Bausch moving forward after takeover by Warburg Pincus

Implications: The recent purchase by Bausch & Lomb of Eyeonics shows a good move to capture the growing presbyopic correction market. The company has also sent Ronald L. Zarrella to become chairman emeritus. One of the best moves I have heard since the whole Renu problem.

Analysis: Eyeonics has the first FDA approved implantable presbyopic correction available in the United States. An important tool in today's greying eyecare market.

Many of my older patients are now looking at, and purchasing implantable presbyopic correction when they get their cataracts removed. Some patients are even having their "not yet ripe" cataracts removed early to do away with eyeglasses and contact lenses. That is where the Crystalens is one of the best contenders for new business in the next decade.

The end result of cataract surgery,  and laser vision correction is the same! However, with the new implantable presbyopic cataract procedures, it is even better than laser for vision correction of the "adult" patient over 45 years of age.

The implications of this lens are far larger than the "cataract" population. I have one patient who is 54 yrs old, and has been attempting to get laser vision correction for years. He is outside the normal range of laser patients. This year I have suggested the Crystalens. It will replace his presbyopic correcting contact lenses. It is the first technology that can make him happy! Surgery is scheduled for Spring 2008.

The product works, the patients are available. After laser vision correction, it is not a big leap to exchange the crystalline lens that is just starting to get a cataract with a new one that will keep the reading glasses off your nose for a long time!

I can't mention Bausch without also saying that I am glad they will have a new staffing. The new CEO Gerald M. Ostrov has worked with two companies connected to eyecare, Johnson & Johnson, and Ciba. I look forward to having a sales rep in Westchester County from Bausch & Lomb for the first time in many years. He takes over day to day operations of the hopefully reinvigorated company just recently taken private.