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Mumbai , Sept. 10

THE Germany-based optical products company Carl Zeiss has entered into a technology tie-up with Mumbai-based Banaji Eyecare. The centre will be Carl Zeiss' first and only refractive reference centre of excellence in India.

Refractive surgery helps correct visual sharpness with the objective of reducing or eliminating the need for glasses and contact lenses.

Dr Burjor Banaji, Medical Director, Banaji Eyecare, told Business Line that the tie-up would mean that the Mumbai-based centre would receive Carl Zeiss's technology and products as they are rolled out. Further, the centre will also help train surgeons to use the German company's technology.

While Lasik surgery (using laser technology to treat the eyes) is priced on par with the South East Asian region, Dr Banaji said it worked out to about one-third the price one paid in the US.

Lasik surgery using Carl Zeiss technology will cost between Rs 45,000 and Rs 55,000 for both the eyes, the doctor said.

"The `Custom LASIK' procedure increases the possibility of achieving 20/20 vision with sharper and better visual quality and contrast sensitivity. The Custom LASIK procedure uses the excimer laser for correction of refractive errors," according to a communiqué issued by Banaji Eyecare.

Further, it explains that the advantage of Custom LASIK is its ability to improve the quality of vision using the Wavefront guided procedure. The procedure reduces problems with halo and glare, improves night vision and results in higher patient satisfaction based on a detailed patient questionnaire, according to the note.

Carl Zeiss is present in the optical spectrum from high precision lenses and telescopes for astronomy and photography to optics for missile and defence purposes, optical components for satellites and outer space applications. Its portfolio also includes medical instruments such as surgical microscopes and electron microscopes for medical research.

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