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EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on
Form S-8 pertaining to the 1994 Stock Option Plan and the 1994 Employee Stock
Purchase Plan of InSite Vision Incorporated of our report dated February 9,
2000, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of InSite Vision
Incorporated included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1999, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
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ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Walnut Creek, California
August 4, 2000