Coherent's Novus Verdi Diode-Pumped Green Photocoagulator Receives FDA Clearance for Ophthalmic Use.

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--May 18, 1999--

Coherent, Inc. (Nasdaq: COHR) announced today that the Novus(R) Verdi(R) Diode Pumped Green Photocoagulator received clearance from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration for ophthalmic use. This represents Coherent's anticipated introduction of a fully solid state green photocoagulator to the market that the company created with the introduction of the first green laser photocoagulator in 1970.

The Novus Verdi is a product brought to market through a collaborative agreement between Coherent and Quantel Medical of France, the first company to introduce a diode-pumped green photocoagulator in 1995.

"The refined optical design of Coherent's fiber based laser delivery devices coupled with Quantel's quality controlled manufacturing of the laser console, add up to a product offering that meets the exacting standards that ophthalmologists have come to expect from Coherent," said Peter Falzon, Director of Ophthalmic Marketing at Coherent, Inc. "We are pleased about bringing this collaborative project full circle and look forward to offering ophthalmologists this new technology choice for treating patients with sight threatening retinal diseases and glaucoma, backed by the customer service support that is the hallmark of Coherent's ophthalmology business."

The Novus Verdi joins Coherent's Novus(R) Omni(TM) multi-color photocoagulator, Novus(R) 2000 argon laser photocoagulator, and Ultima(R) 2000 portable argon laser photocoagulator as the newest addition to a complete line of products and accessories for ophthalmologists performing laser photocoagulation.

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Coherent, Inc., of Santa Clara, California, is a Standard & Poor's SmallCap 600 company and a global leader in design, manufacture and sale of lasers, laser systems, precision optics and related accessories. Founded in 1966, Coherent pioneered the development of lasers used in medical applications, including ophthalmology, obstetrics and gynecology, and aesthetic surgery. Today, Coherent sells its products in more than 75 countries. Please direct any questions to Peter Schuman, Director of Investor Relations at [phone]. For more information about Coherent, visit our Web site at http://www.cohr.com. To receive a full text copy of this press release by fax, please call [phone].