IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Ophthalmic device manufacturer Refractec, Inc. today announced the appointment of Richard L. Lindstrom, M.D., an internationally recognized leader in corneal, cataract and refractive surgery and founder and attending surgeon of Minnesota Eye Consultants, to its 6-member board of directors.
Lindstrom has been at the forefront of ophthalmology throughout his career as a researcher, lecturer and highly regarded surgeon. He holds more than 30 patents for the design of several ophthalmic devices and instruments that are used in clinical practices worldwide. He currently serves as medical director of TLC Vision and Midwest Surgical Services, associate director of the Minnesota Lions Eye Bank, and is a member of the boards of directors of TLC Vision, Occulogix, eyeonics and the Minnesota Medical Foundation.
"Dr. Lindstrom's exceptional clinical and research background and his stature within the global ophthalmic community make him an excellent addition to our board of directors," said Thomas G. Frinzi, Refractec's chief executive officer. "We consider Dr. Lindstrom's expertise, particularly in vision- correction technologies and the treatment of presbyopia, a tremendous asset and we are fortunate to have his counsel in the continued growth of our company and its core technologies."
A prolific contributor to ophthalmic and refractive science, Lindstrom has co-edited three books and published more than 350 journal articles. His many professional affiliations include election as vice-president/president-elect of the executive committee of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons and serving as a past president of the International Society of Refractive Surgery.
ViewPoint CK System Approved in Brazil, Russia and Taiwan
Refractec has received approvals from the governments of Brazil, Russia and Taiwan to market its ViewPoint CK System in those countries. The system is used to perform the NearVision CK treatment, which improves near vision in patients suffering from presbyopia, or "aging eyes," and hyperopia (farsightedness).
NearVision CK is a quick (three-minute) treatment that uses radio waves, instead of a laser or scalpel, to bring near vision back into focus without cutting or removing any tissue. In addition to NearVision CK's use in treating presbyopia and hyperopia, Refractec is seeking expanded approval in the US for its use to improve near vision in patients with a history of LASIK surgery.
"These markets are critical expansion opportunities for our global operations," said Keith Burgess, Refractec's director of worldwide sales. "These approvals mark the continued international adoption and growth of the NearVision CK treatment as a benefit to patients worldwide."
The NearVision CK treatment, using the ViewPoint CK System, is now approved for use in more than 65 countries in North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America.
About the ViewPoint CK System and NearVision CK Treatment
The ViewPoint CK System is used to perform NearVision CK, a treatment utilizing a probe thinner than a strand of hair that releases radiofrequency energy. Applied to the cornea in a circular pattern, the radio waves shrink small areas of collagen to create a constrictive band (like the tightening of a belt) that increases the curvature of the cornea, bringing near vision back into focus.
NearVision CK is indicated for the temporary improvement of near vision in emmetropic presbyopes (those who require only reading glasses) and hyperopic presbyopes (those who require reading and distance glasses).
About Refractec
Refractec, Inc. is a privately held ophthalmic technology company that develops and markets minimally invasive procedures for ophthalmologists and their baby boomer patients. Based in Irvine, Calif., Refractec provides "Corrective Solutions for Near Vision" with its proprietary NearVision CK (Conductive Keratoplasty) technology. Patients can visit (www.refractec.com) or call 1-800-752-9544 for more information on NearVision CK and to obtain a list of physicians.
Refractec, Inc.CONTACT: Liana Miller of Refractec, Inc., +1-949-276-8920,liana@goolsbygroup.com
Web site: http://www.refractec.com/
