SOLA International Commences Launch of New Progressive Lens -- AO PRO-R- Easy.

Business Editors

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 11, 2003

SOLA International Inc. (NYSE:SOL) today announced it has commenced the launch of a new progressive lens, AO PRO Easy, under the American Optical brand.

AO PRO Easy is a general-purpose progressive lens that incorporates newer design techniques and technologies used in other American Optical progressives such as AO Compact(TM) and AO b'Active(TM). These techniques and technologies have provided AO PRO Easy with an optimized corridor length and improved peripheral performance while maintaining proven reliability and ease of wear. The result is a lens which offers dispensers, labs and patients a progressive lens with enhanced utility, comfort and ease of dispensing and processing.

Jeremy C. Bishop, president and chief executive officer of SOLA, stated, "With its full-width visual field and near perfect binocularity, AO PRO Easy offers wearers an exceptional balance of comfort and utility. The optical benefits include a wider distance and reading area and less astigmatism than existing progressive lenses. Wearer trials have shown that this design allows easy fitting and easy adaptation, with over 98% patient adaptation of lenses dispensed to date."

"AO PRO Easy was developed to meet the visual needs of the widest number of patients and fit into the broadest number of frames," commented Mark Ashcroft, President America's and Vice President Europe for SOLA. "In addition, the lens is available in four different materials -- polycarbonate, CR-39, Next Generation Transitions(R) and Finalite 1.6(R) high index plastic. We are confident that the superior performance offered by AO PRO Easy combined with its availability in a broad range of materials will make this an excellent choice for eye care professionals and customers alike."

SOLA International Inc. designs, manufactures and distributes a broad range of eyeglass lenses, primarily focusing on the faster-growing plastic lens segment of the global lens market, and particularly on higher-margin value-added products. SOLA's strong global presence includes manufacturing and distribution sites in three major regions: North America, Europe and Rest of World (primarily Australia, Asia and South America) and approximately 6,800 employees in 28 countries servicing customers in over 50 markets worldwide. For additional information, visit the company's Web site at www.Sola.com.

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements relating to SOLA's potential growth prospects. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of SOLA. Actual results could differ materially from the forward-looking statements as a result of, among other things, the highly competitive nature of the eyeglass lens and coating industry; SOLA's need to develop new products; potential adverse developments in the domestic and foreign economic and political environment, including exchange rates, tariffs and other trade barriers and potentially adverse tax consequences; potential difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations; and the other factors described in SOLA's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2002. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "plan" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. SOLA undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.