November 12th, 2017

// New Entity Offers Canadian Eye Care Professionals Total Practice Solution for Preservative-Free Glaucoma, Dry Eye and Lid Hygiene Management

New Entity Offers Canadian Eye Care Professionals Total Practice Solution for Preservative-Free Glaucoma, Dry Eye and Lid Hygiene Management

OAKVILLE, ON, Nov. 10, 2017 /CNW/ - Labtician Ophthalmics Inc. of Oakville, Canada, and Laboratoires Théa of Clermont-Ferrand, France, today announced the launch of Labtician Théa, Canada's new leader in the preservative-free management of glaucoma, dry eye disease and lid hygiene.

Though Labtician Théa is new to Canada, a rich history of innovation runs deep within its two founding companies. Labtician Ophthalmics has 60 years of experience in bringing innovation to practice for eye care professionals in Canada. Laboratoires Théa, with 150 years of history in eye care, is now Europe's largest family-owned ophthalmology company, having built a solid reputation as the pioneer and leader in the development of preservative-free eye care treatments.

The joint venture will leverage the strengths of both organizations to focus exclusively on helping Canadian optometrists and ophthalmologists build their practices and preserve eye health for their patients. In doing so, Labtician Théa aims to become an essential partner to Canadian optometrists and ophthalmologists, delivering solutions-focused support, backed by dedicated and experienced representatives, comprehensive education and practice management programs and highly responsive practice management specialists.

"This agreement represents a major win for Canadian eye care professionals and their patients," says Mark Smithyes, President of Labtician Théa.

He continued, "Combining Théa's rich pipeline of preservative-free treatments, which are already the standard of care in Europe, with Labtician's proven sales, distribution and service expertise, Canadian optometrists and ophthalmologists will now have the very best options available to improve their patients' eye health."

The formation of Labtician Théa could not be timelier for dry eye sufferers. The recently released DEWS II study, a systematic review of clinical studies, redefines dry eye as a disease that occurs when a person loses the protective film covering the eyes, which damages the eye's surface. While citing various risk factors for dry eye, including increasing age, gender, computer screen use, poor eyelid hygiene and use of glaucoma medications, the study concluded that many people suffering with dry eye turn to artificial tears to manage the condition, unaware that the preservatives contained in these products, such as benzalkonium chloride (BAK), can worsen the problem. The study recommends avoiding such preservatives to reduce the risk of developing dry eye disease.  Labtician Théa's treatments, such as Thealoz® and Hyabak®, are preservative free and are uniquely formulated to help the eye to heal from dry eye disease.

"The DEWS II guidelines and recommendations clearly reinforce the need for a trusted provider of proven preservative-free eye care products in Canada," said Jean-Frédéric Chibret. "We are delighted to bring our innovations to Canadian patients though this powerful partnership of two like-minded organizations."

With the support of Théa's extensive portfolio of preservative-free products in Europe, Labtician Théa is assembling an aggressive launch schedule that includes plans to release several new treatments in 2018 and in the years following.

"We will focus on bringing innovation to practice, which is all about providing the best care for patients," says Polydor Strouthos, President of Labtician Ophthalmics Inc. "That's why Labtician Théa's products will continue to be available exclusively through eye care professionals. We know that this leads to patients returning to the place where they can get the care they deserve."

For more information on Labtician Théa, visit: www.labtician-thea.com

About Labtician Ophthalmics Inc.
Labtician is a manufacturer of high quality retinal implants and ophthalmic and oculoplastic product lines, such as silicone oil and gold lid weights. Labtician has evolved from being a manufacturer of quality ophthalmic products for the global market to also being a specialized commercialization partner for the Canadian ophthalmic market. In their capacity as a commercialization partner, they offer a "complete Canadian solution" and are involved in the entire commercialization process.

About Laboratoires Théa
Laboratoires Théa is the leading independent pharmaceutical company in Europe dedicated to ophthalmology. Théa was the pioneer and remains the world leader in preservative-free eye care products, committed to researching, developing and bringing to market an innovative and value driven product line for eye care professionals and their patients.

SOURCE Labtician Ophthalmics Inc.

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