Kowa Optimed Receives 510(k) Clearance for nonmyd™ WX3D Kowa’s Newest Non-Mydriatic Retinal Camera, the nonmyd™ WX3D, Receives FDA Approval

Torrance, CA — Kowa Optimed, Inc., is part of a multi-faceted global company providing products and services to diverse markets, recently announced that they have received 510(k) approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the marketing of their nonmydriatic 3D retinal camera, the nonmyd™ WX3D, for simultaneous stereoscopic retinal photography. Kowa will immediately begin to market the diagnostic device in the USA and have scheduled formal launches at the 2011 Vision Expo East Show in New York and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) in San Diego.

Kowa’s latest product release, the nonmyd™ WX3D Retinal Camera, adds the latest in Simultaneous Stereoscopic Photography (SSP) to their already integrated Normal and Small Pupil (SP) settings. With the addition of 3D photography of the optics disc, practitioners will be able to properly diagnose glaucoma in their patients. With the added ability to connect to Kowa’s Digiversal™ Open Image Management system, managing information collected with the nonmyd™ WX3D can be quickly viewed, compared, organized, annotated and shared.

Kowa nonmyd™ WX3D Retinal Camera 2D and 3D Capable:

2D – Normal – Field Angle 450 Kowa’s exclusive optical design in combination with the 12-megapixel digital SLR camera delivers extremely detailed retinal images. The integrated 9-points internal fixation system allows for auto mosaic imaging covering a large retinal area.

2D – Small Pupil – Field Angle 450 Retinal images can be taken even with smaller pupils. On screen guides indicate if the pupil size is within the sufficient range (above 3.5mm) for imaging. (Some eyes may cause a flare around their circumference.)

3D – Stereo – Field Angle 34o (200 x 270) Photography Instant and simultaneous 3D imaging of the optic cup and disc is captured in a single shot. Stereoscopic images are captured without image parallax shifts to strongly support glaucoma diagnosis.

"Kowa is committed to the advancement of health information technology within today’s ophthalmic practice”, states Dr. Ian Lane, EVP of Technology at Kowa Optimed. “By advancing innovation for eye care professionals through the institution of superb imaging technology, practitioners will, in turn, contribute to elevating the quality care for their patients."

Kowa Optimed and EMRlogic Systems Announce Launch of Breakthrough Software Solution, activEHR™

LOS ANGELES — 06 October 2010.  Kowa Optimed, a multi-faceted global company providing products and services to diverse markets, and EMRlogic Systems, Inc., a leading software developer for eye care medical records and advanced business management solutions today announced the availability of activEHR™, their joint “platform for the future”.   

"We’re seeing unprecedented changes in the way we deliver care to patients,” said Dr. Ian Lane, Executive VP Technology, Kowa Optimed, “For software solutions, the bar has been raised and good enough is no longer good enough; all must evolve to meet new demands.  We’ve aggressively risen to that challenge and set a whole new standard in activEHR.  One of the very obvious benefits of this new solution is the deep integration of Kowa’s brand- agnostic image management.  We've taken it to a new level and now offer it as a not-yet-seen solution for eye care practitioners."  

Dr. James Grue, VP Connected Care, EMRlogic added, "EHRs that just record clinical findings will no longer measure up.  Eye care is moving from a fee-for-service reimbursement model to the inclusion of pay-for-performance criteria.  Performance tracking means quality measures, which in turn mean Clinical Decision Support.  activEHR™ is the eye care industry’s first knowledgebase-driven solution with advanced CDS."

"The platform for the future isn’t just EHRs however," said Alistair Jackson, VP Software Sales, EMRlogic.  "It's also about integrated imaging, e-prescribing, document scanning, business and clinical analytics and, of course, certification – not just next year but over several years to come.  The platform will continue to evolve as the bar is raised.  We also expect our users will transition incrementally into the full platform." A distinguishing benefit of activEHR™ is its deployment on the advanced InterSystems technology platform.  Traditional eye care software often runs on less powerful and poorly scalable consumer desktop environments.  InterSystems technology, by contrast, has consistently been at the core of the largest and most successful health care organizations both in the USA and around the world, including America’s top hospitals, such as UCLA Medical Center, the Cleveland Clinic, Stanford Medical Center and Mass General, and is the platform for over 100 top healthcare software providers such as Epic Systems and GE Healthcare.  Indeed, two thirds of the US population is served by InterSystems-powered healthcare solutions.   activEHR™ is the only eye care software solution able to boast its place among such distinguished company.

About Kowa Optimed, Inc: Kowa Optimed, Inc. was founded in 1980 to provide a direct presence to the North and South American markets for Kowa’s Electronics and Optics products. Kowa Optimed is a part of Kowa Company Ltd., which was founded in 1894. Kowa is one of the largest privately owned companies in Japan. In order to maintain a competitive advantage, Kowa has created highly successful divisions; Electronics & Optics Division, Pharmaceutical Division, Textile Division and the Non-Textile (General Merchandise) Division. For more information, contact KOWA Optimed, Inc 20001 S. Vermont Avenue, Torrance, CA 90502, Phone: (800) 966-5692 or visit www.kowa-usa.com.

About EMRlogic Systems, Inc: Since 1988, EMRlogic Systems, Inc. has been dedicated exclusively to eye care professionals and for decades EMRlogic was the "go-to boutique firm" for advanced solutions.  With the transforming needs in eye care, so many of the company’s advanced capabilities that were previously viewed as “nice-to-haves” have become "must-haves", and now EMRlogic’s thought leadership and customer base have grown rapidly.  Leading eye care professionals turn to EMRlogic solutions to move up to a platform for the future and to gain the value of advanced solutions that help optimize care delivery and business success.  More information is available at www.emrlogic.com.

Kowa Optimed Announces Ronald Kaiser as Vice President of Medical Sales
New VP brings Extensive Ophthalmic Market Experience to Executive Management Team

Torrance, CA - Kowa Optimed, Inc., a leading innovator of integrated ophthalmic diagnostic systems, has named Ronald Kaiser as its newly appointed Vice President of Medical Sales effective September 1st, 2010. A well-accomplished writer and lecturer, bringing over 36 years of experience in the Medical/ Ophthalmic field, Kaiser is ideally suited to lead Kowa Optimed's medical sales team, as well as directly contribute to the company's overall growth. Kaiser most recently served as the National Sales and Marketing Manager at Canon U.S.A. Inc., where he was responsible for  Sales activities in the USA, Latin America and Canada as well as new product development projects and new business opportunities.

"Ron Kaiser brings an important combination of national sales acumen and extensive diagnostic equipment experience to his role as Kowa’s Vice President of Medical Sales," states Craig C. Ross, President and COO of Kowa Optimed. Canon and Kaiser were awarded the Frost and Sullivan Digital Retinal Imaging Product Innovation of the Year Award for Canon Medical Systems USA inc. Software in 2006. Within his 15 years of service at Canon U.S.A. Inc., Kaiser also spearheaded negotiations on Government (GSA) contracts as well as negotiated Rodenstock SLO Sales and Services, and Hoya Sales and Services for North and South America, and Canada.

Prior to Joining Canon U.S.A. Inc., Kaiser served as the Director of Sales at Nidek Incorporated where, with the successful launch of his new fundus cameras, NAVIS Software and NAVEX for MD/ODs, increased sales dramatically and reduced costs in 4 years. Ron is actively involved in the American Telemedicine Association and has served as an instructor and presenter for the Ophthalmic Photographers’ Society.

Kowa Optimed Announces Promotion of Craig Ross to President and COO;
Names Kowa Executive Shinji Toyoda to Vice-Chairman
New Positions Add Depth, Talent and Experience to Executive Management Team as Company Builds Technology Leadership Position

Kowa Optimed, Inc., is setting the standard for new product and technology innovations, announces the promotion of Craig C. Ross to president and chief operating officer of the company, and named Shinji Toyoda as its new Vice-Chairman.

"I am confident that we will continue to build on our heritage as a leader in servicing key industries and bringing new products to market, and believe we have only begun to tap the potential for this company, our innovative products, and our people," says Mr.Ross. In his new role as President/COO, Ross will report to Kowa Optimed’s Vice-Chairman, Shinji Toyoda, and will be responsible for the company’s day-to-day operations. His primary focus will be executing the company’s growth business plan with a continuing role in strategic acquisition activity.

Mr. Toyoda role will be to support Kowa Optimed’s strategic planning and continued growth. Mr. Toyoda most recently held the position of President of Kowa Optimed and previously served as General Manager of Intellectual Property and Legal Department of Kowa Company’s Electronics & Optics Division. “Our strategic plan has been to strengthen our management depth and operational focus,” remarked Mr. Toyoda, Vice-Chairman of Kowa Optimed, Inc.

"Over the last twenty-six years, Craig Ross has played a key role in assuring that Kowa Optimed’s operating activities have been sharply focused on execution of the business plan. His knowledge and understanding into every facet of our business uniquely qualifies Craig to lead our company and assure continued rapid and profitable growth." Starting his career at Kowa Optimed, Craig Ross was a Sales Manager in the Medical Products Division before being promoted to Vice President of Sales and Marketing, which expanded to several divisions: the Medical Products Division, Sporting Optics Division and the Vision Products. Since then he has worked tirelessly toward leveraging Kowa Optimed as a leader in each of these specialty markets.

Kowa’s EVP of Technology, Dr. Ian Lane Receives Prestigious Appointment
Dean’s Advisory Council at Western University College of Optometry

Kowa Optimed, Inc. is pleased to announce that its Executive Vice President of Technology, Dr. Ian Lane, has been appointed to the Dean’s Advisory Council at the Western University College of Optometry. The professional optometric program at Western University is a new program, welcoming its inaugural class for the fall semester 2009. Kowa is proud to have such a fine member of its staff serve on the newly formed advisory board.

Dr. Ian Lane was named as the Executive Vice President of Technology for Kowa Optimed, Inc. in May of 2009.

In that position, he directs and oversees the development of Kowa’s latest medical technology and is spearheading new integration partnerships for Kowa VK2 Image Management software platform. He is a former chairman of the California Optometric Association Contact Lens and Anterior Segment Symposium, and has served on numerous other panels and advisory boards, including the American Optometric Association Health Information Technology and Telemedicine Committee. He is an accomplished writer and lecturer with nearly 30 years of ophthalmic and advisory experience.

The Western University College of Optometry is the Nation’s newest institution for preparing optometric professionals. The College strives to prepare its students for entry-level optometry care, with a special emphasis on neuro-science and neuro-optometry, and to produce optometry professionals who will enhance the quality of like in their communities. Kowa Announces Dr. Ian Lane as Executive Vice President of Technology Dr. Lane will spearhead development of Kowa’s integrated ophthalmic systems Kowa Optimed, Inc., a leading innovator of integrated ophthalmic diagnostic systems, has named Dr. Ian Lane as its Executive Vice President of Technology. Dr. Lane is an accomplished lecturer and writer, bringing almost 30 years of extensive ophthalmic and global advisory experience to Kowa. As the company’s Executive Vice President of Technology, he will direct and oversee the development of Kowa’s latest medical technology and spearhead new integration partnerships for the Kowa VK2 Image Management software platform.

Dr. Lane most recently served as Senior Vice President of Professional Services at Eyefinity/OfficeMate, where he spearheaded the ExamWRITER Electronic Health Record design team. He is a prior chairman of the California Optometric Association Contact Lens and Anterior Segment Symposium. He also was appointed to serve as a consultant on the American Optometric Association, Health Information Technology and Telemedicine Committee, and is a past member of the American Society of Contact Lens Specialists, as well as numerous panels and advisory boards. He is Adjunct Associate Professor of Health Information Technology at Southern California College of Optometry and former assistant professor of Optometry at the University of Houston. Ian was in private practice in Anaheim, California from 1983 to 2004.

He has served in a number of executive management positions including President of NPD Optical Research, a division of National Patent Development Corporation and at American Hydron as Vice President of Research and Development “Ian will add extensive experience to our technology group at Kowa. His medical and software background will be instrumental in developing improved diagnostic tools for our clients, domestically and abroad,” states Craig Ross, VP of Kowa Optimed, Inc.

Kowa Announces New Digital Slit Lamp Imaging System Software New Digital Slit Lamp Software Ideal for Paperless Documentation

Kowa, the forerunner in advanced ophthalmic diagnostic instrumentation, introduces its new VK Digital Slit Lamp imaging solution. The system adds image capture capability to all Marco, Zeiss, HS 900BQ, Topcon SL-2EF, SL-7EFT and SL-7E slit lamp-systems. Kowa’s revolutionary software features live video display and video capture replay, as well as still frame capture from both live and recorded video.  This offers practitioners the ability to have frame-by-frame image comparison, and provides a historical record of digital images for diagnosis and legal documentation. The VK system also integrates third party Slit Lamps with Kowa’s VK-2 Digital Imaging System for a total technology integrated solution.  Digital Images can enhance the detection of diseases of the eye, including: cataracts, conjunctivitis, cornea injury, Fuchs’ dystrophy, Keratoconus, retinal detachment and retinal vein occlusion. Slit lamps are ideal to facilitate examinations of the anterior segment, or frontal structures of the eye.

Kowa VK Digital Slit Imaging System highlights:

"Kowa is committed to the advancement of the integrated ophthalmic paperless technology practice environment", states Craig Ross, VP of Kowa Optimed. "Paperless offices use the latest technologies and software in order to manage their daily processes to store, locate and retrieve data. The healthcare industry, like other industries and businesses has realized the significance of paperless documentation and adopted the technology into their routine work. Paperless documentation ensures document security, is cost effective, and develops operational efficiency".

Kowa AP-5000C Automatic Perimeter Has Raised the Gold Standard for Perimetry
Automatic Perimeter Makes Appearance on Emmy Award Winning Television Series

Kowa Optimed, innovator of automated perimeters and optical technology, has again raised the standard of automatic perimeters. Kowa automated perimeters have evolved in such a way as to make equipment increasingly user friendly and the AP-5000C Automatic Perimeter offers the highest level of ease and usability yet.

As film at times reflects real life scenarios, the AP‐5000C Automatic Perimeter recently appeared on the Emmy Award winning House series. For the past three seasons, House has shepherded an elite team of young experts who helped him unravel diagnostic mysteries. As an example it illustrates that efficient and easy screening and examination is imperative for effective eye care. Studies indicate that Glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness in the U.S., affecting nearly 3 million people. The disease often progresses silently, associated with changes in visual fields, and it is estimated that one half of those affected are unaware. Glaucoma specific screening can lead to early detection and treatment. The AP‐5000C has a full variety of 25 types of test programs allowing clinicians to conduct perimetry by selecting the most suitable program for each patient with the click of a mouse. The AP‐5000C features test result display functions that are visually easy to understand and versatile analysis functions. The 25 programs are classified into five groups based on examination mode: screening, supra, threshold, isopter and a custom option. Fundus perimetry examination, quick mode and fovea exams are available in specific examination groups. The AP‐5000C’s high level of usability is not limited to its abundant variety of tests. In ocular fundus perimetry, the visual field is examined with an ocular fundus image displayed on the screen. AP‐5000C enables fundus images to be displayed overlapping the perimetry result on the screen. Clinicians can then assess the visual field with respect to the location of visual targets on the fundus. AP‐5000C’s multi‐image display feature renders up to four results displayed on a screen in chronological order. Additionally, the perimeter links to Kowa’s VK‐2 Digital Imaging System allowing multiple displays of perimetry results with fundus images. Data is automatically stored in the PC and coordination with other software is effortless. Viewer software (FT‐AP8) is attached allowing examination results to be seen at any connected PC.

Kowa Announces Newest Enhancements to VK2 Ophthalmic Imaging Solution

Kowa is excited to release version 5.030 of the VK2 Digital Imaging Software Solution. VK2 is designed to provide physicians with the ability to access current patient data across multiple workstations, quickly review information with patients and have complete data to make decisions that will enhance patient care and reduce data redundancy. This next-generation diagnostic and data management solution delivers real time data availability, increased patient data protection, system scalability, and total access to historical data and leading edge diagnostic tools. The new version is currently available and will be shipped with all new Digital Imaging System solutions.

New Features include: •Microsoft Windows Vista Compatibility •Montage Feature for viewing multiple images on screen •Support for widescreen monitors by using all available desktop workspace for displaying images. Wide Screen Scaling ensures  retinal image will stay in the correct scale •Image tagging (Fundus Color, FA, Slit, ICG, Other) so that physicians are able to search by image type •New Image Compression Library to enhance image display and to provide compact file size for storage and retrieval •Enhanced image resizing to maximize quality designed to avoid pixilation •New VX-10/ VX10i tools to support automatic left/right image tagging. Kowa Welcomes Newest Member to Their Ophthalmic Products Division Kowa Optimed is pleased to announce the appointment, effective January 1, of Benjamin Rhodes as the new West Coast Sales Coordinator for the Ophthalmic Medical Products Department. Ben joined Kowa Optimes in 2006 to direct optics sales in the Security and Factory Automation Department. He brings considerable knowledge to his new position from a background that includes marine environmental response in the Coast Guard as well as teaching abroad. Kowa Raises the Gold Standard for Retinal Digital Imaging Kowa to Unveil Latest Nonmyd Fundus Camera at Vision Expo East 2009 Show The Kowa Optimed, Inc. is a leading innovation of medical ophthalmic imaging and diagnostic instrumentation, is proud to unveil its latest evolution of their technologically incentive series of fundus cameras. Kowa will exhibit the Nonmyd a-D III digital fundus camera at the 2009 Vision Expo East in New York, NY. The Kowa nonmyd a-D III is a compact digital camera that continues the Kowa tradition of new and innovative electronic imaging technology. Kowa offers speed, reliability, and high-resolution photographs in a striking compact design. Features: Ergonomic Design: •The all-in-one compact, lightweight digital fundus camera employs advanced technology in a compact design •This cost effective design uses intuitive ergonomic operations to make getting photographic results simple and efficient Easy to Use: •User friendly control panels at the tip of your finger •For rapid screening, all operations can be carried out with a flick of a finger High Resolution: •The nonmyd a-D III utilizes an internal 8 megapixel digital camera •The high-resolution digital camera features Kowa’s exclusive Aspherical Optical System which renders superior high quality  images Plug-and-Play: •Connection through USB offers simple set-up and high volume operations plug-and-play •The nonmyd a-D III USB is desktop and notebook compatible. It also functions with the Kowa Portable VK2 Digital imaging  system. The nonmyd a-D III features high volume image storage, restoration and data comparison with ease. The Shoot and      Forget feature allows quick and easy image storage with an automatic image saver. •High Speed cable with two USB 2.0 interfaces for image signal and DCOM compatibility 9 Points Internal Fixation Targets: •The mosaic control mode provides nine fixation positions. When integrating the use of the Kowa Portable VK2 and its omntage   program, a panorama image covering a retinal area approx. 85 degrees, can be obtained.   Infrared LEDs for Maintenance Free Operation: •The new observing illumination light system consists of 18 LEDs to ensure maintenance free operation replacing the traditional halogen lamp that is designed to reduce internal system heat and maximizing light output.