COSTA MESA, California – October 1, 2002 – OKTO Ophtho, the premier developer and distributor of specialty technologies for eye surgery, announced today the addition of Dr. Juan F. Batlle to the OKTO Surgical Advisory Board.

Residing and practicing in the Dominican Republic, Dr. Batlle is the founder/President of Centro Microcirugia Ocular Laser in Santo Domingo.

Dr. Batlle is a world-renown ophthalmologist and the recognized innovator and pioneer of preserved amniotic membrane transplantation for ophthalmic indications.

His efforts with amniotic membrane began in 1989. At the 1993 American Academy Meeting in Chicago, Dr. Batlle presented his experiences employing human amniotic membrane for the surgical treatment of pterygium, dermoids, fornix reconstruction, alkali burns and bullous keratopathy. Dr. Batlle’s research noted the histological and immunological importance of utilizing preserved amniotic membrane wherein the cells and antigens had been killed, in order to ensure patient acceptance and graft viability.

In 1979, Dr. Batlle received his medical degree from Duke University. He performed is residency in ophthalmology at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute from 1980-1983. Subsequently, from 1983-1985, he received fellowship training in Retina & Vitreous Surgery (Chief Resident), Neurophthalmology and Pediatric Ophthalmology at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute.

“Given our current and ongoing commitment to biologics for eye surgery, the addition of Dr. Batlle to our Surgical Advisory Board is timely and ideal”, stated Erich Ziegler, OKTO’s President and CEO. “Dr. Batlle’s pioneering experiences and innovations with amniotic membrane for eye surgery are extremely significant and unrivaled. He will be a key sounding-board as we continually improve and innovate the AmbioDry technology line.”

About OKTO

Founded in 2000, OKTO Ophtho develops and commercializes specialized, leading-edge surgical technologies for eye surgery. OKTO’s purpose is to develop surgical solutions that improve the quality of life for patients, elevate the performance and productivity of eye care professionals, and lower costs to the provider.

OKTO currently holds leadership positions with surgical devices for oculoplastic surgeries and bio-implant technologies for ocular surface/ophthalmic reconstructive surgeries.

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pr@oktoophtho.com