VisionCare Implantable Telescope Technology Presentations Featured at Upcoming American Academy of Ophthalmology and Ophthalmology Innovation Summit Meetings

SARATOGA, Calif., Nov. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- VisionCare Ophthalmic Technologies, Inc., developer of the first FDA-approved ophthalmic telescope implant indicated to improve vision in patients with end-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD), announced today the upcoming scientific and corporate presentations on its implantable telescope technology. The telescope implant is an integral component of a new patient care program called CentraSight®,  which has been developed to improve vision and quality of life in patients with end-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most advanced form of AMD.   Eligible patients must have associated central vision blindness and must have either stopped responding to AMD medications, or have a form of the disease for which no treatment is available. 

Two podium presentations are scheduled as follows:

American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Annual Meeting
November 10 – 13, 2012 – McCormick Place, Chicago.

• Monday, November 12
  Session: Late Breakers Symposium
  Topic: Implantable Miniature Telescope for AMD
  Time: 2:35 – 2:45 PM
  Presenter: Stephen S. Lane, MD
  Location:  McCormick Place, Grand Ballroom S100C

Ophthalmology Innovation Summit (OIS)
November 8, 2012 – Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile, Chicago.

• Session: Private Device Company Showcase
  Time: 9:05 – 9:13 AM
  Presenter: Allen W. Hill, President and CEO

At the AAO annual meeting, VisionCare is in Booth #2665 located in the South Building, Level 3, Hall A of McCormick Place.

About the CentraSight Treatment Program
The first-of-kind telescope implant is integral to a new patient care program, CentraSight, for patients with end-stage macular degeneration.  The CentraSight treatment program involves a patient management process and access to reimbursement information for patients and physicians. The telescope implantation is performed by a specially trained ophthalmic surgeon as an outpatient procedure.

Patients and physicians can find more information about the telescope implant and related treatment program at www.CentraSight.com or 1-877-99-SIGHT.

About the Telescope Implant
The Implantable Miniature Telescope (by Dr. Isaac Lipshitz) is indicated for monocular implantation to improve vision in patients greater than or equal to 75 years of age with stable severe to profound vision impairment (best-corrected distance visual acuity 20/160 to 20/800) caused by bilateral central scotomas (blind areas) associated with end-stage AMD. This level of visual impairment constitutes statutory (legal) blindness.

Smaller than a pea, the telescope is implanted in one eye in an outpatient surgical procedure. In the implanted eye, the device renders enlarged central vision images over a wide area of the retina to improve central vision, while the non-operated eye provides peripheral vision for mobility and orientation.

The risks and benefits associated with the telescope implant are discussed in the Patient Information Booklet available at www.CentraSight.com.

About End-Stage Macular Degeneration
AMD is a disorder of the central retina, or macula, which is responsible for detailed vision that controls important functional visual activities like recognizing faces and watching television. The National Eye Institute estimates that over 1.7 million Americans over age 50 suffer vision loss from advanced AMD, which frequently culminates as end-stage AMD (visual impairment due to untreatable advanced AMD in both eyes). These patients often experience a loss of independence and social isolation, and have difficulty with activities of daily living. Approximately half of the individuals living with advanced AMD are affected in both eyes.

About VisionCare
VisionCare Ophthalmic Technologies, Inc., headquartered in Saratoga, CA, is a privately-held company focused on development, manufacturing, and marketing of implantable ophthalmic devices and technologies that are intended to significantly improve vision and quality of life for individuals with untreatable retinal disorders. The company's R&D and manufacturing facility is located in Petah Tikva, Israel. VisionCare's investors include Saints Capital, Pitango Venture Capital, Three Arch Partners, ONSET Ventures, BSI Healthcapital, Giza Venture Capital, and Infinity Private Equity Fund. VisionCare's Implantable Miniature Telescope was invented by company founders Yossi Gross and Isaac Lipshitz. Information on VisionCare can be found at www.visioncareinc.net.

SOURCE VisionCare Ophthalmic Technologies, Inc.