Olympus EndoEYE^TM Surgical Videoscopes Receive Prestigious Frost & Sullivan Award For Technology Innovation

-- Award cites innovative nature of Olympus videoscopes--

MELVILLE, NY, Dec. 9, 2003 - The Olympus EndoEYE^TM Family of Surgical Videoscopes has been awarded the 2003 Technology Innovation Award for Minimally Invasive Surgery Instruments and Laparoscopes by Frost & Sullivan, the international strategic marketing consulting and training firm that tracks advances in a wide array of technological areas.

In presenting this award, Frost & Sullivan called the EndoEYE family of surgical videoscopes "the newest solution in imaging" for placing "the miniaturized camera chip in the distal, or operating field, end of the scope for advanced digital image processing and output." Frost & Sullivan also noted that "with patient health and safety as its number one priority, Olympus has integrated advanced technology and expertise in optics, digital imaging, and precision engineering to develop the instruments needed for minimally invasive surgical procedures."

"At Olympus there is a multi-dimensional commitment to quality," the citation continues. "It's ingrained in every innovative instrument and process. It's carried through to every customer service response and certified repair. The company works closely with its physician customers to develop imaging devices that meet physicians' needs, rather than pursuing technology that may or may not be well-received by the medical community."

"We are always gratified when we hear positive feedback from our customers who work with the EndoEYE videoscopes every day," said David C. McKinley, Group Vice President, Medical Systems, at Olympus America Inc. "But to get this kind of recognition from independent analysts who are surveying the entire surgical instrument field is especially rewarding."

The EndoEYE family of surgical videoscopes, which is powered by the VISERA^TM multi-specialty, digital imaging platform, includes the world's first fully autoclavable videoscopes in both 10mm and 5mm versions, available in both straight viewing and 30° angled viewing. In addition, the LTF-V3 deflectable tip EndoEYE surgical videoscope allows for unmatched maneuverability and viewing capabilities with its four-way angulation system.

The citation from Frost & Sullivan states that "other EndoEYE advances include a one piece design - eliminating the need for fragile rod/lens assembly - and the first fully autoclavable design from end-to end," which Frost & Sullivan says gives this innovative instrument "more durability, eliminates costly rod lens repairs, and dramatically reduces operating room set-up time compared to conventional rigid scopes."

Winning a Frost & Sullivan Technology Innovation Award takes more than just producing innovative technology. The analyst team also examines criteria including:

• technology innovation contrasted against competitors
• R&D expenditures
• new product/process introduction
• price premium
• first to market
• adoption rate
• penetration rate

The analyst team tracks emerging and existing technologies by interviewing major market participants and by conducting extensive secondary research, in order to determine industry and product ranking.

About Olympus
Olympus is a precision technology leader, designing and delivering innovative solutions in healthcare and consumer electronics worldwide.

Olympus works collaboratively with its customers and its parent company, Tokyo-based Olympus Corporation, to leverage R&D investment in precision technology and manufacturing processes across diverse business lines. These include:

• Gastrointestinal endoscopes, accessories, and minimally invasive surgical products;
• Advanced clinical and research microscopes;
• Lab automation systems, chemistry-immuno and blood bank analyzers and reagents;
• Digital and film cameras and digital voice recorders.

In the U.S. and Canada, Olympus serves healthcare and commercial laboratory markets with integrated product solutions and financial, educational and consulting services that help customers efficiently, reliably, safely, and easily achieve superior results.

Olympus is the leader in gastrointestinal endoscopy and clinical and educational microscopes. The company's market leading consumer electronics business spans North and South America.

About Frost & Sullivan
Founded in 1961, Frost & Sullivan is recognized as a global leader in growth consulting. Frost & Sullivan Awards are presented to companies that demonstrate excellence in their industry, commending the diligence, commitment, and innovative business strategies required to advance in the global marketplace. Frost & Sullivan rigorously analyzes specific criteria to determine award recipients in a vast variety of market industries and landscapes. For further information, visit www.frost.com.