ADVANCED VISION RESEARCH RECEIVES ISO CERTIFICATION AND CE MARK APPROVAL FOR THERATEARS� LUBRICANT EYE DROPS

WOBURN, MA.—October 15, 2002-- Advanced Vision Research (AVR) has announced the company has received ISO certification and CE Mark approval for its TheraTears® brand of Preservative-Free Lubricant Eye Drops.  The company will market TheraTears in single-use doses as a superior rewetting and lubricant drop for use with contact lenses in Europe.

"Achieving ISO certification enhances our ability to efficiently design and develop new advances for improving people’s lives, deliver quality products on-time and supports our commitment to building strong customer relationships," commented Jeffrey P. Gilbard MD, company Founder and President. "This certification and our CE Mark approval, moves us closer to realizing our goal of becoming a global leader in the development and delivery of innovative products for the eye."

The certification followed the development and implementation of an extensive quality management program undertaken by Advanced Vision Research and their Quality Consultant and Authorized European Representative, the EMERGO Group.  The British Standards Institution (BSI) conducted the certification audit.

"We are very excited to bring a proven, high quality, performer like TheraTears to the European market." commented David S. Moreira, Director of International Marketing and Sales.  “TheraTears has a patented electrolyte balanced formula which enhances contact lens wearing comfort.  As the market for convenience-driven products, such as 30-day continuous wear lenses and multipurpose contact lens solutions expands, we anticipate that the need to resolve patient comfort issues will continue to grow.  TheraTears provides soothing, long lasting relief for contact lens induced dryness and irritation.  We anticipate it will play a key role in enabling practitioners to maintain happy, healthy and successful contact lens patients.”

TheraTears Lubricant Eye Drops is the result of Dr. Gilbard’s 18-year research program. It has become one of the most widely recommended and successful products for dry-eye relief in the U.S.  Earlier this year, the company successfully introduced Preservative-Free TheraTears in Canada. Advanced Vision Research is now actively developing a network of distributors to support their planned European market introduction scheduled for early next year.

Advanced Vision Research is committed to eye research and the development of major advances in eye care products and the treatment of eye disease.  Information on the company and its products may be obtained by contacting Advanced Vision Research at 781-932-8327, by fax at 781-935-5075 or by e-mail at info@theratears.com.  Information can also obtained by visiting the TheraTears website at www.theratears.com.

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©2002 Advanced Vision Research, Inc. 660 Main Street, Woburn, MA 01801 USA. All trademarks, trade names, service marks, and logos referenced herein belong to their respective companies.