IRVINE, CA – September 4, 2013 – AcuFocus (www.AcuFocus.com), maker of the KAMRA™ inlay, the world leading corneal inlay for treatment of presbyopia, announced today the expansion of their advisory leadership team with the appointment of several distinguished cataract and refractive surgeons.
“The KAMRA inlay not only delivers patients a long-lasting, full range of vision, it provides surgeons with a minimally invasive, reliable solution to fill a notable gap in their practice offering – namely presbyopia correction” said Jim Mazzo, Executive Chairman and CEO for AcuFocus. "As KAMRA inlay adoption continues to expand globally, we look forward to working closely with our vast team of best-in-class advisors to ensure we meet our internal R&D, commercial, clinical and regulatory objectives.”
AcuFocus’ advisory leadership team members are:
John A. Vukich, MD: Dr. Vukich is an active clinical researcher having participated in over 20 FDA clinical trials, including the KAMRA™ inlay. He is an active teacher of surgical techniques and has lectured and certified more than 1,000 physicians on lens-based refractive surgery and lamellar refractive surgery. Dr. Vukich as been appointed chairman of the AcuFocus Medical Advisory Board (MAB). This team will focus on the continued advancement of the KAMRA inlay as the world leading inlay technology through clinical guidance to optimize global outcomes and refine the procedure.
Daniel S. Durrie, MD: Dr. Durrie, former chairman of the AcuFocus MAB, will now lead the PMA medical advisory team in coordination with the AcuFocus team and cooperation with the FDA. With more than 35 years’ experience in refractive and corneal surgery, Dr. Durrie has dedicated his career to being a pioneer in refractive surgery technology and procedures. Dr. Durrie has been involved in over 150 FDA clinical studies as an investigator or medical monitor. Through his research and innovation Dr. Durrie has played a pivotal role in vision correction technology advancement.
Richard Lindstrom, MD: Dr. Lindstrom holds over 38 patents in ophthalmology and has developed a number of innovative technologies, instruments and techniques that are used in clinical practices globally. He serves on the Board of Directors of several publicly traded and private companies including AcuFocus. Dr. Lindstrom serves on a number of Journal editorial boards, including JCRS and JRS and is the recipient of numerous awards for distinguished service by national and international ophthalmology associations. Dr. Lindstrom will take a leading role on the Scientific Advisory Board focusing on the development and refinement of small-aperture technologies and supporting diagnostics.
AcuFocus has gained momentum through continuous global approvals and accelerating inlay implantation. Currently there are numerous efforts worldwide to expand the application of the small aperture technology and development of complimentary diagnostic and surgical technologies to further enhance the surgical process and patient experience.
About Presbyopia
Presbyopia occurs as part of the normal aging process and reduces the ability of the eye to focus on near objects. This condition occurs when the crystalline lens of the eye loses its flexibility, making it difficult to focus on close objects. Presbyopia may seem to occur suddenly, but the intraocular changes, such as stiffening of the crystalline lens, take place over a number of years and usually become noticeable in the early to mid-40s. Presbyopia is not a disease and it cannot be prevented. Traditionally, most people with presbyopia use reading glasses to improve their near vision.
About AcuFocus
AcuFocus Inc., a privately held company located in Irvine, California, developed the KAMRA inlay for the treatment of near vision loss (presbyopia). By applying the “depth-of-focus” principle, the KAMRA inlay controls light transmission, allowing only central rays to reach the retina through a fixed 1.6 mm aperture. The unique small aperture design allows the eye to see near and intermediate objects more clearly while maintaining distance vision. The device provides a revolutionary treatment option for near vision loss, or presbyopia, which affects 1.5 billion people worldwide. The KAMRA™ inlay received CE mark for use in the European Union in 2005 and is now approved in 49 countries worldwide. The KAMRA inlay is an investigational device, limited under federal (U.S.) law to investigational use and is not available for sale in the United States. The AcuFocus KAMRA inlay is a 2012 Medical Design Excellence Awards® Finalist. For more information about the KAMRA inlay from AcuFocus visit www.AcuFocus.com. KAMRA® is a trademark of AcuFocus, Inc.
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