Ziemer to take over marketing of Amadeus II microkeratome from AMO

Ziemer Group announced that it will assume all worldwide marketing, sales and support duties for the Amadeus II automated microkeratome from Advanced Medical Optics. The Amadeus product line, although originally created by a Ziemer subsidiary, has been sold by AMO since its launch in 1999, according to a press release from Ziemer.

Ziemer has developed a global marketing and distribution network during the last 8 years while AMO has been marketing the Amadeus products. Ziemer will now rely on that network, said Frank Ziemer, Ziemer CEO, in the release.

"We can assure AMO's customers that we will provide a seamless transition and will do our utmost to be a competent and responsive partner," he said.

The Amadeus II builds on the original Amadeus and features enhanced handling and optional accessories for epi-LASIK and lamellar keratoplasty, the release said. Ziemer, which also sells the Femto LDV (Leonardo Da Vinci) femtosecond laser, will be the only opthalmic company offering surgeons the choice of a microkeratome or femtosecond laser for corneal refractive surgery, the release said.

"We will be a single-source supplier for microkeratome and femtolaser, and as such we will not be trying to influence the customer in making an either-or decision, but rather make it easy and economical for refractive surgeons to acquire and use the complete armamentarium," said Tony Wirthlin, PhD, Ziemer vice president of marketing, in the release.

The company believes the two technologies are complementary, as there are surgical situations in which ophthalmologists would prefer one option over the other, the release said.