January 15, 2002 For Immediate Release

For Information Contact Ellen Yu or Steve Clark Andover Communications 201-947-4133

PRIO Introduces Variable Focus Lens for Computer Use
Designed by Carl Zeiss

(Beaverton, OREGON) PRIO Corporation, a leader in the computer vision care industry, will introduce a new variable focus lens for computer users at the Vision Expo East. The PRIO Browser™ Computer Lens, designed by Carl Zeiss, is an aspheric variable focus lens optimized for computer and intermediate use. Zeiss will announce PRIO as the exclusive US distributor of the PRIO Browser Computer Lens.

Carl Zeiss, one of the world's best known lens manufacturers, has been marketing the German-made product in Europe since 1997. This is the first time the PRIO Browser will be sold in the U. S.

"We're confident that by giving PRIO, the market leader in computer vision care, exclusive distributorship of the lens in the U.S., this market will develop to its full potential," said Edward Greene, president of Carl Zeiss Optical Inc., located in Chester, Virginia. "The lens has sold well overseas, but we see a huge untapped market for it in the U.S. in light of the nearly 140 million adults and children who use computers regularly."

The PRIO Browser has been optimized for near and intermediate vision by special adaptation of the asphere and the base curves. A growing number of optometrists in the U.S. recognize that variable lenses offer significant benefits to computer-using children, young adults, Generation-Xers, baby boomers, and seniors.

"Carl Zeiss has a well-deserved reputation for manufacturing high-end, quality lens products," said Jon Torrey, president of PRIO Corporation, located in Beaverton, Oregon. "Twenty years of progressive lens experience have been incorporated into the PRIO Browser technology and design. What they didn't have until now was a focus on the computer vision market. Our role, as a company dedicated to computer vision care, is to provide that focus and we will!"

In 1994 PRIO introduced the first diagnostic instrument that simulates the pixels on a computer screen giving the doctor a more accurate Rx. Then in 1999, the company introduced a pediatric diagnostic instrument—PRIO Kids—designed for use with computer-using children aged 3-10. Last year, PRIO marketed its first computer lens—the PRIO Computer Lens—and a collection of adult and child computer frames. The PRIO Computer Lens and the PRIO Browser fit together in terms of base curves and power shifts, giving doctors and opticians a full range of computer lens options.

PRIO has been a leading voice in educating the ophthalmic industry, government agencies and the public about computer vision care. They have developed employer programs, ABO and COPE-approved seminars for labs, opticians and doctors, and educational materials for consumers.

The features of the PRIO Browser do not duplicate the Gradal­ RD indoor progressive sold by Carl Zeiss. Whereas PRIO Browser is specifically designed for computer use, the Gradal­ RD is suitable for the general office environment and indoor use.

Carl Zeiss Optical is the U.S. headquarters for the distribution here of Carl Zeiss, Germany ophthalmic lens products, coating and lens producing equipment, binoculars and riflescopes. The parent company was founded in Jena, Germany in 1846.

(Additional information on the new PRIO Browser will be announced at Vision Expo East at the Javits Center in New York City on Friday, March 15 at 10 a.m. in Room 1C04.)

For more information on PRIO, visit their website at www.prio.com.

PRIO® is a registered trademark of PRIO Corporation.