CINCINNATI--Diversified Ophthalmics has acquired Aero Contact Lens of Ohio in a private transaction with owner Bob Lawner. Aero, based in Dayton, Ohio is a supplier of gas permeable contact lenses with a nationwide customer base.

The sale includes Aero's proprietary lens designs and products which will continue to be available through D-Con, Diversified's gas permeable contact lens division, according to Dr. Ronald F. Cooke, OD, president and CEO of Diversified Ophthalmics, an ophthalmics products and services company based here.

"This will be a significant addition to our portfolio of lenses for difficult fittings," said Cooke. "We see gas perms as unique products that benefit both patients and fitters. They give sharper optical performance coupled with long-term cost savings. This is especially important to patients who want the best possible vision. They also bond the patient to their care giver for better long term eye health and continuity of care."

Lawner, who founded Aero in 1999, will be joining Diversified in the capacity of a fitting consultant and gas perm design specialist. "Bob is a veteran, hands-on contact lens fitter of many years' experience," said Cooke. "He can easily relate to routine GP fits as well as to problems such as irregular corneas, post-surgical fittings, and the fitting of multifocal lenses."