Bausch & Lomb Receives FDA Approval For Boston SIMPLUS Multi-Action Solution For Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 29, 2003

First One-Bottle RGP Care System To Offer Protein Removal and No

Evening Rub

For the more than three million wearers of rigid gas permeable contact lenses in the United States, caring for their lenses may be simpler and more convenient, now that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted Bausch & Lomb approval to market its new Boston(R) SIMPLUS(TM) Multi-Action Solution, the first and only one-bottle daily lens care system that cleans, disinfects, removes protein and conditions RGP contact lenses.

The patented Boston SIMPLUS formula is the result of advanced Bausch & Lomb research focused on developing new formulations that increase convenience and enhance the contact lens wearing experience. It contains specialized ingredients that:

-- remove debris and protein, and repel deposits on the lens

surface;

-- provide cushioning upon insertion and enhanced, uniform lens

wetting;

-- create a preservative system proven effective in destroying

harmful organisms.

The unique Boston SIMPLUS formula eliminates the need for a separate, weekly enzyme cleaner to remove protein deposits on the lenses and eliminates the need for an evening rub. With Boston SIMPLUS, lens wearers simply soak their RGP lenses overnight, then rub and rinse before inserting them in the morning.

"The fact that Boston SIMPLUS is also the only no-evening-rub lens care solution for RGP lenses adds to its convenience," said Jeff Nardoci, Bausch & Lomb vice president - Marketing for contact lenses and OTC products. "Its enhanced convenience and ease of use equates to a greater likelihood that lens wearers will follow their prescribed care regimens, and that ultimately means improved eye health and comfort."

Boston SIMPLUS Multi-Action Solution, in 3.5-ounce (105 mL) bottles, will begin appearing in U.S. food, drug and mass merchandise outlets in June. Sampling will begin in doctors' offices by July.

More doctors recommend(1) the Bausch & Lomb Boston brand, and more patients prefer(2) it, compared to all RGP lens care brands in North America.

(1) Nielsen data, total year 2002.

(2) HPR data, total year 2002.

Bausch & Lomb is the eye health company, dedicated to perfecting vision and enhancing life for consumers around the world. Its core businesses include soft and rigid gas permeable contact lenses and lens care products, and ophthalmic surgical and pharmaceutical products. The Bausch & Lomb name is one of the best known and most respected healthcare brands in the world. Celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2003, the Company is headquartered in Rochester, New York. Bausch & Lomb's 2002 revenues were $1.8 billion; it employs approximately 11,500 people worldwide and its products are available in more than 100 countries. More information about the Company can be found on the Bausch & Lomb Web site at www.bausch.com. Copyright Bausch & Lomb.

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