Back to GetFilings.com





U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC  20549

Form  10-Q


(Mark One)

[ X ]

QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.


For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2003.


[    ]

TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT.


For the transition period from __________ to __________


Commission file number 0-27610


LCA-Vision Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware

 

11-2882328

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(IRS Employer

    Identification No.)

   

7840 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, Ohio  45236

(Address of principal executive offices)

   

(513) 792-9292

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)




Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.


Yes  [ X ]   

No [   ]


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in rule 12B-2 of the Securities Act of 1934).


Yes [   ]

No  [X ]



Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 10,743,109 shares as of April 18, 2003.


#





LCA-Vision Inc.

INDEX




Facing Sheet

1


Index

2


Part I.

Financial Information



Item 1.

Financial Statements


Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2003

and December 31, 2002

3


Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three

Months Ended March 31, 2003 and 2002

4


Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended

March 31, 2003 and 2002

5


Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

6


Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and

Results of Operations

8


Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

10


Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

10


Part II.

Other Information


Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

11


Item 2.

Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds

11


Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

11


Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

11


Item 5.

Other Information

11


Item 6.

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

11



Signatures

12





#





LCA-Vision Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Dollars in thousands except per share data)

 

Assets

March 31, 2003 (1)

 

December 31, 2002

Current Assets

   

   Cash and cash equivalents

 $               21,182

 

 $             18,298

   Accounts receivable, net

                       769

 

                     393

   Receivable from vendor

                       444

 

                     337

   Prepaid expenses, inventory and other

                       908

 

                  1,462

    

Total current assets

               23,303

 

                20,490

    

Property and Equipment

                  37,776

 

                37,301

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

               (20,424)

 

             (18,868)

Property and equipment, net

               17,352

 

                18,433

    

Goodwill, net

                       275

 

                     275

Deferred compensation plan assets

                       200

 

                     127

Investment in unconsolidated businesses

                       395

 

                     263

Other assets, net

                       430

 

                     408

    

Total assets

 $            41,955

 

 $             39,996

    

Liabilities and Shareholders' Investment

   

Current liabilities

   

   Accounts payable

 $                 2,686

 

 $               3,855

   Accrued liabilities and other

                    4,849

 

                  3,660

   Debt maturing in one year

                           7

 

                       10

    

Total current liabilities

                 7,542

 

                  7,525

    

Deferred compensation liability

                       212

 

                     129

Minority equity interest

                       310

 

                     230

   

   

Shareholders' investment

  

   

   Common stock ($0.001 par value; 13,110,306 and 13,110,306 shares and

  

   

       10,743,109 and 10,743,109 shares issued and outstanding, respectively)

                         13

 

                       13

   Contributed capital

                  91,474

 

                91,474

   Warrants

                    1,982

 

                  1,982

   Notes receivable from shareholders

                 (1,542)

 

               (1,532)

   Common stock in treasury, at cost (2,367,197 shares and 2,367,197 shares)

               (15,462)

 

             (15,462)

   Accumulated deficit

              (42,581)

 

             (44,338)

   Accumulated other comprehensive loss

                           7

 

                    (25)

   

   

Total shareholders' investment

33,891

 

32,112

   

   

Total liabilities and shareholders' investment

 $            41,955

 

 $             39,996

    
    
    

(1)  Unaudited

   
    

The notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement.

 

#





LCA-Vision Inc.

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

 

(Dollars in thousands except per share data)

 
     
 

Three months ended March 31,

 

2003 (1)

 

2002 (1)

 
     

Revenues  --   Laser refractive surgery

 $               19,982

 

 $               18,808

 
     

Operating costs and expenses

    

   Medical professional and license fees

                    4,071

 

                    3,778

 

   Direct costs of services

                    7,774

 

                    7,514

 

   General and administrative expenses

                    2,018

 

                    2,162

 

   Marketing and advertising

                    2,975

 

                    3,104

 

   Depreciation

                    1,505

 

                    1,458

 

   Special charges

                            -

 

                     (174)

 
     

Operating income

                    1,639

 

                       966

 
     

Equity in earnings from unconsolidated businesses

                       147

 

                       117

 

Minority equity interest

                       (80)

 

                       (67)

 

Interest expense

                            -

 

                         (2)

 

Interest income

                         36

 

                       137

 

Other income

                         53

 

                            -

 
     

Income before taxes on income

                    1,795

 

                    1,151

 
     

Income tax expense

                         38

 

                            -

 
     

Net income

 $                 1,757

 

 $                 1,151

 
     

Income per common share

    

   Basic

 $                   0.16

 

 $                   0.11

 

   Diluted

 $                   0.16

 

 $                   0.11

 
     

Weighted average shares outstanding

    

   Basic

               10,743

 

              10,957

 

   Diluted

               10,744

 

              10,965

 
     
     
     

(1)  Unaudited

    
     

The notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement.

 




#





LCA-Vision Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow

(Dollars in thousands except per share data)

 

 

  
 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

2003 (1)

 

2002 (1)

Cash flow from operating activities:

   

Net income

$          1,757

 

 $         1,151

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities

   

   Depreciation

              1,505

 

            1,458

   Warrant amortization

                      -

 

               175

   Deferred Compensation

                   82

 

                    -

   Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates

               (147)

 

              (117)

   Restructuring/Impairment provision

                      -

 

              (174)

   Changes in working capital:

   

  

     Accounts receivable

               (376)

 

              (598)

     Receivable from vendor

               (107)

 

              (260)

     Prepaid expenses, inventory and other

                 554

 

               617

     Accounts payable

            (1,169)

 

               229

     Accrued liabilities and other

              1,197

 

               427

    

Net cash provided by operations

              3,296

 

            2,908

    

Cash flow from investing activities:

   

   Purchase of property and equipment

               (475)

 

              (302)

   Deferred Compensation Plan

                 (72)

 

                    -

   Loans to shareholders

                 (10)

 

                (12)

   Other, net

                 133

 

              (181)

    

Net cash used in investing activities

               (424)

 

              (495)

    

Cash flows from financing activities:

   

   Principal payments of long-term notes, debt and capital lease obligations

                   (3)

 

                  (8)

   Shares repurchased for treasury stock

                      -

 

           (2,460)

   Exercise of stock options

                      -

 

               121

   Distribution of minority equity investees

                   15

 

                 33

    

Net cash used by financing activities

                   12

 

           (2,314)

    

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

              2,884

 

                 99

    

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

            18,298

 

          16,609

    

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$         21,182

 

 $       16,708

    

(1)  Unaudited

   
    

The notes to the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement.

 



#




LCA-Vision Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2003 and 2002

 

1.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies


This filing includes condensed consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002; condensed consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002; and condensed consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002.  In the opinion of management, these unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim period reported.  We suggest that these financial statements be read together with the financial statements and notes included in our annual report in Form 10-K.


Business


We are a leading developer and operator of free-standing laser refractive surgery centers. Our laser refractive surgery centers provide the staff, facilities, equipment and support services for performing laser vision correction that employ state-of-the-art laser technologies to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.   The Company currently utilizes three primary excimer lasers:  the Bausch & Lomb, VISX and Alcon.  Substantially all of the revenues from our laser vision correction procedures are derived from our North American Centers.


Operating costs and expenses consist of:


Medical professional and license fees, including per-procedure fees for the ophthalmologist performing laser vision correction and the license fee per procedure paid to  Bausch & Lomb,  Alcon, and VISX

Direct costs of services, including center rent and utilities, equipment lease and maintenance costs, surgical  supplies, center staff expense, costs related to other revenue, and all other costs associated with providing services in our centers

General and administrative associated with corporate overhead costs

Marketing and advertising costs

Depreciation  of property and equipment recorded in the balance sheet


Consolidation Policy


We use two different methods to report our investments in our subsidiaries and other companies: consolidation and the equity method.


Consolidation

We use consolidation when we own a majority of the voting stock of the subsidiary. In addition, we are in compliance with EITF 97-2, for Professional Corporations.  For a Professional Corporation in which LCA-Vision Inc. has a controlling financial interest through a contractual management arrangement, financial statements are consolidated.  Our condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of:  


LCA-Vision Inc.

LCA-Vision (Canada) Inc. and Subsidiaries

The Baltimore Laser Sight Center, Ltd

Columbus Eye Associates, Inc. (effective September 1, 2002)

LasikPlus Medical Associates, Inc. (effective January 1, 2003)

LasikPlus Medical Associates, S.C. (effective March 1, 2003)

Lasik Insurance Company Ltd



Equity Method

We use the equity method to report investments in businesses where we hold 20% to 50% voting interest, giving us the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over operating and financial policies. Under the equity method we report:

our interest in the entity as an investment in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, and

our percentage share of the earnings (losses) in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.



We own 43% of Silmalaseri Oy and 50% of both Cole LCA Vision LLC (through June 30, 2002) and Eyemed LCA Vision LLC and report our investments under the equity method.  


Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets


Goodwill is the excess of the acquisition cost of the businesses over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired.  Through December 31, 2002, we amortized goodwill using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life.  The Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” effective January 1, 2002.  SFAS No. 142 discontinued the amortization of goodwill and requires companies to perform annual impairment test of goodwill.  Application of the non-amortization provisions of the SFAS No. 142 resulted in a decrease in annual operating expenses of $76,000.  The impairment tests of goodwill as of December 31, 2002, indicated that the Company currently has no goodwill impairment.


Use of Estimates


Management makes estimates and assumptions when preparing financial statements under generally accepted accounting principles. Certain estimates are particularly sensitive due to their significance to the financial statements and the possibility that future events may differ significantly from management’s expectations.  These estimates and assumptions affect various matters including:


Allowance for doubtful accounts – patient financing

Enhancement accrual

Deferred income taxes – valuation allowance

Loss reserves – insurance captive



Per Share Data


Basic per share data is loss applicable to common shares divided by the weighted average common shares outstanding. Diluted per share data is income applicable to common shares divided by the weighted average common shares outstanding plus the potential issuance of common shares if stock options or warrants were exercised or convertible into common stock.


Following is a reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002 (in thousands, except per share amounts):


 

Three Months Ended

 

March 31,

 

2003

2002

     Basic earnings

  

Net income………………………………………………………….

$1,757

$1,151

Weighted average shares outstanding……………………………...

10,743

10,957

Basic earnings………………………………………………………

$0.16

$0.11

   

     Diluted earnings

  

Net income………………………………………………………....

$1,757

$1,151

Weighted average shares outstanding……………………………...

10,743

10,957

     Effect of dilutive securities:

  

         Stock options………………………………………………....

1

8

         Warrants……………………………………………………...

--

--

Weighted average common shares and potential dilutive shares......

10,744

10,965

Diluted earnings per share……………………………………….....

$0.16

$0.11







Stock-Based Compensation


In December 2002, SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure," which amends SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," was issued. SFAS No. 148 provides alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and requires more prominent and more frequent disclosures in the financial statements of the effects of stock-based compensation. The provisions of SFAS No. 148 are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002.


We apply APB No. 25 and related interpretations utilizing the intrinsic value method in accounting for our stock option plans. We have adopted the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS No. 123. We recognize no compensation expense for our stock options granted to employees or directors. Compensation expense for options granted to non-employees in each of the two quarters ended March 31, 2002 and 2003 was immaterial. If we had elected to recognize compensation expense based on the fair value at the grant dates consistent with the provisions of SFAS No. 123, net income and income per share would have been changed to the pro forma amounts indicated below (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts):


  

Quarter ended March 31,

 
  

2003

2002

 

Net income

As reported  

$1,757

$1,151

 
 

Pro forma

1,537

649

 
     

Basic per share income

As reported

$0.16

$0.11

 
 

Pro forma

$0.14

$0.06

 
     

Diluted per share loss

As reported

$0.16

$0.11

 
 

Pro forma

$0.14

$0.06

 


Shareholders' Investment


No material changes from the Company’s most recent Form 10-K.


Segment Information


We operate in one segment:  laser refractive surgery.


Commitments and Contingencies


None.

Internet


The Company’s website is www.lasikplus.com.  The Company makes available free of charge through a link provided at such website its Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K as well as any amendments thereto.  Such reports are available as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission.  To obtain a copy of Form 10-K by mail, please send a request to Investor Relations at LCA-Vision Inc., 7840 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, Ohio  45236.


Item 2.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition Results of Operations.


This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of important factors. For a discussion of important factors that could affect our results, refer to the Overview and financial statement line item discussions set forth in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A").


"MD&A" is an analysis of our operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002 and our financial condition as of March 31, 2003. It explains why our revenues and costs changed and our overall financial condition, among other matters.



#




Results of Operations - Revenues


Laser refractive surgery  

In most locations, laser refractive surgery revenues are the global fees charged to our patients.  Certain states prohibit us from practicing medicine, employing physicians to practice medicine on our behalf or employing optometrists to render optometry services on our behalf. Revenues and direct costs from centers in such states which are not consolidated do not include the medical professional fee component.  Revenues in the first quarter of 2003 grew by over 6% from the first quarter of 2002, primarily as a result of improved price realization.  The average price per procedure in the first quarter of 2003 was $1,173, an increase of approximately 10% from $1,069 in the first quarter of 2002.  Management expects pricing to continue to increase for the balance of 2003.


The following table illustrates the volume of laser vision correction procedures performed at our centers.


 

2003

 

2002

Q1

17,028

 

17,592

Q2

-

 

14,797

Q3

-

 

12,511

Q4

-

 

12,204

Year

-

 

57,104


Medical professional and license fees

Medical professional expenses increased by $505,000 from the first quarter of 2002 due to the consolidation of the professional corporations in 2003 and higher average revenues.  License fees decreased $135,000 from the first quarter of 2002, primarily as a result of lower procedure volume.


Direct costs of services

Direct costs of services include the salary component of physician compensation, staffing, equipment, medical supplies, and facility costs of operating laser vision correction centers.  These direct costs increased in the first quarter of 2003 by $259,000 compared to the first quarter of 2002, primarily due to an increase in laser rentals costs and insurance expense.  Medical supplies decreased by $86,000 in the first quarter of 2003 from the first quarter of 2002, primarily as a result of lower procedure volumes.  Exclusive of medical supplies, the average direct cost per center per month decreased to $66,576 in the first quarter of 2003 from $67,120 in the first quarter of 2002.


General and administrative

General and administrative expenses decreased by $158,000 in the first quarter of 2003 from the first quarter of 2002, primarily as a result of the elimination of warrant compensation expense, among other factors.


Marketing and advertising expenses

Marketing and advertising expenses decreased by $130,000 in the first quarter of 2003 from the first quarter of 2002, primarily as a result of more efficient media buying.  


Depreciation and amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $47,000 in the first quarter of 2003 from the first quarter of 2002 primarily as a result of the purchase of diagnostic and surgical equipment that previously had been leased.


Non-operating income and expenses

Investment income decreased $101,000 in the first quarter of 2003 from the first quarter of 2002, primarily as a result of lower interest rates on our invested cash.


Income Taxes

Income tax expense of $38,000 was recorded in the first quarter of 2003 due to foreign income tax liabilities.


Liquidity and Capital Resources

Net cash provided by operating activities in the first three months of 2003 was $3,296,000, which exceeded expenditures in investing activities, resulting in an increase in the first quarter in cash and cash equivalents of $2,884,000, or approximately 16%, from $18,298,000 as of December 31, 2002, to $21,182,000 as of March 31, 2003.






During the second quarter of 2000, the directors initiated a program to encourage additional direct stock ownership by senior management of the company.  The Company offered loans to nine key managers and directors for the purpose of purchasing shares in the open market.  Each loan is a personal obligation of the borrower, and is evidenced by a promissory note.  The interest rate on the notes is prime less one and one-half percent.  The notes have a maximum term of three years, and contain provisions for early repayment.  A total of $1,541,000 has been loaned under this program.


As of March 31, 2003 we maintained a $10,000,000 revolving credit facility with The Provident Bank.  In addition to the $10,000,000 of unused credit under this facility, the Company has a $10,000,000 line of credit for the purpose of funding acquisitions, subject to the consent of Provident Bank.  Both of these credit arrangements expire June 30, 2003.  It is our intent to renew these facilities for another 12 months on comparable terms.


Factors That May Affect Future Results and Market Price of Stock

For a detailed discussion of factors that may affect our future results, please refer to the Company's most recent Form 10-K.  No material new risks have developed since the filing of this report.


Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk


The carrying values of financial instruments including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.


We have historically had very low exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, and as such, have not used derivative financial instruments to manage foreign currency fluctuation risk.


Item 4. Controls and Procedures


The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have reviewed, as of a date within 90 days of this filing, the disclosure controls and procedures that ensure that information relating to the Company required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported in a timely and proper manner.  Based upon this review, the Company believes that there are adequate controls and procedures in place.  There are no significant changes in the controls or other factors that could affect the controls after the date of the evaluation.



#




Part II.

Other Information


Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

None


Item 2.

Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds.

None


Item 3.

Defaults upon Senior Securities.

None


Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

None


Item 5.

Other Information.

None


Item 6.

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.


(a)

Exhibits

None


(b)

Reports on Form 8-K


1)

Form 8-K, dated March 3, 2003, containing a press release announcing the Company’s introduction of the latest breakthrough in laser vision correction technology.

2)

Form 8-K, dated March 17, 2003, containing a press release announcing the appointment of Craig Joffe as senior vice president and general counsel.





#





Signatures


In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized.


LCA-VISION INC.




May 7, 2003

/s/ Stephen N. Joffe

Stephen N. Joffe

Chairman and CEO




May 7, 2003

/s/ Alan Buckey

Alan Buckey

Chief Financial Officer








#




CERTIFICATIONS

Chief Executive Officer


I, Stephen N. Joffe, certify that:


1.

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of LCA-Vision Inc.;


2.

Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;


3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;


4.

The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:


a)

designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;


b)

evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and


c)

presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;


5.

The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):


a)

all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and


b)

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and


6.

The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.


May 7, 2003

/s/ Stephen N. Joffe

Stephen N. Joffe



#




Chief Financial Officer


I, Alan Buckey, certify that:


1.

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of LCA-Vision Inc.;


2.

Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;


3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;


4.

The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:


a)

designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;


b)

evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and


c)

presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;


1.

The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):


a)

all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and


b)

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and


1.

The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.


May 7, 2003

/s/ Alan Buckey

Alan Buckey


#




Exhibit 99





CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002



In connection with the Quarterly Report of LCA-Vision Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2003 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), we, Stephen N. Joffe, Chief Executive Officer, and Alan Buckey, Chief Financial Officer, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. ss. 1350, as adopted pursuant to ss. 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of our knowledge:


(1)

The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and


(2)

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.





/s/ Stephen N. Joffe

/s/ Alan Buckey

Stephen N. Joffe

Alan Buckey

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Financial Officer




#