SKANEATELES FALLS, N.Y.— Welch Allyn, Inc., a leading medical diagnostic device company, announced yesterday the acquisition of certain assets of PediaVision Holdings, LLC of Lake Mary, Fla. Founded in 2007, PediaVision is a leading developer of vision technology and inventor of the award-winning “Spot” screener.

Spot is a fast, portable, easy-to-use binocular vision screener with wireless communication capabilities designed to screen for refractive error which can be associated with several ophthalmological issues in patients of all ages. According to Welch Allyn president and CEO, Stephen Meyer, the acquisition offers Welch Allyn a unique opportunity to better serve its customers by offering them a state of the art diagnostic device for conducting eye examinations in a variety of settings.

It also complements the company’s existing vision screening technology, specifically, the Welch Allyn SureSight Vision Screener and Autorefractor. The company plans a launch of a Welch Allyn-branded version of the product later this year.

“The acquisition of the PediaVision assets is exciting news for Welch Allyn and is in keeping with our corporate objective that emphasizes using a deep understanding of our customer base as the foundation for the kinds of products and services we provide,” said Meyer. “PediaVision has a solid customer base and the addition of its binocular vision screener into our existing portfolio of physical assessment products, like our new OAE Hearing Screener, will allow us to offer a more robust suite of early detection solutions for health care providers globally.”

“Our technology has quickly captured the attention of organizations at the forefront of vision screening and vision care,” said PediaVision CEO, David Melnik. “We are extremely proud of what we have been able to accomplish and are so thankful to our customers for their passion and support in helping us change the way vision issues are identified. PediaVision has done what its team is best at—delivering innovation that changes the way people solve problems and create value. I truly believe Welch Allyn is the perfect fit to take what PediaVision has built and take it to the next level. Spot couldn't be in better hands.”

PediaVision’s employees and contractors will be retained under a Transition Services Agreement (TSA) and have been asked to remain with the company in their current capacity through the transition period. The current product will continue to be developed and sourced by PediaVision’s existing manufacturing partners, and it will be business as usual for all PediaVision suppliers and customers while the transition is underway.

“Welch Allyn intends to continue its tradition as a leader in high quality, reliable physical assessment devices by investing in growth through acquisitions as well as internal product development,” added Jon Soderberg, executive vice president and chief corporate development officer at Welch Allyn. “This acquisition will allow us to offer a more extensive line of vision screening products. Furthermore, we believe that this represents an exciting opportunity to advance the trend of investing in preventive care to help save money for the overall health care system while protecting the eyesight of patients of all ages—in the doctor’s office and beyond.”