ALISO VIEJO, Calif. — Bausch + Lomb, the global eye health company, announced today that it will extend its "See Better and Save" patient rebate program for patients who have the Crystalens® accommodating intraocular lens (IOL) implanted before March 31, 2011. Patients will be eligible for a rebate of up to $250 per eye.
Crystalens is the only FDA-approved accommodating intraocular lens. Unlike the standard cataract replacement lenses, the Crystalens is designed to not only eliminate the cataract but also to give the patient a more natural range of vision.
The "See Better and Save Program" was introduced by the company last fall at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology in Chicago to support its surgeons and their patients. Surgeons have been very happy with the results and asked that Bausch + Lomb extend the program. The rebate is available regardless of the patient's choice of physician, hospital or surgical center.
"The See Better and Save Program is working well because it provides the patient an option and makes Crystalens a more accessible choice. The program is an important part of our effort to bring quality vision correction to the dynamic market of baby boomers and seniors that we serve," said Robert E. Grant, CEO and president, Bausch + Lomb Surgical.
Extending the rebate program is just the latest step the company has taken to help Crystalens surgeons and their patients understand the importance of vision correction for aging baby boomers and active seniors. Bausch + Lomb has already launched a national advertising campaign for Crystalens. The print, online and television advertising for Crystalensfeatures Broadway film and TV actress Florence Henderson.
Bausch + Lomb also recently launched a web site to educate the estimated 20 million aging baby boomers and seniors who are currently living with cataracts in the U.S. The web site, www.cataracteducation.com, informs visitors about what causes cataracts, describes how they are treated and emphasizes the importance of visiting your eye doctor regularly.
"The rebate program is helping our practice. When patients consider the value of improving their vision and then add in the savings that the rebate provides, they are deciding to have the Crystalens surgery sooner, which is good for them and good for the practice," said Jay Pepose, founder and medical director of the Pepose Vision Institute in Chesterfield, Missouri.
Approximately three million cataract surgeries are performed in the U.S. every year. A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens in the eye. During surgery the clouded natural lens in the patient's eye is replaced by an intraocular lens. Research indicates that only a small fraction of people realize that not all intraocular lenses are the same. The research also indicates that a number of patients are willing to pay extra money in order to get the best quality vision.
For more information about the Crystalens, please visit www.crystalens.com or call 1.877.7.SEEBETTER.
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About Bausch + Lomb
Bausch + Lomb is dedicated to bringing visionary ideas to eye health. 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.
Crystalens® is a registered trademark of Bausch & Lomb Incorporated.
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