[5] Alcon was founded in 1945 as a small pharmacy in Fort Worth, Texas, United States.

It was named for its founders, pharmacists Robert Alexander and William Conner[6] who focused on sterile ophthalmic products.

[7] Alcon expanded its manufacturing capability with new plants in South America and Europe and drastically increased its investment in research.

On July 8, 2010, Alcon's independent director committee (IDC) had set up a $50 million litigation trust to ensure company's minority shareholders get the best deal from bidder Novartis AG.

[18] In November 2021, Alcon announced it would acquire Ivantis and their glaucoma surgery stent technology for at least $475 million.