March 18, 2003 For Immediate Release

For Information Contact Ellen Yu Andover Communications (201)-947-4133 or elleny@eclipse.net

PRIO INTRODUCES SHAZAM! CE —
NEW HANDHELD LENS CALCULATOR

(Beaverton, OREGON) PRIO Corporation, a leader in the computer vision care industry, has recently developed a quick and easy way for all ECPs to calculate the best near variable focus lens (NVF) for their computer using patients. The SHAZAM! CE is a handheld lens calculator which takes the pain out of determining the correct NVF lens and calculating the power to order.

According to a recent computer vision care survey taken by PRIO of over 900 ECPs who specialize in computer vision care, 80% of respondents do not currently use NVF lenses. However, of that number, over 70% said they would like to know more about ordering and fitting this new lens. The Shazam! CE, based on the distance Rx and reading add, takes the mystery out of fitting and ordering these lenses by recommending the optimum lens type and calculating the total near power to order from the lab.

"This is exactly why PRIO designed the new Shazam! CE," said Jon Torrey, President/CEO, PRIO Corporation. "It will allow all eye doctors and opticians to simply and easily determine the best NVF lens for their computer-using patients. Determining the best computer lens to dispense has never been easier."

NVF lenses, although currently representing only 2% of the general lens market, are gaining in popularity and use as a computer lens. In fact, PRIO's computer vision care survey shows that of those ECPs that currently use PRIO computer lenses, 20% use NVF lenses. This demonstrates that when ECPs understand how to fit and order these lenses, the utilization of this type of lens greatly increases.

An overwhelming number of those ECPs that do not prescribe the NVF lens cite "lack of knowledge" as the reason for not using them. Eighty-two (82) percent of those surveyed say that they would be interested in an ABO- or COPE- approved course on dispensing computer eyewear. (For more information on ABO/COPE-approved computer vision courses, go to www.prio.com.)

The Shazam! CE lens calculator is also available in a software format for the Windows platform and can be downloaded for FREE at www.prio.com. For more information, call or go to www.prio.com.)

PRIO® is a registered trademark of PRIO Corporation.