Bio-mimicry is a concept that has been applied to the design of biomaterials; namely that polymers having chem. structures similar to structures that occur naturally in the body are perceived to be more compatible with body tissue. Omafilcon A, a soft hydrogel contact lens polymer developed by Biocompatibles International, Inc. reflects an early attempt, in an ongoing effort, to achieve a more biocompatible "implant" material. In addition to hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) this polymer contains a phosphorylcholine group-containing monomer. The material is claimed to resist desiccation compared to other conventional hydrogels by mimicking corneal chem. While this represents one consideration, far more has occurred to help make the contact biocompatible. This presentation will review the latest in materials surface and bulk-chem. innovation, along with clin. response, to the easiest medical implant site imagined; the ocular surface.