Bausch and Lomb to distribute innovative TPV femtosecond laser

Bausch and Lomb has agreed a deal to distribute a potentially groundbreaking new femtosecond laser that is being developed by Technolas Perfect Vision (TPV).

The firm – a joint venture between Bausch and Lomb and 20/10 Perfect Vision – is creating the world's first femtosecond laser that can be used to perform cataract and refractive procedures on the same platform.

It will be manufactured at TPV's facilities in Munich, with Bausch and Lomb using its commercial reach and expertise in the cataracts treatment sector to distribute the product globally.

Commercialisation of the laser is expected to begin in the second half of the year.

Robert Grant, chief executive officer and president of Bausch and Lomb Surgical, said: "This is the first of many new technologies we are pursuing focused on enhancing a physician's ability to improve patient outcomes."

This comes after the firm agreed a deal earlier this year to take control of the sales and trademark rights to KeraSoft, the soft contact lens brand developed by UK-based UltraVision CLPL.