U.S. airmen can now take advantage of a leading nonlaser vision correction procedure to improve near vision.

October 3, 2005

Ophthalmic device manufacturer Refractec, Inc. announced today that the Federal Aviation Administration has established the protocol for airplane pilots wanting to reduce their dependence on glasses by having the NearVision CK (Conductive Keratoplasty) treatment.

"Certification by the FAA as a vision correction procedure for pilots validates the safety and value of CK as a refractive treatment," said Mitchell B. Campbell, president of Refractec, Inc. "Only the safest and most effective procedures obtain an FAA protocol and we're thrilled that pilots can now enjoy the benefits of NearVision CK."

FAA Protocol for Conductive Keratoplasty

U.S. pilots who are considering having conductive keratoplasty to improve their vision may now do so without losing their aeromedical certification for flying. First, before considering CK, the pilot should check with his or her employer (if employed by the airlines) and/or flight medical examiner to determine if CK is an appropriate treatment option and if post-CK vision meets their individual requirements for flying.

For details on certification requirements and the complete protocol for CK, please visit the Federal Aviation Administration website at www.faa.gov.

In 2004, Refractec's NearVision CK became the leading nonlaser refractive procedure in the U.S. and is the fastest growing vision procedure since the introduction of LASIK. To date, more than 125,000 CK treatments have been performed worldwide and more than 800 physicians are certified to perform NearVision CK.