Prominent Fashion Executives Treated at Milan Practice
IRVINE, CA – September 06, 2012 – AcuFocus, Inc. (www.AcuFocus.com), maker of an innovative corneal inlay revolutionizing the treatment of near vision loss (presbyopia), today announced the successful implantation of the KAMRATM inlay in Gian Giacomo Ferraris, CEO of Versace and Thierry Andretta, CEO of Lanvin. Mr. Ferraris and Mr. Andretta, both presbyopic patients, received treatment by Dr. Francesco Carones, Medical Director of the Centro Oftalmo-‐ Chirugico Carones in Milan. The day after surgery, both executives could read without spectacles, demonstrating fully corrected near and intermediate vision.
“Mr. Ferraris and Mr. Andretta came to my practice enthusiastic about the procedure,” commented Dr. Carones. “That excitement has only increased as they have achieved independence from reading glasses. As with all of my patients, this freedom makes them more active in their jobs, more independent in their hobbies and happier with their life.”
"I am extremely satisfied with the results obtained by KAMRA Vision," said Mr. Ferraris. "For my work, you must have excellent vision and no longer being dependent on my glasses allows me to concentrate on my work. I’m not longer having to interrupt my work to searching for reading glasses.”
The KAMRA inlay, an implant designed to reverse the effects of presbyopia and restore near and intermediate vision, is smaller than a contact lens and lighter than a grain of salt. It is 5 mm thick, 3.8 mm in total diameter. A 1.6 mm central aperture increases depth of focus and improves near visual acuity by restricting bent light rays from entering the eye.
“In my line of work, a youthful demeanor goes a long way,” added Mr. Andretta. “And it’s not simply about looks. Being able to see with your own eyes, unaided, breeds confidence and independence. I’m delighted that Dr. Carones could help me live the same lifestyle I promote.”
“We are thrilled that our product proved beneficial for Mr. Ferraris and Mr. Andretta,” commented Ed Peterson, AcuFocus President and Chief Executive Officer. “AcuFocus’ mission is to deliver an advanced, burden-‐free solution for presbyopic patients around the globe. We believe the adoption by these high profile figures will help showcase the KAMRA inlay’s ability to restore near and intermediate vision and improve lives.” “So, in the end, surgeons get real gratification from these patients. They’re happy, they’re smiling, and are willing to send you other patients because they are so satisfied,” concluded Dr. Carones.
The KAMRA inlay has been implanted in more than 15,000 patients worldwide and is currently available in over 40 countries. The KAMRA inlay has received CE mark for use in the European Union and is an investigational device under FDA Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) in the United States. KAMRA is a trademark of AcuFocus, Inc.
About Presbyopia
Presbyopia, a frustratingly natural process that occurs with time, reduces the ability of the eye to focus on near objects. This condition occurs when the crystalline lens of the eye loses its flexibility, making it difficult to focus on close objects. The onset of presbyopia appears suddenly, but actual loss of flexibility takes place over a number of years, usually becoming noticeable in the early to mid-‐40s. Presbyopia is not a disease and it cannot be prevented. Traditionally, most people with presbyopia use reading glasses to improve their near vision.
About AcuFocus, Inc.
AcuFocus, Inc., a privately held company located in Irvine, California, was founded in 2001 by the Innovation Factory, a medical device incubator based in Atlanta, Georgia. The company is currently developing the KAMRA inlay for the treatment of near vision loss (presbyopia). For more information about AcuFocus, please visit www.AcuFocus.com. To learn more about the KAMRA inlay, please visit www.KAMRA.com
Media Contact Allison Potter Pascale Communications, LLC [email protected] (412) 228-‐1678