Helene Lamielle has extensive experience and success in research and

development, clinical trials and regulatory approval of ophthalmic products

MONROVIA, Calif., Jan. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- STAAR Surgical Company (Nasdaq: STAA) announced today that Helene Lamielle, M.D. has been named to the new post of Vice President of Scientific Affairs. Lamielle will oversee the Company's research and development, clinical trials and regulatory affairs. Lamielle is an experienced medical and surgical ophthalmologist. She received her medical degree in 1985 from the University of Lyon in France.

During her 11 year tenure in the ophthalmic industry, Lamielle gained extensive experience in product development of implantable ophthalmic devices and their accessories. She has managed regulatory affairs with health agencies around the world, including the United States FDA and European Union Regulatory Agencies and has extensive experience managing clinical trials.

Most recently Lamielle was Vice-President Scientific Affairs, Implantable Products for Bausch and Lomb Surgical. She also served as Scientific Director, Europe for Chiron Vision and Scientific Director of Domilens Laboratories in Lyon, France. Prior to that, Lamielle had a private medical and surgical ophthalmology practice.

David Bailey, STAAR's President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "Helene's experience and knowledge presents us with an exceptionally strong champion for the Company's efforts to develop new technology and guide it through the regulatory and clinical process. She has successfully managed the development, clinical and regulatory processes for a combination of both large and small companies in our industry. Her track record of delivery in all environments has been exceptional."

Bailey added, "Helene's experience as a practicing ophthalmologist with an in depth understanding of regulatory agencies around the world and her expertise in clinical trials will be invaluable. She has the right combination of skills and experience to help us realize our vision of providing the ophthalmic community with the leading edge ophthalmic implant products it seeks. She brings to STAAR a new level of scientific expertise that will enhance our efforts to keep delivering breakthrough ophthalmic technology. I am delighted to be working with Helen again." Lamielle reported to Bailey when she was Scientific Director for Chiron's European operations.

Founded in 1982, STAAR Surgical Company develops, manufactures and globally distributes medical devices for use in refractive, cataract and glaucoma surgery. The Company's five product lines include silicone and Collamer(TM) foldable intraocular lenses and the Sonic WAVE(TM) phacoemulsification system, all of which are used during cataract surgery, the ICL(TM) (implantable contact lens) which is a refractive lens for the treatment of near- and far-sightedness and the AquaFlow(TM) Collagen Glaucoma Drainage Device. Regulatory approvals vary from market to market with all products except the Toric ICL(TM) available in Europe and all except the ICL(TM) in the United States.

For additional information, about STAAR Surgical, visit the Company's web site at http://www.STAAR.com or www.irbyctc.com . You may wish to contact David Bailey, President, STAAR Surgical, or John Bily, Chief Financial Officer, STAAR Surgical, at (626) 303-7902. To contact Bill Roberts, President, CTC, Inc., or Wayne Buckhout, CTC Inc., please call (937) 434-2700

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SOURCE STAAR Surgical Company

CONTACT: David Bailey, President, or John Bily, Chief Financial Officer of STAAR Surgical, +1-626-303-7902; or Bill Roberts, President or Wayne Buckhout of CTC Inc., +1-937-434-2700/