Barry G. Caldwell Named Chief Executive Officer of STAA...( David Bailey Becomes Preside...),Health

David Bailey Becomes President of International Operations

MONROVIA, Calif., Nov. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- STAAR Surgical Company (Nasdaq: STAA), a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of minimally invasive ophthalmic products, today announced that Barry G. Caldwell, (57) has been named President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Caldwell, elected to STAAR's Board of Directors at the annual shareholder's meeting in May 2007, replaces David Bailey, (51). Mr. Bailey has been named President of STAAR Surgical International Operations and will be based at the Company's international headquarters in Nidau, Switzerland. Mr. Caldwell and Mr. Bailey will continue to serve as members of the STAAR Board of Directors through their respective current terms. As Mr. Caldwell is now an inside director, the Board is actively recruiting additional Board members.

"The expansion of our management leadership team should allow STAAR to focus fully on the strategic initiatives designed to enhance shareholder returns," said Don Bailey, Chairman of the Board of Directors of STAAR Surgical. "Barry brings more than 30 years of general management, sales and corporate business development experience in the ophthalmic industry. He has a successful track record for launching new technologies and achieving organic growth in mature markets through the implementation of innovative new product development and marketing plans."

"At the same time, we are very fortunate to have Dave's international market expertise and we fully expect him to continue to build on the successes he's already achieved as he transitions to his new, key role," continued Don Bailey. "During his tenure as Chief Executive Officer David turned
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