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A History of "Firsts"
In fact, Paragon has long been a company of "Firsts"
Paragon Blasts-Off Into Space
Paragon Vision Sciences   Still Independent and Entrepreneurial
Paragon Vision Sciences is a progressive manufacturer of a full range of oxygen permeable (a.k.a. GP) materials used in the manufacturing of contact lenses and Paragon CRT therapeutic contact lenses used for Corneal Refractive Therapy. Corneal Refractive Therapy is the process of wearing a specially designed therapeutic contact lens while sleeping, to gently reshape the cornea, providing great vision during waking hours. The wearer has the benefit of great vision all day without the hassle of glasses or contact lenses and without the need for surgery.

Paragon's rich history of innovation in the contact lens industry continues through the pioneering development of new products and new marketing strategies as it expands its worldwide reach. Paragon is located in the United States in Mesa, Arizona, near the city of Phoenix.

A History of "Firsts"
Paragon Vision Sciences was founded as an independent, entrepreneurial enterprise in 1976 and throughout its 25 plus years has been at the forefront of research and development. In the 1980's Paragon revitalized the art and science of oxygen permeable contact lens fitting with the introduction of state-of-the-art contact lens materials that permitted large amounts of oxygen to reach the eye.

Along with being the first company with an extended wear GP contact lens material, it also introduced the first GP bifocal contact lens incorporating an encapsulated segment. In 1993, Paragon was part of an eight-day experiment aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavor to polymerize its then flagship brand, FluoroPerm® contact lens materials in space - another first.

In fact, Paragon has long been a company of "Firsts".
  First to introduce oxygen permeable contact lens materials to independent labs in the United States.
  First to introduce fluorosilicone acrylate materials, a special contact lens chemistry that delivers superb vision performance while fostering good eye health.
  First to gain FDA approval for extended wear oxygen permeable contact lens material, providing consumers the convenience of up to 7-days of continuous contact lens wear.
  First and only company to polymerize contact lens materials in space, in conjunction with NASA, adding to the Company's research and development capabilities.
  First to introduce a GP bifocal contact lens incorporating an encapsulated segment.
  First with a planned replacement program for GP lenses so consumers could economically secure new contact lenses on a routine basis promoting good eye health and excellent vision.
  First to gain FDA approval for a soft contact lens used to enhance vision quality after refractive surgical procedures.
  First to introduce GP materials incorporating purified silicone, Paragon HDS®, Paragon HDS® 100 and Paragon Thin™, from research findings gleaned from the Company's 10-year NASA Space Shuttle program. Paragon HDS and Paragon HDS 100 are the contact lens materials used in the manufacturing of the Company's breakthrough Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT) lens, Paragon CRT®.
  First to introduce a multifocal presbyopic product to Japan, enabling the Japanese consumer to enjoy the benefit of seeing in the distance and near simultaneously with a contact lens.
  First to gain FDA marketing approval for a completely integrated prescribing system and lens design for Corneal Refractive Therapy, Paragon CRT. Paragon CRT enables the consumer to wear specially-designed therapeutic contact lenses, during sleeping hours, providing superb vision during waking hours without the hassle of glasses or daytime contact lenses and without surgery.
   
Paragon Blasts-Off Into Space
Research and Development at Paragon Vision Sciences continues with an entrepreneurial spirit that has carried the company into Space. Experiments aboard the NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) Space Shuttle, Endeavor, launched in the summer of 1993, and two subsequent space shuttle missions, explored new Paragon contact lens polymers and ultimately led the Company to its proprietary HDS® Technology materials. The experiment was performed on SPACEHAB, a special module created for commercial experimentation. Paragon's leading material, Paragon HDS®, as well as Paragon Thin™ and Paragon HDS® 100, utilize HDS Technology and apply advanced silicone hyperpurification to the manufacturing process of contact lens materials. Both Paragon HDS and Paragon HDS 100 are the materials used to manufacture Paragon CRT® therapeutic contact lenses for non-surgical corneal reshaping.
Paragon Vision Sciences-Still Independent and Entrepreneurial
Paragon's pioneering spirit gained new strength eight years ago when industry veteran Joe Sicari, now President and Chief Executive Officer, acquired the company. Under his leadership, Paragon has explored new opportunities in both contact lens materials and contact lens design.

Beginning in 1995, the management team at Paragon, spurred by its Research and Development, took a fresh look at temporary corneal reshaping utilizing an oxygen permeable contact lens. Understanding the promise of the modality for consumers worldwide, Paragon decided to carefully study this area employing sound scientific processes and procedures aimed at proving the safety and efficacy of the concept.