Mr. Mazzo: AMO is a direct result of a spinoff from Allergan in June 2002. The great news is that we are not a new company, but a well-known organization with a 50-year history under the Allergan umbrella. So now we are moving forward to build on our rich history and reputation, but with a new identity and a sharpened focus. AMO is a global company with leading market share positions in both of the key industry categories where we compete. We have over 2,000 employees and a physical presence in all major markets around the world. We compete in two segments: the ophthalmic surgical business, which includes cataract and refractive surgical products, and the eye care business, which includes contact lens care and lubricant products. We hold number one or number two global market share positions in each of these categories. These industries are based on technology, which drives three key professionals ' the ophthalmologist, the optometrist and the optician. All of our sales and marketing efforts are through the professionals.
TWST: Generally, the medical practitioner has been slow to adopt a new
technology. Will this be a different situation as far as
ophthalmologists are concerned?
Mr. Mazzo: Actually, that's a great question. It truly is a different
situation with respect to ophthalmologists, who tend to be very adaptive
to new technologies. It is important to remember that, outside the US,
cataracts are the leading cause of blindness, striking primarily people
who are 60 years old and above. Using the innovative technologies we
provide, surgeons can restore sight for millions of people who, in turn,
can continue to be active contributors at work, at home and in the
community. Today, cataract surgery is the most common surgical procedure
in the world and broad technological adoption is a primary driver. The
refractive segment is another area where we're seeing demand for new
technologies. Many people who are between 45 and 60 years old are forced
to wear glasses to correct their refractive errors. This is a segment of
the population that is very adaptive to new technologies and we are
working now on innovations that will help to make them spectacle
independent.
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