S-3

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 23, 2003.

Registration No. 333-___________

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

______________________

FORM S-3

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

Under

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

_______________________

LCA-VISION INC.

(Exact name of registrant in its charter)

Delaware

11-2882328

(State or other jurisdiction of

(I.R.S. Employer identification number)

incorporation or organization)

7840 Montgomery Road

Cincinnati, Ohio  45236

(513) 792-9292

(Address, including zip code and telephone number, including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices.)

_______________________

Stephen N. Joffe

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

7840 Montgomery Road

Cincinnati, Ohio 45236

(513) 792-9292

(address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

_______________________

With copies to:

Craig P.R. Joffe, Esq. Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary 7840 Montgomery Road Cincinnati, Ohio 45236 (513) 792-9292 Fax: (513) 792-5620 Charles F. Hertlein, Jr., Esq. Dinsmore & Shohl LLP 1900 Chemed Center 255 East Fifth Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 (513) 977-8315 Fax: (513) 977-8141 Glenn R. Pollner, Esq. Dewey Ballantine LLP 1301 Avenue of the Americas New York, New York  10019-6092 (212) 259-8000 Fax:  (212) 259-6333

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:

As soon as possible following the effectiveness of this registration statement.

_______________________

If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box.  [ ]

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plan, check the following box.  [ ]

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  [ ]

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  [ ]

If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434, please check the following box.  [ ]

________________________

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

Title of Each Class of Securities to be Registered	Amount to be Registered (1)	Proposed Maximum Offering Price Per Share(2)	Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price	Amount of Registration Fee
Common Stock, $.001 par value	3,450,000	$18.23	$62,893,500	$5,088.08

(1) Includes 450,000 shares that the underwriters have the option to purchase to cover over-allotments, if any.

(2) Estimated solely for the purposes of computing the registration fee in accordance with Rule 457(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.  Such price per share is the average of the high and low prices for the registrant's common stock on the Nasdaq National Market on September 19, 2003, a date which is within five days of the date this Registration Statement was filed.

The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, or until the registration statement shall become effective on such dates as the Commission, acting pursuant to said section 8(a), may determine.

The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed.  We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective.  This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and we are not soliciting offers to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS

Subject to Completion

September 23, 2003

3,000,000 Shares

[LCAV LOGO]

Common Stock

We are offering 2,400,000 shares and the selling stockholder is offering 600,000 shares of the common stock offered by this prospectus.  We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of  shares by the selling stockholder.

Our common stock is quoted on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol “LCAV.” On September 19, 2003, the last reported sale price of our common stock on the Nasdaq National Market was $17.94 per share.  

Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk.  Before buying any shares, you should read the discussion of material risks of investing in our common stock described in “Risk factors” beginning on page 6.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities, or passed upon the adequacy  or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

	Per Share	Total
Public offering price	$	$
Underwriting discounts and commissions	$	$
Proceeds, before expenses, to us	$	$
Proceeds, before expenses, to the selling stockholder	$	$

The underwriters may also purchase up to an additional 450,000 shares from us at the public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions, to cover over-allotments, if any, within 30 days from the date of this prospectus.

The underwriters are offering the shares of our common stock as described in “Underwriting.”  Delivery of the shares will be made on or about

, 2003.

Sole Book-Running Manager

UBS INVESTMENT BANK

C.E. UNTERBERG, TOWBIN

You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus.  We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information.  We are not making an offer of these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.  You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front cover of this prospectus.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Prospectus summary	1	Business	29
Risk factors	6	Management	39
Forward-looking statements	14	Certain transactions	40
Use of proceeds	15	Principal and selling stockholders	41
Price range of common stock	15	Description of capital stock	43
Dividend policy	16	Shares eligible for future sale	43
Capitalization	17	Underwriting	45
Dilution	18	Legal matters	46
Selected consolidated financial data	19	Experts	46
Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations	21	Where you can find more information	47
		Information incorporated by reference	47
		Index to consolidated financial statements	F-1

The terms “LCA-Vision”, “Company”, “we”, “our” and “us” refer to LCA-Vision Inc. and its subsidiaries unless the context suggests otherwise.  The term “you” refers to a prospective investor.  LCA-Vision™, LasikPlus and the LCA-Vision logo are trademarks of LCA-Vision.  All other trademarks or tradenames referred to in this prospectus are the property of their respective owners.

Prospectus summary

This summary highlights information contained elsewhere or incorporated by reference in this prospectus.  This summary is not complete and may not contain all of the information that you should consider before investing in our common stock.  Investors should read the entire prospectus carefully, including the “Risk factors” section, and other documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus before making an investment decision.

ABOUT OUR COMPANY

We are a leading developer and operator of fixed-site laser vision correction centers under the brand name LasikPlus. Our vision centers provide the staff, facilities, equipment and support services for performing laser vision correction that employs advanced laser technologies to help correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.  We currently utilize fixed-site excimer lasers manufactured by Bausch & Lomb, VISX and Alcon.  Our vision centers are supported mainly by full-time credentialed board-certified ophthalmologists, optometrists and other health care professionals.  The ophthalmologists perform the laser vision correction procedures in our vision centers, and either ophthalmologists or optometrists generally carry out the pre-procedure evaluations and post-procedure follow-ups in-center as well.  We have performed approximately 300,000 laser vision correction procedures in our vision centers, in the United States and Canada, since 1991.  

We currently operate 36 laser vision correction centers, including 33 wholly-owned vision centers located in large metropolitan markets throughout the United States, two joint ventures in Canada and one joint venture in Europe.  We expect to open three to five new vision centers in the fourth quarter of 2003.

Most people seeking vision correction suffer from nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, which often result from improper curvature of the cornea as related to the size and shape of the eye.  Since the Food and Drug Administration approved the first laser to perform laser vision correction procedures in the United States in 1995, industry sources estimate that approximately 3 million patients have been treated.  It is estimated that there are approximately 57.5 million potential patients for laser vision correction procedures in the United States, according to a report on the US refractive market published by MarketScope in November 2000.  Laser vision correction is currently one of the most widely performed elective surgical procedures in the United States, with approximately 1.2 million laser vision correction procedures performed on approxim ately 600,000 patients in 2002.  We believe we are well positioned to grow given the relatively low penetration of the large target market for laser vision correction.  Laser vision correction is typically an elective, private pay procedure performed on an outpatient basis.  

Laser vision correction procedures are designed to reshape the outer layers of the cornea to help correct refractive vision disorders by changing its curvature with an excimer laser, which may reduce the need for corrective lenses.  The excimer laser emits energy in a series of pulses with each pulse typically lasting only a fraction of a second.  High-energy ultraviolet light produced by the excimer laser creates a “non-thermal” process known as ablation, which removes tissue and reshapes the cornea.    

We began performing LASIK, which now accounts for substantially all of the procedures performed in our vision centers, in the United States in 1997.  In LASIK procedures, an automated microsurgical instrument called a microkeratome is used to create a thin flap, which remains hinged to the eye.  The corneal flap is then laid back and excimer laser pulses are applied to the exposed surface of the cornea to treat the eye according to the patient’s prescription.  The corneal flap is then folded back to its original position and inspected to ensure that it remains secured in position by the natural suction of the cornea.  Since the surface layer of the cornea remains intact with LASIK, a bandage contact lens is normally not required and the patient typically experiences little discomfort.  The LASIK procedure allows an ophthalmologist to treat both eyes of a patient during the same visit, involves little patient discomfort and produces prompt results, frequently enabling patients to see well postoperatively almost immediately.  

The newest advance in laser vision correction procedures is LASIK using custom ablation.  We provide  custom ablation in all of our markets using state-of-the-art technology, including VISX CustomVue^TM   technology and Alcon’s CUSTOMCORNEA^TM  technology.  To perform a custom ablation procedure, we use digital technology to identify and measure imperfections in an individual’s eyes more precisely than with standard methods used for glasses and contact lenses and non-custom LASIK and non-custom PRK, a procedure we began performing in the United States in 1995.  This information is then transferred to the laser, providing potentially greater precision and accuracy in the treatment.

OUR BUSINESS STRATEGY

Our business strategy is to provide quality laser vision correction services at an affordable price.  In July 1999, we began converting our vision centers to closed access facilities from open access facilities in order to obtain increased control over the quality of care we provide to our patients and greater operational and financial control of our business.  Under the open access model, we allowed qualified ophthalmologists to use our equipment and facilities in return for a facilities fee.  Under our closed access model, in contrast, we either directly employ the ophthalmologist and the optometrist or contract for their services, and are responsible for marketing and patient acquisition.  

We intend to grow our business through increased penetration in our current markets and expansion into new markets.  Key elements of our business strategy include:

*

recruiting and retaining highly credentialed ophthalmologists and optometrists,

*

providing patients with a “Continuum of Care,”

*

opening and operating new laser vision correction centers,

*

providing attractive patient financing alternatives,

*

establishing relationships with leading managed care providers in the United States to source additional patients, and

*

developing and implementing innovative direct marketing campaigns.

_____________________

The address of our principal executive office is 7840 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45236, and our telephone number is (513) 792-9292.  Our website is located at www.lasikplus.com.  Information contained on our website does not constitute, and shall not be deemed to constitute, part of this prospectus.

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The offering

Shares offered by us..……….........................................

2,400,000 shares

Shares offered by the selling stockholder .....................

600,000 shares

Common Stock to be outstanding after the offering.....

13,200,026 shares

Use of proceeds........................................................

To open additional laser vision correction centers, to purchase additional technology and equipment, to market our vision centers and the LasikPlus brand name, to fund potential strategic transactions we may enter into in the future, and to provide working capital for general corporate purposes.

We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of common stock by the selling stockholder.

Nasdaq National Market symbol.....................

LCAV

The number of shares of our common stock to be outstanding after this offering is based on the number of shares outstanding on September 19, 2003, and does not include, as of that date:

*

an aggregate of 987,525 shares of common stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding options, at a weighted average exercise price of $12.01 per share; and

*

an aggregate of 1,070,465 shares of common stock available for future issuance under our 1995, 1998 and 2001 stock option plans.

Unless otherwise stated, all information contained in this prospectus assumes that the underwriters do not exercise their over-allotment option.

RISK FACTORS

An investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk.  You should consider the information contained in "Risk factors" beginning on page 6 before investing in our common stock.

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Summary consolidated financial data

The consolidated statement of operations data set forth below for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included and incorporated by reference in this prospectus.  The consolidated statement of operations data set forth below for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1999 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements not included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus.  The following summary interim financial data as of June 30, 2003 and for the six months ended June 30, 2002 and 2003 are unaudited and are derived from the interim financial statements included and incorporated by reference in this prospectus.  In the opinion of management, the unaudited data have been prepared on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements and include a ll adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for fair presentation. Results for interim periods are not indicative of results for a full year. The data set forth below should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes and “Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations” included elsewhere in this prospectus.

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	Year Ended December 31,					Six Months Ended June 30,
Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2002		2003
(in thousands, except for per share data)						(unaudited)
Revenues:
Laser refractive surgery	$    32,508	$    56,358	$    63,450	$    68,096	$    61,838	$    35,076	$    40,206
Other	2,692	1,026	-	-	-	-	-
Total revenues	35,200	57,384	63,450	68,096	61,838	35,076	40,206
Operating costs and expenses:
Medical professional and license fees	13,700	22,930	15,542	13,626	12,270	7,325	7,973
Direct costs of services	12,526	16,113	27,218	33,616	28,796	14,786	15,617
General and administrative expenses	6,198	6,036	9,394	8,727	8,327	4,460	4,011
Marketing and advertising	2,183	5,671	14,565	12,732	12,823	7,211	6,129
Depreciation and amortization	3,521	2,964	3,839	5,625	5,997	2,950	3,039
Special charges	10,500	(150)	-	1,774	(174)	(174)	-
Total expenses	48,628	53,564	70,558	76,100	68,039	36,558	36,769
Operating (loss) income	(13,428)	3,820	(7,108)	(8,004)	(6,201)	(1,482)	3,437
Equity in earnings from unconsolidated
businesses	354	316	49	372	241	205	205
Interest expense	(786)	(169)	(58)	(17)	(4)	(2)	-
Interest income	441	1,633	2,713	924	225	280	107
Litigation settlement	-	-	-	-	2,282	-	-
Other income (expense)	358	6	604	(61)	(195)	(113)	(151)
(Loss) income before taxes on income	(13,061)	5,606	(3,800)	(6,786)	(3,652)	(1,104)	3,650
Income tax expense (benefit)	157	(5,287)	(1,434)	16,589	174	23	100
Net (loss) income	(13,218)	10,893	(2,366)	(23,375)	(3,826)	(1,127)	3,550
Dividends to preferred shareholders	518	140	-	-	-	-	-
(Loss) income available to common shareholders	$ (13,736)	$  10,753	$   (2,366)	$ (23,375)	$  (3,826)	$   (1,127)	$   3,550
(Loss) income per common share
Basic	$(1.46)	$0.89	$(0.19)	$(2.01)	$(0.35)	$(0.10)	$(0.33)
Diluted	$(1.46)	$0.84	$(0.19)	$(2.01)	$(0.35)	$(0.10)	$(0.33)
Weighted average shares used in computation
Basic	9,417	11,998	12,741	11,643	10,794	10,931	10,743
Diluted	9,417	12,729	12,741	11,643	10,794	10,931	10,758
Selected Operating Data:
Laser vision correction procedures	19,791	33,266	59,144	72,032	57,104	32,389	33,460

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	June 30, 2003
Consolidated balance sheet data:	Actual	As adjusted(2)
(dollars in thousands)	(unaudited)
Cash and cash equivalents(1)	$  23,090	$
Working capital	18,932
Total assets	44,792
Accumulated (deficit)	(40,788)
Total shareholders' investment	36,079

⁽¹⁾ Includes $0.5 million of cash maintained by our consolidated captive insurance company pursuant to statutory requirements.

⁽²⁾ The as adjusted presentation above gives effect to the sale by us of 2,400,000 shares of common stock offered hereby at an assumed public offering price of $_____ per share, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses.

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Risk factors

You should carefully consider the following risk factors, in addition to the other information set forth in this prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus before purchasing shares of our common stock.  If any of the risks discussed below or in the documents incorporated herein by reference actually occur, our business, operating results or financial condition could be adversely affected.  This could cause the trading price of our common stock to significantly decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.

We have a history of operating losses.

We commenced operations in 1991 and have posted net losses in every year other than 1999. While we achieved profitability for the six months ended June 30, 2003, posting $3.6 million in net income, we cannot assure you that our recent profitability will be ongoing.  We were profitable in the first half of 2001 and in the first quarter of 2002, but in each case we posted a loss for the entire year.  Our ability to maintain profitability will depend on, among other factors:

*

our ability to increase demand for our services,

*

our ability to execute our planned business strategy, including further growth and expansion, and

*

our ability to manage equipment and operating costs.

Our quarterly and annual operating results are subject to significant fluctuations.

Our revenue and operating results have fluctuated and may continue to fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter and from year to year, depending on many factors, including:

*

market acceptance of laser vision correction services,

*

the number of laser vision correction procedures performed,

*

the timing of new advancements by our suppliers and the purchase of such advancements or upgrade of equipment by us or our competitors,

*

the impact of competitors and economic conditions in the geographic areas in which we operate, and general market conditions,

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the opening, closing or expansion of vision centers,

*

regulatory matters,

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litigation, and

*

acquisitions and other transactions.

In addition, our revenue and operating results are subject to seasonal factors.  In terms of number of procedures performed, our strongest quarter historically has been the first quarter of the year, and our weakest the fourth quarter.  We believe these fluctuations are due to several factors, including:

*

the availability to potential patients of funds under typical corporate medical flexible spending plans,

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the general effect of the New Year season and New Year’s resolutions on the scheduling of procedures, and

*

time constraints imposed by the holiday season and a desire by some individuals not to schedule procedures at that time of year.

The revenue growth and recent profitability we have achieved in prior quarters might not continue, and revenues and net income in any particular quarter could be lower, or our losses greater, than those of the preceding quarters, including comparable quarters or prior fiscal years.  Quarter-to-quarter comparisons of our operating results are not necessarily meaningful and should not be relied upon as indications of likely future performance or annual operating results.  Reductions in revenues or net income between quarters or our failure to achieve expected quarterly earnings per share could have a material adverse effect on the market price of our common stock and our business.  In addition, we derive substantially all our revenues from laser vision correction services and do not enjoy diversified revenue sources.

If we are unable to attract and retain qualified ophthalmologists, our business could be negatively affected.

Our revenues are generated by ophthalmologists who work with us, either as employees or independent contractors, to perform surgeries.  In states where the corporate practice of medicine is prohibited, we may contract with professional corporations for ophthalmologists to perform surgeries at our facilities.  In other states, we may directly hire ophthalmologists to work for us as our employees.  The retention of qualified ophthalmologists is a critical factor in the success of our vision centers.  However, it is sometimes difficult for us to hire or retain qualified ophthalmologists.  If we are unable to consistently attract, hire and retain qualified ophthalmologists, our business could be materially negatively affected.

If technological improvements occur which render our equipment or services obsolete, and we are financially or otherwise unable to upgrade our equipment or services, we could be adversely affected.

Newer technologies, techniques or products for the treatment of refractive vision disorders could be developed with better performance than the excimer laser technology we currently use.  If new and better ophthalmic laser technology or other surgical or non-surgical methods for correcting refractive vision disorders is introduced that we would like to use in our vision centers, we may be unable to acquire such new technologies or may have to make significant capital expenditures to do so.  If we do not have access to sufficient funds to acquire such new technologies, our business could be adversely affected.

If a better-financed or lower-cost provider of laser vision correction or a competing vision treatment forces us to lower our laser surgery prices in a particular geographic area, our revenues and profitability could decline.

Laser eye surgery competes with other surgical and non-surgical treatments for refractive vision disorders, including eyeglasses, contact lenses, other types of refractive surgery, corneal implants and other technologies currently under development.  Among providers of laser vision correction, competition will come from firms similar to us and from hospitals, hospital-affiliated group entities, physician group practices and private ophthalmologists, among others, that, in order to offer laser vision correction to patients, purchase or rent excimer lasers.  Suppliers of conventional eyeglasses and contact lenses, such as optometry chains, also may compete with us by purchasing laser systems and offering laser vision correction to their customers.  Some of our competitors or companies that may choose to enter the industry in the future, including laser man ufacturers themselves, may have substantially greater financial, technical, managerial, marketing or other resources and experience than we do and compete more effectively than us.  Competition in the market for laser vision correction could increase as excimer laser surgery becomes more common and the number of ophthalmologists performing the procedure increases.  Additional competition may develop, particularly as the price to purchase or rent excimer laser systems decreases.  Our management, operations, strategy and marketing plans may not be successful in meeting this competition.

If more competitors offer laser vision correction or other competitive types of vision treatments in a given geographic market, we might find it necessary to reduce the prices we charge, particularly if such competitors offer the procedures at lower prices than we do.  If that were to happen, we may not be able to make up for the reduced profit margin by increasing the number of procedures we perform, and our revenues and profitability could decrease, as we have experienced in prior fiscal periods.  

Changes in general economic conditions may cause fluctuations in our revenues and profitability.

The cost of laser vision correction procedures is typically not reimbursed by third-party payors such as health care insurance companies or government programs. Accordingly, as we have experienced in prior fiscal periods, our operating results may vary based upon the impact of changes in economic conditions on the disposable income of consumers interested in laser vision correction. A significant decrease in consumer disposable income in a weakening economy may result in a decrease in the number of laser vision procedures performed and a decline in our revenues and profitability. In addition, weakening economic conditions may cause some of our customers to experience financial distress or declare bankruptcy, which may negatively impact our accounts receivable collection experience and adversely affect our results of operations and cash flow.  

Our business has been adversely affected in the past by deeply-discounted pricing by some competitors, and it is possible that such competitive practices may adversely affect our business in the future.

In the past, certain competitors have utilized deeply-discounted pricing in an effort to generate procedural volume.  These practices have in the past caused periods of intense price competition in our industry.  As a result, we have lowered our prices in the past in order to remain competitive.  While two of the larger heavily-discounted providers of laser vision correction services have ceased business, other competitors offer discounts in some of the geographic markets where we conduct business.  It is possible that our business could in the future again be materially adversely affected by discounting practices of competitors.

Our stock price has been and is likely to continue to be highly volatile.

The price of our common stock has been, and is likely to continue to be, highly volatile and may fluctuate substantially due to a number of factors, including:

*

actual or anticipated fluctuation in our results of operations,

*

lack of institutional ownership in our common stock,

*

illiquid nature of trading in our common stock,

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technological innovations,

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increased competition,

*

conditions and trends in the laser refractive surgery industry,

*

the lack of diversification of our revenues,

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general market conditions of the US economy,

*

geopolitical risks that destabilize the world economy, and

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changes in or our failure to meet market or, to the extent securities analysts follow our common stock, securities analysts’ expectations.

In addition, the stock market has from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that have affected the market prices for the securities of healthcare companies, including us.  These broad market fluctuations may result in a material decline in the market price of our common stock, regardless of our operating performance.  In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a particular company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been brought against that company.  We may become involved in this type of litigation in the future.  Litigation is often expensive and diverts management’s attention and resources, which could have a material adverse effect upon our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We have recently expanded our direct financing program and as a result may incur increased credit risk which could negatively affect our cash flow and results of operations.

We provide certain of our customers, including customers who could not otherwise obtain third-party financing, with the ability to pay for our procedures with direct financing.  The terms of our direct financing typically require the customer to pay a set fee up front, which is intended to cover some or all of our variable costs, and pay the remaining balance in up to 36 equal monthly installments through direct withdrawal from his or her bank account.  As a result of a recent expansion in the program, as of June 30, 2003, we had $2.8 million in accounts receivable, a substantial increase of approximately $2.2 million from our accounts receivable as of December 31, 2002.  We are now exposed to increased credit risk than in the past, particularly given that some or all of our customers who participate in our direct financing program have not been deemed c reditworthy by third-party financing companies with more experience in credit issues than we have.  We have increased our reserves for bad debt, but we do not have significant experience to date to estimate the amount or receivables that are uncollectible under our program.  If the uncollectible amounts exceed the amounts we have reserved, we could be required to write down our accounts receivable, and our cash flow and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

If laser vision correction does not gain broader market acceptance, our profitability and growth would be severely limited.

We derive substantially all of our revenues from laser vision correction.  As a result, we believe that our profitability and expansion depend to a large extent on the acceptance of laser vision correction as a safe and effective treatment. There can be no assurance that laser vision correction will be widely accepted by ophthalmologists, optometrists or the general population as an alternative to existing methods of treating refractive vision disorders. Acceptance of laser vision correction may be affected adversely by:

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concerns about the safety and effectiveness of laser vision correction procedures, including procedures using new technologies or techniques such as custom ablation,

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general resistance to surgery of any type, and eye surgery in particular,

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its costs, particularly since laser vision correction is not typically covered by government or private insurers,

*

the effectiveness of alternate methods of correcting refractive vision disorders,

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the lack of long-term follow-up data and the possibility of unknown side effects,

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regulatory developments, and

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reported adverse events or other unfavorable publicity involving patient outcomes from laser vision correction.

Concerns about potential side effects and long-term results may negatively impact market acceptance of laser vision correction, result in potential liability for us and prevent us from growing our business.

Concerns have been raised with respect to the predictability and stability of results and potential complications or side effects of laser vision correction. Any complications or side effects of laser vision correction may call into question its safety and effectiveness, which in turn may negatively affect market acceptance of laser vision correction. Complications or side effects of laser vision correction could lead to  professional liability, malpractice, product liability or other claims against us.

Some of the possible side effects of laser vision correction may include:

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foreign body sensation,

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pain or discomfort,

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sensitivity to bright lights,

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blurred vision or haze,

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dryness or tearing,

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fluctuation in vision,

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night glare,

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poor or reduced visual quality,

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overcorrection or undercorrection,

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regression, and

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corneal flap or corneal healing complications.

Laser vision correction may also involve the removal of "Bowman's membrane," an intermediate layer between the outer corneal layer and the middle corneal layer of the eye.  The effect of the removal of Bowman's membrane on patients is currently not clear.

We depend on limited sources for the excimer lasers, diagnostic equipment, microkeratomes and disposable blades we use, and shortages of these items could hinder our ability to increase our procedure volume.

We currently use several suppliers, including Bausch & Lomb, VISX and Alcon, for our excimer lasers and diagnostic equipment in the United States.  If one or more of these companies becomes unwilling or unable to supply us with excimer lasers and diagnostic equipment, to repair or replace parts, or to provide services, our business could be materially adversely affected.

We currently rely primarily on Bausch & Lomb to provide us with microkeratomes, the devices used to create the corneal flap in the LASIK procedure, as well as with microkeratome blades and other disposable items required for LASIK.  There are a limited number of manufacturers of microkeratomes and microkeratome blades, and there can be no assurance that microkeratomes and microkeratome blades will be available in the quantities or within the time frames we require.  Any shortages in our supplies of this equipment could limit our ability to maintain or increase the volume of procedures that we perform, adversely affecting our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our business may be impaired due to government regulations which could restrict our equipment, services and relationships with ophthalmologists, optometrists and other healthcare providers.

We, excimer laser manufacturers and our other business partners, including managed care companies and third-party patient financing companies, among others, are subject to extensive federal, state and foreign laws, rules and regulations, including:

*

restrictions on the approval, distribution and use of medical devices,

*

anti-kickback statutes,

*

fee-splitting laws,

*

corporate practice of medicine restrictions,

*

self-referral laws,

*

anti-fraud provisions,

*

facility license requirements and certificates of need,

*

privacy laws and regulations,

*

conflict of interest regulations,

*

rules and regulations regarding advertising and marketing practices, and

*

sales and use taxes.

Some of these laws and regulations are vague or ambiguous, and courts and regulatory authorities have not always provided clarification. Moreover, state and local laws vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.  As a result, some of our activities could be challenged, sometimes successfully.

The excimer lasers we use in our vision centers are medical devices that, in the United States, are subject to the jurisdiction of the Food and Drug Administration.  In addition to FDA approval for the initial uses of these excimer lasers, new uses require separate approval.  Obtaining such approval can be an expensive and time-consuming process, the success of which cannot be guaranteed.  The failure of our suppliers to obtain regulatory approvals for any additional uses of excimer lasers or otherwise comply with regulatory requirements could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Failure of the laser manufacturers to comply with applicable FDA requirements could subject us, ophthalmologists who practice in our vision centers or excimer laser manufacturers to enforcement actions, including product seizure, recalls, withdrawal of approvals and civil and criminal penalties.  Any such enforcement action could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.  Further, failure to comply with regulatory requirements, or any adverse regulatory action, could result in limitations or prohibitions on our use of excimer lasers.  This could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our business is heavily dependent on advertising, which is subject to regulation by the Federal Trade Commission.  In 2002 the FTC conducted an extensive review of our advertising practices.  Following this review, the FTC concluded that certain of our past advertisements contained claims that were not properly substantiated.  We elected to voluntarily settle with the FTC rather than incur the significant expense and distraction from our business that would have resulted from prolonged litigation.  On July 18, 2003, the FTC formally entered a Complaint and an Agreement Containing Consent Order in which we agreed, among other things, that we would not represent in our advertising that our LASIK surgery services eliminate the need for glasses and contacts for life, pose significantly less risk to patients’ eye health than wearing glasses or conta cts or eliminate the risk of glare and haloing, unless, at the time made, we possess and rely upon competent and reliable scientific evidence that substantiates the representation.  No monetary penalties were imposed on us. We cannot be certain that this order, to which we agreed, will not have a material adverse effect on our business.

We are subject to lawsuits for patient injuries, which could negatively affect our business.

The laser vision correction procedures performed in our vision centers involve the potential risk of injury to patients.  Such risk could result in  professional liability, malpractice, product liability, or other claims brought against us based upon injuries or alleged injuries associated with a defect in a product's performance or malpractice by an ophthalmologist, optometrist, technician or other health care professional.  Some injuries or defects may not become evident for a number of years.  The operation of any excimer laser, diagnostic equipment, microkeratome or other equipment may result in substantial claims against us by patients who allege they were injured as a result of vision correction procedures.  Significant lawsuits against us could damage our reputation.  In addition, a partially or completely uninsured claim against us could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.  We primarily rely and intend to continue to rely on ophthalmologists' professional liability insurance policies and manufacturers' insurance policies for product liability coverage, although we have limited umbrella product and professional liability insurance.  We generally require the ophthalmologists who use our vision centers to maintain certain levels of professional liability insurance, although there can be no guarantee that the ophthalmologists will be successful in obtaining or maintaining such insurance coverage, particularly in the current insurance market.

The availability of professional liability insurance has decreased and its cost has increased significantly for a variety of reasons, including reasons outside our control.  A future increase in cost or lack of availability of coverage for us or the doctors could result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We established a captive insurance company, and if significant claims are paid, it could affect our profitability and our financial condition.

Effective as of December 18, 2002, we established a captive insurance company to provide professional liability insurance coverage for claims brought against us after December 17, 2002.  In addition, our captive insurance company’s charter allows it to provide professional liability insurance for our doctors, some of whom are currently insured by the captive.  Our captive insurance company is managed by an independent insurance consulting and management firm and is capitalized and funded by us based on actuarial studies performed by an affiliate of the consulting and management firm.  Our captive insurance company has to date purchased excess liability coverage for 80% of our aggregate losses in a given year in excess of $1,000,000, up to $11,000,000.  Under that arrangement, the coverage providers’ obligation arises only after our captive pays the first $1,000,000 of any loss and the coverage providers are only obligated to pay an aggregate of $8,000,000 in a given policy year.  A number of claims covered by our captive insurance company are now pending.  The payment of significant claims by our captive insurance company could negatively affect our profitability and our financial condition.

Our captive insurance company may not be able to successfully alleviate risk through excess liability coverage, which could result in material losses.

In order to reduce risk, our captive insurance company has to date purchased excess liability coverage.  The availability and the cost of excess liability coverage is subject to market conditions, which are outside of our control.  As a result, our captive insurance company may not be able to successfully alleviate risk through these arrangements in the future or these agreements may become significantly more expensive for us to obtain.  In addition, we are still subject to credit risk with respect to our captive’s excess coverage providers given that the ceding of risk to such providers does not relieve the captive of its insurance liabilities.  Such providers’ insolvency or inability to make payments under the terms of an excess coverage arrangement with our captive, therefore, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operat ions and financial condition.

We may have substantial future capital requirements, and our ability to obtain additional funding is uncertain.

We are unable to predict with certainty the timing or the amount of our future capital requirements. Operating losses or changes in our operations, expansion plans or capital requirements may consume available cash and other resources more rapidly than we anticipate and additional funding may be required. Our capital needs depend on many factors, including:

*

the rate and cost of purchases of equipment and other assets,

*

the rate of opening new vision centers or expanding existing vision centers,

*

market acceptance of laser vision correction,

*

any strategic transactions we may make in the future, and

*

actions by competitors.

We may not have adequate resources to finance the growth in our business, and we may not be able to obtain additional capital through subsequent equity or debt financings on terms acceptable to us or at all. If we do not have adequate resources and cannot obtain additional capital, we will not be able to implement our expansion strategy successfully, our growth could be limited and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Investors in this offering will experience immediate and substantial dilution.

The public offering price of our common stock is expected to be substantially higher than the net tangible book value per share of our common stock.  Therefore, if you purchase shares of our common stock in this offering, you will incur immediate and substantial dilution in the pro forma net tangible book value per share of common stock from the price per share that you pay for the common stock.  If the holders of outstanding options exercise those options at prices below the public offering price, you will incur further dilution.

Disputes with respect to intellectual property could adversely affect our business.

There has been substantial litigation in the United States, Canada and elsewhere regarding the patents on ophthalmic lasers. If the use of an excimer laser or other procedure performed at any our vision centers is deemed to infringe a patent or other proprietary right, we may be named as a defendant in ensuing litigation , prohibited from using the equipment or performing the procedure that is the subject of the patent dispute, or required to obtain a royalty-bearing license, which may involve substantial costs, including ongoing royalty payments. If a license is not available on acceptable terms, we may be required to seek the use of products that do not infringe the patent. The unavailability of alternate products could cause us to cease operations in the United States, Canada or elsewhere or delay our expansion. If we are prohibited from performing laser vision corr ection at any of our vision centers, our  business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

We are dependent on a small number of senior managers.

Our success depends, to a significant extent, upon the efforts and abilities of our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Stephen N. Joffe, and other members of senior management.  We currently do not have employment agreements with senior key employees, other than short-term employment agreements with Kevin M. Hassey, our President, and Alan H. Buckey, our Executive Vice President/Finance and Chief Financial Officer.  The loss of the services of one or more of these key employees could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Stephen N. Joffe, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and members of his family control a number of shares sufficient to influence corporate actions.

Members of the Joffe family together will own or control approximately 24.8% of our outstanding common stock after this offering.  If these persons acted together, they would have sufficient voting power to influence the outcome of corporate actions submitted to the stockholders for approval and to influence our management and affairs, including the election of our Board of Directors.

Anti-takeover provisions under Delaware law  and certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation may make an acquisition of us, which may be beneficial to our stockholders, more difficult.

We are incorporated in Delaware. Certain anti-takeover provisions of Delaware law, in addition to the control of a number of shares of our common stock by the Joffe family, may make a change in control of our company more difficult, even if a change in control would be beneficial to the stockholders.  Delaware law also prohibits corporations from engaging in a business combination with any holders of 15% or more of their capital stock until the holder has held the stock for three years unless our board of directors or stockholders approve the transaction or certain other conditions are satisfied. Our board of directors may use these provisions to prevent changes in the management and control of our company.  In addition, under applicable Delaware law, our board of directors may adopt additional anti-takeover measures in the future.

Pursuant to our certificate of incorporation, our board of directors is authorized to issue, without stockholder approval, any or all of our authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock with any dividend, redemption, conversion or exchange provisions as the board may designate.  The rights of common stockholders would be subordinate and subject to and may be adversely affected by the rights of preferred stockholders.  Issuance of preferred stock could have the effect of entrenching our board of directors and making it more difficult or discouraging for a third-party to acquire a majority of our outstanding voting stock.

Substantial future sales of our common stock by us or by our existing stockholders could cause our stock price to decline.

Additional equity financings or other securities issuances by us could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.  In addition, sales by existing stockholders of a large number of shares of our common stock in the public market or the perception that additional sales could occur could cause the market price of our common stock to drop.

We have not historically paid dividends, and we do not presently anticipate declaring or paying any dividends.

We have not declared or paid any dividends on our common stock in the past and do not presently anticipate declaring or paying any dividends.  As a result, you should assume that the return on an investment in our common stock will depend upon any future appreciation in value.  Our common stock may not appreciate in value or even maintain the price at which stockholders have purchased their shares, particularly given the dilution as a result of this offering.

We will have broad discretion as to the use of proceeds of this offering and may fail to use them effectively.

We expect to use a portion of the net proceeds of this offering to fund expansion of our business.  However, our management will have broad discretion in utilizing the proceeds and may use them in ways with which you and our other shareholders may disagree, including diversifying our revenues into lines of business in which we are not currently engaged or do not have experience.  We may not be able to invest the proceeds of this offering effectively, particularly given current market rates, which could adversely affect our profitability and financial condition.

Forward-looking statements

This prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends affecting the financial condition of our business.  These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us, including, among other things:

*

our belief that the market for laser vision correction is growing,

*

our strategy to expand through internal growth by adding new vision centers and through potential strategic transactions we may enter in the future,

*

our belief that increases in marketing and advertising will cause higher demand for our laser vision correction services,

*

our expectations and estimates concerning future financial performance, financing plans and the impact of competition,

*

our belief that we will be able to conform our operations in all material respects to applicable healthcare laws and obtain any necessary licenses and certificates of need,

*

general economic and business conditions, both nationally and in our markets, and

*

other risk factors set forth under “Risk factors” in this prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

In addition, in this prospectus, the words “believe”, “may”, “will”, “estimate”, “continue”, “anticipate”, “intend”, "plan", “expect”, “hope” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, our business or our management, are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this prospectus.  In light of these risks and uncertainties, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus may not occur, and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements.

Use of proceeds

The net proceeds we will receive from the sale of common stock by us in this offering, at an assumed public offering price of $______ per share, are estimated to be approximately $________ after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses.  We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares by the selling stockholder.  We intend to use the net proceeds as follows:

*

to open additional laser vision correction centers,

*

to purchase additional technology and equipment,

*

to market our vision centers and the LasikPlus brand name,

*

to fund potential strategic transactions we may enter in the future, and

*

to provide working capital for general corporate purposes.

We currently have no agreements or understandings with respect to any material transactions. We have not allocated any portion of the net proceeds from this offering to a specific purpose and will have broad discretion in how to use our net proceeds.  Until we use the net proceeds from this offering as described above, we intend to temporarily invest the net proceeds in short-term, investment-grade, interest-bearing securities or obligations of, or guaranteed by, the US government, which do not currently have significant yields given current market rates.

Price range of common stock

Since June 30, 1999 our common stock has been included for quotation on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol “LCAV.”  From 1996 through June 29, 1999, our common stock was included for quotation on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market under the Symbol "LCAV."  The following table sets forth the high and low bid prices of the common stock as reported by the Nasdaq National Market for the specified periods, and adjusted for a 1 for 4 reverse stock split effected by us effective as of November 11, 2002.

	High	Low
2001
First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter	$13.38 12.60 10.72 4.48	$4.88 9.76 4.24 2.48
2002
First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter	$7.24 7.40 4.84 2.93	$3.24 4.20 2.40 1.96
2003
First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter (through September 19, 2003)	$3.58 9.43 18.50	$2.63 3.58 8.91

As of September 19, 2003, there were 2,464 holders of record of our common stock.  As of September 19, 2003, the last reported sale price of our common stock on the Nasdaq National Market was $17.94 per share.

Dividend policy

We have not declared or paid any dividends in the past, and we do not presently anticipate declaring or paying any dividends in the future, on our common stock.  Any future determination as to the declaration and payment of dividends will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on then-existing conditions, including:

*

our financial condition,

*

results of operations,

*

contractual restrictions,

*

capital requirements,

*

business prospects, and

*

any other factors our board of directors may deem relevant.

Capitalization

The following table sets forth our capitalization as of June 30, 2003:

*

on an actual basis, and

*

as adjusted to reflect this offering and the receipt of the estimated net proceeds to us from this offering at an assumed public offering price of $_______ per share.  

The following table should be read in conjunction with the "Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations" included elsewhere in this prospectus, our consolidated financial statements and related notes and the other financial information included elsewhere in this prospectus or incorporated herein by reference.

	As of June 30, 2003
	Actual	As adjusted
(in thousands)	(unaudited)
Cash and cash equivalents(1)	$23,090	$
Debt maturing in one year	4
Minority interest	381
Shareholders' investment:
Preferred stock, par value $.001 per share, 5,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding, actual or as adjusted	-
Common stock par value $.001 per share: 27,500,000 shares authorized, 13,110,306 (15,610,306, as adjusted) issued and 10,743,109 (13,293,109 as adjusted) outstanding	13
Contributed Capital	91,474
Warrants	1,982
Notes receivable from shareholders	(1,209)
Treasury stock	(15,462)
Accumulated deficit	(40,788)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	69
Total shareholders' investment	36,079
Total capitalization	$36,464

____________________

⁽¹⁾Includes $0.5 million of cash maintained by our consolidated captive insurance company pursuant to statutory requirements.

The number of shares of our common stock in the actual and as adjusted columns in the table above excludes:

*

an aggregate of 957,392 shares of common stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding options at a weighted average exercise price of $11.83 per share; and

*

an aggregate of 1,157,515 shares of common stock available for future issuance under our 1995, 1998 and 2001 stock option plans.

Dilution

Purchasers of the common stock in this offering will experience immediate and substantial dilution in the net tangible book value of the common stock from the initial public offering price.  Net tangible book value per share represents the amount of our total tangible assets less total liabilities, divided by the total number of shares of our common stock outstanding.

At June 30, 2003, we had a net tangible book value of $35.8 million or $3.33 per share of common stock.  After giving effect to the sale of 2,400,000 shares of common stock offered by us at an assumed public offering price of $____ per share after the deduction of underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses, our pro forma net tangible book value at June 30, 2003 would have been $____ million or $____ per share of common stock. This represents an immediate increase in such net tangible book value of $____ per share to existing stockholders and an immediate and substantial dilution of $____ per share to new investors purchasing common stock in this offering.

The following table illustrates this dilution per share:

Assumed public offering price	$
Net tangible book value per share as of June 30, 2003
Increase attributable to new investors
Pro forma net tangible book value after this offering
Dilution in pro forma net tangible book value to new investors	$

The foregoing table does not take into effect further dilution to new investors that could occur upon the exercise of outstanding options.  At June 30, 2003, there were:

*

an aggregate of 957,392 shares of common stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding options at a weighted average exercise price of $11.83 per share; and

*

an aggregate of 1,157,515 shares of common stock available for future issuance under our 1995, 1998 and 2001 stock option plans.

Selected consolidated financial data

The consolidated statement of operations data set forth below for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002 and the balance sheet data at December 31, 2001 and 2002 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included and incorporated by reference in this prospectus. The statement of operations data set forth below for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1999 and the balance sheet data at December 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000 are derived from our audited financial statements not included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. The following summary interim financial data as of June 30, 2003 and for the six months ended June 30, 2002 and 2003 are unaudited and are derived from the interim financial statements included and incorporated by reference in this prospectus. In the opinion of our management, the unaudited data have been prepared o n the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements and include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for fair presentation. Results for interim periods are not indicative of results for a full year. The data set forth below should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes and “Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations” included elsewhere in this prospectus.

	Year Ended December 31,							Six Months Ended June 30,
Consolidated statements of operations data	1998	1999		2000		2001	2002	2002		2003
(in thousands, except for per share data)								(unaudited)
Revenues:
Laser refractive surgery	$   32,508	$   56,358		$   63,450		$   68,096	$   61,838	$  35,076	$  40,206
Other	2,692	1,026		-		-	-	-	-
Total revenues	35,200	57,384		63,450		68,096	61,838	35,076	40,206
Operating costs and expenses:
Medical professional and license fees	13,700	22,930		15,542		13,626	12,270	7,325	7,973
Direct costs of services	12,526	16,113		27,218		33,616	28,796	14,786	15,617
General and administrative expenses	6,198	6,036		9,394		8,727	8,327	4,460	4,011
Marketing and advertising	2,183	5,671		14,565		12,732	12,823	7,211	6,129
Depreciation and amortization	3,521	2,964		3,839		5,625	5,997	2,950	3,039
Special charges	10,500	(150)		-		1,774	(174)	(174)	-
Total expenses	48,628	53,564		70,558		76,100	68,039	36,558	36,769
Operating (loss) income	(13,428)	3,820		(7,108)		(8,004)	(6,201)	(1,482)	3,437
Equity in earnings  from unconsolidated
businesses	354	316		49		372	241	205	205
Interest expense	(786)	(169)		(58)		(17)	(4)	(2)	-
Interest income	441	1,633		2,713		924	225	280	107
Litigation settlement	-	-		-		-	2,282	-	-
Other income (expense)	358	6		604		(61)	(195)	(113)	(151)
(Loss) income before taxes on income	(13,061)	5,606		(3,800)		(6,786)	(3,652)	(1,104)	3,650
Income tax expense (benefit)	157	(5,287)		(1,434)		16,589	174	23	100
Net (loss) income	(13,218)	10,893		(2,366)		(23,375)	(3,826)	(1,127)	3,550
Dividends to preferred shareholders	518	140		-		-	-	-	-
(Loss) income available to common shareholders	$ (13,736)	$  10,753		$   (2,366)		$ (23,375)	$  (3,826)	$  (1,127)	$  3,550
(Loss) income per common share
Basic	$(1.46)	$0.89		$(0.19)		$(2.01)	$(0.35)	$(0.10)	$(0.33)
Diluted	$(1.46)	$0.84		$(0.19)		$(2.01)	$(0.35)	$(0.10)	$(0.33)
Weighted average shares used in computation
Basic	9,417	11,998		12,741		11,643	10,794	10,931	10,743
Diluted	9,417	12,729		12,741		11,643	10,794	10,931	10,758
Selected Operating Data:
Laser vision correction procedures	19,791	33,266		59,144		72,032	57,104	32,389	33,460
	At December 31,
	1998		1999		2000	2001	2002	At June 30, 2003
Balance Sheet Data:
Cash and cash equivalents	$6,496		$11,891		$19,692	$16,609	$18,298	$23,090
Short-term investments	-		37,299		8,626	-	-	-
Working capital	3,577		49,212		24,063	14,378	12,965	18,932
Total assets	31,377		85,290		75,597	43,188	39,996	44,792
Debt maturing in one year	787		676		178	26	10	4
Total debt, excluding current portion	2,724		250		48	4	-	-
Preferred stock	7,687		-		-	-	-	-
Accumulated deficit	(25,664)		(14,771)		(17,137)	(40,512)	(44,338)	(40,788)
Total shareholders' investment	23,199		80,045		65,045	38,202	32,112	36,079

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations

You should read the following discussion and analysis in conjunction with the “Selected consolidated financial data” and the accompanying financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus or incorporated herein by reference.  This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.   Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed here.  Factors that could contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in “Risk factors.”  

OVERVIEW

We are a leading developer and operator of fixed-site laser vision correction centers under the brand name LasikPlus. Our vision centers provide the facilities, equipment and support services for performing laser vision correction that employs advanced laser technologies to help correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.  We currently utilize fixed-site excimer lasers manufactured by Bausch & Lomb, VISX and Alcon.  Substantially all of our revenues currently are derived from LASIK procedures performed in our US vision centers.

Our operating costs and expenses include:

*

medical professional and license fees, including per procedure fees for the ophthalmologists performing laser vision correction and the license fees per procedure paid to VISX, Bausch & Lomb and Alcon,

*

direct costs of services, including center rent and utilities, equipment lease and maintenance costs, surgical supplies, center staff expense and costs related to other revenues,

*

general and administrative costs, including headquarters staff expense and other overhead costs,

*

marketing and advertising costs, and

*

depreciation of equipment.

REVENUES

We derived substantially all of our revenues for the last three years from the delivery of LASIK laser vision correction services.

Our revenues in any period are primarily a function of the number of laser vision correction procedures performed and the pricing for such services.

Certain states prohibit us from practicing medicine, employing ophthalmologists to practice medicine on our behalf or employing optometrists to render optometry services on our behalf.  In those states, we may contract with professional corporations to provide these services.  Beginning in September 2002, we started a process to amend our management agreements with professional corporations.  The new management agreements provide us with financial and operational control of the professional corporations.  Therefore, we now consolidate the financial results for those professional corporations under the new management agreements in accordance with EITF 97-2.  This change is not expected to have a material impact on our operating income (loss), as the increase in revenue resulting from consolidation of these professional corporations is offset by a corresponding increase in medical professional fees.

The following table details the number of laser vision correction procedures performed at our consolidated vision centers.

	2000	2001	2002	2003
First quarter	12,504	25,061	17,592	17,028
Second quarter	13,888	22,940	14,797	16,432
Third quarter	16,341	13,347	12,511	-
Fourth quarter	16,411	10,684	12,204	-
Year	59,144	72,032	57,104

Procedure volume declined in the second half of 2001, which we believe was a result of weakening consumer confidence and the tragedy of September 11^th.  Procedure volume rebounded in the first quarter of 2002 in a manner consistent with the seasonality experienced in prior years.  We believe that falling procedure volume for the balance of 2002 was due to further weakening in consumer confidence and rising unemployment.

We believe that improved marketing and advertising effectiveness, together with third-party patient financing, and our own patient financing plan helped to grow procedure volume in the first six months of 2003 over the first six months of 2002.  

We have raised our average price per procedure over the last ten quarters.  Our average price per procedure has increased from $877 in the fourth quarter of 2000 to $1,231 in the quarter ended June 30, 2003.  In the second quarter of 2003, we utilized the newest custom laser vision correction technology from Alcon in five of our markets.  LASIK procedures using custom ablation accounted for 3% of the second quarter procedure volume, and over 4% of second quarter revenues.  We now offer LASIK using custom ablation in all of our markets and believe we can charge higher prices for this more advanced technology.  As discussed elsewhere in this prospectus, from time to time we have lowered our prices in response to discounting by some of our competitors.

Our strongest quarter in terms of number of procedures performed historically has been the first quarter of the year.  We believe this is related to a number of factors, including the availability of funds under typical corporate medical flexible spending programs and the general effect of the New Year season.  Our weakest quarter in this regard historically has been the fourth quarter.  We believe this is due to time constraints imposed by the holiday season and the fact that medical flexible spending plans are often depleted by the end of the year.

EXPENSES

Six Months Ended June 30, 2003 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2002

The following table shows the dollar amount of increase (decrease) in operating expenses from the six months ended June 30, 2002 to the six months ended June 30, 2003 and the percent of revenues for each period (dollars in thousands):

	% of Revenue
	Six months ended June 30, 2002	Six months ended June 30, 2003	Increase (Decrease)
Medical professional and license fees	20.9%	19.8%	$648
Direct costs of services	42.2	38.8	831
General and administrative expenses	12.7	10.0	(449)
Marketing and advertising	20.6	15.2	(1,082)
Depreciation and amortization	8.4	7.6	89

Medical professional and license fees:  Medical professional expenses increased by $1,268,000 in the six months ended June 30, 2003 from the six months ended June 30, 2002 due to higher revenues and the consolidation in 2003 for the first time of some professional corporations with whom we contract to provide medical services in those states where we cannot practice medicine.  License fees decreased $636,000 from the six months ended June 30, 2002, primarily as a result of a reduction in license fees payable in connection with enhancements of $269,000 and purchasing rebates from suppliers of $194,000.  

Direct costs of services:  Direct costs of services include the salary component of physician compensation for those physicians employed by us, staffing, equipment, medical supplies, and facility costs of operating laser vision correction centers.  These direct costs increased in the first half of 2003 by $831,000 compared to the first half of 2002, primarily due to an increase in laser rental costs of $400,000 and increased provision for bad debt on patient financing of $504,000, due to our increased provision of direct financing.  

General and administrative:  General and administrative expenses decreased by $449,000 in the first half of 2003 from the first half of 2002, primarily as a result of the absence of warrant compensation expense and a decrease in expenditures on professional services in 2003.  Warrant amortization relating to certain warrants granted to a former joint venture partner in our managed care business was completed in 2002, resulting in a decrease in general and administrative expense of $351,000.  

Marketing and advertising expenses:  Marketing and advertising expenses decreased by $1,082,000 in the first half of 2003 from the first half of 2002, primarily as a result of more cost-effective media buying.  

Depreciation and amortization:  Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $89,000 in the first half of 2003 from the first half of 2002, primarily as a result of the purchase of diagnostic and surgical equipment that previously had been leased.

Non-operating income and expenses:  Investment income decreased $173,000 in the first half of 2003 from the first half of 2002, primarily as a result of lower interest rates on our invested cash.

Income Taxes:  Income tax expense of $100,000 was recorded in the first half of 2003 due to foreign income tax liabilities.

2002 Compared to 2001

The following table shows the dollar amount of increase (decrease) in operating expenses from 2001 to 2002 and the percent of revenues for each year (dollars in thousands):

	% of Revenue		Increase
	2001	2002	(Decrease)
Medical professional and  license fees	20.0%	19.8%	$(1,356)
Direct costs of services	49.4	46.6	(4,820)
General and administrative  expenses	12.8	13.5	(400)
Marketing and advertising	18.7	20.7	91
Depreciation and amortization	8.3	9.7	372

Medical professional fees declined by $83,000 in 2002 as compared to 2001.  Lower procedural volume in the United States was partially offset by increased procedural volume in Canada.  License fees decreased by $1,457,000 in 2002 from the amount spent in 2001.  The decrease in license fees is due to lower procedure volume in 2002 versus 2001.  Enhancement expenses increased $123,000 as a result of a slightly higher enhancement rate.

Direct costs of services decreased $4,820,000 in 2002 versus 2001, because of cost reduction plans implemented in 2001, lower procedure volume in 2002, and decreased rent associated with formerly leased equipment purchased at the end of 2001.  

General and administrative expenses decreased by $400,000 in 2002 from the amount expended in 2001.  Salaries/benefits and travel and entertainment expenses decreased $494,000 and $198,000, respectively, as a result of cost reduction efforts started in the prior year.  Warrant amortization was completed in 2002, resulting in a decrease of $192,000.  Office equipment costs were reduced by $109,000 in 2002.  State and local taxes were reduced by $98,000 in 2002.  Offsetting these decreases were increases in insurance costs of $364,000 and shareholder communications of $290,000.  

The increase in depreciation and amortization expense of $372,000 is primarily the result of the purchase of lasers and other equipment that had been previously leased.

During the third quarter of 2001, our management implemented a restructuring plan to close unprofitable locations and to reduce operating expenses.  We estimated the cost of the plan to be $1,375,000.   By the end of the first quarter of 2002, the restructuring plan had been fully implemented and we released excess reserves of $174,000 relating to the restructuring plan.

Other

Investment income decreased by $699,000 in 2002 from 2001, primarily as a result of lower interest rates and lower average invested cash.

In August 2002, we received a settlement payment of $2,282,000 from Pillar Point Partners' class-action litigation.  Pillar Point Partners – a joint entity formed in 1995 by laser manufacturers VISX and Summit Technology Inc., now a subsidiary of Alcon Corporation – collected per-use royalties from all laser vision correction providers using their equipment.  The manufacturers agreed to settle the various lawsuits for $37.8 million.  Pillar Point was dissolved in July 1998 after the Federal Trade Commission filed an administrative complaint challenging the joint entity's existence.

2001 Compared to 2000

The following table shows the dollar amount of increase (decrease) in operating expenses from 2000 to 2001 and the percent of revenues for each year (dollars in thousands):

	% of Revenue		Increase
	2000	2001	(Decrease)
Medical professional and license fees	24.5%	20.0%	$(1,916)
Direct costs of services	42.9	49.4	6,398
General and administrative expenses	14.8	12.8	(667)
Marketing and advertising	23.0	18.7	(1,833)
Depreciation and amortization	6.1	8.3	1,786

License fees decreased in 2001 from the amount spent in 2000.  The increase in license fees due to higher procedure volumes in 2001 was more than offset by lower expenditures on enhancements and the full-year effect of a reduction in the procedure license fee payable to the laser manufacturers from $260 to $110, which occurred in February 2000.   In addition, physician contracts were generally renegotiated during the second quarter of 2000 to facilitate our remaining competitive at lower pricing levels for laser vision correction, resulting in lower medical professional fees.

Direct costs of services increased in 2001 as compared to 2000.  Approximately $3,034,000 of the increase in direct costs of services related to more vision centers being in operation in 2001 than in 2000.  An increase of $680,000 in medical supplies was generally the result of higher procedure volumes.  The remaining increase in direct costs of services of $2,684,000 generally resulted from an increase in the average cost to run a center.

General and administrative expenses decreased by approximately $667,000 in 2001 from the amount expended in 2000.  Warrant amortization and the repurchase of warrants from Cole National Corporation (a former joint venture partner) in the third quarter of 2000 decreased warrant related expenses by $463,000 in 2001 from 2000.  Corporate employment and travel expenses decreased in 2001 by $443,000.  Legal, accounting and consulting fees were reduced by $248,000 in 2001.  Office equipment expenses were reduced by $75,000 in 2001.  Offsetting a portion of these cost reductions was an increase in insurance costs of $172,000, an increase in national call center costs of $276,000 and an increase in information systems costs of $134,000.

Marketing and advertising costs decreased by $1,833,000 due to improved advertising effectiveness during the first half of 2001.

The increase in depreciation and amortization expense of $1,786,000 is a result of year 2001 capital expenditures associated with new center openings, and the placement of Bausch & Lomb Surgical lasers in most of our markets.

During the third quarter of 2001, our management implemented a restructuring plan to close unprofitable locations and to reduce operating expenses.  We estimated the cost of the plan to be $1,375,000, comprised of a $535,000 restructuring charge and an $840,000 asset impairment charge for leasehold improvements, equipment and goodwill associated with the locations to be closed.  The restructuring charges included $384,000 in lease termination costs and $151,000 in severance payments for 71 employees.

As of December 31, 2001, the balance of the restructuring reserve was $262,000, which related to future facility rent payments.

Also during the third quarter of 2001, we provided for a reserve of $399,000 on a loan made to REI Corporation, which operated a licensed facility in Tokyo, Japan.  We originally made this loan in 1999 as financing for REI’s purchase of a laser, which we expected at the time would be used by REI to generate a stream of license fees to us.  REI was not ultimately successful in establishing a facility in Japan and in the third quarter of 2001, our management determined that the loan may not be recoverable.

As a result of our operating loss during the third quarter of 2001, and continuing uncertainties regarding the general economic conditions in the United States and the impact on ongoing operations, we recorded a $15,345,000 valuation reserve for our deferred tax assets as of September 30, 2001.  This reserve was established according to the requirements of SFAS No. 109 “Accounting for Income Taxes.”    

Other non-operating income decreased in 2001 over 2000 primarily as a result of the termination of a deferred compensation arrangement with a physician in the second quarter of 2000.

Other

Equity in income from unconsolidated affiliates increased in 2001, generally as a result of growth in our managed care business, in which we provide discounted surgery services to participants in certain large managed care programs with which we have contractual arrangements.

Interest expense decreased $41,000 due to our reduction of capital lease obligations.

Interest income decreased $1,789,000 as a result of lower interest rates and lower average invested balances.

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)  ⁽¹⁾

Financial results for interim periods do not necessarily indicate trends for any 12-month period. Quarterly results can be affected by the number of procedures performed and the timing of certain expense items (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts):

	2001 Quarters				2002 Quarters				2003 Quarters
	First	Second	Third	Fourth	First	Second	Third	Fourth	First	Second
Revenues	$22,490	$21,424	$13,288	$10,894	$18,808	$16,268	$13,462	$13,300	$19,982	$20,224
Operating income (loss)	1,720	747	(5,718)	(4,753)	966	(2,447)	(2,814)	(1,905)	1,641	1,796
Net Income (loss)	1,299	755	(20,794)	(4,635)	1,151	(2,278)	(810)	(1,888)	1,757	1,793
Earnings (loss) per share
Basic	$0.11	$0.06	$(1.79)	$(0.40)	$0.11	$(0.21)	$(0.08)	$(0.18)	$0.16	$0.17
Diluted	$0.11	$0.06	$(1.79)	$(0.40)	$0.10	$(0.21)	$(0.08)	$(0.18)	$0.16	$0.17

⁽¹⁾  The quarterly amounts are not additive due to rounding.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Net cash provided by operating activities in the first six months of 2003 was $5,379,000, which exceeded expenditures in investing activities during the period (consisting primarily of capital expenditures to open two new facilities).  This resulted in an increase in cash and cash equivalents to $23,090,000 (including $0.5 million of cash maintained by our captive insurance company pursuant to statutory requirements) as of June 30, 2003, an increase of approximately 26% from $18,298,000 as of December 31, 2002.  

Cash, cash-equivalent and short-term investments totaled $18,298,000 as of December 31, 2002, compared to $16,609,000 as of December 31, 2001.  Net cash provided by operating activities in 2002 was $5,693,000.  Major uses of cash in 2002 were $2,449,000 used under the common stock repurchase program and capital expenditures of $1,789,000.  

During the second quarter of 2000, our directors initiated a program to encourage additional direct stock ownership by our senior management.  We offered loans to nine key managers and directors for the purpose of purchasing shares in the open market.  Each loan is an unsecured personal obligation of the borrower, and is evidenced by a promissory note.  The interest rate on the notes is prime less one and one-half percent.  The notes generally had a term of three years, and include provisions for early repayment under certain circumstances.  A total of $1,541,000 was loaned under this program.  The balance of the loans as of June 30, 2003 was $1,209,000.  No loans were made after June 30, 2002, and no loans under this program will be made in the future.

We maintain a $10,000,000 revolving credit facility with The Provident Bank.  In addition, we have a $10,000,000 credit commitment for the purpose of funding acquisitions, subject to the full and absolute discretion of The Provident Bank.  The revolving credit line has a variable interest rate equal to the lender’s prime rate and is secured by a mortgage on our headquarters building in Cincinnati, which we own.  As of June 30, 2003, no borrowings were outstanding under this credit facility.  The acquisition funding commitment has no set terms and its availability is at the sole discretion of the lender.  These credit arrangements are scheduled to expire July 31, 2004.

As of December 31, 2002, we had net operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes of $48,765,000.  These expire in varying amounts from 2007 until 2022.  Approximately $18,000,000 of federal net operating loss carryforwards and $15,750,000 state net operating loss carryforwards were acquired through an acquisition consummated by us in 1997.  Our ability to use these acquired net operating loss carryforwards is limited to approximately $2,500,000 per year under Code Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code.  Because we cannot be certain we will realize the full benefit of these loss carryforwards, we have established a valuation reserve equal in amount to the loss carryforwards.  

In December 2002, we purchased medical equipment that was being previously leased for $672,000.  We anticipate that this will result in a reduction in leased equipment expense of $734,000 and an increase in depreciation expense of $224,000 in 2003 as compared to 2002.

In January 2003, we opened a new center in Cleveland, Ohio and in June 2003, we opened a new center in Indianapolis, Indiana.  We recently upgraded our VISX lasers and diagnostic equipment to enable us to offer custom ablation in all our markets.  During the remainder of 2003, we expect to open three to five new vision centers.  We estimate the cost of the VISX laser and equipment upgrades and the center expansion plans during the balance of 2003 to be approximately $4,000,000 to $6,000,000.

We recently expanded the use of our own sponsored patient financing.  As of June 30, 2003, we had $2.8 million in accounts receivable, which is an increase of $2.2 million since December 31, 2002.  Further growth in accounts receivable is expected over the balance of 2003 and beyond.

Our consolidated cash and cash equivalents includes $0.5 million of cash maintained by our consolidated captive insurance company pursuant to statutory requirements as of June 30, 2003.  These funds are not available for general corporate purposes.  We expect cash reserves in our captive insurance company to grow over time.

The ability to fund our marketing and advertising program, planned capital expenditures and new center rollouts depends on our future performance, which, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control.  Based upon our current level of operations and anticipated revenue growth, we currently believe that cash flow from operations, available cash and short-term investments, available borrowing under the credit facility from Provident Bank and the net proceeds to us from this offering should be adequate to meet these needs for at least the next 12 months.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

In January 2002, the SEC issued FR-60 recommending that companies expand their disclosures related to critical accounting policies.  Significant accounting policies are disclosed in Note 1 of the financial statements, and critical accounting policies are discussed in the following paragraphs.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We provide patient financing to some of our customers, including those who could not otherwise obtain third-party financing.  The terms of the financing require the patient to pay an up-front fee which is intended to cover some or all of our variable costs, and the remainder is deducted automatically from the patient’s checking account over a period of 12 to 36 months.  As a result of a recent expansion of this program, we are currently exposed to more credit risk than we have experienced in the past.  We do not have significant experience to date to estimate the amount of receivables that may not be collectible.  Based upon the credit experience of lenders who provide financing to customers similar to ours and based on our own limited experience, we have established bad debt reserves as of June 30, 2003 of $816,000 against accounts receivable o f  $2,797,000.  To the extent that our actual bad debt writeoffs differ from our estimated bad debt reserve, it could impact  our results of operations and cash flows.

Captive Insurance Company Reserves

Effective December 18, 2002, we established a captive insurance company to provide professional liability insurance coverage for claims brought against us after December 17, 2002.  In addition, our  captive insurance company's charter allows it to provide professional liability insurance for our doctors, some of whom are currently insured by the captive.  Our captive insurance company is managed by an independent insurance consulting and management firm, and it is capitalized and funded by us based on actuarial studies performed by an affiliate of the consulting and management firm.  Our captive insurance company has to date purchased excess liability coverage for 80% of our aggregate losses in a given policy year in excess of $1,000,000, up to $11,000,000.  Under that arrangement, the coverage providers’ obligation arises only after our ca ptive pays the first $1,000,000 of any loss and the coverage providers are only obligated to pay an aggregate of $8,000,000 in a given policy year.  A number of claims covered by our captive insurance company are now pending.  The payment of significant claims by our captive insurance company could negatively affect our profitability and our financial condition.

Income Taxes

As a result of our operating loss during the third quarter of 2001 and throughout 2002, and continuing uncertainties regarding the general economic conditions in the United States and the impact on our ongoing operations, we continue to record a full valuation reserve for deferred tax assets.  This reserve was established according to the requirements of SFAS No. 109 “Accounting for Income Taxes.”  Favorable changes in our operating profitability, as a result of improved general economic conditions in the United States or otherwise, could impact our determination as to whether reduction, in whole or in part, to the valuation reserve is necessary in the future.  The valuation reserve was $18,861,000 as of December 31, 2002.

Consolidation

We use the consolidation method to report our investment in our subsidiaries and other companies when we own a majority of the voting stock of the subsidiary. In addition, we consolidate the results of operations of professional corporations with which we contract to provide the services of ophthalmologists or optometrists at our vision centers, in accordance with EITF 97-2, Application of FASB Statement No. 94 and APB Opinion No. 16 to Physician Management Entities and Certain Other Entities with Contractual Management Arrangements.  Prior to September 2002, our contractual management arrangements did not permit consolidation of our relationships with professional corporations pursuant to EITF 97-2 because we did not maintain a “controlling financial interest” in the professional corporations.  Beginning in September 2002, we began a process of renewing our agreements with the professional corporations and opening new vision centers with agreements that meet the “controlling financial interest” criteria of EITF 97-2.

As a result of the FASB’s issuance of FIN 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of ARB No. 51, in January 2003, we have evaluated the contractual management arrangements entered into with professional corporations after January 1, 2003 and have determined that consolidation of these entities is appropriate under the FIN 46 guidance.  With respect to the three remaining professional corporations with which we had a contractual management arrangement prior to January 1, 2003, we have determined that we should consolidate these entities under the FIN 46 guidance beginning July 1, 2003, which we do not believe will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Business

We are a leading developer and operator of fixed-site laser vision correction centers under the brand name LasikPlus.  Our vision centers provide the staff, facilities, equipment and support services for performing laser vision correction that employs advanced laser technologies to help correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.  We currently utilize fixed-site excimer lasers manufactured by Bausch & Lomb, VISX, and Alcon.  Our vision centers are supported mainly by full-time credentialed board-certified ophthalmologists, optometrists and other health care professionals.  The ophthalmologists perform the laser vision correction procedures in our vision centers, and either ophthalmologists or optometrists generally carry out the pre-procedure evaluations and post-procedure follow-ups in-center as well.  We have pe rformed approximately 300,000 laser vision correction procedures in our vision centers, in the United States and Canada, since 1991.  Most of our patients currently receive a procedure called LASIK, which we began performing in the United States in 1997.

We currently operate 36 laser vision correction centers, including 33 wholly-owned vision centers located in large metropolitan markets throughout the United States, two joint ventures in Canada and one joint venture in Europe.  We expect to open three to five new vision centers in the fourth quarter of 2003.

THE LASER VISION CORRECTION MARKET

General

More than 150 million Americans, or approximately 50% of the US population, require eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct common vision problems.  Most people seeking vision correction suffer from one or more refractive vision disorders, which often results from improper curvature of the cornea as related to the size and shape of the eye.  If the cornea’s curvature is not precisely correct, it cannot properly focus the light passing through it onto the retina, and the viewer will see a blurred image.  Three common refractive vision disorders are:

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myopia (nearsightedness) - images are focused in front of the retina, resulting in the blurred perception of distant objects,

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hyperopia (farsightedness) - images are focused behind the retina, resulting in the blurred perception of near objects, and

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astigmatism - images are not focused on any point due to the varying curvature of the eye along different axes.

Since the FDA approved the first laser to perform laser vision correction procedures in the United States in 1995, industry sources estimate that approximately 3 million patients have been treated.  Laser vision correction is currently one of the most widely performed elective surgical procedures in the United States, with approximately 1.2 million laser vision correction procedures performed on approximately 600,000 patients in 2002.  It is estimated that there are approximately 57.5 million potential patients for laser vision correction procedures in the United States, according to a report on the US refractive market published by MarketScope in November 2000.  We believe we are well positioned to grow given the relatively low penetration of the large target market for laser vision correction.  

Laser vision correction is typically an elective, private pay procedure performed on an outpatient basis.  The current demand for laser vision correction procedures performed in the United States is widely believed to be attributable to many factors, including:

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broader market acceptance - As the number of procedures performed increases, so does the number of patients able to attest to the perceived benefits of laser vision correction,

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improved technology - Compared to earlier laser vision correction procedures, the LASIK procedure typically results in less patient discomfort and a shorter recovery period, and

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expanded applications - FDA approvals for the excimer laser used in LASIK laser vision correction procedures has been extended to the treatment of three of the most common types of refractive vision disorders:  nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

Laser Vision Correction Procedures

Laser vision correction procedures are designed to reshape the outer layers of the cornea to help correct refractive vision disorders by changing its curvature with an excimer laser, which may reduce the need for corrective lenses.  Prior to the procedure, an assessment is made of the patient's candidacy for the procedure and the correction required to program the excimer laser.  The software of the excimer laser then calculates the number of pulses needed to achieve the intended correction using a specially developed algorithm.  A speculum is inserted to prevent blinking and topical anesthetic eye drops are applied.  The patient reclines in a chair, eyes focused on a fixed target, while the ophthalmologist positions the patient’s cornea for the procedure.  The excimer laser emits energy in a series of pulses with each pulse typically last ing only a fraction of a second.  High-energy ultraviolet light produced by the excimer laser creates a “non-thermal” process known as ablation, which removes tissue and reshapes the cornea.  The amount of tissue removed depends upon the degree of the vision disorder being corrected.  Following the procedure, the front surface of the eye is flatter when corrected for nearsightedness and steeper when corrected for farsightedness.  In effect, the change made in the middle or periphery of the cornea is translated to the front surface of the cornea which results in helping correct vision.  A series of patient follow-up visits are scheduled with an optometrist or ophthalmologist to monitor the corneal healing process, to check that there are no complications and to test the correction achieved by the laser vision correction procedure.  The typical procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes from set-up to completion.  

PRK.  PRK has been approved by the FDA for commercial use in the United States since 1995.  In PRK procedures, the ophthalmologist removes the thin layer of cells covering the outer surface of the cornea (the epithelium) in order to apply the excimer laser pulses to the surface of the cornea.  Following the PRK procedure, a contact lens bandage is placed on the eye to protect it.  The patient typically experiences discomfort and blurred vision until the epithelium heals.  An ophthalmologist generally will prescribe certain topical pharmaceuticals for use by the patient post-procedure to assist in alleviating discomfort and to promote corneal healing.  Although a patient generally experiences substantial improvement in clarity of vision within a few days following the procedure, it can take one to three months for the full ben efits of the PRK procedure to be realized.  Patients usually have one eye treated in one visit and the second eye treated at a later visit.

LASIK.  We began performing LASIK, which now accounts for substantially all of the procedures performed in our vision centers, in the United States in 1997.  In LASIK procedures, an automated microsurgical instrument called a microkeratome is used to create a thin flap, which remains hinged to the eye.  The corneal flap is then laid back and excimer laser pulses are applied to the exposed surface of the cornea to treat the eye according to the patient’s prescription.  The corneal flap is then folded back to its original position and inspected to ensure that it remains secured in position by the natural suction of the cornea.  Since the surface layer of the cornea remains intact with LASIK, a bandage contact lens is normally not required and the patient typically experiences little discomfort.  LASIK often has the advanta ge of more rapid recovery than PRK, with most patients seeing well enough to drive a car the next day and enjoying shorter recovery periods.  The LASIK procedure allows an ophthalmologist to treat both eyes of a patient during the same visit, involves little patient discomfort and produces prompt results, frequently enabling patients to see well postoperatively almost immediately.  

Custom Ablation.  The newest advance in laser vision correction procedures is LASIK using custom ablation.  We provide custom ablation in all of our markets using state-of-the-art technology, including VISX CustomVue^TM   technology and Alcon’s CUSTOMCORNEA™ technology.

To perform a custom ablation procedure, we use digital technology to identify and measure imperfections in an individual’s eyes more precisely than with standard methods used for glasses and contact lenses and non-custom LASIK and non-custom PRK, a procedure we began performing in the United States in 1995.  This information in then transferred to the laser, providing potentially greater precision and accuracy in the treatment.

Prior to custom ablation, laser vision correction corrected only the visual distortions caused by nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.  However, these common types of vision distortions, called "lower order aberrations", are typically responsible for only 85% to 90% of the overall quality of vision.  There are other imperfections in the eye’s optical system that may affect the clarity of one's vision and how well one sees at night or in low light.  Doctors call these visual distortions "higher order aberrations" and they can cause glare, shadows, halos and other visual defects.  Unless these higher order aberrations are addressed along with the lower order aberrations, the quality of vision may be compromised, even if it measures at 20/20.

With the new custom technology, it may now be possible to measure and, in some cases, help correct both lower and higher order aberrations.  Flat waves of light are passed through the eye using a computerized wavefront-measuring instrument.  As the light waves travel through the eye’s optical system, the distortions in vision are measured and compared against the flat light waves that would have been reflected if the optical system was perfect.  A three dimensional map is then generated representing the unique visual distortions, including both lower and higher order aberrations.  This map is a guide for the laser, instructing it how and where to reshape the cornea to correct vision.  Other aspects of the custom LASIK procedure are similar to those described above for LASIK.

OUR BUSINESS STRATEGY

Our business strategy is to provide quality laser vision correction services at an affordable price.  In July 1999, we began converting our vision centers to closed access facilities from open access facilities in order to obtain increased control over the quality of care we provide to our patients and greater operational and financial control of  our business.  Under the open access model, we allowed qualified ophthalmologists to use our equipment and facilities in return for a facilities fee.  Under our closed access model, in contrast, we either directly employ the ophthalmologist and the optometrist or contract for their services, and are responsible for marketing and patient acquisition.  By the first quarter of 2000, we changed the names of the majority of our vision centers to LasikPlus and began trying to build consumer awareness of the brand name through media campaigns that generally include newsprint, radio and direct mailings.  

We intend to grow our business through increased penetration in our current markets and expansion into new markets.  Key elements of our business strategy include:

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recruiting and retaining highly credentialed ophthalmologists and optometrists,

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providing patients with a “Continuum of Care”,

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opening and operating new laser vision correction centers,

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providing attractive patient financing alternatives,

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establishing relationships with leading managed care providers in the United States to source additional patients, and

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developing and implementing innovative direct marketing campaigns.

Recruiting and retaining highly credentialed ophthalmologists and optometrists.  We generally focus our recruiting efforts on leading ophthalmologists and optometrists with a reputation for providing quality eye care within their respective markets and who are experienced in laser vision correction procedures.  Our ophthalmologists have completed extensive FDA-mandated training and also have met our qualification criteria, including a review of state licensure, board certification, malpractice insurance, historical procedure experience and clinical outcomes.

Providing patients with a “Continuum of Care”.  We strive to achieve high patient satisfaction and have established a “Continuum of Care” program, the goal of which is to achieve the level of visual correction agreed to by the patient and physician.  This program begins with our initial contact with the prospective patient.  Our call center personnel are trained to answer questions regarding procedures and have access to both an ophthalmologist to address more difficult inquiries and past patients to relate procedure experience.  Once in the vision center, potential patients can receive a free eye evaluation with the local center ophthalmologist or optometrist to determine their candidacy for laser vision correction as well as a consultation focused on educating the patient on vision correction procedures, how the procedur e may help correct the patient's specific refractive vision disorder and what results the patient may expect after the procedure.  Additionally, our vision centers are designed to create a patient friendly environment and reduce any anxiety associated with getting laser vision correction.  We schedule post-surgical follow-ups with patients who have received the procedure to monitor procedure results and evaluate potentially providing enhancements to those patients who do not receive the desired correction in the initial procedure.  The vast majority of patients who respond to our customer satisfaction surveys indicate that they are satisfied with the care they received in our vision centers.  

Opening and operating new laser vision correction centers. We plan to expand our business primarily through the development of new vision centers in desirable markets and within existing markets. In evaluating new and current markets for opening a laser vision correction center, we evaluate a number of factors, including population demographics, and attempt to determine the number of existing excimer lasers currently in that market.  We also typically interview local ophthalmologists and optometrists. We target markets with potential to generate break-even procedure volume within the first six months of opening, including the necessary ophthalmologist and optometrist staffing to support such levels.  We have developed what we believe to be cost-efficient standardized vision center plans and designs to be used in building each new vision center to effic iently manage patient flow and physician and staff productivity.  In addition, from time to time we expect to evaluate strategic transactions as a means to supplement our growth.

Providing attractive patient financing alternatives.  Because laser vision correction procedures are elective and generally not reimbursable by third party payors, we currently offer patients several financing alternatives.  We have entered into an arrangement with an unaffiliated finance company, pursuant to which the finance company makes multiple payment plans available to qualifying customers.  These payment plans typically provide for payments over a 12 month to 48 month period.  We generally bear no credit risk for loans made under this program.  For patients not qualifying for these plans, we also offer our own direct financing to customers under which we charge an up-front fee intended to cover some or all of our variable costs, with the remaining balance paid by the customer through direct withdrawals from the customer's bank ac count in up to 36 equal monthly installments.  We can also provide information to customers regarding other financing options, such as installment plans, home equity loans and payment through employer flexible benefit plans.   

Establishing relationships with leading managed care providers in the United States to source additional patients.  With the increasing number of employers adding vision services to their employee benefit packages, we hope to increase our US footprint and market share by developing contractual relationships with managed care organizations, through which we offer discounted rates to plan participants.  Through our agreements with managed care providers to date, we believe we currently have access to approximately 75 million covered lives in over 100 major US markets.  Customers from our managed care program have grown from representing 11% of our revenues in 2002 to representing approximately 17% of our revenues in the three-month period ended June 30, 2003.  We believe we are particularly well-suited to offer such programs to managed c are plans.

Developing and implementing innovative direct marketing campaigns.  Our marketing programs seek to reinforce the LasikPlus brand name in addition to raising awareness concerning laser vision correction and promoting our vision centers.  In each market, we target a specific demographic group of potential patients that we believe may be interested in laser vision correction through the use of print media, radio, direct mail campaigns, internet marketing, brochures and videos.  In most advertisements, prospective patients are provided our web site address, www.lasikplus.com, and a toll-free number, such as 1-888-529-2020, 1-800-LASIKPLUS or 1-800-243-EYES.   Our call center representatives screen prospective patients, record patient names and information into our centralized computer system and attempt to schedule eye evaluation appointments for prospective patients with the local center ophthalmologist or optometrist to determine whether the prospective patient is a candidate for laser vision correction.  We generally keep a prospective patient's name on file if the patient elects not to proceed with a laser vision procedure following an initial evaluation.  We continuously evaluate the effectiveness of our marketing programs and our marketing costs.

COMPETITION

Laser vision correction, whether performed at one of our vision centers or elsewhere, competes with several surgical and non-surgical treatments to correct refractive vision disorders, including eyeglasses, contact lenses, other types of refractive surgery and corneal implants, among other treatments. In addition, other technologies currently under development may ultimately prove to be more attractive and effective to consumers than current laser vision correction technology.

In addition, we face competition from other providers of laser vision correction.  Eye care services in the United States are delivered through a fragmented system of local providers, including individual or small groups of opticians, optometrists and ophthalmologists and chains of retail optical stores and multi-site eye care vision centers. Laser vision correction corporate providers, such as us, are a specialized type of multi-site eye care center that primarily provide laser vision correction.  Among the laser vision correction center providers, we believe we are one of the largest providers in terms of number of vision centers in the United States.

The market for providing laser vision correction service is highly competitive and fragmented. In most, if not all, of our markets, we compete with other laser vision correction center chains, including TLC Vision Corporation, which is also a public company, and Lasik Vision Institute, as well as with hospitals, surgical clinics, local operators of vision centers and ophthalmology practices, among others, that have purchased or rent their own lasers.

In the past certain competitors have utilized deeply-discounted pricing in an effort to generate procedural volume. These practices have in the past caused periods of intense price competition in our industry.  As a result, we have lowered our prices in the past in order to remain competitive.  While two of the larger heavily-discounted providers of laser vision correction services have ceased business, other competitors offer discounts in some geographic markets where we conduct business.  It is possible that our business could be materially adversely affected in the future by discounting practices of competitors.

EMPLOYEES

As of September 19, 2003, we had 238 employees, 212 of whom were full-time. None of our employees are subject to a collective bargaining agreement nor have we experienced any work stoppages.  We believe our relations with our employees are good.

TRADEMARKS

Not all of our trademarked names have been formally registered yet.  Where the trademark symbol is used, it is our intention to claim a trademark on such names under common law by using the “TM” symbol.  The duration of such trademarks under common law is the length of time we continue to use them.  

SUPPLIERS OF LASER EQUIPMENT

We are not directly involved in the research, development or manufacture of ophthalmic laser systems, diagnostic equipment, microkeratomes or microkeratome blades.  There are at least five companies, Bausch & Lomb, VISX, Alcon, Nidek and LaserSight, whose excimer laser systems have been approved by the FDA for commercial sale in the United States.  We currently use several suppliers, including Bausch & Lomb, VISX and Alcon, for our excimer lasers and diagnostic equipment in the United States.  We rely primarily on Bausch & Lomb to provide us with microkeratomes, microkeratome blades and other disposable items required in LASIK procedures.

GOVERNMENT REGULATION

Our operations are subject to extensive federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations affecting the healthcare industry and the delivery of healthcare. Some of these include laws and regulations, which vary significantly from state to state, prohibiting unlawful rebates and division of fees, and limiting the manner in which prospective patients may be solicited. Furthermore, contractual arrangements with hospitals, surgery centers, ophthalmologists and optometrists, among others, are extensively regulated by state and federal law.  

Failure to comply with applicable FDA requirements could subject excimer laser manufacturers and us to enforcement action, including product seizures, recalls, withdrawal of approvals and civil and criminal penalties, any one or more of which could have a material adverse affect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, clearance or approvals could be withdrawn in some circumstances. Failure by us or our principal suppliers to comply with regulatory requirements, or any adverse regulatory action, could result in us being named as a party in ensuing litigation or a limitation on or prohibition of our use of excimer lasers, which in turn would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. Discovery of problems, violations of current laws or future legislative or administrative action in th e United States or elsewhere may adversely affect the manufacturers' ability to obtain regulatory approval of laser equipment. Furthermore, the failure of VISX, Bausch & Lomb and Alcon, or any other manufacturers that supply or may supply excimer lasers to us to comply with applicable federal, state, or foreign regulatory requirements, or any adverse regulatory action against such manufacturers, could limit the supply of lasers or limit our ability to use the lasers.

The following is a more detailed description of certain laws and regulations that affect our operations.

Restrictions on Medical Devices

In the United States, the FDA regulates the manufacturing, labeling, distribution and marketing of medical devices, including excimer lasers, microkeratomes and certain equipment we provide for use in laser vision correction surgery. The excimer lasers and other major equipment that we use have been authorized by the FDA for certain uses.

Once FDA approval is obtained, however, medical device manufacturers are subject to continuing FDA obligations. For example, the FDA requires that medical devices be manufactured in accordance with its Quality System Regulations. In essence, this means that medical devices must be manufactured and records must be maintained in a prescribed manner with respect to production, testing and control activities. In addition, the FDA sometimes imposes restrictions and requirements regarding the labeling and promotion of medical devices, with which users such as us as well as manufacturers must comply. Non-compliance with FDA requirements could subject us and manufacturers to enforcement action, including:

*

product seizures,

*

recalls,

*

withdrawal of approvals, and

*

civil and criminal penalties.

Any such enforcement action could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The use of an excimer laser to treat both eyes on the same day (bilateral treatment) has not been approved by the FDA.  The FDA has stated that it considers the use of the excimer laser for bilateral treatment to be a practice of medicine decision, which the FDA is not authorized to regulate.  Ophthalmologists, including those practicing in our vision centers, widely perform bilateral treatment in an exercise of professional judgment in connection with the practice of medicine.  There can be no assurance that the FDA will not seek to challenge this practice in the future.

To authorize new uses of medical devices, manufacturers are required to obtain a supplemental FDA authorization. Obtaining these authorizations is time consuming and expensive, and we cannot be sure that manufacturers of the devices we use will be able to obtain any such additional FDA authorizations. Further, later discovery of problems with the medical devices we use or manufacture or failure to comply with manufacturing or labeling requirements may result in restrictions on use of the devices or enforcement action against the manufacturers, including withdrawal of devices from the market. Changes in legislation or regulation could affect whether and how we can use the devices.  These and other regulatory actions could limit the supply of devices we use or our ability to use them, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition an d results of operations.

Anti-Kickback Statutes

In the United States, the federal anti-kickback statute prohibits the knowing and willful solicitation, receipt, offer or payment of any kickback in connection with:

*

the referral of patients, and

*

the ordering or purchasing of items or services payable in whole or in part under Medicare, Medicaid or other federal healthcare programs.

Some courts have interpreted the federal anti-kickback statute broadly to prohibit payments intended to induce the referral of Medicare or Medicaid business, regardless of any other legitimate motives. Sanctions for violations of the anti-kickback statute include:

*

criminal penalties,

*

civil penalties of up to $50,000 per violation, and

*

exclusion from Medicare, Medicaid and other federal programs.

According to the US Office of the Inspector General, ophthalmologists and optometrists who engage in agreements to refer business may be violating the anti-kickback statute. Further, violations may occur even with respect to non-Medicare or Medicaid services if the arrangement has an impact on the referral pattern for Medicare or Medicaid services.

Some states have enacted statutes similar to the federal anti-kickback statute which are applicable to all referrals of patients. Although we have endeavored to structure our business operations to be in material compliance with such laws, authorities could determine that our business practices are in violation of such laws. This could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Fee-Splitting

Many states prohibit professionals (including ophthalmologists and optometrists) from paying a portion of a professional fee to another individual unless that individual is an employee or partner in the same professional practice. Violation of a state’s fee-splitting prohibition may result in civil or criminal fines, as well as loss of licensing privileges. Many states do not offer clear guidance on what relationships constitute fee-splitting, particularly in the context of providing management services for doctors. Although we have endeavored to structure our business operations in material compliance with these laws, state authorities could find that fee-splitting prohibitions apply to our business practices. This could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Corporate Practice of Medicine and Optometry

The laws of many states prohibit business corporations, such as us, from practicing medicine and employing or engaging physicians to practice medicine. Some states prohibit business corporations from practicing optometry or employing or engaging optometrists to practice optometry. Such laws preclude companies that are not owned entirely by eye care professionals from:

*

employing eye care professionals,

*

controlling clinical decision making, and

*

engaging in other activities that are deemed to constitute the practice of optometry or ophthalmology.

This prohibition is generally referred to as the prohibition against the corporate practice of medicine or optometry. Violation of this prohibition may result in civil or criminal fines, as well as sanctions imposed against the professional through licensing proceedings. Although we have endeavored to structure our contractual relationships to be in material compliance with these laws, if any aspect of our operations were found to violate state corporate practice of medicine or optometry prohibitions, this could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Self-Referral Laws

The US federal self-referral law (the “Stark Law”) prohibits physicians (including optometrists) from referring their Medicare or Medicaid patients for certain health services to any provider with which they (or their immediate family members) have a financial relationship. Certain referrals, however, fit within specific exceptions in the statute or regulations. The penalties for violating the Stark Law include:

*

denial of payment for the health services performed,

*

civil fines of up to $15,000 for each service provided pursuant to a prohibited referral,

*

a fine of up to $100,000 for participation in a circumvention scheme, and

*

possible exclusion from Medicare and Medicaid programs.

At this time it is unclear how ophthalmologists and optometrists are affected under the law.  While we believe that our present business practices materially comply with the Stark Law and similar state laws to the extent we are subject to such laws, we cannot assure you that our business practices will not be challenged in the future. This could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Other Anti-Fraud Provisions

Certain federal and state laws impose penalties on healthcare providers and those who provide services to such providers (including businesses such as us) that fraudulently or wrongfully bill government or other third-party payors for healthcare services. Such penalties include substantial civil and criminal fines and imprisonment. In addition, the federal law prohibiting false Medicare/Medicaid billings allows a private person to bring a civil action in the name of the US government for violations of its provisions. Such private individuals can obtain a portion of the false claims recovery if the action is successful. We believe that we operate in material compliance with these laws.  If any of our activities are challenged or reviewed by governmental authorities or private parties asserting false claims, such actions could have a material adverse effect on our b usiness, financial condition and results of operations.

Facility Licensure and Certificate of Need

State Departments of Health may require us to obtain licenses in the various states in which we have or acquire laser vision correction centers or other business operations. We believe that we have obtained the necessary licensure in states where licensure is required and that we are not required to obtain licenses in other states. However, not all of the regulations governing the need for licensure are clear and there is little guidance available regarding certain interpretative issues. Therefore, it is possible that a state regulatory authority could determine that we are improperly conducting business operations without a license. This could subject us to significant fines or penalties, result in our being required to cease operations in that state and could otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We h ave no reason to believe that we will be unable to obtain necessary licenses without unreasonable expense or delay, but there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain any required license.

Some states require permission by the State Department of Health in the form of a Certificate of Need (“CON”) prior to the construction or modification of an ambulatory care facility or the purchase of certain medical equipment in excess of a certain amount. We believe that we have obtained the necessary CONs in states where a CON is required. However, not all of the regulations governing the need for CONs are clear and there is little guidance to cover certain interpretive issues. Therefore, it is possible that a state regulatory authority could determine that we are improperly conducting business operations without a CON. This could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to acquire a CON in all states where it is required.

Health Information Practices

We, along with the health care industry in general, are impacted by the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, or HIPAA, which mandates, among other things, the adoption of standards, for the exchange of electronic health information in an effort to enhance the efficiency and simplify the administration of the healthcare system.  In addition, HIPAA requires the Department of Health and Human Services to adopt standards for electronic transmissions and code sets; unique identifiers for providers, employers, health plans and individuals; security and electronic signatures; privacy; and enforcement.  While HIPAA ultimately is designed to reduce administrative expenses within the healthcare system, the law likely will initially require significant, and possibly costly, changes for the industry.  The Electronic Healthcare Transac tions and Code Sets have gone into effect, but entities have until October 16, 2003 to comply with them, as long as they comply with the HIPAA privacy standards by April 14, 2003.  On February 20, 2003, the Department of Health and Human Services published standards for the security of electronic health information.  We must comply with the requirements of the security standards by April 21, 2005.  Based on current information, we believe we will be able to fully comply with the HIPAA requirements by such date; however, we cannot at this time estimate the cost of compliance, whether in fact we will be successful in achieving such compliance or if implementation of the HIPAA standards will result in an adverse effect on our operations or profitability.

Healthcare Reform

Healthcare reform is considered by many in the United States to be a national priority. Several states are also currently considering healthcare proposals.  We cannot predict what additional action, if any, the federal government or any state may ultimately take with respect to healthcare reform. Healthcare reform may bring significant changes in the financing and regulation of the healthcare industry, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

In the first quarter of 2002, in response to an informal request for information we received from the Federal Trade Commission, we supplied the FTC with documentation related to a number of advertisements we ran in prior years.  During the quarter ended September 30, 2002, the FTC informed us that they believed certain of our earlier advertisements violated the Federal Trade Commission Act because we lacked adequate substantiation for three specific claims made in the advertisements.  We elected to voluntarily settle with the FTC rather than incur the significant expense and distraction from our business that would have resulted from prolonged litigation.

On December 10, 2002, we signed the Agreement Containing Consent Order.  The FTC formally entered the Complaint and Agreement on July 18, 2003.  This case is entitled In the Matter of LCA-Vision Inc., d/b/a LASIKPLUS, File No. 022-3098.  We agreed that in any future advertisements we would not represent in any manner that our LASIK surgery eliminates the need for glasses and contacts for life, poses significantly less risk to patients’ eye health than wearing glasses or contacts, or eliminates the risk of glare and haloing.  The FTC did not impose any fine or other monetary penalty on us.  We cannot be certain that this agreed order will not have a materially adverse effect on our business.

Our business routinely results in a number of medical malpractice lawsuits.  Claims reported to us prior to December 18, 2002 were generally covered by external insurance policies and to date have not had a material financial impact on our business other than the cost of insurance and our deductibles under such policies.  Due to substantial increases in insurance premiums, effective as of December 18, 2002, we established a captive insurance company to provide coverage for claims brought against us after December 17, 2002.  Our captive insurance company is managed by an independent insurance consulting and management firm and is capitalized by us based on actuarial studies performed by an affiliate of the consulting and management firm.  Our captive insurance company has to date purchased excess liability coverage for 80% of our aggregate losses in a given policy year in excess of $1,000,000, up to $11,000,000.  Under that arrangement, the coverage providers’ obligation arises only after our captive pays the first $1,000,000 of any loss and the coverage providers are only obligated to pay an aggregate of $8,000,000 in a given policy year.  A number of cases covered by our captive insurance company are now pending.

We also are subject to other litigation from time to time, none of which we currently consider to be material to our business financial position or results of operation.

We do not believe that any of the legal proceedings to which we are currently subject will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position or results of operations.

Management

The directors, executive officers and key personnel of LCA-Vision and their positions with LCA-Vision are as follows:

Name	Age	Position
Stephen N. Joffe	60	Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Director
Kevin M. Hassey	46	President
Alan H. Buckey	44	Executive Vice President/Finance and Chief Financial Officer
Craig P.R. Joffe	31	Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
William O. Coleman(1)(2)	74	Director
John H. Gutfreund(2)(3)	73	Director
John C. Hassan(1)	60	Director

________________________

(1) Member of the Audit Committee

(2) Member of the Compensation Committee

(3) Mr. Gutfreund is the President of C.E. Unterberg, Towbin, one of the underwriters of this offering.  See "Underwriting."

Stephen N. Joffe, M.D. is the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, and a Director of LCA-Vision.  He was the founder of the Company’s corporate predecessor, Laser Centers of America, Inc. and served as its Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer from its founding in 1985 until its merger into our company in 1995.  In addition, Dr. Joffe is an Esteemed Quondam Professor of Surgery at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, a position he has held since 1990.  He was a full-time Professor of Surgery at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for nine years prior to 1990.  He has held faculty appointments at the Universities of London, Glasgow and Cincinnati and holds fellowships of the American College of Surgeons and the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Kevin M. Hassey has been the President of LCA-Vision since August 1, 2003.  Previously, he was the Vice President and General Manager of the Eyemed Managed Care Division of the Luxottica Group from July 1999 to July 2003 and the Vice President of Marketing of the Luxottica Group’s Lenscrafters division from July 1996 to July 1999.  Prior to July 1996, Mr. Hassey held various marketing positions with Lenscrafters and spent a number of years in brand management with the Procter & Gamble Company.

Alan H. Buckey is Executive Vice President/Finance and Chief Financial Officer for LCA-Vision.  He came to LCA-Vision from Pease Industries, a $70 million manufacturing company based in Fairfield, Ohio, where he served as Vice President, Finance from 1991.  He also served as CFO of the Hilltop Companies, a contract laboratory research firm, and as a senior manager with Ernst & Young's Great Lakes Consulting Group.  While at Ernst & Young, he served as acting CFO of a start-up laser surgery management company which was the predecessor of LCA-Vision.  He joined LCA-Vision in March 2000 and became Executive Vice President in January 2001.

Craig P.R. Joffe has been Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of LCA-Vision since March 2003.  Previously, he served as Assistant General Counsel of USA Interactive (now named InterActive), a publicly traded leading multibrand interactive commerce company, from September 2000 to February 2003.  Prior to joining USA Interactive, Mr. Joffe, a graduate of Harvard Law School, was a general practice associate in the New York and London offices of the international law firm Sullivan & Cromwell for over three years.  

William O. Coleman is a director and formerly held positions at The Procter & Gamble Company from 1955 - 1988 that included General Sales Manager, Vice President Food Products, Vice President International/Latin America, and Special Projects.  After his retirement, Mr. Coleman served as a Trustee of the Procter & Gamble Retirement Trusts through June 2000.  He currently serves on the board of the Touchstone family of funds.  He has served as a director of our company since 1997.

John H. Gutfreund is the President of C.E. Unterberg, Towbin, an investment partnership for high-growth technology companies.  Formerly, Mr. Gutfreund was with Salomon Brothers from 1953 - 1991, most recently as its Chairman.  Mr. Gutfreund is: director, Montefiore Medical Center, New York City and a member of the Executive Committee; member, Council on Foreign Relations; member, the Board of Trustees, New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundations; honorary trustee, Oberlin (Ohio) College; chairman, Arperture Foundation; and director AccuWeather, Inc., Ascent Assurance, Inc., Evercel, Inc., Maxicare Health Plans, Inc. and Nutrition 21, Inc.  He has served as a director of our company since 1997.

John C. Hassan is a director and has been the President of Champion Printing, Inc. for more than 11 years.  Previously, he was Vice President, Marketing of the Drackett Company, a division of Bristol-Meyers Squibb.  He currently serves on the boards of the Printing Industries of Ohio and Northern Kentucky,  the Ohio Graphics Arts Health Fund and the Madiera/Indian Hill Fire Co.  He has served as a director of our company since 1996.

There are no family relationships between any of the directors or executive officers of LCA-Vision except that Stephen N. Joffe is Craig P.R. Joffe's father.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND BOARD COMMITTEES

Our board of directors is currently comprised of four members who are elected annually.  Our board of directors has two committees, the audit committee and the compensation committee.  We do not currently have a nominating committee.

The audit committee reviews and reports to the board of directors with respect to various auditing and accounting matters, including the recommendation of independent auditors and review and consultation with the independent auditors on the audit, financial reporting and the adequacy of internal controls.  Messrs. Coleman and Hassan are members of our audit committee.

The compensation committee recommends to our entire board of directors the compensation arrangements for our executive officers and administers our stock option plans.  Messrs. Coleman and Gutfreund are members of our compensation committee.

Certain transactions

Stephen N. Joffe, our principal stockholder, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, is the majority stockholder of an inactive ambulatory surgical center.  Prior to January 1, 2000, we had made loans to Dr. Joffe and had advanced funds to the surgery center.  At January 1, 2001 the note receivable from Dr. Joffe and the receivable from the affiliated company, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, was $360,000.

During 2001, all then remaining assets of the surgery center were sold for $138,000 and the proceeds were paid to us to reduce the note receivable.  The remaining balance of the note was forgiven, and the receivable written off in 2001.

Stephen N. Joffe, our principal stockholder, Chairman of the Board and President, also owns Columbus Eye Associates, an Ohio professional corporation.  In some states, we cannot employ ophthalmologists or optometrists.  In such states, we contract with a professional corporation to provide medical services to us.  In those states that allow a professional corporation to be qualified as a foreign corporation and provide such services, we contract with Columbus Eye Associates.  We currently contract with Columbus Eye Associates for the professional services of ophthalmologists and optometrists in Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, North Carolina and Virginia and expect to contract with them soon for such services in Nevada.  Patient fees are paid to Columbus Eye Associates, which in turn pays a facility fee to us.  Amounts retained by Columbus E ye Associates are, by contract, limited to an amount equal to the cost of compensating its ophthalmologists and optometrists and covering its other operating expenses, and Dr. Joffe does not receive any compensation or other remuneration from Columbus Eye Associates.

In January, 2002, we and certain of our directors and then officers purchased 1,632,881 shares of our common stock from Summit Autonomous Inc., a subsidiary of ALCON Holdings Inc. for an aggregate price of $4,898,000.  At the time of the transaction Summit Autonomous Inc. was a beneficial owner of more than 10% of our outstanding common stock.  Mr. Gutfreund and Mr. Hassan, current directors, purchased 25,000 and 6,250 shares, respectively.  Dr. Joffe and Mr. Buckey, current executive officers, and Mr. Dzialo, our former President, purchased 743,940, 25,000 and 6,250 shares, respectively, and we purchased 816,440 shares of the common stock sold for an aggregate price of $2,449,000.

Principal and selling stockholders

The following table and notes set forth certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of August 31, 2003, both before and after giving effect to the sale of shares of common stock in this offering (excluding over-allotments, if any) for the following:

*

each of our directors and executive officers,

*

all directors and executive officers as a group,

*

the selling stockholder, and

*

each person who is known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding common stock.

The table below sets forth the names of the selling stockholder and the number of shares which may be sold by the selling stockholder pursuant to this prospectus.  “Shares Beneficially Owned” prior to and after the offering include those shares that could be acquired through the possible exercise of outstanding options granted under one or more of our stock option plans which are presently exercisable or will be exercisable within 60 days.

SEC rules provide that shares of common stock which an individual or group has a right to acquire within 60 days pursuant to the exercise of options or warrants are deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage of ownership of such individual or group, but are not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person shown on the table.

The information included below is based upon information provided by the individuals named below.  Because this offering may not result in the sale of all additional shares pursuant to over-allotments, no definitive estimate as to the percentage of common stock that will be held by the selling stockholder after this offering can be provided. The table below has been prepared on the assumption that the over-allotment option has not been exercised, and that all of the shares offered under this prospectus will be sold to unaffiliated parties. See “Underwriting.”

	Shares Beneficially Owned Prior to Offering(1)			Shares Beneficially Owned After the Offering
Name	Number	Percent	Shares Offered	Number	Percent
Stephen N. Joffe, M.D	3,386,412(2)	31.4%	600,000	2,786,412(2)	21.1%
William O. Coleman	49,813(3)	*	-	49,813(3)	*
John H. Gutfreund	50,938(4)	*	-	50,938(4)	*
John C. Hassan	18,188(5)	*	-	18,188(5)	*
Kevin M. Hassey	28,000(6)	*	-	28,000(6)	*
Alan H. Buckey	94,700(7)	*	-	94,700(7)	*
Craig P.R. Joffe	492,633(8)	4.6%	-	492,633(8)	3.7%
All directors and executive officers as a group (7 persons)	4,120,684(9)	38.2%	600,000	3,520,684(10)	26.7%

__________________________

* Less than 1%

(1)

The persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock shown as beneficially owned by them, subject to community property laws, where applicable, and the information contained in other footnotes to this table.

(2)

Stephen N. Joffe, MD  is deemed to be the beneficial owner of all shares owned by himself and by his spouse, Sandra Joffe.  The total shown consists of 1,663,257 shares of common stock held by the Stephen N. Joffe Grantor Retained Annuity Trust, dated December 31, 2002; 743,940 shares of common stock owned of record by Dr. Joffe (143,940 shares after the offering); 624,585 shares of common stock held by the Sandra F.W. Joffe Grantor Retained Annuity Trust, dated December 31, 2002; 257,543 shares of common stock held by the Stephen N. Joffe Grantor Retained Annuity Trust, dated December 31, 2001; 96,713 shares of common stock held by the Sandra F.W. Joffe Grantor Retained Annuity Trust, dated December 31, 2001; 187 shares of common stock owned of record by Dr. and Mrs. Joffe jointly; and 187 shares of common stock issuable to Mrs. Joffe in the event of her exercise of a currently exercisable stock option.

(3)

Includes 37,125 shares owned of record by Mr. Coleman; 1,750 held in trust for the benefit of certain family members (as to which shares Mr. Coleman disclaims beneficial ownership); and 10,938 shares of common stock issuable to Mr. Coleman upon the exercise of certain unexercised stock options.

(4)

Includes 40,000 shares owned of record by Mr. Gutfreund, and 10,938 shares of common stock issuable to Mr. Gutfreund upon the exercise of certain unexercised stock options.

(5)

Includes 7,250 shares owned of record by Mr. Hassan and 10,938  shares of common stock issuable to Mr. Hassan upon the exercise of certain unexercised stock options.

(6)

Includes 3,000 shares owned of record by Mr. Hassey and 25,000 shares of common stock issuable to Mr. Hassey upon the exercise of certain unexercised stock options.

(7)

Includes 50,000 shares owned of record by Mr. Buckey, 5,950 shares owned of record by his spouse and minor children, and 38,750 shares of common stock issuable to Mr. Buckey upon the exercise of certain unexercised stock options.

(8)

Includes 492,633 shares owned of record by Mr. Joffe.

(9)

Consists of 4,023,933 shares owned of record directly or indirectly by such persons and 96,751 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options held directly or indirectly by such persons.

(10)

Consists of 3,423,933 shares owned of record directly or indirectly by such persons and 96,751 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options held directly or indirectly by such persons.

Description of capital stock

Our authorized capital stock consists of 27,500,000 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value per share, and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.001 par value per share.  As of September 19, 2003, there were 10,800,026 shares of common stock outstanding held by approximately 2,464 holders of record.  No shares of preferred stock are outstanding.  Our common stock trades on the Nasdaq National Market.

The holders of outstanding shares of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends out of assets legally available at times and in amounts as the board of directors may from time to time determine. Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters to be voted upon generally by the stockholders.

The common stock is not entitled to preemptive or preferential rights. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to our common stock. Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the company, the assets legally available for distribution to our stockholders are divided among the holders of the common stock in proportion to the number of shares of common stock held by each of them, following payment of all of our debts and liabilities and fulfillment of the rights of any outstanding class or series of preferred stock that has priority to distributed assets. The rights of holders of common stock are subordinate to those of holders of any series of preferred stock.

Our board of directors is authorized to issue from time to time, without stockholder authorization, in one or more designated series, any or all of our authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock with any dividend, redemption, conversion and exchange provision as may be provided in that particular series.

The rights of the holders of our common stock will be subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of any preferred stock. Issuance of a new series of preferred stock, while providing desirable flexibility in connection with possible strategic transactions and other corporate purposes, could have the effect of entrenching our board of directors and making it more difficult for a third-party to acquire, or discouraging a third-party from acquiring, a majority of our outstanding voting stock

Shares eligible for future sale

The market price of our common stock could drop due to sales of large number of shares of our common stock or the perception that such sales could occur.  These factors could also make it more difficult to raise funds through future offerings of common stock.

After this offering, 13,200,026 shares of common stock will be outstanding.  Of these shares, all shares sold in this offering will be freely tradeable without restriction under the Securities Act of 1933 except for any shares purchased by any of our “affiliates” as defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act.  After this offering, assuming no affiliates purchase shares in the offering and the underwriters do not exercise their over-allotment option, our affiliates will own approximately 3.5 million shares of our common stock.  

Our officers and directors and the selling stockholder have entered into lock-up agreements pursuant to which they have agreed not to offer or sell any shares of common stock or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of common stock for a period of 90 days after the date of this prospectus without the prior written consent of UBS Securities LLC, subject to certain permitted exceptions.  See “Underwriting.”  UBS Securities LLC may, at any time and without notice, waive any of the terms of these lock-up agreements.  Following the lock-up period, these shares will not be eligible for sale in the public market without registration under the Securities Act unless such sales meet the conditions and restrictions of Rule 144 as described below.

In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, any person (or persons whose shares are aggregated), including an affiliate, who has beneficially owned shares for a period of at least one year is entitled to sell, within any three-month period, a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of (i) 1% of the then-outstanding shares of common stock and (ii) the average weekly trading volume in the common stock during the four calendar weeks immediately preceding the date on which the notice of such sale on Form 144 is filed with the SEC.  Sales under Rule 144 are also subject to certain provisions relating to notice and manner of sale and the availability of current public information about us.  The foregoing summary of Rule 144 is not intended to be a complete description.

Underwriting

We, the selling stockholder and the underwriters for this offering named below have entered into an underwriting agreement concerning the shares being offered.  Subject to conditions, each underwriter has severally agreed to purchase the number of shares indicated in the following table. UBS Securities LLC is the sole book-running manager of this offering.

Underwriters	Number of Shares
UBS Securities LLC
C.E. Unterberg, Towbin
Total	3,000,000

If the underwriters sell more shares than the total number set forth in the table above, the underwriters have a 30-day option to buy up to an additional 450,000 shares from us at the public offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions, to cover these sales.  If any shares are purchased under this option, the underwriters will severally purchase shares in approximately the same proportion as set forth in the table above.

The following table shows the per share and total underwriting discounts and commissions payable by us and the selling stockholder to the underwriters. These amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters' option to purchase up to an additional 450,000 shares.

	Paid by Us		Paid by Selling Stockholder
	No exercise	Full exercise	No exercise	Full exercise
Per Share
Total

We estimate that the total expenses of the offering, payable by us, excluding underwriting discounts and commissions, will be approximately $225,000.  

Shares sold by the underwriters to the public will initially be offered at the public offering price set forth on the cover of this prospectus. Any shares sold by the underwriters to securities dealers may be sold at a discount of up to $___ per share from the public offering price. Any of these securities dealers may resell any shares purchased from the underwriters to other brokers or dealers at a discount of up to $___ per share from the public offering price. If all the shares are not sold at the public offering price, the underwriters may change the offering price and the other selling terms.

In connection with this offering, certain of the brokers or securities dealers may distribute prospectuses electronically.

We and each of our directors and executive officers and the selling stockholder have agreed with the underwriters not to offer, sell, contract to sell, hedge or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, any of our common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for shares of common stock during the period from the date of this prospectus continuing through the date 90 days after the date of this prospectus, subject to certain permitted exceptions, without the prior written consent of UBS Securities LLC.

In connection with this offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell shares of our common stock in the open market. These transactions may include stabilizing transactions, short sales and purchases to cover positions created by short sales. Stabilizing transactions consist of bids or purchases made for the purpose of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of our common stock while this offering is in progress. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of shares than they are required to purchase in this offering. Short sales may be either "covered short sales" or "naked short sales." Covered short sales are sales made in an amount not greater than the underwriters' over-allotment option to purchase additional shares in this offering. The underwriters may close out any covered short position by eith er exercising their over-allotment option or purchasing shares in the open market. In determining the source of shares to close out the covered short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase shares through the over-allotment option. Naked short sales are sales in excess of the over-allotment option. The underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned there may be downward pressure on the price of shares in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in this offering.

The underwriters also may impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a particular underwriter repays to the underwriters a portion of the underwriting discount received by it because the underwriters have repurchased shares sold by or for the account of that underwriter in stabilizing or short covering transactions.

These activities by the underwriters may stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of our common stock. As a result, the price of our common stock may be higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market. If these activities are commenced, the underwriters may discontinue them at any time. These transactions may be effected on the Nasdaq National Market or otherwise.

In addition, in connection with this offering, certain of the underwriters (and selling group members) may engage in passive market making transactions in the common stock on the Nasdaq National Market prior to the pricing and completion of the offering. Passive market making consists of displaying bids on the Nasdaq National Market no higher than the bid prices of independent market makers and making purchases at prices no higher than these independent bids and effected in response to order flow. Net purchases by a passive market maker on each day are limited to a specified percentage of the passive market maker's average daily trading volume in the common stock during a specified period and must be discontinued when such limit is reached. Passive market making may cause the price of the common stock to be higher than the price that otherwise would exist in the o pen market in the absence of such transactions. If passive market making is commenced, it may be discontinued at any time.

We and the selling stockholder have agreed to indemnify the several underwriters against some liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to contribute to payments that the underwriters may be required to make in respect thereof.

The underwriters may in the future provide financial advisory services to us.  In addition, John H. Gutfreund, who is a member of our board of directors, is  the President of C.E. Unterberg, Towbin, one of the underwriters.

Legal matters

The validity of the common stock offered hereby and certain other legal matters will be passed upon for us by Dinsmore & Shohl LLP, Cincinnati, Ohio.  Dewey Ballantine LLP, New York, New York, is counsel for the underwriters in connection with this offering.

Experts

The consolidated financial statements of LCA-Vision Inc. at December 31, 2002 and 2001, and for each of the years in the two year period ended December 31, 2002, appearing and as incorporated by reference in this prospectus and registration statement have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in their report thereon appearing elsewhere herein, and are included in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

The financial statements included in this prospectus for the year ended December 31, 2000 have been so included in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

Where you can find more information

We file reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act of 1933 to register the offering of the shares of common stock offered hereby. This prospectus constitutes a part of the registration statement.  You may read and copy the registration statement, its exhibits and schedules and any materials we file with the SEC without charge at the Public Reference Room maintained by the SEC at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549.  You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, we are required to file electronic versions of these documents with the SEC through the SEC’s Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval (EDGAR) system. The SEC maintains an Internet site at http ://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC.  We also maintain a web site, www.lasikplus.com, at which you may view information about us and some of the reports we file with the SEC.  Information contained on our website does not constitute, and shall not be deemed to constitute, part of this prospectus.

Information incorporated by reference

The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” the information we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents.  The information incorporated by reference is considered part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede the information in this prospectus.  The following documents, which were previously filed with the SEC pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, are hereby incorporated by reference:

*

our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002,

*

our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2003 and June 30, 2003,

*

our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 13 and 30, February 4, 12 and 20, March 3 and 17, April 14, May 19 and 20, June 2, July 14 and 15 and August 13 and 25, 2003, and

*

the description of our common stock contained in our Registration Statement on Form 10-SB No. 0-27610, which became effective on January 25, 1996.

All reports and other documents filed by us pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the date of this prospectus and prior to the termination of this offering shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus and shall be a part hereof from the date of filing of such reports and documents.

We will provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a copy of this prospectus is delivered, upon such person’s written or oral request that includes the address (including title or department) and telephone number to which such information is to be directed, a copy of any and all information incorporated by reference in this prospectus (other than exhibits to the information that is incorporated by reference, unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference herein). You can request such documents by writing or calling us at 7840 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45236 (513) 792-9292, Attention: Alan H. Buckey.

Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus shall be deemed modified, superceded or replaced for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus, or in any subsequently filed document that also is deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus, modifies, supercedes or replaces such statement.  Any statement so modified, superceded or replaced shall not be deemed, except as so modified, superceded or replaced, to constitute a part of this prospectus.  Subject to the foregoing, all information appearing in this prospectus is qualified in its entirety by the information appearing in the documents incorporated by reference.

Statements contained in this prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other document are not necessarily complete, and in each instance we refer you to the copy of the contract or document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement or the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus, each such statement being qualified in all respects by such reference.

Index to consolidated financial statements

&nbs p;	PAGE
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	F-2
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet	F-2
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income	F-3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow	F-4
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	F-5
AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	F-8
Report of Independent Auditors	F-8
Consolidated Balance Sheets	F-10
Consolidated Statements of Operations	F-11
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	F-12
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Investment	F-13
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	F-14

#

#

LCA-Vision Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Dollars in thousands except per share data)
Assets	June 30, 2003 (1)	December 31, 2002
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$               23,090	$             18,298
Accounts receivable less allowance for doubtful accounts of $816 and $231	1,981	393
Receivables from vendors	592	337
Prepaid expenses, inventory and other	1,307	1,462
Total current assets	26,970	20,490
Property and equipment	38,441	37,301
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(22,014)	(18,868)
Property and equipment, net	16,427	18,433
Goodwill, net	275	275
Deferred compensation plan assets	283	127
Investment in unconsolidated businesses	404	263
Other assets, net	433	408
Total assets	$            44,792	$             39,996
Liabilities and Shareholders' Investment
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	$              2,104	$               3,855
Accrued liabilities and other	5,930	3,660
Debt maturing in one year	4	10
Total current liabilities	8,038	7,525
Deferred compensation liability	294	129
Minority equity interest	381	230
Shareholders' investment
Common stock ($0.001 par value; 13,110,306 and 13,110,306 shares and
10,743,109 and 10,743,109 shares issued and outstanding, respectively)	13	13
Contributed capital	91,474	91,474
Warrants	1,982	1,982
Notes receivable from shareholders	(1,209)	(1,532)
Common stock in treasury, at cost (2,367,197 shares and 2,367,197 shares)	(15,462)	(15,462)
Accumulated deficit	(40,788)	(44,338)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	69	(25)
Total shareholders' investment	36,079	32,112
Total liabilities and shareholders' investment	$            44,792	$               39,996
(1)  Unaudited
The notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement.

#

LCA-Vision Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(Dollars in thousands except per share data)
	Three Months Ended June 30,		Six Months Ended June 30,
	2003 (1)	2002 (1)	2003(1)	2002(1)
Revenues  --   Laser refractive surgery	$     20,224	$        16,268	$    40,206	$    35,076
Operating costs and expenses
Medical professional and license fees	3,901	3,548	7,973	7,325
Direct costs of services	7,844	7,271	15,617	14,786
General and administrative expenses	1,994	2,298	4,011	4,460
Marketing and advertising	3,155	4,106	6,129	7,211
Depreciation	1,534	1,492	3,039	2,950
Special charges	-	-	-	(174)
Operating income (loss)	1,796	(2,447)	3,437	(1,482)
Equity in earnings from unconsolidated businesses	59	88	205	205
Minority equity interest	(71)	(46)	(151)	(113)
Interest expense	-	-	-	(2)
Interest income	71	142	107	280
Other income	-	8	52	8
Income (loss) before taxes on income	1,855	(2,255)	3,650	(1,104)
Income tax expense	62	23	100	23
Net income (loss)	$       1,793	$        (2,278)	$      3,550	$   (1,127)
Income (loss) per common share
Basic	$         0.17	$          (0.21)	$        0.33	$     (0.10)
Diluted	$         0.17	$          (0.21)	$        0.33	$     (0.10)
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic	10,743	10,736	10,743	10,931
Diluted	10,819	10,736	10,758	10,931
(1)  Unaudited
The notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement.

#

LCA-Vision Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
(Dollars in thousands except per share data)
	Six Months Ended June 30,
	2003 (1)	2002 (1)
Cash flow from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$          3,550	$     (1,127)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation	3,039	2,950
Warrant amortization	-	351
Deferred Compensation	165	-
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	(205)	(205)
Restructuring/Impairment provision	-	(174)
Other, net	(2)	(8)
Changes in working capital:
Accounts receivable	(1,588)	(359)
Receivable from vendors	(255)	(182)
Prepaid expenses, inventory and other	155	878
Accounts payable	(1,751)	(572)
Accrued liabilities and other	2,271	1,144
Net cash provided by operations	5,379	2,696
Cash flow from investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment	(1,142)	(676)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	2	8
Deferred Compensation Plan	(156)	-
Loan payments made by shareholders	341	-
Loans to shareholders	(18)	(22)
Other, net	328	(122)
Net cash used in investing activities	(645)	(812)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Principal payments of long-term notes, debt and capital lease obligations	(6)	(12)
Shares repurchased for treasury stock	-	(2,460)
Exercise of stock options	-	234
Distribution of minority equity investees	64	133
Net cash used by financing activities	58	(2,105)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	4,792	(221)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	18,298	16,609
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$        23,090	$     16,388
(1)  Unaudited
The notes to the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement.

#

LCA-Vision Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2003 and 2002

1.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

This filing includes condensed consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002; condensed consolidated Statements of Income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002; and condensed consolidated Statements of Cash Flow for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002.  In the opinion of management, these unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim period reported.  We suggest that these financial statements be read together with the financial statements and notes included in our annual report in Form 10-K.

Business

We are a leading developer and operator of free-standing laser refractive surgery centers. Our laser refractive surgery centers provide the staff, facilities, equipment and support services for performing laser vision correction that employ advanced laser technologies to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.   The Company currently utilizes three primary excimer lasers:  Bausch & Lomb, VISX and Alcon.  Substantially all of the revenues from our laser vision correction procedures are derived from our North American Centers.

Operating costs and expenses consist of:

•

Medical professional and license fees, including per-procedure fees for the ophthalmologist performing laser vision correction and the license fee per procedure paid to  Bausch & Lomb, VISX and Alcon

•

Direct costs of services, including center rent and utilities, equipment lease and maintenance costs, surgical  supplies, center staff expense, costs related to other revenue, and all other costs associated with providing services in our centers

•

General and administrative associated with corporate overhead costs

•

Marketing and advertising costs

•

Depreciation  of property and equipment recorded in the balance sheet

Consolidation Policy

We use two different methods to report our investments in our subsidiaries and other companies: consolidation and the equity method.

Consolidation

We use consolidation when we own a majority of the voting stock of the subsidiary. In addition, we are in compliance with EITF 97-2, for Professional Corporations.  For a Professional Corporation in which we have a controlling financial interest through a contractual management arrangement, financial statements are consolidated.  Our condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of:  

•

LCA-Vision Inc.

•

LCA-Vision (Canada) Inc. and Subsidiaries

•

The Baltimore Laser Sight Center, Ltd

•

Columbus Eye Associates, Inc. (effective September 1, 2002)

•

LasikPlus Medical Associates, Inc. (effective January 1, 2003)

•

LasikPlus Medical Associates, S.C. (effective March 1, 2003)

•

Lasik Insurance Company Ltd.

Equity Method

We use the equity method to report investments in businesses where we hold 20% to 50% voting interest, giving us the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over operating and financial policies. Under the equity method we report:

•

our interest in the entity as an investment in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

•

our percentage share of the earnings (losses) in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

We own 43% of Silmalaseri Oy and 50% of both Cole LCA Vision LLC (through June 30, 2002) and Eyemed LCA Vision LLC and report our investments under the equity method.  

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill is the excess of the acquisition cost of the businesses over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired.  Through December 31, 2002, we amortized goodwill using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life.  The Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” effective January 1, 2002.  SFAS No. 142 discontinued the amortization of goodwill and requires companies to perform annual impairment tests of goodwill.  Application of the non-amortization provisions of the SFAS No. 142 resulted in a decrease in annual operating expenses of $76,000.  The impairment tests of goodwill as of December 31, 2002 indicated that the Company currently has no goodwill impairment.

Use of Estimates

Management makes estimates and assumptions when preparing financial statements under generally accepted accounting principles. Certain estimates are particularly sensitive due to their significance to the financial statements and the possibility that future events may differ significantly from management’s expectations.  These estimates and assumptions affect various matters including:

•

Allowance for doubtful accounts – patient financing

•

Enhancement accrual

•

Deferred income taxes – valuation allowance

•

Loss reserves – insurance captive

Per Share Data

Basic per share data is income (loss) applicable to common shares divided by the weighted average common shares outstanding. Diluted per share data is income (loss) applicable to common shares divided by the weighted average common shares outstanding plus the potential issuance of common shares if stock options or warrants were exercised or convertible into common stock.

Following is a reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 (in thousands, except per share amounts):

	Three Months Ended		Six Months Ended
	June 30,		June 30,
	2003	2002	2003	2002
Basic earnings:
Net income (loss)	$   1,793	$(2,278)	$    3,550	$  (1,127)
Weighted average shares outstanding	10,743	10,736	10,743	10,931
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$     0.17	$  (0.21)	$      0.33	$   (0.10)
Diluted earnings:
Net income (loss)	$   1,793	$(2,278)	$    3,550	$ (1,127)
Weighted average shares outstanding	10,743	10,736	10,743	10,931
Effect of dilutive securities
Stock options	76	-	15	-
Weighted average common shares and potential dilutive shares	10,819	10,736	10,758	10,931
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$   0.17	$  (0.21)	$      0.33	$   (0.10)

Stock-Based Compensation

In December 2002, SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure," which amends SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," was issued. SFAS No. 148 provides alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and requires more prominent and more frequent disclosures in the financial statements of the effects of stock-based compensation. The provisions of SFAS No. 148 are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002.

We apply APB No. 25 and related interpretations utilizing the intrinsic value method in accounting for our stock option plans. We have adopted the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS No. 123. We recognize no compensation expense for our stock options granted to employees or directors. Compensation expense for options granted to non-employees in each of the two quarters ended June 30, 2002 and 2003 was immaterial. If we had elected to recognize compensation expense based on the fair value at the grant dates consistent with the provisions of SFAS No. 123, net income and income per share would have been changed to the pro forma amounts indicated below (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts):

		Three Months Ended		Six Months Ended
		June 30,		June 30,
		2003	2002	2003	2002
Net income (loss)	As reported	$     1,793	$  (2,278)	$    3,550	$     (1,127)
	Pro forma	1,553	(2,809)	3,090	(2,160)
Basic per share income (loss)	As reported	$       0.17	$    (0.21)	$     0.33	$       (0.10)
	Pro forma	0.14	(0.26)	0.29	(0.20)
Diluted per share income (loss)	As reported	$       0.17	$    (0.21)	$     0.33	$       (0.10)
	Pro forma	0.14	(0.26)	0.29	(0.20)

Shareholders' Investment

No material changes from the Company’s most recent Form 10-K.

Segment Information

We operate in one segment:  laser refractive surgery.

Commitments and Contingencies

None.

Internet

The Company’s website is www.lasikplus.com.  The Company makes available free of charge through a link provided at such website its Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K as well as any amendments thereto.  Such reports are available as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission.  To obtain a copy of Form 10-K by mail, please send a request to Investor Relations at LCA-Vision Inc., 7840 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, Ohio  45236.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

To the Board of Directors and

Shareholders of LCA-Vision Inc.

We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of LCA-Vision Inc. as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ investment, and cash flows for the years then ended.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the 2002 and 2001 financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of LCA-Vision Inc. at December 31, 2002 and 2001, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.  

/s/  Ernst & Young LLP

     Cincinnati, Ohio

     February 14, 2003

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

To the Board of Directors and

Shareholders of LCA-Vision Inc.

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' investment, and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the results of their operations and their cash flows of LCA-Vision Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2000, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit of these statements in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supportin g the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

     Cincinnati, Ohio

     February 13, 2001

LCA-VISION INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
	At December 31,
	2002	2001
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$      18,298	$        16,609
Accounts receivable, net	393	517
Receivable from vendors	337	234
Prepaid expenses, inventory and other	1,462	1,959
Total current assets	20,490	19,319
Property and equipment	37,301	36,411
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(18,868)	(13,753)
Property and equipment, net	18,433	22,658
Goodwill, net	275	275
Deferred compensation plan assets	127	-
Investment in unconsolidated businesses	263	290
Other assets, net	408	646
Total assets	$      39,996	$        43,188
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Investment
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	$        3,855	$          2,645
Accrued liabilities and other	3,660	2,270
Debt maturing in one year	10	26
Total current liabilities	7,525	4,941
Long-term debt	-	4
Deferred Compensation Liability	129	-
Commitments and Contingencies	-	-
Minority equity interest	230	41
Shareholders’ investment
Common stock ($.001 par value; 13,110,306 and 13,064,056 shares and
10,743,109 and 11,513,299 shares issued and outstanding, respectively)	13	52
Contributed capital	91,474	91,080
Warrants	1,982	2,105
Notes receivable from shareholders	(1,532)	(1,488)
Common stock in treasury, at cost (2,367,197 shares and 1,550,757 shares)	(15,462)	(13,013)
Accumulated deficit	(44,338)	(40,512)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(25)	(22)
Total shareholders’ investment	32,112	38,202
Total liabilities and shareholders’ investment	$      39,996	$        43,188
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

LCA-VISION INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
	Years Ended December 31,
	2002	2001	2000
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenues -  Laser refractive surgery	$      61,838	$  68,096	$      63,450
Operating costs and expenses
Medical professional and license fees	12,270	13,626	15,542
Direct costs of services	28,796	33,616	27,218
General and administrative expenses	8,327	8,727	9,394
Marketing and advertising	12,823	12,732	14,565
Depreciation and amortization	5,997	5,625	3,839
Special charges	(174)	1,774	-
Operating loss	(6,201)	(8,004)	(7,108)
Equity in earnings from unconsolidated businesses	241	372	49
Minority equity interest	(189)	(10)	(12)
Interest expense	(4)	(17)	(58)
Interest income	225	924	2,713
Other (expense) income, net	(6)	(51)	616
Litigation settlement	2,282	-	-
Loss before taxes on income	(3,652)	(6,786)	(3,800)
Income tax expense (benefit)	174	16,589	(1,434)
Net loss	$       (3,826)	$ (23,375)	$      (2,366)
Loss per common share
Basic and Diluted	$         (0.35)	$    (2.01)	$        (0.19)
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic and Diluted	10,794	11,643	12,741
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

LCA-VISION INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
	Years Ended December 31,
	2002	2001	2000
	(dollars in thousands)
Cash flow from operating activities
Net loss	$     (3,826)	$  (23,375)	$   (2,366)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	5,997	5,625	3,839
Warrant amortization	510	701	855
Deferred income taxes	-	16,606	(1,454)
Obligations due from shareholder and affiliate, net	-	-	127
Restructuring/impairment provision	(174)	1,774	-
Equity in earnings from unconsolidated businesses	(241)	(372)	(49)
Deferred compensation	129	-	-
Other, net	6	39	(17)
Changes in working capital, net of effects from acquisition of businesses
Accounts receivable	124	900	945
Receivable from vendor	(103)	2,046	(2,280)
Prepaid expenses, inventory and other	497	29	(17)
Accounts payable	1,210	(4,942)	5,129
Accrued liabilities and other	1,564	(1,024)	880
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	5,693	(1,993)	5,592
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of property and equipment	(1,789)	(7,061)	(15,597)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	8	5	113
Purchase of held-to-maturity investments	-	(4,378)	(52,756)
Maturities of held-to-maturity investments	-	13,004	81,429
Deferred compensation plan	(127)	-	-
Loans and advances to affiliated companies	-	-	(150)
Loans to shareholders	(44)	(475)	(1,013)
Other, net	(83)	610	(193)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(2,035)	1,705	11,833
Cash flows from financing activities
Principal payments of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	(20)	(196)	(704)
Shares repurchased for treasury stock	(2,449)	(3,138)	(9,845)
Exercise of stock options and warrants	232	162	940
Distribution from minority equity investees	268	377	-
Other, net	-	-	(15)
Net cash used in financing activities	(1,969)	(2,795)	(9,624)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	1,689	(3,083)	7,801
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	16,609	19,692	11,891
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$    18,298	$  16,609	$  19,692
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statement

LCA-VISION INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' INVESTMENT
	Years Ended December 31,
	2002		2001		2000
	Shares	Amount	Shares	Amount	Shares	Amount
	(dollars in thousands)
Common Stock
Balance at beginning of year	13,064,056	52	13,030,019	52	12,880,415	52
Employee plans	46,250	-	34,037	-	149,604	-
Stock split - par value effect		(39)	-	-	-	-
Balance at end of year	13,110,306	13	13,064,056	52	13,030,019	52
Warrants
Balance at beginning of year	127,734	2,105	127,734	2,105	227,734	6,362
Expired warrants	(27,734)	(123)	-	-	-	-
Repurchased			-	-	(100,000)	(248)
Revalued			-	-	-	(4,009)
Balance at end of year	100,000	1,982	127,734	2,105	127,734	2,105
Notes Receivable from Shareholders
Balance at beginning of year		(1,488)		(1,013)		-
Increase in notes outstanding		(44)		(475)		(1,013)
Balance at end of year		(1,532)		(1,488)		(1,013)
Treasury Stock
Balance at beginning of year	(1,550,757)	(13,013)	(1,179,724)	(9,875)	(2,727)	(30)
Shares repurchased	(816,440)	(2,449)	(371,033)	(3,138)	(1,176,997)	(9,845)
Balance at end of year	(2,367,197)	(15,462)	(1,550,757)	(13,013)	(1,179,724)	(9,875)
Contributed Capital
Balance at beginning of year		91,080		90,918		88,407
Stock split - par value effect		39
Employee plans		235		161		939
Tax benefit from stock option exercise		-		-		1,571
Stock split fractional shares		(3)		-		-
Expired warrants		123		-		-
Other		-		1		1
Balance at end of year		91,474		91,080		90,918
Accumulated deficit
Balance at beginning of year		(40,512)		(17,137)		(14,771)
Net loss		(3,826)		(23,375)		(2,366)
Balance at end of year		(44,338)		(40,512)		(17,137)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Income)
Balance at beginning of year		(22)		(5)		25
Translation adjustments		(3)		(17)		(30)
Balance at end of year		(25)		(22)		(5)
Total Shareholders' Investment		32,112		38,202		65,045
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Business

As of December 31, 2002, the Company owns and operates 32 LasikPlus laser vision correction facilities in the US, plus two centers in Canada and a joint venture in Europe.

We are a leading developer and operator of free-standing laser refractive surgery centers.  Our laser refractive surgery centers provide the staff, facilities, equipment and support services for performing laser vision correction that employ state-of-the-art laser technologies to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.  The Company currently utilizes three primary excimer lasers:  the Bausch & Lomb Technolas 217, the VISX Star S2/S3 and the Alcon LADARVision.  Substantially all of the revenues from our laser vision correction procedures are derived from our North American Centers.

Operating costs and expenses consist of:

•

Medical professional and license fees, including per-procedure fees for the ophthalmologist performing laser vision correction and the license fee per procedure paid to Bausch & Lomb, VISX and Alcon

•

Direct costs of services, including center rent and utilities, equipment lease and maintenance costs, surgical supplies, center staff expense, costs related to other revenue and all other costs associated with providing services in our centers

•

General and administrative associated with corporate overhead costs

•

Marketing and advertising costs

•

Depreciation and amortization of equipment and intangible assets recorded in the balance sheet

Consolidation Policy

We use two different methods to report our investments in our subsidiaries and other companies - consolidation and the equity method.

Consolidation

We use consolidation when we own a majority of the voting stock of the subsidiary.  In addition, we are in compliance with EITF 97-2, for Professional Corporations, which requires consolidation where we have a controlling financial interest through a contractual management arrangement with the professional corporation.  Our condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of:

•

LCA-Vision Inc.

•

LCA-Vision (Canada) Inc. and Subsidiaries

•

The Baltimore Laser Sight Center, Ltd.

•

Columbus Eye Associates, Inc.  (contract effective September 1, 2002)

•

Lasik Insurance Company, Ltd. (captive insurance entity)

Equity Method

We use the equity method to report investments in businesses where we hold a 20% to 50% voting interest, giving us the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over operating and financial policies. Under the equity method, we report:

•

our interest in the entity as an investment in our Consolidated Balance Sheets, and

•

our percentage share of the earnings (losses) in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

We own 43% of Silmalaseri Oy and 50% of Cole/LCA-Vision LLC (through June 30, 2002) and Eyemed/LCA-Vision LLC, and report each of these investments under the equity method.

Use of Estimates

Management makes estimates and assumptions when preparing financial statements under generally accepted accounting principles.  Certain estimates are particularly sensitive due to their significance to the financial statements and the possibility that future events may differ significantly from management’s expectations.  These estimates and assumptions affect various matters including:

•

Allowance for doubtful accounts – patient financing

•

Enhancement accrual

•

Deferred income taxes – valuation allowance

•

Loss reserves - insurance captive

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For the purpose of reporting our cash flows, we consider highly liquid investments with an original maturity of 90 days or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates market value.

Trade Receivables

Trade receivables are comprised primarily of amounts owed to the Company from patients and from professional corporations -  $624,000 at December 31, 2002 and $594,000 at December 31, 2001.  Trade receivables are presented net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $231,000 and $77,000 at December 31, 2002 and 2001 respectively.

Property and Equipment, Goodwill, and Depreciation and Amortization

Property and Equipment

We show our property and equipment at its original cost, net of accumulated depreciation. At the time property or equipment is retired, sold, or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation or amortization are deducted from the amounts reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and any gains or losses on disposition are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. We expense repair and maintenance costs as incurred.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill is the excess of the acquisition cost of the business over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired.  Through December 31, 2001, we amortized goodwill using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life.  The Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, “Goodwill and other Intangible Assets” effective January 1, 2002.  SFAS No. 142 discontinued the amortization of goodwill and requires companies to perform an annual impairment test of goodwill.  Application of the non-amortization provision of the SFAS No. 142 resulted in a decrease in annual operating expenses of $76,000 in 2002.  The impairment tests of goodwill as of December 31, 2002 indicated that the Company currently has no goodwill impairment.

Depreciation and Amortization

We compute depreciation using the straight-line method which recognizes the cost of the asset over its estimated useful life. We use the following estimated useful lives for computing the annual depreciation expense: building, 5 to 31 years; furniture and fixtures, 3 to 7 years; medical equipment, 3 to 5 years; other equipment, 3 to 5 years. Amortization of leasehold improvements is recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations using the straight-line method based on the lesser of the useful life of the improvement or the lease term.

We assess the impairment of property and equipment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value might not be recoverable. Estimates of future cash flows are used to determine if there is impairment; discounted cash flows are used to determine the amount of impairment.

Depreciation Expense

The amount of depreciation expense recorded in the consolidated statements of operations is as follows (dollars in thousands):

Year	Depreciation
2000	$3,541
2001	5,497
2002	5,997

Financial Instruments

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of temporary cash investments. Our policy is to place our temporary cash investments in overnight repurchase agreements with The Provident Bank, the financial institution that provides our lines of credit.

Fair Values of Financial Instruments

The fair values of our cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables and accounts payable approximate their fair values due to their short term maturities.

Income Taxes

The provisions for income taxes are accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes.  Under the asset and liability method of SFAS 109, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  

As a result of the Company’s operating loss during the third quarter of 2001 and throughout 2002, and continuing uncertainties regarding the general economic conditions in the United States and the impact on ongoing operations, the Company continues to record a full valuation reserve for deferred tax assets, which reserve was established according to the requirements of SFAS No. 109.  Favorable changes in the Company’s operating profitability as a result of improved general economic conditions in the United States or otherwise, could impact the Company’s determination as to whether reduction, in whole or in part, to the valuation reserve is necessary in the future.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenues as services are performed.  In states where the physicians are employed by professional corporations, the Company provides management, marketing and administrative services in return for management fees.  Management fee revenue is equal to the net revenue of the professional corporation less amounts retained by the physician group.  Management fee revenue accounted for 30% of total refractive surgery revenue in 2002, up from 25% in 2001.

Approximately 70% of the Company’s laser refractive surgery revenues in 2002 were generated in Company-owned laser centers.  Net revenues in a Company-owned center represent the amount charged to patients less any applicable discounts.  Company-owned centers accounted for 75% of laser refractive surgery revenues in 2001.

Stock-Based Compensation

In December 2002, SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure," which amends SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," was issued. SFAS No. 148 provides alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and requires more prominent and more frequent disclosures in the financial statements of the effects of stock-based compensation. The provisions of SFAS No. 148 are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002.

We apply APB No. 25 and related interpretations utilizing the intrinsic value method in accounting for our stock option plans. We have adopted the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS No. 123. We recognize no compensation expense for our stock options granted to employees or directors. Compensation expense for options granted to non-employees in each of the three years ended December 31, 2000 was immaterial. If we had elected to recognize compensation expense based on the fair value at the grant dates consistent with the provisions of SFAS No. 123, net loss and loss per share would have been changed to the pro forma amounts indicated below (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts):

		Years ended December 31,
		2002	2001	2000
Net loss	As reported	$(3,826)	$(23,375)	$(2,366)
	Pro forma	(5,676)	(25,690)	(7,200)
Diluted per share loss	As reported	$(0.35)	$(2.01)	$(0.19)
	Pro forma	(0.53)	(2.21)	(0.57)

These results may not be representative of the effects on pro forma amounts for future years.

We determined the pro forma amounts using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model based on the following

assumptions:

	2002	2001	2000
Dividend yield	0%	0%	0%
Expected volatility	84 – 124%	101%	97%
Risk free interest rate	2.03 – 4.58%	4.51 - 4.77%	5.26-6.69%
Expected lives (in years)	1 to 5	3 to 5	3 to 5

Additional information on options is included in footnote 8, and additional information on warrants is included in footnote 2.

Marketing and Advertising Expenditures

Marketing and advertising expenditures are expensed as incurred, except for the costs associated with direct mail.  Direct mail costs are expensed upon mailing.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2002, the SEC issued FR-60 recommending that companies expand their disclosures related to Critical Accounting Policies.  In response to FR-60, disclosure of accounting policies in the notes to the financial statements in MD&A has been enhanced.  Note 1 to the financial statements and the Critical Accounting Policies section of MD&A will contain discussions regarding all significant accounting policies used.

Per Share Data

Basic per share data is earnings or loss applicable to common shareholders divided by weighted average common shares outstanding. Diluted per share data is earnings or loss applicable to common shareholders divided by weighted average common shares outstanding plus potential common shares from dilutive securities such as options and convertible securities. The table shows how we calculated diluted earnings per share and diluted shares outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts).

	2002	2001	2000
Basic EPS
Net loss applicable to common stock	$     (3,826)	$   (23,375)	$     (2,366)
Weighted average shares outstanding	10,794	11,643	12,741
Basic loss per share	$       (0.35)	$       (2.01)	$       (0.19)
Diluted EPS
Net loss applicable to common stock	$     (3,826)	$   (23,375)	$     (2,366)
Weighted average common shares and
potential dilutive shares	10,794	11,643	12,741
Diluted loss per share	$       (0.35)	$       (2.01)	$     (0.19)

The weighted average shares for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 diluted calculations do not assume exercise of any stock options or conversion of other securities since they would result in a reduced loss per share.  The number of unexercised options and warrants as of December 31, 2000, December 31, 2001 and December 31, 2002 was:

	2002	2001	2000
Options	915,201	914,819	1,048,644
Warrants	100,000	127,734	127,734
	1,015,201	1,042,553	1,176,378

2.

Shareholders' Investment

Common Stock

We are authorized to issue up to 27.5 million shares of common stock.  The  number of shares reserved for future issuance is 2,214,907 which includes 2,114,907 shares under stock option plans and 100,000 shares for stock warrants.

Preferred Stock

At December 31, 2002, there are no shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding.

Treasury Stock

At December 31, 2002, there were 2,367,197 shares of common stock held in treasury.  The Board of Directors previously authorized management to buy back 1,250,000 shares of common stock.  As of December 31, 2002, 135,530 shares remain to be purchased.

On January 31, 2002, 1,632,881 shares of our common stock were purchased from Summit Autonomous, a subsidiary of Alcon Holdings Inc. for approximately $4,898,000.  The transaction was split equally between the Company share repurchase program and members of our senior management and Board of Directors.

Notes Receivable from Shareholders

During the second quarter of 2000, the directors initiated a program to encourage additional direct stock ownership by senior management of the Company.  The Company offered loans to nine key managers and directors for the purpose of purchasing shares in the open market.  Each loan is a personal obligation of the borrower, and is evidenced by a promissory note.  The interest rate on the notes is prime less one and one-half percent.  Interest is accrued and added to the outstanding principal balance.  The notes have a maximum term of three years, and contain provisions for early repayment.  As of December 31, 2002, a total of $1,532,000 has been loaned under this program

Warrants

During 1999, we issued warrants to purchase a total of 231,250 shares of common stock at prices ranging from $8 to $48 per share. The warrants were issued to an investment banking firm and a joint venture partner.

Warrants for 3,516 shares have been exercised.  Warrants to purchase 27,734 shares expired in 2002.  Warrants to purchase 200,000 shares at $48 per share were issued during the third quarter of 1999 of which 100,000 are exercisable through June 30, 2003; the remaining warrants were repurchased in the third quarter of 2000 for $310,000.

The vested warrants result in prepaid expense for book purposes, using the Black-Scholes method, of $2,105,000. This amount was amortized over a three year period which coincides with the term of the agreement with Cole National Corporation to market laser vision correction as a managed care benefit.

Amortization of $510,000 is recorded in our 2002 Consolidated Statement of Operations, $701,000 is recorded in our 2001 Consolidated Statement of Operations, and $853,000 of amortization is recorded in our 2000 Consolidated Statement of Operations.

3.

Special Charges

During the third quarter of 2001, management implemented a restructuring plan to close unprofitable locations and to reduce operating expenses.  The cost of the plan was $1,375,000 which is comprised of a $535,000 restructuring charge and an $840,000 asset impairment charge for leasehold improvements, equipment and goodwill associated with the locations to be closed.  The restructuring charges included $384,000 in lease termination costs and $151,000 in severance payments for 71 employees.

As of December 31, 2001, the balance of the restructuring accrual was $262,000 which related to future facility rent payments and is included in accrued liabilities and other in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.  During the first quarter 2002, $88,000 was expended to buy out the remainder of a facility lease.  With the restructuring plan fully implemented, the remaining reserve of $174,000 was reversed in the first quarter 2002.

Also during the third quarter of 2001, the Company provided a reserve of $399,000 on a loan made to REI Corporation which operated a licensed facility in Tokyo, Japan.  During the quarter, management determined that the loan may not be recoverable.

4.

Credit Arrangements

On June 29, 1998 we entered into an $8,000,000 credit facility with The Provident Bank ("Provident"). At the same time we repaid our borrowing from, and terminated our relationship with, another lender. In May 1999, the credit facility was increased to $10,000,000. We also were granted a $10,000,000 line of credit for the purpose of funding acquisitions subject to Provident’s sole and absolute discretion.

The Provident facility, as amended, matures on June 30, 2003. The facility can be used to support up to $2,000,000 of letters of credit issued by Provident. Borrowings under the working capital portion of the facility bear interest at Provident's prime rate.  Substantially all of our assets at December 31, 2002 are pledged as collateral.

The credit facility, for which there is no formal compensating balance, requires us to pay a commitment fee of .25% based on the unused portion. At December 31, 2002 we had $10,000,000 available to us under the credit facility.

The credit facility requires us to maintain tangible net worth of at least $30,000,000.

5.

Investment in Unconsolidated Businesses

Our investment in unconsolidated businesses was $263,000 and $290,000 at December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001, respectively.   At December 31, 2002, we had investments in Silmalaseri Oy in Helsinki, Cole/LCA-Vision LLC and Eyemed/LCA-Vision LLC.

Combined summary financial information for these investments follows (dollars in thousands):

	December 31,
	2002	2001
Financial Position:
Current assets	$377	$322
Total assets	545	467
Total liabilities	267	174
Members' equity	278	293
Operating Results:
Revenue	$1,559	$2,019
Net income	497	695

6.

Income Taxes

The components of income tax expense (benefit) for the three years ended December 31, 2002 are presented in the following table (dollars in thousands):

	2002	2001	2000
Current:
Federal	$            --	$          --	$(1,441)
State and local	--	--	(568)
Foreign	174	--	18
Total	174	--	(1,991)
Deferred:
Federal	(880)	(1,393)	443
State and local	8	(7)	114
Total	(872)	(1,400)	557
Income tax (benefit) expense	(698)	(1,400)	(1,434)
Valuation allowance increase	872	17,989	--
Net income tax (benefit) expense	$174	$16,589	$(1,434)

As a result of the Company’s operating loss during the third quarter of 2001, and continuing uncertainties regarding the general economic conditions in the United States and the impact on ongoing operations, the Company recorded a $15,345,000 valuation reserve for deferred tax assets as of September 30, 2001.  The Company’s operating losses continued in 2002 and the uncertainties continued to exist, such that it was not more-likely-than-not that the deferred tax assets would be realized at this time.  This valuation reserve was established according to the requirements of SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.”

We are required to pay franchise taxes in most of the states in which we have operations due to our net operating loss carryforwards. We have included the franchise taxes paid in general and administrative expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The foreign tax provisions consist primarily of Canadian income taxes.  We have made no provision for US income taxes on undistributed earnings from our international businesses because it is our intention to reinvest those earnings in those operations.  If those earnings are distributed in the form of dividends, we may be subject to both foreign withholding taxes and US income taxes net of allowable foreign tax credits.

Pretax income (loss) for the last three years has been:

	2002	2001	2000
Domestic	$(3,925)	$(6,224)	$(3,588)
Foreign	273	(563)	(212)
Total	$(3,652)	$(6,787)	$(3,800)

Deferred taxes arise because of differences in the book and tax bases of certain assets and liabilities.  Significant components of our deferred tax assets are shown in the following table (dollars in thousands):

	December 31
	2002	2001
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforward	$18,772	$17,454
Accounts receivable	90	283
Equity investments	293	64
Other	251	195
Total deferred tax assets	19,406	17,996
Valuation allowance	(18,861)	(17,989)
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	545	7
Deferred tax liabilities – property and equipment	(545)	(7)
Net deferred tax assets	$        --	$         --

The following table shows the principal reasons for the difference between the statutory federal income tax rate of 34% and the tax benefit shown in our Consolidated Statements of Operations (dollars in thousands):

	2002	2001	2000
Tax at statutory federal rate	$(1,242)	$(2,307)	$(1,134)
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	5	(4)	(294)
Amortization of intangibles and other non-deductible items	201	401	--
Foreign income tax	174	--	18
Change in valuation allowance	872	17,989	--
Other	164	510	(24)
Income tax provision (benefit)	$174	$16,589	$(1,434)

At December 31, 2002 and 2001 we have federal net operating loss carryforwards for income tax purposes of $48,765,000 and $45,033,000, respectively.  These expire in varying amounts from 2007 until 2022.  Approximately $18,000,000 of federal net operating loss carryforwards and $15,750,000 state net operating loss carryforwards were acquired when we bought Refractive Centers International, Inc.  Our ability to use these acquired net operating loss carryforwards is limited to approximately $2,500,000 per year under Code Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code.

7.

Leasing Arrangements

We lease office space for our centers and equipment for use in our operations under both capital and operating leases. Capital leases were primarily used for financing the lasers in our first five centers.  Currently, we use a combination of operating leases and outright purchases for laser acquisition.

This table displays our aggregate minimal rental commitments under noncancellable leases for the periods shown (dollars in thousands):

	December 31, 2002
	Capital Leases	Operating Leases
Year
2003	$10	$3,042
2004	--	3,070
2005	--	2,234
2006	--	1,157
2007	--	382
Beyond 2007	--	408
Total minimum rental commitment	$10	$10,293

Total rent expense under operating leases amounted to $4,352,000 in 2002; $6,770,000 in 2001; and $6,662,000 in 2000.

8.

Employee Benefits

Savings Plan

We sponsor a savings plan under Internal Revenue Code Section 401(k) to provide an opportunity for eligible employees to save for retirement on a tax-deferred basis. Under this plan, we make discretionary contributions to the participants' accounts. We made contributions of  $0 in 2002;  $18,066 in 2001; and $20,000 in 2000.

Stock Option Plans

We have three stock incentive plans, the 1995 Long Term Stock Incentive Plan ("1995 Plan"), the 1998 Long Term Stock Incentive Plan ("1998 Plan") and the 2001 Long Term Stock Incentive Plan (“2001 Plan).  A maximum of 625,000 shares are reserved for the 1995 Plan, 1,250,000 shares are reserved for the 1998 Plan and 625,000 shares are reserved for the 2001 plan. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors administers all Stock Option Plans.

The Plans permit us to issue incentive and/or nonqualified stock options to purchase shares of common stock, stock appreciation rights, and stock awards to employees and consultants. The 1998 Plan is used to grant stock options to our non-employee directors. Non-employee directors receive an option to purchase 18,750 shares of our common stock upon initial election or appointment and an automatic option grant of 3,125 shares upon reelection. Prior to our shareholders approving the 1998 Plan, we granted our non-employee directors stock options under the LCA-Vision Inc. Directors' Nondiscretionary Stock Option Plan which was discontinued in 1998.

Stock options are granted with an exercise price not less than fair market value on the date of grant. Stock options granted have generally been exercisable over 3 to 5 years and the maximum term is 10 years from the date of grant.

The following table summarizes the status of our 1995, 1998 and 2001 Plans:

	Stock Options	Exercise Price
Outstanding at 12/31/99	849,114	$9.76
Granted	587,563	13.12
Exercised	(149,104)	6.32
Cancelled/forfeited	(315,179)	4.12
Outstanding at 12/31/00	972,394	13.92
Granted	138,875	10.76
Exercised	(33,788)	4.72
Cancelled/forfeited	(238,909)	12.84
Outstanding at 12/31/01	838,572	14.08
Granted	164,375	5.25
Exercised	(46,250)	5.09
Cancelled/forfeited	(117,746)	14.47
Outstanding at 12/31/02	838,951	12.80
Options exercisable,
December 31,
2000	238,356	12.36
2001	405,941	13.76
2002	502,406	14.37

The following table summarizes information about the stock options granted under the 1995, 1998 and 2001 Plans that are outstanding at December 31, 2002:

Stock Options Outstanding				Stock  Options Exercisable
		Weighted-average
Range of	# Outstanding	remaining	Weighted-average		# Exercisable	Weighted-average
exercise prices	as of 12/31/02	contractual life	exercise price		as of 12/31/02	exercise price
$2.40 - $5.00	87,083	5.69	$4.48		65,833	$4.42
$5.32 - $5.32	109,501	9.16	5.32		27,767	5.32
$5.38 - $6.00	90,097	7.13	5.55		45,080	5.57
$7.00 - $11.00	117,500	8.11	10.54		59,834	10.52
$11.25 - $12.00	98,750	7.59	11.78		68,746	11.80
$12.28 - $16.00	90,063	7.25	15.38		40,233	15.62
$16.12 - $18.75	92,500	6.94	17.59		74,996	17.46
$19.00 - $27.75	90,957	7.05	20.84		57,417	20.86
$28.00 - $28.00	50,000	6.68	28.00		50,000	28.00
$44.50 - $44.50	12,500	6.52	44.50		12,500	44.50
$2.40 - $44.50	838,951	7.38	12.80		502,406	14.37

At December 31, 2002 a total of 1,275,956 shares are available for granting stock options under the 1995, 1998 and 2001 Plans.

The following table is a summary of the status of our discontinued Directors Nondiscretionary Stock Option Plan:

	Stock Options	Weighted-average Exercise Price
Outstanding,    December 31, 2000, 2001, 2002	76,250	$17.68

As of December 31, 2002, a total of 76,062 options with a weighted-average exercise price of $17.68 are exercisable under this discontinued plan.

The weighted-average fair value of options granted was $5.24 per option during 2002; $7.12 per option during 2001; and $10.48 per option during 2000.

9.

Commitments and Contingencies

In the opinion of management there are currently no commitments or contingencies that will have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.

10.

Litigation Settlement

In August 2002, a settlement of $2,282,000 was received from Pillar Point Partner’s class-action litigation.  Pillar Point Partners – a joint entity formed in 1995 by laser manufacturers VISX and Summit Technology Inc., now a subsidiary of Alcon Corporation – collected per-use royalties from all laser vision correction providers using their equipment.  The manufacturers agreed to settle the various lawsuits for $37.8 million.  Pillar Point was dissolved in July 1998 after the Federal Trade Commission filed an administrative complaint challenging the partnerships’ existence.

11.

Additional Financial Information

The tables below provide additional financial information related to our consolidated financial statements (dollars in thousands):

Balance Sheet Information
	At December 31,
	2002		2001
Property and Equipment
Land	$375		$375
Building and improvements	5,660		5,660
Leasehold improvements	5,385		5,079
Furniture and fixtures	2,841		3,087
Equipment	22,517		21,711
Equipment under capital leases	494		494
	37,272		36,406
Accumulated depreciation	(18,868)		(13,753)
Construction in progress	29		5
	$18,433		$22,658
Cash Flow Information
For the Year Ended December 31,
	2002	2001		2000
Cash paid during the year for
Interest	$4	$17		$46
Income taxes	23	--		2
Other Comprehensive Loss Information
Comprehensive loss:
Loss applicable to common stock	$(3,826)	$(23,375)		$(2,366)
Other comprehensive loss, net of income tax -
currency translation adjustments	(3)	(17)		(30)
Total comprehensive loss	$(3,829)	$(23,392)		($2,396)

Segment Information

We operate in one segment – laser refractive surgery.

12. Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)  ⁽¹⁾

Financial results for interim periods do not necessarily indicate trends for any 12-month period. Quarterly results can be affected by the number of procedures performed and the timing of certain expense items (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts):

	2002 Quarters				2001 Quarters
	First	Second	Third	Fourth	First	Second	Third	Fourth
Revenues	$18,808	$16,268	$13,462	$13,300	$22,490	$21,424	$13,288	$10,894
Operating (loss) income	966	(2,447)	(2,814)	(1,905)	1,720	747	(5,718)	(4,753)
Net Income (loss)	1,151	(2,278)	(810)	(1,888)	1,299	755	(20,794)	(4,635)
Earnings (loss) per share
Basic	$0.11	$(0.21)	$(0.08)	$(0.18)	$0.11	$0.06	$(1.79)	$(0.40)
Diluted	$0.10	$(0.21)	$(0.08)	$(0.18)	$0.11	$0.06	$(1.79)	$(0.40)

(1)  The quarterly amounts are not additive due to rounding.

[LCAV LOGO]

PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution

The following sets forth the estimated approximate costs and expenses, other than underwriting discounts and commissions, payable by us in connection with the sale of common stock being registered hereunder:

SEC Registration fees	$5,088.08
Printing cost	$35,000.00
Legal fees and expenses	$60,000.00
Accounting fees and expenses	$40,000.00
NASD filing fee	$6,289.35
Nasdaq listing fee	$28,500.00
Miscellaneous	$50,122.57
Total	$225,000.00

Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers

Our Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, provides for indemnification of our officers and directors to the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the State of Delaware.

Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware provides generally and in pertinent part that a Delaware corporation may indemnify its directors and officers against expenses, judgments, fines and settlements actually and reasonably incurred by them in connection with any civil suit or action, except actions by or in the right of the corporation, or in connection with any administrative or investigative proceedings if, in connection with the matters in issue, they acted in good faith and in a manner they reasonable believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation and in connection with any criminal suit or proceeding, if in connection with the matters in issue, they had no reasonable cause to believe their conduct was unlawful. Section 145 further permits a Delaware corporation to grant its directors and officers additiona l rights of indemnification through bylaw provisions and otherwise and to purchase indemnity insurance on behalf of its directors and officers.

The Registrant maintains a policy of insurance under which the directors and officers of the Registrant are insured, subject to the limits of the policy, against certain losses arising from claims made against such directors and officers by reason of any acts or omissions covered under such policy in their respective capacities as directors or officers.

Item 16. Exhibits

1

Underwriting Agreement*

5

Opinion of Dinsmore & Shohl LLP with respect to the shares being registered

10.1

Employment Agreement of Kevin M. Hassey

10.2

Employment Agreement of Alan H. Buckey

23.1

Consent of Independent Auditors, Ernst & Young LLP

23.2

Consent of Independent Accountants, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

23.3

Consent of Dinsmore & Shohl LLP to use its opinion letter filed herewith (contained in Opinion Letter at Exhibit 5)

24

Power of Attorney executed by our officers and directors appointing Stephen N. Joffe and Alan H. Buckey as attorneys-in-fact (contained on signature page)

* To be filed by amendment.

Item 17. Undertakings

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.  In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

(1)

To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

(i)

To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

(ii)

To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement;

(iii)

To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;

Provided, however, That paragraphs (1)(i) and (1)(ii) do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement.

(2)

That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(3)

To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

(4)

That for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to section 13(a) or section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(5)

That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.

(6)

That for the purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

#

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on a Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cincinnati, State of Ohio on the 15th day of September, 2003.

LCA-VISION INC.

By:

/s/ Stephen N. Joffe, M.D.

Stephen N. Joffe, M.D., Chairman and

Chief Executive Officer

#

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Stephen N. Joffe, M.D. and Alan H. Buckey, and each of them, jointly and severally, as his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution, and each with power to act alone, to sign and execute on behalf of the undersigned any amendment or amendments to this Registration Statement on Form S-3, and to perform any acts necessary to be done in order to file such amendment with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and each of the undersigned does hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or their or his substitutes, shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

In accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement was signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature

Title

Date

/s/ Stephen N. Joffe, M.D.

Chairman and

September 15, 2003

Stephen N. Joffe, M.D.

Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ Alan Buckey

Chief Financial Officer

September 15, 2003

Alan Buckey

(Principal Financial and

Accounting Officer)

/s/John C. Hassan

Director

September 15, 2003

John C. Hassan

/s/ Stephen N. Joffe, M.D.

Director

September 15, 2003

Stephen N. Joffe, M.D.

/s/ John H. Gutfreund

Director

September 15, 2003

John H. Gutfreund

Director

, 2003

William O. Coleman

#

Exhibit Index

Exhibit No.	Description	Page
1	Underwriting Agreement	*
5	Opinion of Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP with respect to shares being registered
10.1	Employment Agreement of Kevin M. Hassey
10.2	Employment Agreement of Alan H. Buckey
23.1	Consent of Independent Auditors, Ernst & Young LLP
23.2	Consent of Independent Accountants, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
23.3	Consent of Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP to use its opinion letter herewith (contained in Opinion Letter at Exhibit 5)
24	Power of Attorney executed by our officers and directors appointing Stephen N. Joffe and Alan H. Buckey as attorneys-in-fact (contained on signature page)

* To be filed by amendment.

#

EX-5

Exhibit 5 and 23.3

Charles F. Hertlein, Jr.

513-977-8315

hertlein@dinslaw.com

September 22, 2003

LCA Vision Inc.

7840 Montgomery Road

Cincinnati, OH  45236-4301

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This opinion is rendered for use in connection with the Registration Statement on Form S-3, prescribed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, to be filed by LCA-Vision, Inc. (the "Company") with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about September 22, 2003 under which up to 3,450,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock, $.001 par value ("Common Stock") are to be registered.

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as Exhibits 5 and 23.3 to the Registration Statement and to the reference to our name in the Registration Statement.

As counsel to the Company, we have examined and are familiar with originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such statutes, documents, corporate records, certificates of public officials, and other instruments as we have deemed necessary for the purpose of this opinion, including the Company's certificate of incorporation, as amended, and bylaws, as amended, and the record of proceedings of the stockholders and directors of the Company.

Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:

1.

The Company has been duly incorporated and is validly existing and in good standing as a corporation under the laws of the State of Delaware.

2.

When the Registration Statement shall have been declared effective by order of the Securities and Exchange Commission and such 3,450,000 shares of Company Common Stock shall have been issued in accordance with the terms set forth in the Registration Statement, such shares of Company Common Stock will be legally and validly issued and outstanding, fully-paid and nonassessable.

Very truly yours,

DINSMORE & SHOHL, LLP

/s/ Charles F. Hertlein, Jr.

Charles F. Hertlein, Jr.

EX-10

Exhibit 10.1

June 30, 2003

Mr. Kevin M. Hassey

6728 Fieldhouse Way

Cincinnati, OH  45227

Dear Kevin:

I am pleased to convey the following offer letter to you for employment as President of LCA-Vision, Inc. reporting to me.  The term of your employment agreement shall be for no less than one (1) year, as discussed.  You will be subject to LCA-Vision’s standard confidentiality, non-compete and non-solicit obligations, as shall be set forth in subsequent agreements to follow.  The other terms of the offer are as below:

Salary:

$200,000 per annum

Vacation:

Up to 25 days per annum

401k & Health

Benefits:

As per plan

Stock Options:

100,000.  25,000 options vest immediately and the remaining 75,000 vest pro rata (1/3 per year) on the 12-month anniversary of each year over 3 years.  The options do not accelerate upon termination of employment, nor do they accelerate if change of control of LCA-Vision, Inc. unless you are terminated without cause by new management/successor of LCA-Vision, Inc.

The strike price will be based on LCA-Vision’s closing price on the first day of employment, or, subject to accounting rules, the average closing price of LCA-Vision stock on the first five (5) business days of your employment.

In addition, I will use my reasonable best efforts to have the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of LCA-Vision approve a performance-based option grant in the next six to twelve months applicable to you and other senior management.  The terms of such performance-based option grant shall be no less favorable to you, both in terms of number of options granted and performance metrics used, than those applicable to other members of LCA-Vision’s senior management.

Annual Bonus:

$100,000 for first year if “hit out of park,” in first twelve (12) months of employment, defined as (i) $25,000 payable for acquisition of greater than 100,000 laser vision correction treatments performed in the United States for twelve-month period, (ii) $25,000 payable for acquisition/marketing cost per treated eye of less than $150 in any consecutive ninety (90) day period, (iii) $25,000 if LCA-Vision publicly reports EPS of $0.65 cents or more for twelve-month period, and (iv) an additional $25,000 payable if each of (i), (ii) and (iii) above are all achieved in the 12-month period.  For purposes hereof, the twelve-month period commences on July 1, 2003 and terminates July 1, 2004.

The above bonus plan, including the amount and performance targets, shall be reviewed at the end of the first year for successive years thereafter.

We would like to have you start at LCA-Vision no later than Monday, July 21, 2003.

As discussed, LCA-Vision’s current agreement with EyeMed is of great value to LCA-Vision.  By signing below, you agree to use your best efforts to maintain and/or grow the agreement and relationship between the parties.

Kevin, I personally look forward to you joining our senior management team, and am confident that with Alan Buckey, Craig Joffe, myself and other members of management, we will have a winning team to take LCA-Vision to the next level.

Please indicate your acceptance of these terms by signing, dating and returning this letter to me no later than 6:00 p.m. on July 1, 2003.

Very Sincerely,

Accepted:

/s/ Stephen N. Joffe

/s/ Kevin M. Hassey

Stephen N. Joffe, Chairman and CEO

Kevin M. Hassey

7/2/03

7/3/03

Date

Date

EX-10

Exhibit 10.2

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This employment agreement ("Agreement") is entered into this 2nd day of March 2000, between LCA-Vision Inc., with a principal place of business at 7840 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, Ohio  45236 or any of its subsidiaries and Alan H. Buckey, an individual who resides at 8533 Twilight Terr. Lan. Cinti, OH  45249, ("Employee").

WHEREAS, LCA-Vision is a healthcare company which provides to customer initial evaluations, start-up implementation and continuing management assistance to further the use of lasers and technology in hospitals and evaluates, develops, markets implements and manages Laser and other Refractive Eye Surgical Centers in selective hospitals, freestanding sites or company-owned facilities; and, whereas Employee desires to obtain or to continue employment with LCA-Vision; and, whereas LCA-Vision and Employee wish explicitly to set forth the terms and conditions of their Agreement and the duties and responsibilities of the parties to each other, both during and after the term of this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants, representations and undertakings herein contained, including an amount of severance pay given solely at LCA-Vision's discretion to employees-at-will terminated for any reason upon seven days' notice, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, it is agreed by and between the parties hereto as follows:

1.

EMPLOYMENT:  Alan Buckey will render full-time services to LCA-Vision in the position of VP Finance/CFO for an indefinite period.  Employee will perform, to the best of her/his ability, any and all duties and responsibilities that may be assigned to her/him by LCA-Vision from time to time in the performance of that position.

2.

TERM:  This Agreement will become effective on the date it is executed and delivered by both LCA-Vision and Employee, and will continue in effect until it is terminated.  Either LCA-Vision or Employee may terminate their Agreement at any time without cause, and for any reason or for no reason, upon seven days written notice to the other party.  LCA-Vision may terminate Employee for cause immediately, without giving seven days' written notice.

3.

COMPENSATION:

a.

During the period that this Agreement remains in effect, Employee will receive in consideration for her/his services a salary of $149,600 per year.  This salary figure is subject to change, either to being raised or lowered, by LCA-Vision at its sole discretion, with or without notice.

b.

A 401K plan, medical and dental insurance and one life insurance policy (with a face amount equal to the amount of salary given above or $50,000.00, whichever is the lesser) will be provided to Employee subject to the terms of the master policies held by LCA-Vision.

c.

Employee will be entitled to twenty one (21) working days vacation during each calendar year.  It is agreed that said vacation is accrued in accordance with seniority and must be taken in compliance with the LCA-Vision written Vacation Policy and must be taken within each calendar year or be forfeited.  Vacation periods cannot be carried over from one calendar year to another.  A Days Off Request Form must be approved in advance by LCA-Vision. (Refer to offer letter for other compensation).

4.

CONFIDENTIALITY:

a.

Employee acknowledges that any information disclosed to, discerned by or discovered by her/him in consequence of her/his employment regarding LCA-Vision's processes, formulas, data, programs, designs, inventions, techniques, marketing plans, strategies, forecasts, new products, unpublished financial statements, budgets, projections, licenses, prices, costs and customer and supplier lists is "Proprietary Information."  All such proprietary information that is not generally available to the public is the property of LCA-Vision and must be kept absolutely confidential by Employee.  In recognition of the need for confidentiality, Employee agrees to sign and to abide by the terms of a "Confidentiality, Inventions and Noncompetition Agreement" (CINA Agreement) as a condition of her/his hiring and /or continuation of employment.  The CINA Agreement is attached hereto, and its terms are hereby incorporated by reference into this Agreement.

b.

Employee acknowledges that neither party shall disclosure the terms and conditions of this Agreement to any person, corporation or other entity other than the parties to this Agreement.

5.

REMEDY:  Employee acknowledges that any breach by Employee of any of the provisions contained in this contract will cause irreparable injury and damage.  Thus, Employee agrees that LCA-Vision shall be entitled to immediate injunctive relief and all other legal and/or equitable relief with respect to any such breach, together with the costs and expenses of reasonable attorneys' fees incurred by LCA-Vision if it prevails in enforcing the express terms of this Agreement.

6.

ARBITRATION:  Should any dispute or claim arise regarding this Agreement and/or the terms hereof, then LCA-Vision and Employee agree to submit such dispute or claim to final and binding arbitration within thirty (30) days notice by one party to the other requesting such arbitration.  The parties will mutually select the arbitrator from those persons in the Cincinnati, Ohio Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area ("SMSA") who are members in good standing of the American Arbitration Association; provided that if the parties are unable mutually to select the arbitrator, the arbitrator shall be appointed by the American Arbitration Association.  The fees and expenses of the American Arbitration Association and the Arbitrator shall be borne equally by both parties.  This section shall not restrict LCA's unequi vocal right to the legal and/or equitable relief set forth in Section 5 of this Agreement and Section 10 of the CINA Agreement.

7.

MISCELLANEOUS:

a.

This contract and the "Confidentiality, Inventions and Noncompetition Agreement" together constitute the entire agreement between the parties and contain all of the agreements between them with respect to Employee's terms and conditions of employment.  They supersede any and all other discussions, understandings, promises, negotiations, agreement or contracts, either oral or written, express or implied, past, present or future between the parties with respect to Employee's terms and conditions of employment.  No alteration of the terms of either Agreement except otherwise provided in their express terms can be made by either party unless such alternation is made in writing and signed by both parties to this Agreement.

b.

This Agreement shall be governed in all respects, whether as to validity, construction, capacity, performance or otherwise by the laws of the State of Ohio.

c.

If any part or parts of this Agreement shall for any reason be deemed invalid or unenforceable, all remaining parts shall continue to be binding and in full force and effect.

d.

No failure nor delay by either party in exercising any rights under this Agreement, other than the thirty-day deadline set forth in Section 6 Arbitration, shall operate as a waiver of such rights, and no waiver of any breach shall constitute a wavier of any prior, concurrent, or subsequent breach.

e.

The section headings in this Agreement are included solely for convenience and shall not affect, nor be used in connection with, the interpretation of this Agreement.

f.

This Agreement and the CINA Agreement are executed in duplicate, and each of these documents shall be deemed an original.  Together these documents constitute one and the same agreement, with one original of this Agreement and one original of the CINA Agreement being delivered to each party.

THIS IS A CONTRACT FOR AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT.  THE EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT SHE/HE HAS READ THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY, AND THAT SHE/HE UNDERSTANDS ITS TERMS AND ENTERS INTO IT FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have hereunto signed and executed this Agreement on the day and year referenced below.

EMPLOYEE

BY:  /s/Sandra F.W. Joffe

TITLE:  Secretary

/s/ Alan H. Buckey

DATE:  3/2/00

R.C.I.I. is a wholly owned subsidiary of LCA-Vision Inc.

EX-23

Exhibit 23.1

Consent of Independent Auditors

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in this Registration Statement on Form S-3 and related Prospectus of LCA-Vision Inc. for the registration of 3,450,000 shares of its common stock and to the inclusion and incorporation by reference therein of our report dated February 14, 2003, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of LCA-Vision Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2002, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Cincinnati, Ohio

September 22, 2003

EX-23

Exhibit 23.2

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-3 of our report dated February 13, 2001 relating to the financial statements which appear in LCA-Vision Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000.  We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in such Registration Statement.

/s/   PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Cincinnati, Ohio

September 22, 2003