LCA-Vision Inc. (Nasdaq: LCAV), a leading provider of laser vision correction services under the LasikPlus brand, announced today plans for a nationwide rollout of Advanced Medical Optics' (NYSE: EYE) IntraLase® femtosecond technology at its LasikPlus vision centers throughout the United States. This decision was made by LCA-Vision in conjunction with its Medical Advisory Board following a comprehensive six-month review and clinical testing process. LCA-Vision's Medical Advisory Board is comprised of a panel of LasikPlus surgeons who are recognized as some of the most experienced refractive surgeons in the nation.
"We are pleased to incorporate the IntraLase technology at our LasikPlus vision centers. Adding this technology in our vision centers supports our commitment to providing patients with advanced technological choices while maintaining our position as a value provider," said Steve Straus, LCA-Vision's Chief Executive Officer. "Our surgeons have recognized a number of clinical benefits for patients. For example, we anticipate that the IntraLase technology will decrease the number of surface ablation treatments."
LCA-Vision first began evaluating the IntraLase technology at four of its LasikPlus vision centers this past April, and expanded the test at additional vision centers over recent months. Including the 18 units that were installed over the past month, IntraLase is currently offered at 26 LasikPlus vision centers. LCA-Vision expects to place the IntraLase technology at approximately eight locations per month and that the installation will be completed within the first half of 2008.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions of LCA-Vision that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this release are based on information available to us as of the date hereof. Actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied in such forward-looking statements due to risks and uncertainties associated with our business, including, without limitation, those concerning economic, political and sociological conditions; the acceptance rate of IntraLase technology; our ability to successfully implement the IntraLase technology on a national basis; market acceptance of our services; the successful execution of marketing strategies to cost effectively drive patients to our vision centers, which recent results would indicate are no longer as effective as they have been in prior periods; competition in the laser vision correction industry; an inability to attract new patients; the possibility of long-term side effects and adverse publicity regarding laser vision correction; legal or regulatory action against us or others in the laser vision correction industry; the relatively high fixed cost structure of our business; and the future value of revenues financed by us and our ability to collect on such financings will depend on a number of factors, including the consumer credit environment and our ability to manage credit risk related to consumer debt, bankruptcies and other credit trends. For a further discussion of the factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations, please review our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to our Forms 10-K/A and 10-Q. Except to the extent required under the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, we assume no obligation to update the information included in this news release, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances, or otherwise.
About LCA-Vision Inc./LasikPlus
LCA-Vision Inc. is a leading provider of laser vision correction services under the LasikPlus brand. As of October 30, 2007, the company operated 70 LasikPlus fixed-site laser vision correction centers in 32 states and 55 markets in the United States and a joint venture in Canada. Additional company information is available at www.lca-vision.com and www.lasikplus.com. It's Not Just LASIK. It's LasikPlus!
