Merge Healthcare acquires Ophthalmic Imaging Systems

Merge Healthcare (NASDAQ: MRGE), a leading provider of enterprise imaging and interoperability solutions, and Ophthalmic Imaging Systems (OIS) (OTC/BB: OISI), one of the country's top providers of digital imaging and informatics solutions for ophthalmology and other medical specialties, announced today the completion of Merge's acquisition of Ophthalmic Imaging Systems (OIS) (OTC/BB: OISI).

“This is an exciting time for Merge as demand for ophthalmic imaging solutions has increased due to factors such as an aging population, early disease recognition, and the growing need for portable diagnostic equipment”

Merge Healthcare will add OIS' ophthalmic imaging and informatics solutions, including a highly regarded single platform electronic health record (EHR) and practice management system, a digital imaging management solution and a modular imaging device that can capture images of both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye to its growing portfolio which currently includes image interoperability solutions for radiology, cardiology, orthopaedics and surgery.

"This is an exciting time for Merge as demand for ophthalmic imaging solutions has increased due to factors such as an aging population, early disease recognition, and the growing need for portable diagnostic equipment," said Jeff Surges, CEO of Merge Healthcare. "Plus, we are now in a unique position to capitalize on the growing EHR market specific to image-intensive specialties."

"For patients and physicians, this acquisition will enable us to create a more effective and efficient electronic healthcare experience across an even wider range of image-intensive specialties," continued Surges. "In terms of client growth, it will provide us with significant opportunities in 2012 and beyond as we can now provide our industry-leading image interoperability solutions to new markets."

OIS's client base of more than 2,000 sites - representing over 60% of the top ophthalmic institutions in the United States - will join Merge's client base of 1,500 hospitals and 4,000 clinics and practices.