SAN FRANCISCO, March 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) has pledged $1 million to support American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Foundation-sponsored research in refractive lenticular science, it was announced here today by I. Howard Fine, MD, ASCRS Foundation Chairman during the Opening General Session of the ASCRS Symposium and Congress.
“In 2006, we will begin work on a substantial multi-year program to support new research and new educational programs that explore the rapidly emerging science of refractive lenticular surgery,” said Fine, announcing the AMO grant. “Ophthalmology stands on the edge of an exciting new future and the changes we will experience during the next few years will be exponential. The established paradigm of a single, government-funded provider of eye care is quickly giving way to patient-driven, multi-variant options. What we have seen to date represents only the first timid steps into a new world of opportunity. In the coming years, the ever-increasing merger of cataract and laser refractive science will change our practices and greatly increase what we can offer our patients.”
“As the pioneer of lenticular refractive technology and the global corneal refractive leader, AMO is proud and honored to be the founding sponsor of this vital program that will help to shape the future of ophthalmology,” said James V. Mazzo, AMO president and chief executive officer. “We commend ASCRS for its foresight and leadership in forming this effort to advance refractive corneal and lenticular research and education. We hope that other industry participants will join AMO and offer their resources and support to the ASCRS Foundation to ensure the program’s sustained success.”
The ASCRS Foundation funds ophthalmic research, public education, and charitable activities in the developing world. It is supported by unrestricted donations from ASCRS members and the ophthalmic industry.
About Advanced Medical Optics (AMO)
AMO is a global medical device leader focused on the discovery and delivery of innovative vision technologies that optimize the quality of life for people of all ages. Products in the ophthalmic surgical line include intraocular lenses, laser vision correction systems, phacoemulsification systems, viscoelastics, microkeratomes and related products used in cataract and refractive surgery. AMO is based in Santa Ana, California, and employs approximately 3,600 worldwide. The company has operations in 24 countries and markets products in approximately 60 countries. For more information, visit the company’s Web site at http://www.amo-inc.com.
ASCRS Foundation
CONTACT: John Ciccone, ASCRS Director of Communications, +1-240-643-5555,jciccone@ascrs.org; or Steve Chesterman of Advanced Medical Optics,+1-714-247-8711, steve.chesterman@amo-inc.com
