LCA-Vision Named Provider for New Insured Lasik Product

CINCINNATI, Oct 28, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- LCA-Vision Inc, a leading provider of laser vision correction services under the LasikPlus(R) brand, today announced that it will serve as a network laser vision provider for a new insurance benefit underwritten by a nationally known, "A-" (Excellent) rated insurance carrier, Standard Security Life Insurance Company of New York. The benefit provides members covered by sponsoring health plans a one-time allowance from the insurance company of up to $600 for covered laser vision correction procedures. This benefit is being made available to healthcare plans, employer groups and unions.

"Procedure cost is a major factor in the patient's decision-making process. We believe this innovative product will act as a catalyst for insured members interested in laser vision correction, but concerned about the price," said Steven C. Straus, Chief Executive Officer of LCA-Vision. "To our knowledge, this is the first offering of this kind for laser vision correction services and we are delighted to be named a network provider."

source:MarketWatch

LasikAbroad.co.uk Helps Patients Book Medical Holidays for Laser Eye Surgery in Turkey

Huskvarna, Sweden -- October 24, 2008 -- Western Europeans who want to save money on laser eye surgery have a new option thanks to the Lasik abroad service offered by Salveo Travel. The company arranges medical holidays for patients to receive laser eye treatments in Istanbul where, for less than the cost of surgery alone at home, patients can receive equal or better treatment from qualified doctors and a return ticket to Turkey. Medical holidays are designed to give patients more affordable treatment options with a short holiday in one trip, all while saving money.

“Sometimes the cost of laser eye surgery at home can be a deterrent to getting treatment,” says Habil Kantur, founder of LasikAbroad.co.uk . “Getting eye surgery in Turkey is a solution for those who want the Lasik surgery, but who don’t want to pay the high prices associated with the procedure in the UK or elsewhere. The surgery costs much less in Istanbul due to cost of living differences, but the quality is equal to or better than the same treatment at clinics elsewhere. We only collaborate with accredited and highly qualified doctors and medical facilities. Patients can spend less than they would at home, but get more – quality treatment and a short holiday at the same time.”

source: MM Newswire

A ray of light for the myopic

NEW technology with the ability to track rotation of the eyeball during laser eye surgery is offering hope to those with serious myopia and astigmatism.

Such patients were previously deterred from opting for Laser-Assisted In situ Keratomileusis or LASIK, a type of refractive laser eye surgery used to correct myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (far-sightedness) and astigmatism, said consultant ophthalmologist and eye surgeon Dr Michael Law Sie Haur.

The new technology called Zyoptix Advanced Control Eyetracking (ACE) adjusts for eye rotation in any direction within 15 degrees during LASIK surgery, thus ensuring that the laser beam is always aimed at the correct intended spot on the cornea.

article: NST Online

Akorn, Inc. Announces the FDA Approval of Akten(TM) Ophthalmic Gel 3.5%

LAKE FOREST, Ill., Oct 08, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Akorn, Inc. (AKRX:
AKRX today announced the FDA approval of NDA 22-221 for Akten(TM) Ophthalmic Gel 3.5%, a topical, ocular anesthetic formulation. The NDA was filed June 29, 2007 following the results from a randomized, placebo controlled, Phase III clinical trial in 209 subjects who met the primary endpoint in all three dosing arms (p<0.001). Akten(TM) is the first NDA ocular anesthetic approved by the FDA in four decades, and will be launched in October 2008.

Akten(TM) is a novel, unit dose, preservative free lidocaine gel product, stored at room temperature and intended to be used in any ocular procedure that requires a topical anesthetic agent. The estimated market size for Akten(TM) is approximately eleven million procedures annually. The major procedures include cataract surgery, refractive surgery, Lasik surgery, and intravitreal injection. Akorn has filed two United States patents and one International patent on the formulation and method of use of Akten(TM).

source: MarketWatch