Announced Actions for November 12, 1997

Consent agreements given final approval: Following a public comment period, the Commission has made final a consent agreement with the following entity. The Commission action makes the consent order binding on the respondent.

• The consent order with Mid-South PCM Group, P.C., Eye and Vision Clinic, P.C., International Computerized Orthokeratology Society, Inc., and J. Mason Hurt, O.D., of Bartlett, Tennessee, settling charges that claims that an eye care treatment called "Precise Corneal Molding" orthokeratology ("PCM ortho-k") can permanently cure vision deficiencies are false and unsubstantiated. PCM ortho-k is an eye care service that purports to reduce or eliminate dependence on eyeglasses and contact lenses. It is marketed as a non-surgical alternative to surgical eye procedures such as laser PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) and RK (radial keratotomy). The settlement would prohibit Hurt from making any false claims and would require reliable scientific evidence for any future success or efficacy claims. (See August 21, 1997 news release for more details; Docket No. C-3773; Commission vote to issue as final was 4-0.) Staff contact is Christa Vecchi or Matthew Daynard, 202-326-3166 or 202-326-3291.

Copies of the documents referenced above and a consumer publication, "Vision Correction Procedures," are available from the FTC’s web site at http://www.ftc.gov and also from the FTC’s Public Reference Branch, Room 130, 6th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20580; 202-326-2222; TTY for the hearing impaired 202- 326-2502. To find out the latest news as it is announced, call the FTC NewsPhone recording at 202-326-2710.