Ocular Sciences Inc has introduced Biomedics Colors to the European market. Biomedics Colors is a disposable cosmetic soft contact lens available in four opaque colors that provides attractive and natural color enhancement matching the eye's appearance. Earlier this year Ocular Sciences successfully launched Biomedics Colors in the U.S. and Canada.

Stephen J. Fanning, president and CEO of Ocular Sciences, commented: "Following the recent launch of Biomedics Toric, the introduction of our new color lens in Europe is the next step in the strategic rollout of our innovative product pipeline for the rapidly growing specialty lens market. The product, launched in North America earlier this year, has been received exceptionally well, and we believe contact lens specialists throughout Europe will respond favorably to our lens, especially considering Ocular Sciences' commitment of promoting and selling all of our lenses exclusively through eye-care practitioners. Fifty percent of the market for cosmetic lenses require no vision correction, with customers looking for comfort, ease of handling and natural appearance. In addition, our color lens is interchangeable with the clear lenses presently worn by our extensive wearer base, allowing practitioners to market Biomedics Colors to their existing patients without a refitting requirement."

Biomedics Colors utilizes a proprietary technology developed by Ocular Sciences that incorporates four patterns of color on each lens, resulting in a natural appearance that closely simulates the many patterns and hues within the human iris. This four-color process is applied to Ocular's clinically proven Biomedics 55 clear lens. Results from an independent study by the Texas Eye Research Technology Center, University of Houston College of Optometry indicate that a majority of patients tested preferred the appearance of Biomedics Colors over the current market leader. Wearers who have already been fitted for the Biomedics 55 can begin purchasing and wearing Biomedics Colors using existing prescriptions. Biomedics Colors is available for prescription lens wearers, as well as non-prescription wearers interested solely in the cosmetic benefits of the lens.