Global Vision Inc. brings laser vision correction to Harrisburg area residents.JACKSONVILLE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 21, 1995--Global Vision Inc., a privately held refractive refractive capacity to refract light. refractive error a difference between the focal length of the cornea and lens, and the length of the eye, resulting in myopia or hyperopia. laser center company based in Jacksonville, Tuesday announced plans to open the Harrisburg, Pa., LaseRx(r) Center, a laser vision correction center, in partnership with over 35 local ophthalmologists and optometrists. Site selection for the Center is in progress and the laser has been scheduled for delivery. On Oct. 20, 1995, the FDA FDA abbr. Food and Drug Administration FDA, n.pr See Food and Drug Administration. FDA, n.pr the abbreviation for the Food and Drug Administration. gave final approval for Summit Technology Inc.'s excimer laser systems for correcting nearsightedness nearsightedness or myopia, defect of vision in which far objects appear blurred but near objects are seen clearly. Because the eyeball is too long or the refractive power of the eye's lens is too strong, the image is focused in front of the with a procedure known as PRK PRK photorefractive keratectomy. Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) A procedure that uses an excimer laser to make modifications to the cornea and permanently correct myopia. or photorefractive keratectomy. PRK reduces or eliminates the need for glasses or contact lenses. Dr. Doug Goepfert, a prominent local optometrist optometrist /op·tom·e·trist/ (op-tom´e-trist) a specialist in optometry. Optometrist A medical professional who examines and tests the eyes for disease and treats visual disorders by prescribing corrective and partner in the laser Center commented: "The Center brings together the most experienced and skilled optometrists and ophthalmologists in the Harrisburg area. The care given to patients will be of the highest quality with the utmost integrity and professionalism available in the market today. Patients will benefit from a symbiotic relationship between the finest ophthalmologists and optometrists in the state." He expects this to be the first laser correction center in the Harrisburg area. "The excimer laser uses a form of highly concentrated ultraviolet light," explained Alan L. Schein, M.D., a highly regarded Harrisburg ophthalmologist ophthalmologist /oph·thal·mol·o·gist/ (of?thal-mol´ah-jist) a physician who specializes in ophthalmology. oph·thal·mol·o·gist n. A physician who specializes in ophthalmology. and a member of the Center's medical advisory board. "This beam of `cold' light has the ability to remove layers of soft tissues without damaging any adjacent or underlying tissues or cells. The laser can remove one-quarter of a millionth of an inch of tissue in 12 billionths of a second. The light is used to flatten the cornea cornea: see eye. to eliminate nearsightedness by vaporizing corneal cells. Many doctors believe this procedure to be safer and more precise than the surgical procedure called radial keratotomy (RK)." PRK has been widely performed throughout Europe, South America and Canada as early as 1989. The FDA approval now confirms that the agency believes the procedure to be safe and effective in treating nearsightedness. "In the midst Adv. 1. in the midst - the middle or central part or point; "in the midst of the forest"; "could he walk out in the midst of his piece?" midmost of all the excitement over the recent approval of PRK, it should be noted that PRK is not appropriate for everyone," advised Eugene Kilmore, M.D., a respected area ophthalmologist and partner in the Center. "It is important to check with your optometrist or ophthalmologist to see if you fit the criteria. Or, you may call Global Vision at 800/985-2736 for more information or to schedule a free consultation with a Global Vision affiliated doctor." Global Vision Inc. owns and operates laser vision centers throughout the United States. CONTACT: Global Vision Inc., Jacksonville Joann B. Rushing, Vice President Marketing and P.R., 904/355-5111 |
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