Carl Zeiss Vision International, GmbH and SOLA International
Announce New Company: Carl Zeiss Vision Inc.

Carl Zeiss Vision International, GmbH and SOLA International Inc. have announced the completion of the merger of the North American ZEISS and SOLA ophthalmic lens businesses into a single, integrated entity: Carl Zeiss Vision Inc.

“Bringing two leading ophthalmic businesses together is a major effort,” stated Dr. Barry Packham, President for the Americas. “Our goal is to create a stronger partner for our customers and for the wearers who rely on our products for the best possible vision. I am pleased to say that we have positioned the company to achieve this.”

The most significant result of the integration process, according to Dr. Packham, is that “Carl Zeiss Vision is now one of the most complete solution providers in the ophthalmic lens industry, at every level. From clinical devices for the exam room and dispensary, to equipment for laboratory processing, to lenses and coatings, we add value to every step in the process of delivering superior care to eyeglass wearers and business growth to our customers.”

Barry Szabo, Vice President of Sales for Laboratories and Independent Eye Care Practitioners, stated that Carl Zeiss Vision customers will notice immediate changes that streamline business: “First, our customers will receive a single invoice for all Carl Zeiss Vision lens products, simplifying monthly paperwork. Second, our combined sales force has been trained in the full range of our progressive and AR coating product lines, giving us much greater customer contact. Third and most importantly, we will be the single point of contact for the full range of ophthalmic solutions.”

“From a product-line perspective, we will continue to market our products and services under the ZEISS, SOLA, American Optical and Teflon® Clear Coat Lens brands,” according to Steve Mitrakos, Senior Director of Marketing for North America.

In addition, Mr. Mitrakos noted that all our customers can look forward to a number of other benefits from the newly integrated company, including:
• An expanded practice-building program that brings superior value
• Innovative new products that leverage the capabilities of our integrated Research and Development organization
• Continued innovation and investment in ZEISS AR coatings and Teflon® Clear Coat Lenses in major markets to grow the premium AR category

Dr. Packham also introduced the new company’s motto, “See the Difference.” “Our customers are already seeing the difference in our streamlined business processes. Very soon, the first fruits of our combined product development capability will reach the U.S., demonstrating the difference in another way. Ultimately the difference we offer is a new and higher level of partnership for the eye care community. We invite everyone to see the difference that partnership can make.”

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Teflon® is a registered trademark of E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company, used under license by Carl Zeiss Vision Holding, GmbH.