Expanding market for LVCI:
Laser Vision Centers, Inc. Calls FDA Panel Recommendation To Treat Hyperopia Positive
ST. LOUIS--(BW HealthWire)--July 24, 1998--LASER VISION CENTERS, INC. (NASDAQ:LVCI) called the FDA Ophthalmic Devices Advisory Panel's recommendation for approval of the Visx excimer laser to treat hyperopia (farsightedness) positive news for the Company and the excimer laser industry. The Company said that in anticipation of the approval it had already begun the process of upgrading all of its existing lasers to the Visx S2 system and expected the process to be completed in time for the FDA's final approval which industry experts believe could come in the fall. Some industry analysts have estimated the U.S. farsighted population to be between 50 and 55 million, the vast majority of which fall under the recommended parameters.
Once final approval is granted, LaserVision's entire laser fleet will be capable of treating myopia (nearsightedness), astigmatism and hyperopia without the need for any additional hardware.
"We are very pleased with today's panel recommendation. Visx is to be commended for their excellent data and hard work," LaserVision Chairman and CEO John J. Klobnak said. "Even if only a very small percentage of the farsighted patient population chooses to have this procedure, it could have a dramatic impact on the industry and LaserVision. We look forward to being able to provide this new pool of patients with the most technologically advanced procedure to reduce or eliminate their need for contacts and glasses." Klobnak said the Company has been developing a database of farsighted patients for the past several years and that the Company would implement a direct mail campaign to that database after final FDA approval is received.
Laser Vision Centers, Inc. is the world's largest operator of excimer lasers with locations in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Sweden, Finland and Greece. The excimer laser is a device which allows eye surgeons to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism with an outpatient procedure which usually lasts less than one minute.
Except for historical information, statements relating to the Company's plan, objectives and future performance are forward looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are based on management's current expectations. Because of various risks and uncertainties, actual strategies and results in future periods may differ materially from those currently expected. Additional discussion of factors affecting the Company's business is contained in the Company's most recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
CONTACT:
Laser Vision Centers, Inc.
John A. Stiles, 314/434-6900
jstiles@laservision.com
laservision.com
KEYWORD: MISSOURI |
