Advanced Medical Optics Highlights Several Key Educational Forums at the American Academy of Ophthalmology -- AAO -- Annual Meeting.

Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Annual Meeting

Booth #439

SANTA ANA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 13, 2003

Advanced Medical Optics, Inc. (AMO) (NYSE:AVO), a global leader in ophthalmic surgical devices and eye care products, today announced several important Educational Forums to be featured at the Company's venue during the upcoming annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology being held November 15-18, 2003, in Anaheim, California. These presentations will highlight AMO's commitment to continuing education and technology, which provide practitioners with innovative products to increase their options, improve efficiency and deliver better patient results.

The key Educational Forums include doctor presentations and panel discussions on AMO's proprietary Sovereign(R) phacoemulsification system with Whitestar(TM) technology; a discussion and update on the StabilEyes(TM) capsular tension ring and Verisyse(TM) phakic intraocular lens (IOL); and a presentation on the quality of vision with IOLs, including AMO's OptiEdge (TM) advanced lens design. These presentations are just several of the 20 Educational Forums the Company is featuring during the AAO meeting.

Phacoemulsification

I. Howard Fine, M.D. will moderate a panel discussion on the implications of bimanual microphaco, the latest technique in cataract phacoemulsification. The sleeveless, bimanual phaco technique, performed using the Sovereign(R) system with Whitestar(TM) technology, enables the surgeon to utilize two small incisions (approximately 1.4 to 1.7 mm) versus a single incision (approximately 2.8 mm) for a conventional phaco tip. The Whitestar(TM) technology, which is also available on the Sovereign(R) Compact, decreases the amount of heat and energy in the ocular environment, allowing the surgeon to eliminate the heat-insulating sleeve from the phaco tip and thereby take advantage of a much smaller incision. The panel discussion will take place on Monday, November 17 at 12:00 p.m.

Capsular Tension Rings

Frank Price, M.D. will discuss managing weakened zonules during cataract surgery using the StabilEyes(TM) capsular tension ring. Weak or broken zonules affect approximately one to three percent of all cataract surgery patients and can rarely be anticipated prior to surgery. Having a capsular tension ring available during all cataract procedures may allow surgeons to increase their overall success rates. AMO has exclusive distribution rights for the StabilEyes(TM) capsular tension ring in North America under an agreement with OPHTEC USA, a privately held medical device manufacturer and subsidiary of OPHTEC B.V. (Netherlands). It is currently under expedited review status with the United States' Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA). The discussion will take place on Monday, November 17 at 11:00 a.m.

Refractive Technology

A panel discussion will be held on the Verisyse(TM) phakic IOL, an emerging refractive technology. Phakic IOL implantation is viewed by many surgeons as becoming an alternative refractive treatment method for myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. With its unique fixation method and favorable historical European experience, this technology is an exciting development and important innovation that addresses a significant unmet need for patients whose refractive options may otherwise be limited. Approved only in Europe, the product is currently under expedited review by the U.S. FDA. AMO is the exclusive distributor for the product in North America and Japan under an agreement with OPHTEC USA. The panel discussion will take place on Sunday, November 16 at 2:00 p.m.

IOL Lens Design

Samuel Masket, M.D. will moderate a panel discussion on the quality of vision and key issues with IOL design and materials and their impact on cataract and refractive surgical outcomes. This discussion will include AMO's OptiEdge (TM) design, which incorporates a rounded anterior edge, a sloping side edge and a squared posterior edge, thereby reducing the potential for unwanted glare and reflections following the IOL implantation and raising the standard for IOL performance. A comparative analysis will be drawn, and the panel will debate their choices for best outcomes, providing data and sharing personal experiences to support their choices. The panel discussion will take place on Saturday, November 15 at 12:00 p.m.

For a complete schedule of AMO's Educational Forums, please contact AMO or visit the AMO venue during the academy meeting. AMO will be located in Booth #439 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

About Advanced Medical Optics

Advanced Medical Optics, Inc. (AMO) is a global leader in the development, manufacturing and marketing of ophthalmic surgical and eye care products. The Company focuses on developing a broad suite of innovative technologies and devices to address a wide range of eye disorders. Products in the ophthalmic surgical line include foldable intraocular lenses and lens insertion systems, phacoemulsification systems, viscoelastics and related products used in cataract surgery, and microkeratomes used in LASIK procedures for refractive error correction. AMO owns or has the rights to such well-known ophthalmic surgical product brands as PhacoFlex(R), Clariflex(R), Array(R) and Sensar(R) foldable intraocular lenses, the Sovereign(R) phacoemulsification system with Whitestar(TM) technology and the Amadeus(TM) microkeratome. Products in the eye care line include contact lens disinfecting solutions, daily cleaners, enzymatic cleaners and lens rewetting drops. Among the well-known eye care product brands the Company possesses are COMPLETE(R) MoisturePlus(TM), COMPLETE(R) Blink-N-Clean(R), Consept(R)F, Consept(R) 1 Step, Oxysept(R) 1 Step, Ultracare(R), Ultrazyme(R), Total Care(R) and blink(TM). Amadeus(TM) is a licensed product of, and a trademark of, SIS, Ltd. OptiEdge is a trademark of Ocular Sciences, Inc.

Advanced Medical Optics, Inc. is based in Santa Ana, California, and employs approximately 2,000 worldwide. The Company has operations in about 20 countries and markets products in approximately 60 countries. For more information, visit the Company's web site at www.amo-inc.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release that refer to AMO's estimated or anticipated future results are forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements in this press release reflect AMO's current analysis of existing trends and information and represent AMO's judgment only as of the date of this press release. Actual results may differ from current expectations based on a number of factors affecting AMO's businesses, including but not limited to competitive, regulatory and market conditions; the performance of new products and the continued acceptance of current products; the execution of strategic initiatives and alliances; AMO's ability to maintain a sufficient supply of products; product liability claims or product quality issues; and the uncertainties associated with intellectual property protection for these products. In addition, matters generally affecting the domestic and global economy, such as changes in interest and currency exchange rates, can affect AMO's results. Therefore, the reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. AMO disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Additional information concerning these and other risk factors may be found in previous financial press releases issued by AMO. AMO's public periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the discussion under the heading "Certain Factors and Trends Affecting AMO and its Businesses" in AMO's 2002 Form 10-K and in AMO's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 26, 2003, also include information concerning these and other risk factors. Copies of press releases and additional information about AMO are available on the World Wide Web at www.amo-inc.com, or you can contact the AMO Investor Relations Department by calling 714-247-8348.