-- Hydrophilic Lens Offerings Enhance and Extend Bausch + Lomb's Ophthalmic Surgery Portfolio

ALISO VIEJO, California and LIEGE, Belgium, May 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Bausch + Lomb, the global eye health company, and PhysIOL,  an experienced manufacturer of intraocular lenses,  today announced that Bausch + Lomb will begin distributing several lines of PhysIOL's hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lenses (IOLs) in select markets across Asia, Europe and the Middle East beginning this month.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130501/NY04599 )

As per the terms of the agreement, Bausch + Lomb will now begin to distribute PhysIOL's FineVision® trifocal and FineVision® trifocal toric hydrophilic, UV and blue-blocking, aspheric intraocular lenses, and, when available, the Ankoris® toric lenses on an exclusive or co-exclusive basis depending on the market.  Additionally, Bausch + Lomb will distribute PhysIOL's Micro line of hydrophilic preloaded, UV and blue- blocking, aspheric monofocal intraocular lenses in limited markets.  The companies have the option to expand the distribution relationship over time.  PhysIOL's portfolio complements Bausch + Lomb's extensive line of hydrophobic and hydrophilic acrylic IOLs, including the enVista®, Crystalens®, and Akreos® brands of IOLs for implantation after cataract removal. 

Stated Marc Nolet, chief executive officer, PhysIOL, "This partnership with Bausch + Lomb gives PhysIOL a perfect opportunity to leverage its R&D through a worldwide distribution network and in combination with a comprehensive line of equipment, instruments and other surgical products."

"The PhysIOL team has developed an impressive assortment of hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lenses - that complements Bausch + Lomb's existing portfolio of lenses," said John Barr, executive vice president and president, Bausch + Lomb Global Surgical.  "We are excited to provide ophthalmic surgeons with a greater choice when selecting an intraocular lens best suited for their patient's needs, and look forward to broadening the reach of PhysIOL's products through our established global commercial infrastructure."

About PhysIOL

Since the company was founded in 1986, PhysIOL has been focusing on the improvement in the quality of sight, and therefore, of life of patients. PhysIOL develops and proposes to the surgical world innovative high performance intraocular lenses, meeting the strictest requirements. In 2011, PhysIOL completed its products portfolio with FineVision®, a diffractive trifocal IOL allowing patients to become spectacle independent. This has marked a significant technological step forward for the surgical world and for the patients. PhysIOL is currently developing new applications of this breakthrough technology.

About Bausch + Lomb
Bausch + Lomb is a leading global eye health company that is solely focused on protecting, enhancing, and restoring people's eyesight.  Our core businesses include ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, contact lenses and lens care products, and ophthalmic surgical devices and instruments.  We globally develop, manufacture and market one of the most comprehensive product portfolios in our industry, which are available in more than 100 countries.   Founded in 1853, our company is headquartered in Rochester, NY, and employs more than 11,000 people worldwide.  

Crystalens, enVista and Akreos are trademarks of Bausch & Lomb Incorporated or its affiliates.

® FineVision and Ankoris are trademarks of PhysIOL SA.

© 2013 Bausch & Lomb Incorporated.

SOURCE Bausch + Lomb