I've just read an article on this procedure that has yet to be approved. Does anyone know of the success rate during clinical trials and what complications may incur. I wonder if this would be better for me with my right eye having RK done 14 years ago with 16 incisions. I have a letter posted from 5/17 that explains this and has yet to be answered. Any info will help. Thank YOu

We are very excitied about this technology, but there are many risks with this procedure, including infections (which can cause blindness), cataracts, and glaucoma. The trials have a few more years to go to determine whether phakic IOLs are safe.

I hope they are!!!! I would love to have this option for my patients whoare very nearsighted or far-sighted

I hope this helps

Bill Trattler, MD
Miami, FL

NEWS RELEASE TRANSMITTED BY CCN - A NEWSWIRE SERVICE OF ITG

FOR: GIMBEL VISION INTERNATIONAL INC.

TSE SYMBOL: GBV

JUNE 8, 2000

Gimbel Vision: Dr. Howard Gimbel Performs First STAAR
Implantable Contact Lens to Correct Astigmatism in North
America

CALGARY, ALBERTA--Dr. Howard Gimbel, a recognized world leader for
his research and innovations in the field of eye surgery and
vision care, recently performed the first toric implantable
contact lens (ICL) surgery in North America. The toric lens is
the next generation in the development of ICL's as it can correct
astigmatism as well as near or far sightedness making it a viable
option for an increased number of patients. Approximately 70% of
Gimbel Vision International's patients undergoing refractive
correction also require correction of astigmatism. The surgery
was broadcast live from Calgary to the American Society of
Cataract and Refractive Surgery conference in Boston, the largest
cataract and refractive surgery meeting in the world. The patient
achieved better than 20/20 uncorrected vision at the one week
follow-up visit. Manufactured by STAAR Surgical Company
(NASDAQ:STAA), the lens is available in Canada through a clinical
trial at Gimbel Eye Centre - Calgary. STAAR is also evaluating
the Toric ICL with selected investigators in Europe.

Dr. Gimbel serves as the Senior Medical Director for Gimbel Eye
Centres across Canada and for Gimbel Vision International Inc. He
is also Professor and Chair, Department of Ophthalmology at Loma
Linda University in California, a clinical assistant professor at
the University of Calgary, and a clinical professor at the
University of California in San Francisco.

Gimbel Vision International Inc. is a public company that owns or
is partnered with refractive vision correction centers in Canada,
the United States, Thailand and China. Together, these facilities
make up the GVI network offering clients a comprehensive range of
vision correction services, based on the well-recognized expertise
of GVI's surgeons and the Company's commitment to leading edge
technology and patient care. To date, GVI's surgeons have
performed over 64,000 refractive eye surgeries. Gimbel Vision
International Inc. shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange
and trade under the symbol "GBV".

-30-

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Gimbel Vision International Inc.
Karen Gimbel
President & C.E.O.

or
Gimbel Vision International Inc.
Diane Phillips
Investor Relations

Website: www.gimbelvision.com