may be ionic or non-ionic and include polymacon, etafilcon, nelfilcon, ocufilcon lenefilcon and the like. The oxygen permeability of these conventional hydrogel materials is typically below 20-30 barrers.

Silicon hydrogel formulations include balafilcon samfilcon, lotrafilcon A and B, delfilcon, galyfilcon, senofilcon A, B and C, narafilcon, comfilcon, formofilcon, riofilcon, fanfilcon, stenfilcon, somofilcon, kalifilcon and the like. "Silicone hydrogels" refer to polymeric networks made from at least one hydrophilic component and at least one silicone-containing component. Silicone hydrogels may have moduli in the range of 60-200, 60-150 or 80 -130 psi, water contents in the range of 20 to 60%. Examples of silicone hydrogels include acquafilcon, asmofilcon, balafilcon, comfilcon, delefilcon, enfilcon, fanfilcon, formofilcon, galyfilcon, lotrafilcon, narafilcon, riofilcon, samfilcon, senofilcon, somofilcon, and stenfilcon, verofilcon, including all of their variants, as well as silicone hydrogels as prepared in US Patent Nos. 4,659,782, 4,659,783, 5,244,981, 5,314,960, 5,331,067, 5,371,147, 5,998,498, 6,087,415, 5,760,100, 5,776,999, 5,789,461, 5,849,811, 5,965,631, 6,367,929, 6,822,016, 6,867,245, 6,943,203, 7,247,692, 7,249,848, 7,553,880, 7,666,921, 7,786,185, 7,956,131, 8,022,158, 8,273,802, 8,399,538, 8,470,906, 8,450,387, 8,487,058, 8,507,577, 8,637,621, 8,703,891, 8,937,110, 8,937,111, 8,940,812, 9,056,878, 9,057,821, 9,125,808, 9,140,825, 9156,934, 9,170,349, 9,244,196, 9,244,197, 9,260,544, 9,297,928, 9,297,929 as well as WO 03/22321, WO 2008/061992, and US 2010/0048847. These patents are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. Silicone hydrogels may have higher shape memory than conventional contact lenses.

Hydrogel lenses are viscoelastic materials. Contact lenses can form optical distortions if the lens interacts with either the package or any air bubble in the package. The extent of the optical distortions, and the length of time needed for the distortions to relax out will vary depending on the chemistry, and to a lesser extent, geometry of the lens. Conventional lens materials, such as polyhydroxyethyl methacrylate-based lenses like etafilcon A or polymacon have low loss modulus and tan delta compared to silicone hydrogels and may form fewer and less severe optical distortions as a result of contact with packaging. The incorporation of silicones (which generally increase the bulk elastic response), wetting agents such as PVP (which generally increase the viscous response) or coatings of conventional hydrogel materials (which may lower the elastic response at the lens interface) can alter the lens viscoelastic properties. Conventional hydrogel contact lenses and silicone hydrogel contact lenses having short or stiff crosslinking agents and or stiffening agent have short shape memories and may be less susceptible to deformation during storage. As used herein, high or higher shape memory hydrogels display optical distortions from contact with an air bubble or package of at least about 0.18 after 5 weeks of accelerated aging at 55°C. Viscoelastic properties, including loss modulus and tan delta, can be measured using a dynamic mechanical analysis.

The contact lenses can be of any geometry or power, and have a generally hemispherical shape, with a concave posterior side which rests against the eye when in use and a convex anterior side which faces away from the eye and is contacted by the eyelid during blinking.

The center or apex of the lens is the center of the lens optic zone. The optic zone provides optical correction and may have a diameter between about 7mm and about 10mm. The lens periphery or lens edge is the edge where the anterior and posterior sides meet.

The wetted lens is the contact lens and any residual packaging solution attached to it after packaging solution drainage. Wetted contact is the aggregated contact area between the wetted lens and a lens support.

Embodiments may include a base providing a sealable cavity also interchangeably referred to as a reservoir. The cavity may have any convenient form and may comprise a package bottom floor and walls, each of which are described in detail below. As used herein, the phrases "the lid", "a lid", "the bottom floor", "a bottom floor", "the base" and "a base" encompass both the singular and plural. The lid and base are sealed to each other to form a cavity which holds the contact lens and packaging solution in a sterile state during shipping and storage prior to use. The contact lens package is made from materials which are compatible with the contact lens and solution, as well as retortable and biologically inert.

"Film" or "multilayer film" are films used to seal the package and are often referred to as lidstock. Multilayer films used in conventional contact lens packages may be used in the packages of the present invention as the base, a component of the lid, or both. Multilayer films comprise a plurality of layers, including barrier layers, including foil layers, or coatings, seal layers, which seal the film to the rest of the package, and may also comprise additional layers selected from peel initiation layers, lamination layers, and layers that improve other package properties like stiffness, temperature resistance, printability, puncture resistance, barrier resistance to water or oxygen and the like. The multilayer films form a steam sterilizable (retortable) seal. The multilayer film can include PET, BON or OPP films layers to increase stiffness and temperature resistance, or to EVOH or PVDC coatings to improve barrier resistance to oxygen or moisture vapor.

An "unopened state" or "unopened" as used herein refers to a contact lens package that is closed and houses a contact lens in solution.

An "opened state" or "opened" as used herein refers to a contact lens package after the sterile seal has been broken. Depending on the context described herein, the open state extends to the state of the package when the user has manipulated the package to cause the lens to be lifted out of the packaging solution for transfer by the user.

A "wearer" or "user" as used herein refers to a person opening a contact lens package. The user is generally referred to as the person who both opens the package and transfers the contact lens contained therein to their eye. However, the user in some contexts may be a person handling the lens package on behalf of the wearer, such an eye care provider ("ECP") or another individual demonstrating for or assisting the wearer.

Packaging solution is any physiologically compatible solution, which is compatible with the selected lens material and packaging. Packaging solutions include buffered solutions having a physiological pH, such as buffered saline solutions. The packaging solution may contain known components, including buffers, pH and tonicity adjusting agents, lubricants, wetting agents, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, in package coating components and the like.

The package base may form the bottom of the package. It can be made from any material suitable for packaging medical devices, including plastic. Examples of suitable materials include polyolefins including polypropylene, and olefin co-polymers, including COPs (Cyclic Olefin Polymer) and COCs, (Cyclic Olefin Co-polymers), and blends thereof.

The packaging lid generally seals with the base to form a cavity containing at least a portion of the lens support, lens, and packaging solution. The lid may be made from any material suitable for packaging medical devices, including a molded sheet of foil or plastic, laminate films, or plastic. Packages comprising plastic for one structure and foil or laminated films as the other, or packages comprising foil or laminated films as the outer layer for the lid and base are known in the art and are examples of suitable combinations. Cold formed foil or similar applications of foil materials may be particularly useful in examples herein as they the foil can be selected at a variety of desired thicknesses and molded into the shapes illustrated herein while simultaneously providing areas that be sealed together (e.g., by heat sealing) at junctions between the lid and base to create a sterile seal. As will be appreciated from the balance of this disclosure, the terms "lid" and "base" are merely semantic as the user, in certain examples, may interact with both side of the package, for example, by inverting the package prior to opening, in which cases the lid can be viewed as the base and vice versa.

References throughout this description to injection molding processes and the use of materials conventionally applied to injection molding should be understood as exemplary. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that other means of manufacture are possible within the scope of the appended claims, including but not limited to alternative molding processes, thermoforming, 3D printing, and the like. Likewise, references to heat seals and heat sealing are exemplary to embodiments described herein. Other means of securing packaging components will be apparent to those skilled in the art, including the use of adhesive, glue, thermal bonding, welding such as heat, ultrasonic or laser welding, or a mechanical trap, and the like.

Certain aspects of the invention may serve to reduce or prevent significant optical damage to the contact lens due to interactions with air bubbles or the interior of the lens package that may arise during storage or transit due to gravitational or other forces, such as mechanical pressure being applied from outside of the package. As used herein, significant optical damage means a root-mean-squared (RMS) value equal or greater than about 0.08pm.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, an example contact lens package 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described. The contact lens package 100 includes a lid 102 and a base 104. The base 104 has a cavity 106 configured to house a contact lens 150 and packaging solution 160. Additionally, as described below, lid 102 is substantially planar with a plurality of foldable or bendable portions to form a handle for contact lens 150 insertion. In an unopened state, the base 104 is sealedly couplable to the lid 102. This is shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, the lid 102 resides at the upper portion the package 100. This disclosure contemplates that the lid 102 may be sealedly coupled to the base 104 by heat seal, adhesive, thermal bond, weld (e.g., heat, ultrasonic, or laser), or other bonding means. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of contact lens packages 100 can be coupled together with perforations or adhesive along their junctions to allow ease of separation. Additionally, in an opened state, the base 104 is uncoupled or detached from the lid 102. This is shown in FIG. 2. In FIG. 2, the lid 102 resides at the lower portion the package 100. In other words, in this particular example, the package 100 is inverted by the user before opening it. For example, as shown by arrows 140a, 140b, a user can manipulate a portion of the lid 102 (see arrow 140a) and a portion of the base 104 (see arrow 140b) to uncouple or detach the lid 102 from the base 104 and open the package 100. Optionally, the base 104 can include a lip portion 116, which may facilitate the user's ability to grip or pinch a portion of the base 104 when opening the package 100. Alternative or additional features may be incorporated into base 114, such as raised lips on either side of base 104 or flattened regions along either side of the base large enough to be gripped by the user (preferably greater than 10mm tall).

This disclosure contemplates that the lid 102 and the base 104 can be made of suitable materials to protect the contact lens 150 during shipping and storage prior to use, as well as provide a sterile environment for the contact lens 150. Additionally, the materials should be compatible with the contact lens 150 and packaging solution 160, as well as biologically inert. This disclosure contemplate that one or more portions of the package 100 (e.g., the base and/or the lid) may have sufficient rigidity to protect the contact lens 150 from physical damage (e.g., to protect the lens's integrity). Alternatively or additionally, one or more portions of the package 100 (e.g., the lid) may have sufficient flexibility to permit manipulation (described below). In some aspects, the lid 102 and the base 104 are made of a uniform material, for example, a plastic. Alternatively, in other aspects, the lid 102 and the base 104 are made of different materials, which may include but are not limited to different plastics as noted above As noted above, suitable materials for the lid and/or base include polyolefins including polypropylene, and olefin co-polymers, including COPs (Cyclic Olefin Polymer) and COCs, (Cyclic Olefin Co-polymers), and blends thereof. Alternatively or in combination with plastics, the base and lid may also comprise multilayer films, particularly at regions where the lid and base become sealed together to form the sterile cavity. And in some embodiments, the base and/or lid may comprise a cold formed foil material having a desired thickness (e.g., 1mm) sufficient to remain substantially rigid, i.e., resist significant deformation under normal storage and use, with the exception of thin regions intended to be folded, bent, or otherwise deformed during opening. Cold forming foil allows for heat sealing with a foil lid to create a robust vapor barrier surrounding the cavity. As one example, the base be Cold Forming Foil composed of layers including OPA(Nylon) film 25p, Adhesive, Aluminum Foil 45-60p, Adhesive, and PVC 60p. These representative materials are merely illustrative, and this disclosure contemplates that the lid 102 and the base 104 can be made of other suitable materials.

As described above, the base 104 has a cavity 106. The base 104 has external surfaces 104a (i.e., those surfaces exposed to the environment) and internal surfaces 104b (i.e., those surfaces defining, at least partially, the cavity 106). As shown in FIG. 2, the cavity 106 is arranged between the lid 102 and the base 104. The internal surfaces of the lid 102 and the base 104 define the cavity 106 (e.g., walls, floor, ceiling, etc. of the cavity). The cavity 106 houses the contact lens 150 and packaging solution 160 in a sterile state. In some implementations, the base 104 has a bowl-shaped cavity 106 (e.g., a blister bowl). It should be understood that the size and/or shape of the cavity 106 shown in the figures are provided only as an example. This disclosure contemplates that the cavity 106 can be other shapes and/or sizes than shown in the figures.

In some aspects, the lid 102 includes a lens support 108 arranged within the cavity 106 and a plurality of tabs 110, 112. In some implementations, the lens support 108 and the tabs 110, 112 form a single component, for example, a unitary component formed from the same material or materials. In other implementations, the lens support 108 and the tabs 110, 112 are different components that are bonded together. In these implementations, the lens support 108 and the tabs 110, 112 may be made from the same materials or different materials. Additionally, the tabs 110, 112 are bendably coupled to the lens support 108. For example, in FIG. 2, there are two tabs, each of which is bendably coupled to opposite sides of the lens support 108 (i.e., tab 110 on the right-hand side of the lens support 108, tab 112 on the left-hand side of the lens support 108). It should be understood that the number and/or arrangement of the tabs shown in the figures are provided only as examples. This disclosure contemplates providing a lid having a different number and/or arrangement of tabs. Additionally, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the tabs 110, 112 are relatively flat, elongated portions of the lid 102. As described in detail below, this allows a user to grip or pinch a tab, for example, using a thumb and finger. It should be understood that the size and/or shape of the tabs shown in the figures are provided only as examples. This disclosure contemplates providing a lid having tabs with different sizes and/or shapes.

Additionally, the tabs 110, 112 are bendably configurable to form a handle for insertion of the contact lens 150. This is shown in FIG. 2. For example, as shown by arrows 142a, 142b, a user can manipulate tab 112 (see arrow 142a) and tab 110 (see arrow 142b) by folding the tabs 110, 112 toward one another to form the handle.

In some aspects, the lid 102 defines a respective bendable zone 114 between the lens support 108 and each of the plurality of tabs 110, 112. The respective bendable zones 114 are configured to facilitate bendable coupling between the lens support 108 and each of the plurality of tabs 110, 112. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a bendable zone 114 is arranged between tab 112 and the lens support 108 and another bendable zone 114 is arranged between tab 110 and the lens support 108. This disclosure contemplates that the bendable zones 114 can be designed in any manner to facilitate bendable coupling. Non-limiting examples for bendable zones 114 include, but are not limited to, providing relatively thinner material layers in these zones, providing relatively more flexible material layers in these zones, or combinations thereof. This disclosure contemplates that the bendable zones 114 can be provided during manufacture using known techniques including, but not limited to, molding, additive or subtractive manufacturing, perforating, etc. Optionally, the lid 102 is sealedly coupled to the base 104, at least partially, in the respective bendable zones 114.

In some aspects, the lid 102 includes a flexible substrate 122 and a rigid layer 124 arranged on the flexible substrate 122. In some implementations, both the flexible substrate 122 and the rigid layer 124 are optionally a film or multilayer film (also sometimes referred to as 'lidstock'). In other implementations, the flexible substrate 122 is optionally a film or multilayer film (also sometimes referred to as 'lidstock'), and the rigid layer 124 is a materials such as a plastic

(optionally the same material from which the base 104 is formed) arranged on the flexible substrate 122. In either of the above implementations, the flexible substrate 112 and the rigid layer 124 create regions or sections having different material thicknesses, which creates the bendable zones 114 between the lens support 108 and each of the plurality of tabs 110, 112.

For example, in either of the above implementations, the rigid layer may be arranged on the flexible substrate 122 in a plurality of sections corresponding to each of tabs 110, 112, and lens support 108. Each of the plurality of sections where the rigid layer is provided is spaced apart from an adjacent section, leaving respective bendable zones 114 between the lens support 108 and each of the plurality of tabs 110, 112. As shown in FIG. 2, a first section corresponds to the lens support 108, a second section corresponds to a first tab 112 of the plurality of tabs, and a third section corresponds to a second tab 110 of the plurality of tabs. Optionally, the first section includes a deformed region 136 (in this case a circular opening with an inward taper) configured to seat the contact lens 150, for example, in the concave-side-up orientation (as described below) on the lens support 108. Alternatively or additionally, the spaces between the sections act as guides, channels, etc. for draining packaging solution 160. This is shown in FIG. 2.

In some aspects, the lens support 108 is configured to seat the contact lens 150 upon opening of the lid 102. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the lens support 108 is configured to seat the contact lens 150 in a concave-side-up (convex-side-down) orientation. As described below, the contact lens 150 is placed into the cavity with a convex-side-up (concave-side-down) orientation. In this way, the cavity 106 is configured to house the contact lens 150 such that a concave surface of the contact lens 150 faces the internal surfaces 104b of the base 104. This is the opposite lens orientation as compared to many conventional contact lens package configurations. As described below, the contact lens package 100 is flipped over (i.e., with the base 104 facing upward toward the user and the lid 102 facing downwards away from the user) prior to opening the package 100. Accordingly, the contact lens 150 is seated by gravity force on the lens support 108 in a concave-side-up (convex-side-down) orientation when the package 100 is in the opened state. This is shown in FIG. 2.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an example method of applying a contact lens to a wearer's eye is described. In FIG. 3, the user is handling the contact lens package 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. To open the package (see e.g., package 100 in FIGS. 1 and 2), a user separates the lid 102 and the base (see e.g., base 104 in FIGS. 1 and 2). For example, a user may grip or pinch a portion of the lid 102 (see e.g., arrow 140a in FIG. 2) using a thumb and finger of one hand and also grip or pinch a portion of the base (see e.g., arrow 140b in FIG. 2) using a thumb and finger of the other hand to separate the lid 102 from the base. Additionally, the user manipulates the plurality of tabs 110, 112 to form the handle for insertion of the contact lens 150. For example, the user may manipulate tab 112 (see e.g., arrow 142a in FIG. 2) and tab 110 (see e.g., arrow 142b in FIG. 2) by folding the tabs 110, 112 toward one another to form the handle.

Thereafter, the user presents, using the handle, the contact lens 150 to a position in proximity to the wearer's eye in an insertion orientation. As described above, the contact lens 150 is housed inside the base such that the contact lens 150 is seated on the lens support 108 in a concave-side-up (convex-side-down) orientation. This allows the user to manipulate the contact lens 150 without the wearer touching the contact lens 150. Plus, the contact lens 150 is seated on the lid 102 in the correct orientation for insertion into the wearer's eye. Moreover, when the package is opened, excess packaging fluid is drained from the base by gravity force. The user is then able to apply the contact lens 150 to the wearer's eye. It should be understood that contact between the contact lens 150 and the wearer's eye creates a surface tension force pulling the contact lens 150 from the lid 102. This is possible where, as shown in this example, the lens support is configured such that the surface area of contact between lens and eye is considerably more than surface area between lens support 108 and contact lens 150. Additionally, the steps shown in FIG. 3 can be accomplished without the wearer touching the contact lens 150.

In one aspect, an example method of packaging a contact lens is described herein. It should be understood that the contact lens can be packaged in a contact lens package shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The method includes providing packaging solution (see e.g., packaging solution 160 in FIG. 2) in a base (see e.g., base 104 in FIGS. 1 and 2); and placing a contact lens (see e.g., contact lens 150 in FIG. 2) in a concave-side-down (convex-side-up) orientation in the base. The method also includes providing a lid (see e.g., lid 102 in FIGS. 1 and 2) including a lens support (see e.g., lens support 108 in FIG. 2) and a plurality of tabs (see e.g., tabs 110, 112 in FIG. 2) bendably coupled to the lens support, wherein at least two of the plurality of tabs are bendably configurable to form a handle for insertion of the contact lens. The method further includes sealedly coupling the lid to the base. The lens support is arranged within the cavity. Additionally, the lens support is configured to seat the contact lens, for example in a concave-side-up (convex- side-down) orientation, upon opening of the lid.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-6, an example contact lens package 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described. The contact lens package 200 includes and lid 202 and a base 204. The base 204 has a cavity 206 configured to house a contact lens 150 and packaging solution 160. In an unopened state, the base 204 is sealedly couplable to the lid 202. This is shown in FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, the lid 202 resides at the upper portion the package 200. This disclosure contemplates that the lid 202 is sealedly coupled to the base 204 by heat seal, adhesive, thermal bond, weld (e.g., heat, ultrasonic, or laser), or other bonding means. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of contact lens packages 200 can be coupled together. Additionally, in an opened state, the base 204 is uncoupled or detached from the lid 202. This is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. For example, a user can manipulate a portion of the lid 202 to uncouple or detach the lid 202 from the base 204 and open the package 200.

This disclosure contemplates that the lid 202 and the base 204 can be made of suitable materials to protect the contact lens 150 during shipping and storage prior to use, as well as provide a sterile environment for the contact lens 150. Additionally, the materials should be compatible with the contact lens 150 and packaging solution 160, as well as biologically inert. This disclosure contemplate that one or more portions of the package 200 (e.g., the base and/or the lid) may have sufficient rigidity to protect the contact lens 150 from physical damage (e.g., to protect the lens's integrity). In some aspects, the lid 202 and the base 204 are made of a uniform material, for example, a plastic. Alternatively, in other aspects, the lid 202 and the base 204 are made of different materials, which may include but are not limited to different plastics. Optionally, in some implementations, the lid 202 is lidstock and the base is plastic. It should be understood that lidstock and plastics are provided only as example materials for the package 200. This disclosure contemplates that the lid 202 and the base 204 can be made of other suitable materials as described in the example and definitions sections above.

As described above, the base 204 has a cavity 206, and the base 204 has external surfaces

(i.e., those surfaces exposed to the environment) and internal surfaces (i.e., those surfaces defining, at least partially, the cavity 206). As shown in FIG. 5, the cavity 206 is arranged between the lid 202 and the base 204. The internal surfaces of the lid 202 and the base 204 define the cavity 206 (e.g., walls, floor, ceiling, etc. of the cavity). The cavity 206 houses the contact lens 150 and packaging solution 160 in a sterile state. In some implementations, the base 204 has a bowlshaped cavity 206 (e.g., a blister bowl). It should be understood that the size and/or shape of the cavity 206 shown in the figures are provided only as an example. This disclosure contemplates that the cavity 206 can be other shapes and/or sizes than shown in the figures.

In some aspects, the package 200 includes an insert 205, which is arranged in the cavity 206. As described below, the insert 205 may be, as in this example, substantially planar with a plurality of foldable or bendable portions to form a handle for contact lens 150 insertion. The insert 205 includes a lens support 208 and a plurality of tabs 210, 212. In some aspects, the insert 205 and the base 204 are made of a uniform material, for example, a plastic. Alternatively, in other aspects, the insert 205 and the base 204 may be made of different materials, which may include but are not limited to different plastics. Alternatively or additionally, the insert 205 may have sufficient flexibility to permit manipulation (described below). In some implementations, the lens support 208 and the tabs 210, 212 form a single component, for example, a unitary component formed from the same material or materials. In other implementations, the lens support 208 and the tabs 210, 212 are different components that are bonded together. In these implementations, the lens support 208 and the tabs 210, 212 may be made from the same materials or different materials. After the user opens the package 200 (described below), the user removes the insert 205 from the package 200, for example as shown by arrow 240 in FIG. 5. Additionally, the tabs 210, 212 are bendably coupled to the lens support 208. For example, in FIGS. 5 and 6, there are two tabs, each of which is bendably coupled to opposite sides of the lens support 208 (i.e., tab 210 on the right-hand side of the lens support 208, tab 212 on the left-hand side of the lens support 208). It should be understood that the number and/or arrangement of the tabs shown in the figures are provided only as examples. This disclosure contemplates providing an insert having a different number and/or arrangement of tabs. Additionally, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the tabs 210, 212 are relatively flat, elongated portions of the insert 205. As described in detail below, this allows a user to grip or pinch a tab, for example, using a thumb and finger. It should be understood that the size and/or shape of the tabs shown in the figures are provided only as examples. This disclosure contemplates providing an insert having tabs with different sizes and/or shapes. Additionally, the tabs 210, 212 are bendably configurable to form a handle for insertion of the contact lens 150. This is shown in FIG. 6. For example, as shown by arrow 242, a user can manipulate tab 212 and tab 210 by folding the tabs 210, 212 toward one another to form the handle.

In some aspects, the insert 205 defines a respective bendable zone 214 between the lens support 208 and each of the plurality of tabs 210, 212. The respective bendable zones 214 are configured to facilitate bendable coupling between the lens support 208 and each of the plurality of tabs 210, 212. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, a bendable zone 214 is arranged between tab 212 and the lens support 208 and another bendable zone 214 is arranged between tab 210 and the lens support 208. This disclosure contemplates that the bendable zones 214 can be designed in any manner to facilitate bendable coupling. Non-limiting examples for bendable zones 214 include, but are not limited to, providing relatively thinner material layers in these zones, providing relatively more flexible material layers in these zones, or combinations thereof. This disclosure contemplates that the bendable zones 214 can be provided during manufacture using known techniques including, but not limited to, molding, additive or subtractive manufacturing, perforating, etc.

In some aspects, the lens support 208 is configured to seat the contact lens 150. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the lens support 208 is configured to seat the contact lens 150 in a concave-side-up (convex-side-down) orientation. As described below, the contact lens 150 is placed into the base 204 with a concave-side-up (convex-side-down) orientation. Accordingly, the contact lens 150 is seated by gravity force on the lens support 208 in a concave- side-up (convex-side-down) orientation. This is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

In some aspects, the lens support 208 includes at least one void 220. The void 220 is configured for draining packaging solution 160 into the cavity 206. Voids preferably are made large enough (more than about 5 mm) such that the solution will tend to form a film that breaks and allows fluid to drain through directly as droplets. Smaller voids will provide surfaces for fluid to travel along so long as they slope downwards, acting as a channel. Likewise, voids may either be an opening to an open space beneath the lens or a continuous path to a solid structure that sits lower than the lens.

In the example illustrated, as the user removes the insert 205 from the package 200 (see e.g., arrow 240 in FIG. 5), the packaging solution 160 drains by force of gravity through the void 220, and the packaging solution 160 is collected by the base 204, which avoids spillage. Alternatively or additionally, the void 220 is configured for seating the contact lens 150. In FIGS.

5 and 6, the void 200 has a circular central portion with a plurality of arms projecting therefrom. It should be understood that the size and/or shape of the void shown in the figures are provided only as examples. This disclosure contemplates providing a void with a different size and/or shape than shown in the figures. Additionally, this disclosure contemplates that the lens support 208 may include a plurality of voids.

Referring now to FIG. 7, an example method of applying a contact lens to a wearer's eye is described. In FIG. 7, the user is handling the contact lens package 200 shown in FIGS. 4-6. To open the package (see e.g., package 200 in FIGS. 4 and 5), a user separates the lid (see e.g., lid 202 in FIGS. 4 and 5) and the base (see e.g., base 204 in FIGS. 4 and 5). For example, a user may grip or pinch a portion of the lid using a thumb and finger of one hand and also grip or pinch a portion of the base using a thumb and finger of the other hand to separate the lid from the base. The user then removes the insert 205 from the cavity (see e.g., cavity 206 in FIG. 5). For example, the user may continue to grip or pinch a portion of the lid using a thumb and finger of one hand while removing the insert 205 from the package. Excess packaging fluid is drained directly into the base by gravity force, avoiding spillage. Additionally, the user manipulates the plurality of tabs 210, 212 to form the handle for insertion of the contact lens 150. For example, the user may manipulate tab 212 and tab 210 (see e.g., arrow 242 in FIG. 6) by foldingthe tabs 210, 212 toward one another to form the handle.

Thereafter, the user presents, using the handle, the contact lens 150 to a position in proximity to the wearer's eye in an insertion orientation. As described above, the contact lens 150 is housed inside the base such that the contact lens 150 is seated on the lens support 208 in a concave-side-up (convex-side-down) orientation. This allows the user to manipulate the contact lens 150 without the wearer touching the contact lens 150. Plus, the contact lens 150 is seated on the lid 202 in the correct orientation for insertion into the wearer's eye. The user is then able to apply the contact lens 150 to the wearer's eye. It should be understood that contact between the contact lens 150 and the wearer's eye also creates an adhesive force pulling the contact lens 150 from the lid 202. Additionally, the steps shown in FIG. 7 can be accomplished without the wearer touching the contact lens 150.

In one aspect, an example method of packaging a contact lens is described herein. It should be understood that the contact lens can be packaged in a contact lens package shown in FIGS. 4-6. The method includes providing packaging solution (see e.g., packaging solution 160 in FIG. 5) in a base (see e.g., base 204 in FIGS. 4 and 5). The method also includes providing an insert (see e.g., insert 205 in FIGS. 4-6) including a lens support (see e.g., lens support 208 in FIGS. 5 and 6) and a plurality of tabs (see e.g., tabs 210, 212 in FIGS. 5 and 6) bendably coupled to the lens support, wherein at least two of the plurality of tabs are bendably configurable to form a handle for insertion of the contact lens. The method also includes placing the insert into the base such that the lens support is arranged in the cavity; and placing a contact lens (see e.g., contact lens 150 in FIGS. 5 and 6) in a convex-side-down (concave-side-up) orientation in the base. The method further includes sealedly coupling the lid to the base with the insert being arranged between the lid and the base. Additionally, the lens support is configured to seat the contact lens, for example in a concave-side-up (convex-side-down) orientation, upon opening of the lid.

In any of the above-described embodiments, it is anticipated the wearer is the user, but the above-described embodiments also describe the situation in which the wearer is not the same person as the user, for example, in a medical or caretaker setting in which a caregiver applies a contact lens to the eye of a patient. The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that many of the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for the purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

The Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of the present invention as contemplated by the inventors, and thus, are not intended to limit the present invention and the appended claims in any way.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance. The packages of the present invention may be manufactured using known materials and processes. The packaging materials may be virgin, recycled or a combination thereof. The volume within the package cavity can vary depending on the design selected.

Examples aspects of the invention are further described by the following clauses:

1. A contact lens package comprising: a lid; and a base having a cavity configured to house a contact lens and packaging solution, the lid being sealed ly coupled to the base; wherein the lid comprises a lens support arranged within the cavity, the lens support being configured to seat the contact lens upon opening of the lid, and a plurality of tabs bendably coupled to the lens support, and wherein at least two of the plurality of tabs are bendably configurable to form a handle for insertion of the contact lens.

2. The contact lens package of clause 1, wherein the lens support is configured to seat the contact lens in a concave-side-up orientation.

3. The contact lens package of clause 1 or 2, wherein the cavity is configured to house the contact lens such that a concave surface of the contact lens faces the internal surfaces of the base.

4. The contact lens package of any one of clauses 1-3, wherein the cavity is arranged between the lid and the base.

5. The contact lens of clause 4, wherein the lid and the base collectively surround the cavity. 6. The contact lens of clause 4 or 5, wherein the lid and the base collectively define the cavity.

7. The contact lens package of any one of clauses 1-6, wherein the plurality of tabs are bendably coupled to opposite sides of the lens support.

8. The contact lens package of any one of clauses 1-7, wherein the lid further defines a respective bendable zone between the lens support and each of the plurality of tabs.

9. The contact lens package of clause 8, wherein the respective bendable zones are configured to facilitate bendable coupling between the lens support and each of the plurality of tabs.

10. The contact lens package of clause 8 or 9, wherein the lid is sealedly coupled to the base in the respective bendable zones.

11. The contact lens package of any one of clauses 1-10, wherein the lid is sealedly coupled to the base using a heat seal, thermal bond, adhesive, or weld.

12. The contact lens package of any one of clauses 1-11, wherein the lid comprises a flexible substrate and a rigid layer arranged on the flexible substrate.

13. The contact lens package of clause 12, wherein the rigid layer comprises a plurality of sections, a first section corresponding to the lens support, a second section corresponding to a first tab of the plurality of tabs, and a third section corresponding to a second tab of the plurality of tabs.

14. The contact lens package of clause 13, wherein the first section comprises a deformed region configured to seat the contact lens. 15. The contact lens of package clause 13 or 14, wherein each of the plurality of sections is spaced apart from an adjacent section.

16. The contact lens package of any one of clauses 12-15, wherein the rigid layer and the base are made of a uniform material.

17. The contact lens package of any one of clauses 1-16, wherein at least one of the lid and the base comprise a plastic.

18. A method of applying a contact lens to a wearer's eye, the contact lens being stored in a contact lens package comprising a lid and a base having a cavity configured to house the contact lens and packaging solution, the lid being sealed ly coupled to the base, wherein the lid comprises a lens support arranged within the cavity, the lens support being configured to seat the contact lens upon opening of the lid, and a plurality of tabs bendably coupled to the lens support, and wherein at least two of the plurality of tabs are bendably configurable to form a handle for insertion of the contact lens, the method comprising: separating the lid and the base; manipulating the plurality of tabs to form the handle for insertion of the contact lens; presenting, using the handle, the contact lens in proximity to the wearer's eye in an insertion orientation; and applying the contact lens to the wearer's eye.

19. The method of clause 18, wherein applying the contact lens to the wearer's eye is performed without the wearer touching the contact lens.

20. A method of packaging a contact lens comprising: providing packaging solution in a base; placing a contact lens in a concave-side-down orientation in the base; providing a lid comprising a lens support and a plurality of tabs bendably coupled to the lens support, wherein at least two of the plurality of tabs are bendably configurable to form a handle for insertion of the contact lens; and sealedly coupling the lid to the base, wherein the lens support is arranged within the cavity, the lens support being configured to seat the contact lens upon opening of the lid.

21. A contact lens package comprising: a lid; a base having a cavity configured to house a contact lens and packaging solution; and an insert arranged in the cavity, wherein the lid is sealedly coupled to the base; wherein the insert comprises a lens support, the lens support being configured to seat the contact lens, and a plurality of tabs bendably coupled to the lens support, and wherein at least two of the plurality of tabs are bendably configurable to form a handle for insertion of the contact lens.

22. The contact lens package of clause 21, wherein the lens support is configured to seat the contact lens in a concave-side-up orientation.

23. The contact lens package of any one of clauses 21-22, wherein the cavity is arranged between the lid and the base.

24. The contact lens of clause 23, wherein the lid and the base collectively surround the cavity.

25. The contact lens of clause 23 or 24, wherein the lid and the base collectively define the cavity.

26. The contact lens package of any one of clauses 21-25, wherein the plurality of tabs are bendably coupled to opposite sides of the lens support. 27. The contact lens package of any one of clauses 21-26, wherein the insert further defines a respective bendable zone between the lens support and each of the plurality of tabs.

28. The contact lens package of clause 27, wherein the respective bendable zones are configured to facilitate bendable coupling between the lens support and each of the plurality of tabs.

29. The contact lens package of any one of clauses 21-28, wherein the lid is sealedly coupled to the base using a heat seal, thermal bond, adhesive, or weld.

30. The contact lens package of any one of clauses 21-29, wherein the lens support comprises at least one void.

31. The contact lens package of clause 30, wherein the at least one void is configured for draining packaging solution into the cavity.

32. The contact lens package of clause 30 or 31, wherein the at least one void is configured for seating the contact lens.

33. The contact lens package of any one of clauses 30-32, wherein the lens support comprises a plurality of voids.

34. The contact lens package of any one of clauses 21-33, wherein the base and the insert are made of a uniform material.

35. The contact lens package of any one of clauses 21-34, wherein at least one of the base and the insert comprise a plastic. 36. The contact lens package of any one of clauses 21-35, wherein the lid is made of a lidstock material.

37. A method of applying a contact lens to a wearer's eye, the contact lens being stored in a contact lens package comprising a lid, an insert, and a base having a cavity configured to house the contact lens and packaging solution, the lid being sealed ly coupled to the base, and the insert being arranged in the cavity, wherein the insert comprises a lens support, the lens support being configured to seat the contact lens, and a plurality of tabs bendably coupled to the lens support, and wherein at least two of the plurality of tabs are bendably configurable to form a handle for insertion of the contact lens, the method comprising: separating the lid and the base; removing the insert from the cavity; manipulating the plurality of tabs to form the handle for insertion of the contact lens; presenting, using the handle, the contact lens in proximity to the wearer's eye in an insertion orientation; and applying the contact lens to the wearer's eye.

38. The method of clause 37, wherein applying the contact lens to the wearer's eye is performed without the wearer touching the contact lens.

39. A method of packaging a contact lens comprising: providing packaging solution in a base; providing an insert comprising a lens support and a plurality of tabs bendably coupled to the lens support, wherein at least two of the plurality of tabs are bendably configurable to form a handle for insertion of the contact lens; placing the insert into the base such that the lens support is arranged in the cavity; placing a contact lens in a concave-side-up orientation in the base; and sealedly coupling a lid to the base with the insert being arranged between the lid and the base, wherein the lens support is configured to seat the contact lens upon opening of the lid. Not all the features described herein need to be incorporated into every package, and those of skill in the art, using the teachings herein, can combine the features to provide a wide variety of improved contact lens packages. In summary, the contact lens packages of the present invention incorporate several novel functionalities which may be combined in a wide variety of combinations as described herein to provide the desired improved and/or single touch packaging. The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.