Filatov Eye Institute First in Tri-State Area to
Offer Breakthrough in LASIK Technology

Nidek OPD-Scan Provides Customized Laser Vision Correction

GREENWICH, Conn. (October 30, 2001) – The Filatov Eye Institute today announced that it is the first ophthalmology practice in the tri-state area to offer a new and innovative technology allowing surgeons to provide customized advice and treatment to patients contemplating LASIK surgery for nearsightedness and farsightedness. The OPD-Scan, manufactured by Nidek, Inc., embodies wavefront analysis, a revolutionary technique that allows surgeons to better understand and analyze the idiosyncrasies that subtly influence the quality of a person’s eyesight.

Recently approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the United States, the OPD-Scan offers surgeons a stand-alone device that combines two additional exams, corneal topography and autorefraction, all accomplished in less than half a minute. All three measurements are stored onto a disk, and then used to program the actual laser equipment. Prior to FDA approval, surgeons could obtain detailed information only of the cornea, the front layer of the eye.

“The OPD-Scan provides us with high resolution maps of a patient’s entire optical system,” said Dr. Vadim Filatov, director of the Filatov Eye Institute. “This technology breakthrough brings LASIK surgery to a new level of remarkable precision. Thanks to these ‘fingerprints’ we can detect even the most minute imperfections within the eye and provide customized correction.”

Wavefront analysis was originally developed for use in astronomy and astrophysics to help with the imaging of distant stars and galaxies. Now it has come down to earth, and according to Dr. Filatov, it is among the most exciting new technologies in eye care.

Dr. Vadim Filatov, director of the Filatov Eye Institute, is a Board-certified cornea and LASIK specialist. Trained at Yale, Harvard and the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Dr. Filatov has an outstanding record of publications in the field of laser vision correction. His research allowed him to pioneer the Filatov Preventive System to guard against LASIK complications. Dr. Filatov was one of the first physicians in the United States in 1989 to evaluate the excimer laser, now widely used in LASIK and other procedures. He has won national recognition as one of the most experienced refractive surgeons in the country.

The Filatov Eye Institute is an independent, ophthalmology and LASIK practice setting standards in high-quality, customized patient care. Also a center for research and education, Filatov Eye Institute is dedicated to advancing the field of laser vision correction and serving the community with the latest in technology. The Filatov Eye Institute sponsors educational seminars and trains fellows to improve the standardization of training across the country. Headquarted in Greenwich, CT, with offices in Manhattan, Westport and Glastonbury, CT, the Filatov Eye Institute treats patients from all over the country and the world, including respected leaders and celebrities.

For further details and pictures of the Nidek OPD-Scan, please visit www.nidek.com/opdscan.html.