LVCI steps in to help disenfranchised patients, surgeons of Icon

ST. LOUIS — Executives of Laser Vision Centers Inc. (NASDAQ: LVCI) said they will attempt to help patients and surgeons who are “disenfranchised” because Icon Laser Eye Centers Inc. has been placed in receivership.

Canadian-based Icon operated 38 locations in North America, Italy, Sweden and Great Britain. LVCI has established a toll-free number for patients (800-410-6244); surgeons should call (888) 289-5824. LVCI executives said they would attempt to assist patients with follow-up or initial treatments by referring them to one of their surgeons. Each patient will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Any former Icon surgeons who are seeking laser access will be provided access to one of LVCI’s fixed or transportable laser systems.

In other LVCI news, the company announced that David S. Joseph, 59, has been named to its board of directors. Mr. Joseph currently is chairman of Orthovita Inc., based in Malvern, Pa. Mr. Joseph also was a cofounder of Site Microsurgical Systems, an ophthalmic device company, and was its president and CEO until the company was acquired by Johnson & Johnson. Before founding Site Microsurgical Systems, Mr. Joseph served as the executive director of Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia.

As of April 30, LVCI operated 106 lasers in the United States, providing access to more than 710 surgeons in more than 310 locations in 47 states. In addition to being one of the world's largest providers of excimer lasers, related equipment and support services for the treatment of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism, LVCI also provides mobile cataract services through its subsidiary Midwest Surgical Services.