FOUNDER OF NIDEK LEAVES LEGACY OF DEVICES TO IMPROVE EYE CARE

2009.06.18

– June 18, 2009, Gamagori, JAPAN –


Mr. Hideo Ozawa

Hideo Ozawa, the founder and Chairman of the Board of NIDEK CO., LTD. passed away yesterday at a hospital in Gamagori, Japan. He was 79 years old. He left behind a legacy in the ophthalmic and optometric industries that will not be forgotten.

 

In 1971, Mr. Ozawa led six people to found NIDEK in Gamagori, Japan. His goal was to link optics and electronics. The first Xenon photocoagulator in Japan developed by NIDEK in 1973 became a huge success. In 1982 NIDEK introduced the first auto-refractor. His global vision led to successful subsidiaries in the United States, France, and Italy. Mr. Ozawa received the prestigious “Order of the Rising Sun” award from the Emperor of Japan in 2004.

 

His ambition was to make things from “invisible to visible.” Today NIDEK operates in about 100 countries worldwide. Mr. Ozawa spent half of his time travelling, meeting with doctors and industry leaders, and developing new technologies in optics, lasers, coating, and diagnostic devices.

 

His vision and leadership improved the eye and health care of millions of people worldwide.

 

For further information contact:
Public Relations, Planning Dept.
NIDEK CO., LTD.
Email: info@nidek.co.jp

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