Three Decades Strong: Théa Pharma’s Journey of Success and Growth

Théa Pharma is proudly celebrating 30 years in business, a significant milestone that speaks volumes about the company’s enduring commitment to excellence and innovation. Reaching three decades in operation is no small achievement, and it highlights the resilience, vision, and dedication that have driven Théa Pharma’s success.

This anniversary not only reflects the trust and loyalty of the customers and partners they have served but also underscores the impact they’ve had on the pharmaceutical industry. In a constantly evolving field, lasting 30 years truly signifies a business that has consistently adapted, grown, and made a meaningful difference in the lives of countless individuals.

Irish Pharmacy News recently sat down with Country Manager, Mr Diarmuid Gavin to explore the key strengths that have consistently positioned the company as a leader in its market sector. During the conversation, we also delved into the challenges the company has faced in recent times and how they continue to overcome them.

In celebration of the company’s 30-year milestone, Diarmuid highlighted their decades of innovation and progress.

“Celebrating our 30th anniversary is a moment of immense pride for everyone at Théa Pharma,” he notes.

“This milestone marks not only three decades of innovation but also a unique journey that has opened new doors and transformed the landscape of eye care in Ireland. Over the years, we’ve introduced a wide range of 100% preservative-free products into pharmacy, from solutions for dry and tired eyes to advanced care for blepharitis, lid hygiene, nutrition, Glaucoma, antiinflammatory’s and anti-infective’s.

“We are also present in hospitals with our surgical range where we offer a pre cataract surgery mydriatic and post intracameral cefuroxime. The growth within the eye care category has been remarkable over the past few years with the dry eye segment growing significantly. Théa is a company with 150 years of history dedicated to eyecare.

Future Growth

“As we grow our global business and enter new markets, we remain focused on innovation and the development and introduction of new technologies and continue to grow our portfolio of preservative free products.

“At the pharmacy we remain focused on ensuring the eye care category gets the recognition it deserves by being placed in a prominent position at front of shop and being allocated shelf space based on its profitability and unit sales compared to other categories.”

Théa continue to invest heavily on education for all their customers, ensuring a well-informed decision at point of care for Irish patients.

Diarmuid adds, “We aim to evolve in this era of artificial intelligence and be ready to pioneer with agility and entrepreneurship and best serve you in delivering care for your customers. Our challenge, as always, lies in staying ahead of the curve in a competitive and ever-evolving market. Yet, with the dedication of our passionate team in Ireland, we’ve seen tremendous growth and impact this year. Each challenge we face is met with resilience and the understanding that through collaboration, there is always an opportunity to thrive.”

So how has Théa Pharma managed to position themselves as a leading brand within the industry? Diarmuid believes their success is built on strong foundations.

“Our success in Ireland is built on the foundation of a strong, unified team that believes in the power of making a difference in people’s lives,” he says.

“We’ve established Théa as a leader by staying true to our values: trust, integrity, and a relentless commitment to patient care. Ireland, with its close-knit communities and respect for expertise, has been the perfect environment for us to flourish. We’ve cultivated genuine relationships with healthcare professionals across the country, providing them not only with products but with ongoing education, support, and a shared commitment to the well-being of their patients.

“Our Irishness is at the heart of everything we do—we know the importance of community and work together with our partners to bring the best eye care solutions to those who need it most.”

Category Commitment

As a leading OTC eyecare business, Thea Pharma is fully committed to this category.

Diarmuid continues, “We are 100% committed and dedicated to eyecare, and this dedication allows us to focus fully on the eyecare category. The team at Théa are dedicated and exceptionally well trained professionals across our marketing, sales, logistics, training and regulatory departments who deliver customer care and educational training and events to a very high standard, this sets us apart. Théa’s 100% preservativefree approach is more than just a product feature—it’s a philosophy.

“Théa invented the first multidose bottle capable of dispensing preservative-free eye drops, the ABAK®, so initiating a whole series of preservative-free packaging forms such as Steri-free® and Easy Grip® technology. Thanks to Théa, ophthalmology has entered the preservative-free era, allowing patients to benefit from a whole range of eye care treatments which respect their visual potential. We have a deep respect for the science behind eye care, but we never lose sight of the human element. In Ireland, we’ve built a reputation not just for quality products, but for care that goes beyond the bottle. Our team in Ireland works tirelessly to ensure that every pharmacist, healthcare provider, and customer feels supported, valued, and informed. This is the difference we bring—a connection that’s as personal as it is professional.”

The Théa Pharma portfolio reflects the extensive and specific eye care needs across Ireland.

Diarmuid explains, “We offer a range of products, from advanced dry eye solutions to innovative surgical solutions, all backed by years of research and a commitment to preservativefree care. Theale Duo is clinically proven to treat dry eye symptoms. It offers a special fixed combination of 2 active ingredients that protect, hydrate, lubricate, and repair the eyes.

Blephaclean is our daily eyelid cleanser, clinically proven to reduce symptoms of blepharitis. Nutrof Total is an eye care supplement, providing a premium comprehensive formula specially developed to help maintain healthy eyes and vision by ensuring the correct nutritional intake.

“Our dedication to creating tailored solutions means that we have products to enhance quality of life by promoting healthier eyes at every stage of life. Our brands are more than products—they are paths to a clearer, healthier vision, and we are proud to offer such an extensive range to meet the needs of our Irish community.”

In a highly competitive market, brand recognition is crucial for success. Thea Pharma has not only achieved this but has firmly established itself as a leader in the eyecare industry. Through consistent innovation, exceptional product quality, and a deep understanding of customer needs, they’ve built a brand that stands out.

Diarmuid continues, “Maintaining brand recognition requires more than just visibility—it requires trust. We’ve invested in not just marketing but in fostering genuine relationships with healthcare professionals and patients across Ireland. Our team has a deep understanding of the local market, and this allows us to communicate Théa’s values in a way that resonates with our audience.

“We believe in being part of the conversation about eye care in Ireland, whether through educational initiatives, partnerships with local bodies, or simply being there for our pharmacists and optometrists when they need us. At the end of the day, we maintain recognition by staying true to our mission: providing preservativefree, world-class eye care solutions while always putting people first.”

What’s on the Horizon?

“2024 has been another year of innovation with the introduction of Blephaderm: a 5 in 1, 100% preservative free, clinically proven, repairing, soothing and hydrating eyelid and eye contour cream for sensitive, dry, irritated and atopyprone skin.

“8 out of 10 adults suffering from dry eye or eyelid disorders also suffer from skin disorders in the eye area. Blephaderm has arrived at the perfect time to offer soothing relief for the skin around the eye.

“As for the future? Without giving away too many secrets, I can say that Théa Pharma has exciting things in the pipeline for Ireland.

We’ve always been at the forefront of innovation in eye care, and this year is no exception. We’re working on solutions that not only address existing conditions but are also designed to anticipate future needs as we continue to evolve in a digital world. Our team is incredibly excited to bring these products to the Irish market because we know they have the potential to make a real difference in people’s lives.”

The importance of companies, such as Théa Pharma working closely with pharmacists, educational and representative bodies cannot be underestimated and this not something lost on Diarmiud. Such partnerships enhance knowledge and awareness, improve patient outcomes and foster trust and credibility.

He adds, “Education has been our core and strongest pillar for over 30 years. At Théa Pharma Ireland, we place a huge emphasis on collaboration with educational bodies and representative organizations. Working closely with institutions such as the Association of Optometrists Ireland, the Irish college of Ophthalmology, the Association of Ophthalmic Nurses Ireland and many patient support groups allows us to stay aligned with the highest standards of care and ensure that both pharmacists and healthcare professionals are well-equipped with the latest knowledge and tools.

“We regularly engage in educational programs, workshops, and hands-on training sessions that not only elevate the level of care provided but also create a sense of unity and shared purpose. This commitment ultimately benefits our customers by ensuring that they receive informed, attentive care from professionals who truly understand and believe in our products.

“Education is the key; we invest heavily in continued professional development of all our customers. We have developed educational programs for counter staff, pharmacy technicians and the pharmacists. Understanding the importance of preservative free care is fundamental, we believe that Théa Pharma is not just contributing to the present state of eye care in Ireland but shaping its future. Théa is a pioneer and remains the world leader in preservative-free eye care products.

“By championing preservative free solutions, we’re setting a new standard of care that prioritizes long-term eye health over short term convenience. Théa has a continuous innovation process and a unique expertise, 100% dedicated to ophthalmology. We continue to invest in research and development to stay at the forefront of innovation and be a pioneer delivering a new generation of products. We are committed globally to the construction of strong sustainable partnerships, signing licensing agreements with researchers, universities and pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies.

“We also support inventors in their process of recovery and help to protect their research by helping with patents and know how transfer. This ensures we are always at the cutting edge of innovation allowing Théa to deliver innovative preservative free products. But above all, our Irish team is leading the charge in making eye care more accessible, more personal, and easier to understand. We’re creating a future where every individual has access to the best possible eye care, delivered by professionals who care about their well-being.”

Pharmacists are at the frontline of healthcare and at Théa Pharma, Diarmuid and his team aim to provide the necessary education for pharmacy staff on the eye conditions that present in front of them daily.

“Preservative-free products are key in eyecare today, and we offer an extended and detailed interactive training regimen based on the 4 steps of eye care (Warm – Cleanse – Hydrate – Nourish) as well as providing a pioneering and innovative merchandising approach that demonstrates the importance of eye care category in the Irish Pharmacy, an approach that guarantees higher ROI as well as helping educate the consumers on the importance of eye health.

“We have designed a detailed Margin Calculator file that showcase the value for money offerings of each of our products ensuring Pharmacists high margins and profitability. We ensure that they have everything they need to confidently recommend our solutions, knowing that they are offering the best possible care to their customers. Whether through one-on-one consultations, group workshops, or ongoing professional development, we are committed to empowering pharmacists to deliver excellence every day. “We are encouraging pharmacists to release the potential of the eyecare category by ensuring its placed in a prominent position at front of shop where customers can self-select or can be advised by a staff member.

“Théa has a continuous innovation process and a unique expertise, 100% dedicated to ophthalmology”

“As our population grows and lives longer, now more than ever we need to provide preservative free high-quality products with education to ensure Irish people are well informed in the knowledge that they are doing their best for their long-term eye health.

“Let’s open our eyes.”