Regional EuroTimes
Date Posted 25/08/2009
US LASIK market shows signs of recovery
by Howard Larkin in Chicago
Following steep declines in 2007 and 2008, demand for LASIK and other laser refractive procedures is starting to pick up in some US markets.
Some observers expect a gradual recovery in the US through the second half of 2009 and 2010, with a turnaround in Europe to begin next year.
“People are beginning to accept to the new economic reality and adjust to it. They are starting to buy laser surgery again,” Eric D Donnenfeld MD said at an August symposium sponsored by Abbott Medical Optics.
He is seeing an increase in demand in his practices in Long Island, New York, and Connecticut in the eastern US.
William B Trattler MD also reported more inquiries and more LASIK patients in recent months in his Miami practice, as did Jim Owen OD, who is clinical director at TLC Vision in La Jolla, California.
However, Ralph Chu MD, who practices in Minneapolis in the US Midwest, said LASIK volume remains down, though lens-based procedures, including presbyopia-correcting lenses are strong.
Corporation-wide, TLC, which operates 80 refractive centres in the US and Canada, reported refractive procedure volume at its majority owned centres down 35 per cent for the first half of 2009, but only 29 per cent for the second quarter, which was less than prior estimates.
LCA-Vision, which operates 71 LASIK-Plus centres across the US and Canada, reported a 33 per cent decrease in volume in the first half of 2009 and expects demand to remain soft through year’s end, according to a company statement.
These reports appear to reflect overall trends in the US market, AMO President and CEO Jim Mazzo told EuroTimes.
“I believe in the US we have seen the bottom and are we are starting to see stabilization. It differs by state and by delivery mechanism; you see the independents doing better than the chains as the recovery comes on.”
He believes coastal regions are likely to lead the recovery in the US, where AMO has retained a market share of about 63 per cent despite the downturn.
Overall, Mazzo expects an uptick in volume over the next 18 months, with 2009 volume down about 30 per cent from 2008. He does not believe overall volume will return to 2008 levels by the end of 2010. Recovery in Europe and Asia may not begin until mid-2010 due to the later onset of recession in those areas, he said.
Longer term, Mazzo believes LASIK volume will grow as technology continues to improve and younger patients begin to seek surgery. “The average age of patients was 37 a couple of years ago and is now 35. You are now seeing a new generation of patients and I believe that will spur the LASIK market.”
eTIMES newsletter
eTIMES is a new bi-monthly newsletter with the latest breaking news from the ESCRS and the world of ophthalmology.
eTIMES is a new bi-monthly newsletter with the latest breaking news from the ESCRS and the world of ophthalmology.
Media Guide 2010
Results from our readership survey plus information about advertising in EuroTimes
Results from our readership survey plus information about advertising in EuroTimes
Podcasts
Eye Contact features interviews with key opinion leaders in the world of ophthalmology
Eye Contact features interviews with key opinion leaders in the world of ophthalmology
Thursday, 09 September 2010
www.eurotimes.org
EuroTimes Breaking News
ESCRS looks forward to 15th Winter Meeting in Istanbul in 2011
Date Posted 08/09/2010 MORE HERE...
Dr Leigh Spielberg wins EuroTimes writing prize for Young Ophthalmologists
Date Posted 08/09/2010 MORE HERE...
Faster lasers and better lens surgery are improving options for higher myopes
Date Posted 07/09/2010 MORE HERE...
All-laser LASIK with Ziemer LDV femtosecond and Allegretto Wave Eye-Q provides highly satisfactory visual outcomes
Date Posted 07/09/2010 MORE HERE...
Removing epithelium with laser speeds healing and reduces pain of corneal surface ablation
Date Posted 07/09/2010 MORE HERE...
Ridley Lecture looks at life and death on the posterior capsule
Date Posted 06/09/2010 MORE HERE...
Industry Breaking News
Rayner launches small-incision IOL injector system
Date Posted 16/08/2010 MORE HERE...
OptiMedica sells retina and glaucoma business to Topcon
Date Posted 16/08/2010 MORE HERE...
Carl Zeiss Meditec announces 20 per cent increase in third quarter revenue
Date Posted 16/08/2010 MORE HERE...
New languages to select from on the Megatron® S4
Date Posted 16/08/2010 MORE HERE...