CINCINNATI, Feb. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- LCA-Vision Inc. (Nasdaq: LCAV), a leading provider of laser vision correction services under the LasikPlus(R) brand, today announced its affiliation with National Vision Administrators, L.L.C. (NVA) that will make laser vision correction more affordable to NVA's millions of members nationwide. Specifically, NVA members will have access to substantial discounts on laser vision correction through LCA-Vision's National Lasik Network.

LCA-Vision's National Lasik Network is comprised of 75 company-owned and operated vision centers under the LasikPlus(R) brand, as well as more than 500 independent provider locations throughout the U.S. This network is among the largest surgeon-based Lasik networks in the country.

"NVA is a respected leader in the vision care industry with an impressive client retention rate, which we attribute to its high-quality benefits and service satisfaction. We are pleased to offer its members access to our National Lasik Network," said Steven C. Straus, Chief Executive Officer of LCA-Vision. "NVA serves a sizable membership and we expect that many will utilize our network for their laser vision correction procedures."

Dave Karlin, President of NVA, said, "LCA-Vision has a long and successful track record of delivering exceptional laser vision correction services with a high level of patient satisfaction. In addition, LCA-Vision has a history of delivering ground-breaking products to the market, including a recently announced insured Lasik product. We believe LCA-Vision and NVA together will offer our membership the most innovative product offerings in the industry."

In October 2008, LCA-Vision was named as a network laser vision provider for a new insurance benefit underwritten by Standard Security Life Insurance Company of New York. The insured Lasik product provides members covered by sponsoring health plans a one-time allowance from the insurance company of up to $600 for covered laser vision correction procedures. This benefit is being made available to healthcare plans, employer groups and unions. NVA intends to make the insured Lasik product available to its members in the third quarter.

About National Vision Administrators, L.L.C. (NVA)

NVA has a long history of providing innovative and cost-effective vision benefit programs servicing employers in the private and public sectors, unions as well as MCOs, third-party administrators and health care purchasing coalitions. In operation since 1979, NVA has one of the highest membership retention rates in the industry. The NVA national vision network includes ophthalmologists, optometrists, opticians and independent practitioners, as well as optical retailers across the country. NVA has a strong management team of highly trained client service specialists, account managers, claims administrators and data processing professionals ready to assist in the design, implementation and management of vision programs. NVA combines customized plan designs and state-of-the-art computer technology to offer the advantage of cost-management and greater program efficiency.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions of LCA-Vision that are subject to risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date hereof. Actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied in such forward-looking statements due to risks and uncertainties associated with our business, including, without limitation, those concerning economic, political and sociological conditions; the acceptance rate of new technology, and our ability to successfully implement new technology on a national basis; market acceptance of our services; the successful execution of marketing strategies to cost effectively drive patients to our vision centers; competition in the laser vision correction industry; an inability to attract new patients; the possibility of long-term side effects and adverse publicity regarding laser vision correction; operational and management instability; legal or regulatory action against us or others in the laser vision correction industry; our ability to profitably operate vision centers and retain qualified personnel during periods of lower procedure volumes; the relatively high fixed cost structure of our business; the continued availability of non-recourse third-party financing for our patients on terms similar to what we have paid historically; and the future value of revenues financed by us and our ability to collect on such financings which will depend on a number of factors, including the worsening consumer credit environment and our ability to manage credit risk related to consumer debt, bankruptcies and other credit trends. In addition, an ongoing FDA study about post-Lasik quality of life matters could impact negatively the acceptance of Lasik. Except to the extent required under the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, we assume no obligation to update the information included herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances, or otherwise. For a further discussion of the factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations, please review our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, our reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K.

Except to the extent required under the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, we assume no obligation to update the information included in this news release, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances, or otherwise.

About LCA-Vision Inc./LasikPlus(R)

LCA-Vision Inc., a leading provider of laser vision correction services under the LasikPlus(R) brand, operates 75 LasikPlus(R) fixed-site laser vision correction centers in 32 states and 57 markets in the United States and a joint venture in Canada. Additional company information is available at www.lca-vision.com and www.lasikplus.com.

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    For Additional Information

    Company Contact:                 Investor Relations Contact:
    Barb Kise                        Jody Cain
    LCA-Vision Inc.                  Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates
    513-792-9292                     310-691-7100

SOURCE LCA-Vision Inc.