[bc]CARL ZEISS OPTICAL, INC. PRESIDENT HONORED BY NEW YORK CHILDREN'S VISION COALITION [/bc]
CHESTER, Va., March 7, 2003 - Ed Greene, president, Carl Zeiss Optical, Inc., will be recognized by the New York Children's Vision Coalition at their annual award reception, Eyes of the Future. The reception will be held on March 19 at 6 p.m. at the top of New York's Met Life building.

"I feel very privileged to be honored by an organization that is devoted to such a wonderful cause," said Ed Greene. "Statistics show that early identification of vision problems in children is critical to their ability to learn and excel in school. Carl Zeiss Optical, Inc. is proud to be associated with the New York Children's Vision Coalition."

The New York Children's Vision Coalition's mission is to assure comprehensive eye care for all New York's children. The Coalition brings together educators, parents, healthcare professionals, philanthropists, political leaders, private industry and the general community to share the commitment and deliver on the promise to preserve and protect the sight of New York's children.

The facts:
· One in every four children has an undetected vision problem
· Vision disorders are the leading cause of handicapping conditions in childhood
· 86% of all children do not receive a comprehensive eye exam before starting school

Greene was selected for this honor based on his active involvement and commitment to children's vision care and support of the New York Coalition. He is actively involved in several organizations that aim to protect and preserve sight. He was chairman and currently holds a seat on the board of directors for Vision Council of America (VCA) and Prevent Blindness Virginia.