NIDEK Gains FDA Clearance for ORION, a New Auto-Retinal Imaging Device

FREMONT, Calif., April 28, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- NIDEK, Inc., a global leader in laser and diagnostic instrumentation for the optical and eye care industry, announced today that the U. S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first product of the AutoEase(tm) line called ORION, an Auto-Retinal Imaging device for use in screening patients for retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and AMD.

With this approval, ophthalmologists, optometrists and family physicians are able to identify retinal diseases in patients and refer them to a retinal specialist for further diagnosis and treatment.

With its ease of use as an Auto-Retinal Imaging device, ORION enables patients to screen their retina without the assistance of a technician. The primary method of operation behind ORION includes a voice synthesizer. The voice prompts the patient through the screening process and captures a 7 micron, high resolution image of the patient's retina, which can be electronically sent to a retinal specialist for further diagnosis. In addition, ORION can screen both retinas of a patient in less than 2 minutes.

Mr. Motoki Ozawa, Vice President, NIDEK Co., Ltd. stated, "ORION is a perfect addition to NIDEK's strong, world-class product portfolio in unsurpassed diagnostic and surgical instrumentation, optical finishing and dispensing products in vision care."

About NIDEK

NIDEK is a global leader in diagnostic and surgical eye care products for ophthalmology and optometry focused on developing and delivering innovative technologies that enhance the quality of human life. With diversified clinical research and continual innovative development, an array of laser and optical scanning products offered that lead the way for improved diagnosis and treatments. The relentless commitment to customer satisfaction means NIDEK will diligently strive to continually exceed expectations.

The NIDEK Inc. logo is available at http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1006

CONTACT:  NIDEK Corporation
          Lamar Chandler, Director, Global Marketing
          +1 800 223 9044 - ext. 726
          lamar_chandler@nidek.com
          http://www.nidek.com/orion.html

          NIDEK Technologies
          Aldo Cocchiglia, VP and Managing Director
          +39 049 862 9200
          aldococchiglia@nidektechnologies.it
          http://www.nidektechnologies.it/

   _   _