U.S. expert addresses French medical society

Paris-Yaron S. Rabinowitz, MD, became the third American ophthalmologist to address the Société Française d'Ophtalmologie (SFO) annual meeting in the organization's 111-year history when he spoke here May 8 about his keratoconus research.

The SFO is the largest ophthalmological society in Europe with about 6,000 members.

Dr. Rabinowitz, who is director of ophthalmology research at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and clinical professor of ophthalmology at UCLA, was invited as the keynote speaker to share his expertise in the field of cornea and external disease, particularly in the early detection of keratoconus, genetics, and surgery using micro-thin prescription inserts (Intacs, Addition Technology).

The prescription inserts are gaining popularity for vision correction surgery. Addition Technology Inc. announced its first quarter 2005 sales increased by 79% versus the same quarter the prior year, and 44% over fourth quarter 2004.

The European Patent Office also recently issued the company two patents to cover corneal implant technology.