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BancBoston Robertson Stephens Reiterates Buy Rating on VISX

    SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is being issued by
BancBoston Robertson Stephens, a member of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, CRD number 41271:

    BancBoston Robertson Stephens senior medical device and medical technology
analyst Wade H. King, M.D., reiterated his Buy rating on VISX, Inc.
(Nasdaq: VISX).  VISX, headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., is a leading
manufacturer of excimer laser systems used to perform laser vision correction
(LVC) procedures.
    "We are reiterating our Buy rating on VISX.  Over the last two days,
shares of VISX have declined 13 percent," said King.  "We attribute this
weakness in part to sensationalized concerns regarding night vision problems
after LVC surgery, following a recent BBC article.  Interestingly, the article
cited data from a German study of only 26 patients who underwent
photorefractive keratotomy (PRK) where an older-generation Summit laser was
used, not a VISX laser."
    Doctors have performed approximately one million LVC cases in the U.S. to
date.
    "In our view, most patients are generally ecstatic about their results,
with the incidence of adverse reactions following LVC surgery being remarkably
low," said King.
    "We believe that there is no comparable growth and investment opportunity
in the medical device universe today," said King  "We encourage investors to
view any weakness in share price as a buying opportunity and reiterate our
price target for shares of VISX to $125."
    Clients interested in receiving more information should contact their
salesperson at 415-781-9700.
    BancBoston Robertson Stephens, the section 20 subsidiary of BankBoston
(NYSE: BKB), is a leading international investment bank focused on growth
companies in the technology, life sciences and healthcare, information and
business services, retail and consumer products, real estate, media,
telecommunications, broadcasting, and gaming and lodging sectors. The firm's
45 equity analysts cover nearly 700 companies. Since its founding in 1978,
BancBoston Robertson Stephens has raised over $52 billion in initial public
offerings, follow-ons and convertible offerings. The firm has also assisted in
over 400 mergers and acquisitions transactions valued at more than $77
billion. BancBoston Robertson Stephens began its high yield securities
business in February 1997 and since that time has completed 69 transactions,
including 15 lead transactions, raising more than $12.6 billion. BancBoston
Robertson Stephens has offices in San Francisco, New York, Menlo Park, Boston,
Chicago, London and Tel Aviv.
    The following synopsis is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information contained in the full research report, including the discussion of
certain risks associated with an investment in this security contained in
"Investment Risks."
    The information contained herein is not a complete analysis of every
material fact respecting any company, industry or security.  Although opinions
and estimates expressed herein reflect the current judgment of BancBoston
Robertson Stephens, the information upon which such opinions and estimates are
based is not necessarily updated on a regular basis; when it is, the date of
the change in estimate will be noted.  In addition, opinions and estimates are
subject to change without notice.  This Report contains forward-looking
statements, which involve risks and uncertainties.  Actual results may differ
significantly from the results described in the forward-looking statements.
Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to,
those discussed in "Investment Risks."  BancBoston Robertson Stephens from
time to time performs corporate finance or other services for some companies
described herein and may occasionally possess material, nonpublic information
regarding such companies.  This information is not used in the preparation of
the opinions and estimates herein.  While the information contained in this
Report and the opinions contained herein are based on sources believed to be
reliable, BancBoston Robertson Stephens has not independently verified the
facts, assumptions and estimates contained in this Report.  Accordingly, no
representation or warranty, expressed or implied, is made as to, and no
reliance should be placed on, the fairness, accuracy, completeness or
correctness of the information and opinions contained in this Report.
BancBoston Robertson Stephens, its managing directors, its affiliates, and/or
its employees may have an interest in the securities of the issue(s) described
and may make purchases or sales while this report is in circulation.
BancBoston Robertson Stephens International Ltd. is regulated by the
Securities and Futures Authority in the United Kingdom.  This publication is
not meant for private customers.  The securities discussed herein are not FDIC
insured, are not deposits or other obligations or guarantees of BankBoston
N.A., and are subject to investment risk, including possible loss of any
principal amount invested.


SOURCE BancBoston Robertson Stephens




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