Premier Laser Systems Announces Launch of Foresight for VISX Software

Business Wire, April 6, 1999

IRVINE, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--April 6, 1999--Premier Laser Systems Inc. (Nasdaq/NM:PLSIA) Tuesday announced that its EyeSys Vision Group is launching Foresight for VISX(TM), a new software package that simulates the PRK/LASIK procedure for the VISX STAR S2 Excimer Laser System(TM).

The software allows the refractive surgeon the ability to better plan and execute vision correction procedures.

According to the announcement by Premier Laser Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Colette Cozean, Ph.D., Foresight for VISX is the result of a joint development program between EyeSys and VISX Inc. Foresight applies the planned ablation data to the preoperative corneal image and then generates a topographical map of the most likely post-operative results. The software provides a tool that allows surgeons to visually customize refractive ablation procedures, which may optimize these surgical outcomes.

The system will be demonstrated at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS) meeting April 10-14 in Seattle, and is expected to be available for shipment in May. List price for the software package is $985.

Cozean stated, "Foresight for VISX gives the refractive surgeon an important new tool that enables an analysis of planned versus actual procedure outcomes -- thereby assisting him in optimizing methods for future procedures and, ultimately, improving results."

Premier Laser Systems develops, manufactures and markets several lines of proprietary medical and dental lasers, fiber optic delivery systems and associated products for a variety of dental, ophthalmic, dermatologic and surgical applications.

The statements in this release that relate to future events or performance and statements about future product introductions are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including risks associated with uncertainties related to the availability of components, competitors' product introductions and other risks identified in the company's SEC filings. Actual results may differ from those described in these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.