LaserSight reports narrowed first quarter loss; improved operating cash flow.

ST. LOUIS, Mo.--(BW HealthWire)--May 8, 1997--(NASDAQ:LASE) LaserSight Incorporated announced today that, as anticipated, its first quarter loss was narrowed considerably from the first quarter of 1996.

Quarter-to-Quarter Comparisons

The Company reported a loss of $648,000, or $0.07 per share for the first quarter of 1997 compared with a net loss of $1.2 million, or $0.19 per share in the same quarter last year. Revenues for the three months ended March 31, 1997 increased 41 percent to $6.5 million from $4.6 million the year before, while selling, general and administrative expenses increased only four percent.

Segment Information

LaserSight's Technology segment reported $3.5 million in revenues compared to $2.0 million in the same period of 1996. The Health Services segment had first quarter revenues of $3.0 million compared to $2.6 million for the first quarter of 1996. The Northern New Jersey Eye Institute's assets were acquired by the Company in July 1996, and was not an operating unit of the Company in the first quarter of 1996.

"MEC Health Care and Northern New Jersey Eye Institute posted increased revenues and an operating profit during the first quarter of 1997," said Michael R. Farris, president and chief executive officer. "However, The Farris Group posted substantially decreased revenues and an operating loss. As promised, we are allocating additional resources to our Health Services segment to expand our base of covered lives and HMO contracts."

Laser Systems Sold

The Company reported it sold 15 laser systems in the first quarter of 1997 compared with 10 in the same period last year. No systems were returned during the first quarter of this year compared with three returns in the first quarter of 1996. "As I have stated, those returns were a primary factor to last year's weak performance," said Farris. "We are seeing results from our more stringent terms, stronger marketing team and improved customer service.

Operating Cash Flow 

"As expected, the company reported cash used in operating activities of $26,000 compared to $1.8 million during the first quarter last year. Cash used in operations has continued to decrease over the last five quarters," Farris said.

Farris said, "LaserSight is on the right track in terms of more efficient operations. We are excited about the progress we have made in building an infrastructure to carry our company forward. We have begun to see results in this first quarter and we are committed to continuing those efforts in both our Technology and Health Services segments."

LaserSight Incorporated is a holding company with operating subsidiaries engaged in the business of laser manufacturing and international sales, third-party managed vision care administration, ophthalmic practice management, and health and vision care consulting services.

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding future events and future performance of the Company that involve risks and uncertainties that could materially affect actual results, including risks and uncertainties relating to the introduction of a new product, such as unforeseen product delays and the need for unanticipated corrections or improvements. Investors should refer to documents that the Company files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a description of certain factors that could cause actual results to vary from current expectations and the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Such filings include, without limitation, the Company's Form 10-K, Form 10- Q and Form 8-K reports. -0-

Following are selected financial results:
                                     Three Months Ended
                              (In 000's Except Per Share Data)
                                 3/31/97           3/31/96

Total Revenues                  $  6,518            $  4,584
Cost of Sales/Provider Payments    2,449               1,569
Gross Profit                       4,069               3,015
Research, Development and
  Regulatory                         362                 736
Selling, General and Administrative
  Expenses                         4,343               4,187
Operating Loss                     (636)             (1,908)
Other Income (Expense)              (12)                  28
Income Tax Benefit                     -                 648
Net Loss                           (648)             (1,232)
Preferred Dividends                 (10)               (130)
Loss applicable to
  Common Shareholders              (658)             (1,362)
Earnings (Loss) Per
  Common Share - Primary        $ (0.07)           $  (0.19)
Weighted Average Number
  of Common Shares and
  Equivalents Outstanding -
    Primary                        8,821               7,020


Selected Balance Sheet Data:  March 31, 1997    December 31, 1996
                                (In 000's)          (In 000's)

Cash and Cash Equivalents       $  1,762            $  2,004
Accounts and Notes Receivable
  (Current), Net                   7,607               8,618
Total Current Assets              14,223              15,643
Total Current Liabilities          5,306               5,622
Stockholders' Equity              29,457              26,769

CONTACT: LaserSight Incorporated

Marti Benfield, Manager, Investor Relations 

314/469-3220