A year for change

2009 has started with a bang. Less than two weeks into the New Year, a shock announcement came from global healthcare and medical device firm Abbott, as it publicized its acquisition of AMO. For Abbott, the acquisition will see the addition of a brand new business division to its extensive medical device portfolio, allowing it to gain a brand new customer base and to further diversify risk; undeniably a positive move, particularly in these uncertain economic conditions. The purchase will also catapult Abbott into a leading position within the global ophthalmic market, which is previously unchartered territory for the company. For AMO, Abbott offers strong financial support as well as a new perspective for growth and expansion strategies. AMO can also capitalize on the healthcare firm’s strong reputation and global presence in international markets. So could this $2.8 billion deal spell the first in a long line of acquisitions for 2009? I think so!

Change has also been the theme for Ophthalmology Times Europe as we kick off 2009. Okay, so maybe the scale of our changes cannot quite match those of the AMO acquisition but you may have noticed that the look, size and style of this issue of your magazine have changed, we hope, to better suit your needs. Please do feel free to contact us if you would like to make any suggestions or comments.

I would now like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy New Year. May 2009 bring you good health, success, and continued enjoyment from your monthly edition of Ophthalmology Times Europe!

Fedra Pavloufpavlou@advanstar.com