Contact:
Karen Whelan, Public Relations & Practice Marketing Specialist
508-787-1461
kwhelan@optos.com
Optos to Expand Presence within Pearle Vision Network
05.04.2007
MARLBOROUGH, MA, April 5, 2007 – Optos, a leading medical technology company for the design, development, manufacturing and marketing of retinal imaging devices, today announced it has agreed with Pearle Vision to install its Panoramic200 Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope (P200) device, which generates the optomap® Retinal Exam, in certain Pearle Vision locations throughout North America.
Under the terms of the agreement the installations will be rolled out according to a phased program. A targeted television and print marketing campaign led by Pearle Vision in select media market locations throughout the USA will support the installations by promoting the importance of preventative health care and the clinical benefits the optomap® Retinal Exam delivers to eye care professionals and their patients.
“Preventative care is the first step in detecting disease earlier and before irreparable damage has occurred. Early detection provides time for successful intervention by the practitioner and improved treatment and outcomes for the patient,” said Thomas W. Butts, Chief Executive Officer, Optos plc. “Pearle Vision shares this view and we are delighted to help them promote the importance of this message in their practice
locations.”
Pearle Vision is a leading US-based optical retail chain with approximately 800 corporate and franchise retail locations and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Luxottica S.p.A.
Note to Editors
Optos plc is a leading and rapidly growing medical technology company for the design, development, manufacturing and marketing of devices that image the retina, the light-sensitive area at the back of the eye. Optos' platform technology is the Panoramic200 Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope device - known as the P200. In a quarter of a second the P200 device produces a high resolution image of up to 200 degrees or approximately 82 percent of the retina in a single capture. The image - branded the optomap® Retinal Exam - provides eye care practitioners with clinically useful information that facilitates the early detection of disorders and diseases evidenced in the retina, such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration.
The Company has gained regulatory clearance (CE and FDA 510(k)) to market a second device - P200MA. The P200MA is aimed at the specialist ophthalmic and medical as opposed to the primary care market. It is designed to produce an angiographic retinal image called optomap® fa that supports medical procedures by providing enhanced diagnostic, monitoring and treatment capabilities. Retinal imaging can also indicate evidence of non-eye or systemic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and certain cancers. Optos’ technology provides an unequalled combination of wide-field retinal imaging, speed and convenience for both practitioner and patient and can help save sight and save lives.
Optos estimates that its P200 device is targeting a recurring US$2 billion market opportunity. As at 30 September 2006 Optos had 232 employees serving more than 2,500 customers in the Company’s existing markets, currently the USA, Canada, UK and Germany. Optos plc is headquartered in Dunfermline, Scotland and was admitted to the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange on 15 February 2006 trading under the symbol OPTS.
Optos is incorporated in Scotland under the Companies Act 1985 with registered number SC139953. The Company maintains its Registered Office at Queensferry House, Carnegie Business Campus, Dunfermline, Scotland KY11 8GR United Kingdom.