-Fremont, CA, USA (Market Wire) March 15th, 2004-

NIDEK Inc. announced today that it partnered with Mercy Ships International to provide the NIDEK YC-1600 Nd:YAG Ophthalmic Laser to the poor in developing nations. The NIDEK YC-1600 Laser System will provide Mercy Ships with a state-of-the-art ophthalmic laser system that is a lightweight, compact, fully-featured system with superb optics, versatility and excellent clinical
performance. The laser unit will be used onboard Mercy Ships around the world.

"We are very pleased and excited with this partnership and joint effort with Mercy Ships," stated Mr. Ted Shimomura, Executive Vice-President & General Manager of NIDEK Inc. "With the NIDEK YC-1600 Laser, Mercy Ships will be able to offer and perform sight restoring surgeries with accuracy, efficiency and excellent clinical outcomes. The design of the product will especially suit and benefit Mercy Ships, as the unit is portable and has a small footprint -- ideal for use on ocean going vessels. The unit has also gone through rigorous development and testing to ensure accurate treatments and laser energy delivery. The NIDEK YC-1600 is considered by many ophthalmic surgeons around the world a "laser work-horse," added Mr. Shimomura.

Dr. Glenn Strauss, Director of Eye Care Services for Mercy Ships International, stated: "I am so pleased about the commitment NIDEK has shown to eye care for the poor around the world. The NIDEK YC-1600 YAG laser will enable Mercy Ships to be a more effective treatment platform for those who most need hope and healing."

Founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships owns and operates a growing fleet of hospital ships bringing hope and healing to the poor. An international, volunteer crew of professionals staffs each of the three Mercy Ships. Doctors, dentists, nurses, community developers, teachers, cooks, seamen, engineers, and others donate their time and skills.
Since 1978, Mercy Ships has treated more than 300,000 people in village medical and dental clinics, performed 18,000 medical surgeries, 110,000 dental treatments and completed close to 350 construction and agriculture projects. Mercy Ships aims to become the face of love in action and has a vision to serve one million people per year.

Contact:

Mr. Mitsutoshi Amano
Title: Manager, Corporate Planning
Phone: +81-533-67-6753
Fax: +81-533-67-6610
Email: mitsutoshi_amano@nidek.co.jp

Mercy Ships International
Garden Valley, Texas
Diane Rickard, Media Relations
Phone: (800) 772-SHIP
E-mail: rickardd@mercyships.org
Web: http://www.mercyships.org