FOR RELEASE 5/14/2009, Thursday

Bausch & Lomb Announces Agreement with Karl Storz GmbH & Co. for ENT and Plastic Surgery Instrument Naming

ST. LOUIS -- Bausch & Lomb announced today an agreement with Karl Storz GmbH & Co. regarding surgical instruments naming.

Bausch & Lomb will retain exclusive rights to the STORZ brand name for its leading ophthalmic instruments, but will phase out the STORZ brand name for instruments used in other markets such as ear, nose and throat (ENT) and plastic surgery.

B&L’s ENT and plastic surgical instrument line, formerly known as STORZ, will be marketed under the Bausch & Lomb brand as of May 15, 2009.

“For our ENT and plastic surgery customers, the only noticeable difference will be the increased visibility of the Bausch & Lomb brand. Otherwise, it is business as usual. We will continue to offer the same high-quality and skilled craftsmanship that has made our instruments renowned worldwide,” said Charles Hess, senior director of Sales and Marketing for Bausch & Lomb’s Surgical Instruments business. “This agreement allows us to highlight the goodwill of the Bausch & Lomb name for ENT and plastic surgical instruments.”

All item numbers and product designs will remain the same. In addition, the company will continue to produce customized instruments for individual surgeons.

“We are committed to helping ENT and plastic surgeons achieve the best patient outcomes using their preferred techniques,” added Mr. Hess. “Our instruments are exquisitely designed with the precision our customers have come to expect, with the majority of our product manufacturing based right here in St. Louis and with extensive U.S. distribution.”

Enhanced Web sites

The agreement prompts the launch of two new Web sites for Bausch & Lomb surgical instruments.

Bausch & Lomb STORZ Ophthalmic Instruments will now be located at www.storzeye.com. Bausch & Lomb ENT and plastic surgery instruments will be accessible at www.bauschinstruments.com.

The existing URL will become the property of Karl Storz.

For enhanced convenience, the sites enable customers to select items from both lines and receive one online quote.

These Bausch & Lomb sites will continue to serve as the leading resource for product information, quotes, continuing education opportunities and more. Customers are encouraged to register on the new sites in order to receive the latest updates and information.

Bausch & Lomb offers a full array of surgical products and microsurgical instruments for ophthalmology; ear, nose, and throat (ENT); and plastic surgery. To place an instrument order or obtain a quote, customers should continue to contact Bausch & Lomb Customer Service at 1.800.338.2020.

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About Bausch & Lomb
Bausch & Lomb is the eye health company dedicated to perfecting vision and enhancing life for people around the world. Its core businesses include contact lenses and lens care products, ophthalmic surgical devices and instruments, and ophthalmic pharmaceuticals. The Bausch & Lomb name is one of the best-known and most respected healthcare brands in the world. Founded in 1853, the company is headquartered in Rochester, N.Y., and employs more than 10,000 people worldwide. Its products are available in more than 100 countries. More information is available at www.bausch.com.