OptiMedica to feature Catalys Precision Laser System at Ophthalmology annual meeting

Oct 13 2010

Global ophthalmic device company OptiMedica Corp. has announced that its Catalys Precision Laser System will be featured as part of four clinical presentations at the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting in Chicago on October 16, 17 and 18. The company's Catalys system, which combines a femtosecond laser, integrated Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) imaging and OptiMedica's breakthrough pattern scanning technology, was designed to dramatically improve the cataract procedure by replacing its inconsistent, manual steps. Technological hallmarks of the Catalys system include an innovative Liquid Optics™ Interface that optimizes the optical path to the patient's eye, and a proprietary Integral Guidance™ system that ensures the femtosecond laser pulses are delivered precisely to the intended location. AAO presenters will explore the clinical results achieved through the use of these and other Catalys features as well as the system's potential to transform the future of cataract surgery.

“From OptiMedica's point of view, the future of cataract surgery is all about precision, and the Catalys Precision Laser System is designed to provide physicians with the ability to deliver unprecedented precision to benefit their patients”

Presentation details are as follows.

• "Integrated OCT for Incision Placement in Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery"

Presented by Jonathan H. Talamo, M.D., Harvard Medical School and Talamo Laser Eye Consultants, on Friday, Oct. 15 at 9:34 a.m. in North Hall B1

• "Integrated OCT in Femtosecond Laser-assisted Cataract Surgery"

Presented by Julian D. Stevens, M.D., Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, on Sunday, Oct. 17 at 10:42 a.m. in Room S102

• "Accuracy and Predictability of the OptiMedica Femtosecond Laser Capsulotomy"

Presented by Stephen S. Lane, M.D., University of Minnesota and Associated Eye Care, on Sunday, Oct. 17 at 11:06 a.m. in Room S102

• "Precise Femtosecond Laser-based Anterior Capsulotomies" (poster presentation)

Presented by John A. Vukich, M.D., University of Wisconsin, Madison, on Monday, Oct. 18 at 12:30 p.m. in Hall A

Drs. Talamo, Stevens, Lane and Vukich are members of OptiMedica's 12-person Cataract Advisory Board, a group of esteemed cataract experts from around the world who have worked closely with the company during every step of the Catalys Precision Laser System's development. Together, the board members have treated hundreds of eyes in pre-clinical laboratory studies, and many - including the AAO presenters - have participated in institutional review board (IRB) approved clinical studies.

"From OptiMedica's point of view, the future of cataract surgery is all about precision, and the Catalys Precision Laser System is designed to provide physicians with the ability to deliver unprecedented precision to benefit their patients," said Mark J. Forchette, OptiMedica president and chief executive officer. "The clinical results achieved to date with Catalys are extremely encouraging, as they show a truly remarkable improvement in precision and control over the manual cataract surgical technique. The data validates OptiMedica's technology, and positions us well to serve patients in this very exciting market."

The Catalys Precision Laser System is not for sale in the United States.

OptiMedica expects to launch Catalys worldwide in 2011.