Fraser Health Authority's Retinal Surgical Program Named Bausch + Lomb Centre of Excellence

Program to Offer Hundreds of Additional Surgeries Annually and Reduce Patient Wait Times

VAUGHAN, ON, Jan. 12, 2016 /CNW/ - Bausch + Lomb, a leading global eye health company, today announced through its Canadian affiliate that it has entered into a long-term partnership with the Fraser Health Authority and Retina Surgical Associates to create the Bausch + Lomb Centre of Excellence at the Jim Pattison Outpatient Care and Surgery Centre in Surrey, British Columbia.

"We are extremely pleased to be recognized in this way," said Michael Marchbank, President and CEO of Fraser Health Authority. "This is a reflection of the high quality care our patients receive from our Retina Surgical Associates who have proven positive surgical outcomes. A partnership like this is ideal for such a progressive health authority that is responsible for the health of one in 20 Canadians."

Bausch + Lomb will play an integral part in the development and success of the new program by providing its most advanced, state-of-the-art surgical technology including the Stellaris^® PC Vision Enhancement System, a vitrectomy machine with an integrated laser, as well as a laser indirect ophthalmoscope and other surgical instruments.

"We are thrilled to showcase our industry leading technology in one of Canada's finest retinal surgery facilities," said Lorenzo Santini, Vice President of Bausch + Lomb Canada. "We also look forward to having our advanced surgical equipment in the Centre to help to improve the vision of thousands of British Columbians, especially given the recent addition of retinal surgical device maker Synergetics USA, Inc. Our even more robust portfolio of retina products will offer patients the most advanced and innovative technologies available on the market today."

The new retinal operating program will allow Fraser Health Authority to perform an additional 300 to 500 surgeries each year and is expected to cut the average patient wait times in half. There are more than 1,600 surgeries performed by the Fraser Health Authority's retinal surgical team annually.

"Fraser Health surgeons must be progressive and innovative to meet the health needs of Canada's fastest-growing region," said Jane Adams, President and CEO of Surrey Hospital & Outpatient Centre Foundation. "This partnership with Bausch + Lomb will allow us to lead the country in advancing the treatment of retinal disease, the leading cause of blindness in Canada."

The prevalence of eye disease is rising; one in four Canadians will develop irreversible vision loss by age 75¹. Through early detection and treatment, as will be provided at the Centre of Excellence, up to 80 per cent of vision loss can be prevented².

"We are very excited about this new program, which will not only allow for more surgeries, but also facilitate research, new product innovation, and help to train new retina surgeons," said Dr. Hugh Parsons, Chief of Surgery at Surrey Memorial Hospital. "We have worked successfully with Bausch + Lomb in the past and they have proven to be a company that we can trust. Together, we hope to promote better health and improve the quality of care throughout the community."

As part of its long-term commitment to innovation and excellence in retinal surgery, Bausch + Lomb will continue to collaborate with Fraser Health Authority and Retina Surgical Associates to invest in advanced education and to work toward developing and implementing new vitreoretinal surgical technology.

"It's great to see that the Jim Pattison Outpatient Care and Surgery Centre is continuing to attract investment, particularly in the area of surgical innovation and the best quality care," said Jim Pattison, one of Canada's leading business entrepreneurs. "Surrey, one of Canada's fastest-growing cities, is quickly becoming a hub for innovation."

Bausch + Lomb will also be the presenting sponsor of the Surrey Hospital & Outpatient Centre Foundation's upcoming Bollywood Ball, a fundraising gala to take place on February 13, 2016.  All proceeds will go towards the retinal operating program.

For more information on the Bausch + Lomb Centre of Excellence and the Bollywood Ball, visit www.bollywoodball.ca.

About Bausch + Lomb
Bausch + Lomb, a Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. company, is a leading global eye health organization that is solely focused on protecting, enhancing, and restoring people's eyesight. Our core businesses include ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, contact lenses, lens care products, ophthalmic surgical devices and instruments. We develop, manufacture and market one of the most comprehensive product portfolios in our industry, which are available in more than 100 countries. 

References

1. http://www.cos-sco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/VisionLossinCanada_e.pdf; Accessed January 08, 2016
2. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs282/en/; Accessed January 08, 2016 

®/™ are trademarks of Bausch & Lomb Incorporated or its affiliates.
All other product/brand names are trademarks of their respective owners. 

SOURCE Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.

Elif McDonald, 905-695-7607, [email protected]; For media: Boyd Erman, 416-649-8007, [email protected]