VISX INC
S-3, 1995-10-06
ELECTROMEDICAL & ELECTROTHERAPEUTIC APPARATUS
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<PAGE>   1
 
    AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 6, 1995
                                                      REGISTRATION NO. 33-
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------
 
                                    FORM S-3
            REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                            ------------------------
 
                               VISX, INCORPORATED
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
                            ------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                            <C>
                           DELAWARE                                                      06-1161793
                   (STATE OF INCORPORATION)                                 (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NO.)
</TABLE>
 
                            3400 CENTRAL EXPRESSWAY
                             SANTA CLARA, CA 95051
                                 (408) 733-2020
   (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
                   REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
 
                                 MARK B. LOGAN
          CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
                               VISX, INCORPORATED
                            3400 CENTRAL EXPRESSWAY
                             SANTA CLARA, CA 95051
                                 (408) 733-2020
(NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
                               AGENT FOR SERVICE)
 
                            ------------------------
 
                                   COPIES TO:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                <C>
          CHRISTOPHER D. MITCHELL , ESQ.                        ROY J. SCHMIDT, JR., ESQ.
              FELIX P. PHILLIPS, ESQ.                         SUZANNE SAWOCHKA HOOPER, ESQ.
         WILSON SONSINI GOODRICH & ROSATI                        GIBSON DUNN & CRUTCHER
             PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION                            2029 CENTURY PARK EAST
                650 PAGE MILL ROAD                                LOS ANGELES, CA 90067
                PALO ALTO, CA 94304                                  (310) 552-8500
                  (415) 493-9300
</TABLE>
 
                            ------------------------
 
    APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as
practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective and the
Underwriting Agreement is executed.
 
    If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box.  / /
 
    If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, check the following box.  / /
 
    If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering.  / /
    If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering.  / /
    If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box.  / /
 
                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                     <C>                <C>              <C>              <C>
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</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                PROPOSED
                                                               PROPOSED         MAXIMUM
          TITLE OF EACH CLASS            NUMBER OF SHARES      MAXIMUM         AGGREGATE
             OF SECURITIES                    TO BE         OFFERING PRICE      OFFERING        AMOUNT OF
           TO BE REGISTERED               REGISTERED(1)      PER SHARE(2)       PRICE(2)     REGISTRATION FEE
<S>                                     <C>                <C>              <C>              <C>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stock, $0.01 par value..........     2,875,000           $22.25        $63,968,750        $22,059
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
(1) Includes 375,000 shares which the Underwriters have the option to purchase
to cover over-allotments, if any.
 
(2) Estimated solely for the purpose of computing the amount of the registration
    fee, based on the average of the high and low prices for the Common Stock as
    reported on the Nasdaq National Market on September 29, 1995, in accordance
    with Rule 457(c).
                            ------------------------
 
     THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT FILES
A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A),
MAY DETERMINE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   2
 
     INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
     REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
     SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR
     MAY OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
     BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR
     THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE
     SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE
     UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS
     OF ANY SUCH STATE.
 
                  SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED OCTOBER 6, 1995
 
                                2,500,000 SHARES
                                      [LOGO]
 
                                  COMMON STOCK
 
     THE 2,500,000 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK, PAR VALUE $0.01 PER SHARE (THE
"COMMON STOCK"), OFFERED HEREBY (THIS "OFFERING") ARE BEING OFFERED BY VISX,
INCORPORATED ("VISX" OR THE "COMPANY"). THE COMMON STOCK IS QUOTED ON THE NASDAQ
NATIONAL MARKET ("NASDAQ") UNDER THE SYMBOL "VISX." ON OCTOBER 4, 1995, THE LAST
REPORTED SALES PRICE OF THE COMMON STOCK ON NASDAQ WAS $22 1/2 PER SHARE. SEE
"PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDEND POLICY."
 
     FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN RISKS OF AN INVESTMENT IN THE SHARES OF COMMON
STOCK OFFERED HEREBY, SEE "RISK FACTORS" ON PAGES 5 TO 10.
                            ------------------------
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
   EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
        COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
          PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
             CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
                            ------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          UNDERWRITING
                                      PRICE TO            DISCOUNTS AND          PROCEEDS TO
                                       PUBLIC             COMMISSIONS*            COMPANY+
<S>                             <C>                   <C>                   <C>
PER SHARE......................           $                     $                     $
TOTAL++........................           $                     $                     $
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
* THE COMPANY HAS AGREED TO INDEMNIFY THE UNDERWRITERS AGAINST CERTAIN
  LIABILITIES, INCLUDING LIABILITIES UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS
  AMENDED. SEE "UNDERWRITING."
 
+ BEFORE DEDUCTING EXPENSES OF THIS OFFERING PAYABLE BY THE COMPANY ESTIMATED TO
  BE $350,000.
 
++ THE COMPANY HAS GRANTED THE UNDERWRITERS A 30-DAY OPTION TO PURCHASE UP TO
   375,000 ADDITIONAL SHARES OF COMMON STOCK ON THE SAME TERMS PER SHARE SOLELY
   TO COVER OVER-ALLOTMENTS, IF ANY. IF SUCH OPTION IS EXERCISED IN FULL, THE
   TOTAL PRICE TO PUBLIC WILL BE $          , THE TOTAL UNDERWRITING DISCOUNTS
   AND COMMISSIONS WILL BE $          AND THE TOTAL PROCEEDS TO COMPANY WILL BE
   $          . SEE "UNDERWRITING."
                            ------------------------
 
     THE COMMON STOCK IS BEING OFFERED BY THE UNDERWRITERS AS SET FORTH UNDER
"UNDERWRITING" HEREIN. IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE DELIVERY OF CERTIFICATES THEREFOR
WILL BE MADE AT THE OFFICES OF DILLON, READ & CO. INC., NEW YORK, NEW YORK, ON
OR ABOUT                     , 1995, AGAINST PAYMENT THEREFOR IN NEW YORK FUNDS.
THE UNDERWRITERS INCLUDE:
 
DILLON, READ & CO. INC.                                 PAINEWEBBER INCORPORATED
 
            THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS                  , 1995.
<PAGE>   3
                            [VISX logo appears here]


United States                                        International
Pillar Point Partners                                Licensing Agreements
[Above text appears inside of a                      [Above text appears inside
photo of U.S. Map]                                   of a photo of world globe]


                          *Worldwide Equipment
                           Sales through Alcon


*Per Procedure                                      *Equipment Royalties
 Royalties from Licensees                            from Licensed Manufacturers


          *Equipment Royalties               *Use Royalties from
           from Licensees                     Licensed Manufacturers


                *[Text appears inside of an outline of a diamond]


 
THE VISX SYSTEM FOR LVC IS AN INVESTIGATIONAL DEVICE AND HAS NOT RECEIVED FDA
APPROVAL FOR COMMERCIAL SALE IN THE UNITED STATES.
                               ------------------
 
     IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT OR EFFECT
TRANSACTIONS WHICH STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE OF THE COMMON STOCK OF
THE COMPANY AT A LEVEL ABOVE THAT WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE PREVAIL IN THE OPEN
MARKET. SUCH STABILIZING, IF COMMENCED, MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME.
 
     IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING, THE UNDERWRITERS OR OTHER SELLING GROUP
MEMBERS MAY ENGAGE IN PASSIVE MARKET MAKING TRANSACTIONS IN THE COMMON STOCK OF
THE COMPANY ON THE NASDAQ NATIONAL MARKET IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 10B-6A UNDER
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934. SEE "UNDERWRITING."
 

                                        2
<PAGE>   4
 
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
     The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information, including "Risk Factors," the consolidated financial statements and
notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus and the documents
incorporated by reference herein. Unless otherwise indicated, all information in
this Prospectus assumes no exercise of the Underwriters' over-allotment option.
See "Underwriting."
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
     VISX is a leader in the design and development of proprietary technologies
and systems for laser vision correction ("LVC"), an outpatient surgical
procedure to treat refractive vision disorders such as nearsightedness,
astigmatism and farsightedness with the goal of eliminating or reducing reliance
on eyeglasses and contact lenses. In LVC, a computer-controlled excimer laser
ablates, or removes, submicron layers of tissue from the surface of the cornea
to reshape the eye, thereby improving visual acuity. Vision correction
represents one of the largest medical markets with over 100 million people in
the United States experiencing some form of nearsightedness, astigmatism or
farsightedness. Industry sources estimate that approximately $13 billion was
spent on eyeglasses, contact lenses and other corrective eyewear in the United
States in 1994. Vision correction is typically paid for by the individual
receiving treatment and does not rely on reimbursement from governmental or
private health care payors.
 
     Since its inception in 1985, VISX has been developing a substantial
proprietary position in system and application technology relating to the use of
lasers for vision correction. The Company's strategy is to commercialize this
intellectual property position through (i) per procedure and equipment royalties
from Pillar Point Partners ("Pillar Point") at such time as the United States
Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") grants pre-market approval ("PMA") for LVC
indications, (ii) international use and equipment royalties collected under
direct licensing agreements, and (iii) worldwide sales of the Company's excimer
laser system through Alcon Laboratories, Inc. and its affiliates ("Alcon"), the
Company's exclusive marketing partner.
 
     Pillar Point was formed by the Company and Summit Technology, Inc.
("Summit") in 1992 to hold certain United States patent rights of both companies
relating to LVC. Through Pillar Point, the Company will participate in the
commercialization of LVC in the United States following receipt of a PMA for LVC
by either company. Under the terms of the Pillar Point agreement, which relates
only to United States equipment sales and use, VISX and Summit will share
profits from per procedure royalties, and all partnership profits attributable
to royalties on laser equipment sales by Summit will be allocated to VISX. In
September 1995, Summit announced that it received an FDA approvable letter for
its PMA application for LVC for treatment of nearsightedness. Summit has
indicated that it believes the approvable letter positions Summit to receive FDA
approval to market its LVC system for treatment of nearsightedness by the end of
1995 which would enable Pillar Point to receive revenue beginning shortly
thereafter. There can, however, be no assurance that Summit will receive such
approval within this time frame, or at all. Pillar Point also intends to make
its patents available, through licensing agreements, to other manufacturers that
obtain PMA for LVC systems and seek to make, use or sell such systems in the
United States. VISX and Summit would, in such event, share in profits from per
procedure and equipment royalties paid to Pillar Point by other manufacturers
that are licensed by Pillar Point. The Company believes that one of its key
strengths is the patent position of Pillar Point, which holds exclusive licenses
from VISX and Summit to more than 20 United States patents covering methods and
hardware for performing LVC.
 
     Internationally, VISX holds 75 patents and is pursuing a strategy which
includes licensing other manufacturers of excimer laser systems for LVC in the
countries in which VISX holds patents. In September 1995, VISX entered into a
license agreement with Chiron Vision Corporation ("Chiron") and extended its
agreement, originally entered into in 1994, with Aesculap-Meditec ("Meditec").
Under these agreements, the Company will receive royalties for sales and use of
Chiron and Meditec equipment in Canada and will receive equipment royalties on
all other international sales. Chiron and Meditec are two of the largest
manufacturers of excimer lasers for eye care applications in international
markets.
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   5
 
     The Company manufactures its proprietary excimer laser system (the "VISX
System") for LVC and other applications and has been marketing the VISX System
internationally since 1988. To date, over 200 VISX Systems have been shipped and
the Company estimates that over 250,000 eyes have been treated with the
installed base of VISX Systems in over 30 countries. The Company has completed
United States clinical trials for LVC for the treatment of low-level myopia and
for phototherapeutic keratectomy ("PTK"), a laser surgical procedure for
treating corneal pathologies. On September 29, 1995, the Company received FDA
approval of its PMA application for the VISX System for PTK and has commenced
United States commercialization of the VISX System for this indication.
Additionally, the FDA has requested that the Company be prepared to present its
PMA application for LVC for treatment of low-level myopia at a meeting of the
FDA's Ophthalmic Devices Advisory Panel scheduled for October 20, 1995.
 
                                  THE OFFERING
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                            <C>
Common Stock Offered by the Company..........  2,500,000 shares
Common Stock Outstanding after this
  Offering...................................  15,071,142 shares(1)
Use of Proceeds..............................  For research and development, ongoing
                                               clinical trials, expansion of marketing and
                                               manufacturing activities, working capital and
                                               other general corporate purposes. See "Use of
                                               Proceeds."
Nasdaq National Market symbol................  VISX
</TABLE>
 
                         SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                      JUNE 30,
                                    ----------------------------------------------------   -----------------
                                     1990      1991       1992          1993      1994      1994      1995
                                    -------   -------   --------       -------   -------   -------   -------
<S>                                 <C>       <C>       <C>            <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Total revenues....................  $ 6,621   $13,171   $ 20,285       $22,074   $17,896   $10,237   $ 6,475
Cost of revenues..................    4,126     8,285     12,551        12,030    10,274     5,250     4,438
Total costs and expenses..........   14,632    15,573     30,859(2)     22,266    25,230    10,723    12,962
Loss from operations..............   (8,011)   (2,402)   (10,574)(2)      (192)   (7,334)     (486)   (6,487)
Net income (loss).................   (7,209)   (1,817)    (9,551)(2)       179    (6,264)     (257)   (8,279)
Net income (loss) per share.......  $  (.94)  $  (.22)  $   (.98)(2)   $   .02   $  (.60)  $  (.03)  $  (.71)
Weighted average number of shares
  and equivalents outstanding.....    7,643     8,214      9,706        10,540    10,372    10,271    11,654
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      JUNE 30, 1995
                                                                                  ----------------------
                                                                                                 AS
                                                                                   ACTUAL    ADJUSTED(3)
                                                                                  --------   -----------
<S>                                                                               <C>        <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and short-term investments.................................................  $ 14,845    $  67,511
Working capital.................................................................    17,788       70,454
Total assets....................................................................    27,344       80,010
Deferred revenue and other long-term obligations................................       409          409
Accumulated deficit.............................................................   (45,082)     (45,082)
Stockholders' equity............................................................    20,157       72,823
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
    (1) Based on shares of Common Stock outstanding as of June 30, 1995.
Excludes 1,502,393 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of
outstanding options and an additional 571,972 shares reserved for issuance
pursuant to future grants under the Company's stock plans as of June 30, 1995.
See Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
    (2) Includes a $6.0 million charge for purchased research and development
incurred in connection with an acquisition. See Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements.
 
    (3) Adjusted to reflect the sale of the 2,500,000 shares of Common Stock
offered by the Company hereby at an assumed public offering price of $22 1/2 per
share and after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions
and offering expenses.
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   6
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
     In evaluating the Company's business, prospective investors should
carefully consider the following risk factors in addition to the other
information in this Prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference
herein.
 
ABSENCE OF PROFITABLE OPERATIONS HISTORY; FLUCTUATIONS IN RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
     The Company began operations in March 1986 and has recorded losses from
operations in all years since its inception. At June 30, 1995, the Company had
an accumulated deficit of $45.1 million. The Company anticipates continued
losses from operations due to ongoing research, development and clinical
expenditures as well as increased sales, marketing and manufacturing
expenditures to support United States commercial introduction of the VISX
System. In addition, the Company's results of operations have in the past
fluctuated substantially from period to period, due largely to the timing and
amount of orders received from Alcon, and its future results of operations may
vary significantly from quarter to quarter, as a result of the amount and timing
of revenues from use and equipment royalties paid to Pillar Point, royalties
under international licensing arrangements, international equipment sales to
Alcon and United States equipment sales. There can be no assurance that the
Company will achieve profitability in the future or that profitability, if
achieved, will be sustained. FDA approval of an LVC system is of critical
importance to the Company and failure of such approval to be granted would have
a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and
results of operations. In addition, failure to receive FDA approval for the VISX
System for LVC could materially affect the perception of the Company in the
marketplace, and could also have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business, financial condition and results of operations. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
 
UNCERTAINTY OF MARKET ACCEPTANCE
 
     The Company believes that its profitability and growth will depend upon
broad acceptance of LVC in the United States and key international markets
targeted by the Company. There can be no assurance that LVC will be accepted by
either the ophthalmic community or the general population as an alternative to
existing methods of treating refractive vision disorders. The acceptance of LVC
may be affected adversely by its cost, concerns relating to its safety and
efficacy, general resistance to surgery, the effectiveness of alternative
methods of correcting refractive vision disorders, the lack of long-term
follow-up data, the possibility of unknown side effects, and the lack of
third-party reimbursement for the procedure. Many consumers may choose not to
have LVC due to the availability of nonsurgical methods for vision correction.
Any future reported adverse events or other unfavorable publicity involving
patient outcomes from use of LVC systems manufactured by any participant in the
LVC market could also adversely affect acceptance of the procedure. Market
acceptance could also be affected by the ability of the Company and other
participants in the LVC market to train a broad population of ophthalmologists
in the procedure. Ophthalmologist acceptance could also be affected by the cost
of the excimer laser systems used to perform LVC. Promotional efforts by
suppliers of products or procedures which are alternatives to LVC, including
eyeglasses and contact lenses, may also adversely affect the market acceptance
of LVC. The failure of LVC to achieve broad market acceptance would have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and
results of operations. See "Business -- Marketing, Sales and Distribution."
 
RISKS RELATING TO PILLAR POINT PARTNERS
 
     The agreements establishing Pillar Point (collectively, the "Pillar Point
Agreement") contemplate that royalties will be paid to Pillar Point each time a
laser system is used to perform LVC in the United States under licenses granted
to the Company, Summit or other manufacturers. Should the Company receive PMA
for LVC, the Company will seek to establish and maintain contractual
arrangements permitting it to collect per procedure royalties from use of VISX
Systems. There can, however, be no assurance that the Company or Summit will be
able to collect such royalties. In forming Pillar Point,
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   7
 
the Company and Summit endeavored to structure the operations of the partnership
in a manner consistent with antitrust laws. The compliance of Pillar Point with
these laws will depend upon the activities of the partners, a determination of
what constitutes a relevant market for purposes of such laws, the nature of the
patents, the number and relative strength of competitors in such markets and
numerous other factors, many of which are presently unknown or are beyond the
control of Pillar Point, VISX and Summit. No assurance can be given that the
activities of Pillar Point will not be challenged under such laws. In March
1995, Pillar Point sued LaserSight, Inc. for patent infringement in the Federal
District Court for Delaware. In that action, LaserSight has asserted several
affirmative defenses and has entered a declaratory judgment counterclaim
asserting, among other things, that the Pillar Point Agreement constitutes
patent misuse. Any successful challenge to the operation of Pillar Point or to
its patents could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
financial condition and results of operations. See "Business -- Pillar Point
Partners and Other Licensing Arrangements."
 
     In addition, there can be no assurance that the Pillar Point Agreement will
preclude patent disputes with Summit relating to technology not included in
Pillar Point in the United States or relating to any technology outside the
United States. In particular, Summit has sued VISX in the United States under a
patent held by Summit and not licensed to Pillar Point, and VISX has sued Summit
in Canada for infringement of certain of VISX's Canadian patents. See
"-- Reliance on Patents and Proprietary Technology; Risks Related to Patent
Litigation" and "Business -- Legal Proceedings."
 
RELIANCE ON PATENTS AND PROPRIETARY TECHNOLOGY; RISKS RELATED TO PATENT
LITIGATION
 
     Protection of the Company's proprietary technology is important to its
business. In the United States, there are a number of patents covering methods
and apparatus for performing corneal surgery with ultraviolet lasers, including
patents owned by VISX and Summit. Pursuant to the Pillar Point Agreement VISX
and Summit each contributed their rights under United States patents previously
issued to them covering apparatus and methods for performing ultraviolet laser
corneal surgery. The Pillar Point Agreement also provides that certain other
patent rights obtained by either VISX or Summit must be contributed or offered
to Pillar Point, depending upon the nature of the particular patent rights
involved. In addition, there are also multiple foreign patents covering
apparatus for performing excimer laser corneal surgery, including patents or
patent rights held by VISX, Summit, and others. See "Business -- Pillar Point
Partners and Other Licensing Arrangements" and "Business -- Patents and
Proprietary Rights."
 
     There can be no assurance that the United States patent rights held by
Pillar Point or international patents held by VISX will afford any significant
degree of protection or provide the Company with a competitive advantage. In
particular, there can be no assurance that any such patents will not be
challenged, invalidated or circumvented in the future, either in the United
States or internationally. Failure to maintain the protection afforded by the
patents held by Pillar Point and the Company's international patents would have
a material adverse effect on the Company's future revenues and ability to become
profitable. Further, there can be no assurance that the patents held by Pillar
Point or the Company's international patents will ultimately be found to be
valid or enforceable or that the Company's patent rights will deter others from
developing substantially equivalent or competitive products.
 
     In addition, the medical device industry, including the ophthalmic laser
sector, has been characterized by substantial litigation, both in the United
States and internationally, regarding patents and proprietary rights. The
Company is engaged in several pending patent proceedings, both in the United
States and internationally. In the United States, Summit has sued the Company
for infringement of a patent held by Summit and not licensed to Pillar Point.
Internationally, the Company has filed actions alleging infringement of its
patents against certain parties in Canada, is involved in opposition proceedings
challenging the issuance of certain patents in the European Patent Office
("EPO") and has filed an action alleging patent infringement against a company
in Germany. For additional detail regarding these patent proceedings, see
"Business -- Legal Proceedings." There can be no assurance
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   8
 
that additional patent infringement claims in the United States or in other
countries will not be asserted against VISX by Summit (limited in the United
States to patent rights not included in Pillar Point) or others, or, if
asserted, that VISX will be successful in defending against such claims.
Furthermore, Pillar Point or VISX may undertake additional infringement actions
against others. Infringement actions with respect to United States patents
licensed to Pillar Point could be brought or defended by Pillar Point, although
the partners would have the right to initiate, pursue, defend or participate in
such actions if Pillar Point declined to do so. The defense and prosecution of
patent proceedings is costly and involves substantial commitments of management
time. Adverse determinations in litigation or other patent proceedings to which
the Company currently is or may become a party could subject the Company to
significant liabilities to third parties and require the Company to seek
licenses from third parties. Although patent and intellectual property disputes
in the medical device area have often been settled through licensing or similar
arrangements, costs associated with such arrangements may be substantial and
could include ongoing royalties. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that
necessary licenses would be available to the Company on satisfactory terms or at
all. Accordingly, an adverse determination in a judicial or administrative
proceeding or failure to obtain necessary licenses could prevent the Company
from manufacturing and selling its products in one or more markets, which would
have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition
and results of operations. In addition, the Company's marketing agreement with
Alcon is terminable if any of the Company's patent rights is found to be
unenforceable or invalid in the United States, which could adversely affect the
marketing of the VISX System. See "Business -- Patents and Proprietary Rights"
and "Business -- Legal Proceedings."
 
LACK OF FDA APPROVAL FOR LVC; GOVERNMENT REGULATION
 
     LVC systems, including the VISX System, are regulated in the United States
as medical devices by the FDA under the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
("FDC Act") and, as such, require FDA approval of a PMA application prior to
commercial sale in the United States. The process of obtaining approval of a PMA
application is lengthy, expensive and uncertain, generally takes several years
or longer to complete, if approval is obtained at all, and requires the
submission of extensive clinical data and supporting information to the FDA. The
PMA process also typically requires a public hearing before an advisory panel
comprised of experts in the relevant field. The FDA is not bound by the advisory
panel's recommendations; however, it tends to accord them significant weight.
 
     On September 29, 1995, the Company received FDA approval of its PMA
application for the VISX System for PTK. In addition, the FDA has requested the
Company to be prepared to present its PMA application for LVC for treatment of
low-level myopia at an advisory panel meeting scheduled for October 20, 1995.
The panel review could, however, be changed or rescheduled, and, accordingly,
there can be no assurance that panel review will be held on such date or as to
the action that the panel will take. If the panel issues an unfavorable
recommendation, the FDA could require the Company to design and conduct new
clinical trials, modify the device or undertake other actions in connection with
the Company's PMA application. Accordingly, an adverse recommendation by the
panel will significantly increase the time and expense required for the Company
to obtain a PMA for the VISX System for LVC and will substantially increase the
likelihood that the Company will never be able to obtain such approval. If the
panel recommendation is favorable, the FDA will continue its review of the
Company's PMA application, particularly in light of any observations or
recommendations made by the panel. A favorable panel recommendation will not
assure receipt of PMA, and the time frame required to obtain a PMA following the
panel recommendation may be significant. Accordingly, there can be no assurance
as to when or whether the Company will receive PMA for the VISX System for LVC.
Summit has announced that it has received an approvable letter from the FDA for
its PMA application for treatment of nearsightedness using LVC. However, there
can be no assurance that Summit will obtain approval for use of LVC to treat
nearsightedness on a timely basis or at all, and delays in receipt of or failure
of Summit to receive such approval could, by virtue of the Company's rights to
profits from use and equipment royalties through Pillar Point, have a material
adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of
operations. The failure of LVC systems to be approved by the FDA
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   9
 
would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial
condition and results of operations. See "Business -- Government Regulation."
 
     In June 1995, the FDA promulgated a draft proposal entitled "FDA Guidance
for Photorefractive Keratectomy Laser Systems: IDE Studies and PMA
Applications." The proposal, which would add substantial additional requirements
for LVC clinical trials, is intended to supersede prior draft guidelines
promulgated by the FDA in 1990 but never finalized. In July 1995, at a public
hearing regarding the draft proposal, the FDA and the Ophthalmic Devices
Advisory Panel heard recommendations from various industry sources. It is
uncertain as to whether the FDA will accept all or any of the recommended
changes to the draft proposal. FDA implementation of some or all of proposal's
recommendations could, particularly if such implementation is retroactive,
require the Company to submit additional clinical data, including data not
collected in the Company's United States clinical trials. Such implementation
could therefore substantially delay receipt of PMA for the VISX System for LVC
and increase the likelihood that the Company will not be able to obtain such
approval.
 
     Products manufactured or distributed by the Company pursuant to a PMA will
be subject to pervasive and continuing regulation by the FDA. The FDC Act also
requires the Company to manufacture its products in accordance with its Good
Manufacturing Practices ("GMP") regulations. The Company's facilities are
subject to periodic GMP inspections by the FDA. These regulations impose certain
procedural and documentation requirements upon the Company with respect to
manufacturing and quality assurance activities. The FDA has proposed amendments
to the GMP regulations which will likely increase the cost of compliance with
GMP requirements. Labeling and promotional activities are subject to scrutiny by
the FDA, and current FDA enforcement policy prohibits the marketing of approved
medical devices for unapproved uses. Noncompliance with applicable requirements
can result in, among other things, warning letters, fines, injunctions,
penalties, recall or seizure of products, total or partial suspension of
production, denial or withdrawal of premarket approval of devices, and criminal
prosecution. Changes in existing regulatory requirements or adoption of new
requirements could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
financial condition and results of operations. There can be no assurance that
the Company will not be required to incur significant costs to comply with laws
and regulations in the future or that laws and regulations will not have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition or
results of operations.
 
     International sales of LVC systems, including the VISX System, are subject
to regulations governing the sale of medical devices in the countries in which
these systems are sold, as well as to FDA export clearances. International
regulatory requirements vary by country and there can be no assurance that VISX
will receive additional international regulatory approvals or meet requirements
for ongoing commercial sales, or as to the associated cost or delay. Failure to
receive approval in, or meet the requirements of, any country would prevent the
Company from selling its products in such country, which could adversely affect
the Company's results of operations. See "Business -- Government Regulation."
 
LACK OF LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP DATA; UNDETERMINED MEDICAL RISKS
 
     Concerns with respect to the safety and efficacy of LVC include
predictability and stability of results. Potential complications and side
effects include: post-operative discomfort; corneal haze during healing (an
increase in the light scattering properties of the cornea); glare/halos
(undesirable visual sensations produced by bright lights); decreases in contrast
sensitivity; temporary increases in intraocular pressure in reaction to
procedure medication; modest fluctuations in refractive capabilities during
healing; modest decrease in best corrected vision (i. e., with corrective
eyewear); unintended over- or under-corrections; regression of effect; disorders
of corneal healing; corneal scars; corneal ulcers and induced astigmatism. There
can be no assurance that long-term follow-up data will not reveal additional
complications that may have a material adverse effect on acceptance of LVC which
in turn would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
financial condition and results of operations. Concern over the safety of LVC or
other procedures could in turn adversely affect market
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   10
 
acceptance of LVC and the VISX System or result in adverse regulatory action,
including product recalls, any of which could have a material adverse effect on
the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. See
"Business -- Clinical Trials and Results."
 
DEPENDENCE ON THIRD-PARTY SALES AND MARKETING; RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH
INTERNATIONAL SALES
 
     Alcon serves as the Company's exclusive international distributor and has
exclusive domestic sales and marketing rights. Accordingly, the Company is
entirely dependent upon the efforts of Alcon for international sales of VISX
Systems and will be dependent upon Alcon for domestic product sales.
Furthermore, the Company's international marketing agreement with Alcon does not
contain specified minimum purchase commitments and requires annual agreement on
unit pricing and number of systems to be purchased by Alcon. The agreement
provides that disputes thereunder as to pricing and certain other matters are to
be resolved by binding arbitration. The Company's domestic agreement provides
that sales targets are also subject to binding arbitration if not agreed upon by
the parties. Both agreements also require the Company to indemnify Alcon and its
affiliates for damages, up to an aggregate of $4.0 million, arising out of
certain potential claims, including personal injury and patent infringement
claims.
 
     International sales may be limited or disrupted by the imposition of
government controls, export license requirements, political instability, trade
restrictions, changes in tariffs, difficulties in staffing and coordinating
communications among and managing international operations. Additionally, the
Company's business, financial condition and international results of operations
may be adversely affected by increases in duty rates, difficulties in obtaining
export licenses, ability to maintain or increase prices, and competition. See
"Business -- Marketing, Sales and Distribution."
 
COMPETITION AND TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE
 
     The medical device and ophthalmic laser industries are subject to intense
competition and technological change. LVC using excimer laser systems for
treatment of refractive disorders competes with eyeglasses, contact lenses and
radial keratotomy ("RK"), as well as with other technologies and surgical
techniques currently under development, such as corneal implants and surgery
using different types of lasers. In the United States, the Company believes that
it and Summit are the leading manufacturers of excimer refractive surgical
systems. In September 1995, Summit announced that it received an approvable
letter from FDA for its PMA application for LVC for treatment of
nearsightedness. Summit has indicated that the approvable letter positions
Summit to receive FDA approval to market its LVC system for treatment of
nearsightedness by the end of 1995. An LVC approval would enable Summit to
commence commercial sale of its laser system for LVC in the United States prior
to the Company, which, although the Company would receive per procedure and
equipment royalties through Pillar Point, would afford Summit a competitive
advantage with respect to equipment sales for LVC.
 
     Use of the VISX System for PTK to treat corneal pathologies competes with
corneal transplants, surgery and drug treatments. The VISX System also competes
with products marketed or under development by other laser and medical equipment
manufacturers, many of which may have greater financial and other resources than
the Company. Additionally, competitors, both in the United States and abroad,
may enter the excimer laser equipment manufacturing business or acquire existing
companies. Such competitors may be able to offer their products at a lower cost
or may develop procedures that involve a lower per procedure cost. Competition
from new entrants may be particularly prevalent in those countries where
significant regulatory approvals are not required. In addition, medical
companies, academic and research institutions and others could develop new
therapies, including new medical devices or surgical procedures, for the
conditions targeted by the Company, which therapies could be more medically
effective and less expensive than LVC, and could potentially render LVC
obsolete. Any such developments could have a material adverse effect on the
business, financial condition and results of operations of the Company. See
"Business -- Competition."
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   11
 
VOLATILITY OF STOCK PRICE
 
     The Company's Common Stock has experienced substantial price volatility,
and such volatility may occur in the future. In addition, the stock market from
time to time has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have
affected the market price of many companies and have often been unrelated to the
operating performance of particular companies. Factors such as developments with
respect to the Company's PMA applications and clinical trials, fluctuations in
the Company's operating results, announcements of technological innovations or
new products by the Company or its competitors, developments with respect to
patents or proprietary rights and litigation relating thereto, public concern as
to the safety of products developed by the Company or others, changes in
recommendations of securities analysts and general market conditions may have a
significant effect on the market price of the Company's Common Stock. See "Price
Range of Common Stock and Dividend Policy."
 
PRODUCT LIABILITY AND INSURANCE
 
     Inherent in the testing and use of human health care devices is the
potentially significant risk of physical injury to patients which could result
in product liability or other claims based upon injuries or alleged injuries
associated with a defect in the product's performance, which may not become
evident for a number of years. The VISX System includes high-voltage power
supplies, cryogenic subsystems, high-pressure gases, toxic gases, and other
potentially hazardous factors. In the event of an accident, the Company could be
liable for any damages that result, and any such liability could exceed the
resources of the Company. VISX maintains a "claims made" product liability
insurance policy in the amount of $4.0 million, which is the maximum payout for
all claims that could be made during the policy period. The inability of the
Company to maintain adequate insurance coverage as well as any product liability
or personal injury claims in excess of the Company's insurance coverage could
have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition
and results of operations. See "Business -- Product Liability and Insurance."
 
MANUFACTURING RISKS
 
     The Company currently does not have experience manufacturing its VISX
System in large-scale, commercial quantities. In the event that the Company
receives FDA approval for LVC, the Company would need to hire and train
additional manufacturing personnel to meet increased production requirements. In
addition, the Company contracts with third parties for the manufacture or
assembly of certain components. Several of these components are currently
provided by a single vendor. If any of these suppliers were to cease providing
components to the Company, the Company would be required to locate and contract
with a substitute supplier, and there can be no assurances that such substitute
supplier could be located and qualified in a timely manner or could provide
required components on commercially reasonable terms. A failure to increase
production volumes in a cost-effective or timely manner, or an interruption in
the manufacturing of VISX Systems, could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. See
"Business -- Manufacturing, Components and Raw Materials."
 
FUTURE CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
 
     Although the Company anticipates that the net proceeds of this Offering
will be sufficient to meet the Company's capital requirements for at least the
next 24 months, there can be no assurance that the Company will not require
additional financing. The Company's future liquidity and capital requirements
will depend upon numerous factors, including the timing of FDA approval of an
LVC system. Future financings may result in the issuance of senior securities or
in dilution to holders of the Common Stock. Any such financing, if required, may
not be available on satisfactory terms or at all. See "Management's Discussion
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Liquidity and Capital
Resources."
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   12
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
     The Company is incorporated in Delaware. The Company's principal executive
offices are located at 3400 Central Expressway, Santa Clara, California 95051
and its telephone number at that location is (408) 733-2020. All references in
this Prospectus to VISX and the Company refer to VISX and its subsidiaries
unless the context otherwise indicates. The VISX logo and VisionKey are Company
trademarks. Trademarks of other companies also are referred to in this
Prospectus.
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
     The net proceeds to the Company from the sale of 2,500,000 shares of Common
Stock offered hereby, after deduction of underwriting discounts and offering
expenses, are estimated to be $52.7 million (or $60.6 million if the
Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full).
 
     The Company expects to use a majority of the net proceeds of this Offering
for research and development, ongoing clinical trials of the VISX System for
additional indications and expansion of marketing and manufacturing activities,
and expects to use the remainder of the net proceeds for general corporate
purposes including working capital. The amount and timing of the expenditures of
the net proceeds for these purposes will depend on numerous factors, including
timing of receipt of FDA approval to market the VISX System for LVC. The Company
may also use a portion of the net proceeds to acquire complementary businesses,
products or technologies, although the Company has no current agreements or
understandings with respect to any such transactions. Pending such uses, the
Company intends to invest such net proceeds in short-term, investment-grade,
interest-bearing securities.
 
                PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDEND POLICY
 
     Since November 4, 1993, the Common Stock has traded on the Nasdaq National
Market under the symbol "VISX." From February 1991 to November 3, 1993, the
Common Stock was listed on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol "VSX."
The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the high and low sale
prices of the Common Stock as reported by the Nasdaq National Market and the
American Stock Exchange, as appropriate.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      HIGH         LOW
                                                                     -------     -------
<S>                                                                  <C>         <C> 
1993
  1st Quarter......................................................  $13  7/8    $ 9  1/2
  2nd Quarter......................................................   12  1/2      8  1/2
  3rd Quarter......................................................   15  3/4      9  1/2
  4th Quarter......................................................   18  1/4     12  1/2
1994
  1st Quarter......................................................  $28  3/4    $15  1/2
  2nd Quarter......................................................   21  1/4     13  3/4
  3rd Quarter......................................................   22          11  3/4
  4th Quarter......................................................   14  1/2     10
1995
  1st Quarter......................................................  $15  7/8    $10
  2nd Quarter......................................................   14 5/16     10  7/8
  3rd Quarter......................................................   24  1/8     13
  4th Quarter (through October 4, 1995)............................   24  3/4     22
</TABLE>
 
     On October 4, 1995, the last reported sale price of the Common Stock on the
Nasdaq National Market was $22 1/2 per share. As of such date, there were
approximately 841 holders of record of the Common Stock.
 
     The Company has never declared or paid any cash dividends on its Common
Stock. The Company presently intends to retain any future earnings for use in
its business and does not anticipate paying any cash dividends on its Common
Stock in the foreseeable future.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   13
 
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
     The following table sets forth the capitalization of the Company as of June
30, 1995, and as adjusted to reflect the sale of the 2,500,000 shares of Common
Stock offered by the Company hereby (at an assumed public offering price of
$22 1/2 per share) and the receipt of the estimated net proceeds therefrom by
the Company after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions
and offering expenses.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           JUNE 30, 1995
                                                                       ---------------------
                                                                                       AS
                                                                        ACTUAL      ADJUSTED
                                                                       --------     --------
                                                                          (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                    <C>          <C>
Deferred revenue and other long-term obligations.....................  $    409     $    409
                                                                       --------     --------
Stockholders' equity:
  Common Stock, $0.01 par value, 30,000,000 shares authorized;
     12,571,142 shares outstanding actual, 15,071,142 shares
     outstanding as adjusted(1)......................................       125          151
  Additional paid-in capital.........................................    65,117      117,757
  Accumulated deficit................................................   (45,082)     (45,082)
  Treasury shares....................................................        (3)          (3)
                                                                       --------     --------
     Total stockholders' equity......................................    20,157       72,823
                                                                       --------     --------
  Total capitalization...............................................  $ 20,566     $ 73,232
                                                                       ========     ========
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
     (1) Excludes 1,502,393 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance upon
exercise of outstanding options and an additional 571,972 shares reserved for
issuance pursuant to future grants under the Company's stock plans as of June
30, 1995. See Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   14
 
                      SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
    The consolidated statement of operations data set forth below for the years
ended December 31, 1992, 1993 and 1994 and the consolidated balance sheet data
at December 31, 1993 and 1994 are derived from the consolidated financial
statements of the Company audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public
accountants, which are included elsewhere in this Prospectus. The consolidated
statement of operations data set forth below with respect to the years ended
December 31, 1990 and 1991 and the balance sheet data at December 31, 1990, 1991
and 1992 are derived from audited financial statements of the Company which are
not included in this Prospectus. The statement of operations data for the six
months ended June 30, 1994 and 1995 and the balance sheet data at June 30, 1995
have been derived from unaudited financial statements of the Company which are
included elsewhere in this Prospectus. Unaudited financial statements include
all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) that the
Company considers necessary for a fair presentation of the financial information
set forth therein, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
The results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 1995 are not
necessarily indicative of the results for the entire fiscal year. The data set
forth below should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial
statements and related notes thereto and "Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" included elsewhere in this
Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                       SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                    JUNE 30,
                                                    ------------------------------------------------   -----------------
                                                     1990      1991       1992      1993      1994      1994      1995
                                                    -------   -------   --------   -------   -------   -------   -------
                                                                   (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                                 <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenues:
  Product sales...................................  $ 5,977   $11,182   $  9,368   $ 1,092   $ 1,240   $   940   $ 2,800
  Product sales to Alcon, a related party.........       --     1,678      9,566    18,450    13,993     8,067     1,680
  Service and other revenues......................      644       311      1,351     2,532     2,663     1,230     1,995
                                                    -------   -------   --------   -------   -------   -------   -------
    Total revenues................................    6,621    13,171     20,285    22,074    17,896    10,237     6,475
                                                    -------   -------   --------   -------   -------   -------   -------
Costs and Expenses:
  Cost of revenues................................    4,126     8,285     12,551    12,030    10,274     5,250     4,438
  Marketing, general and administrative...........    6,034     4,624      6,846     5,272     6,371     2,495     3,916
  Research, development and regulatory............    4,472     2,664      5,445     4,964     7,085     2,978     4,608
  Reserve for product line disposition............       --        --         --        --     1,500        --        --
  Purchased research and development..............       --        --      6,017        --        --        --        --
                                                    -------   -------   --------   -------   -------   -------   -------
    Total costs and expenses......................   14,632    15,573     30,859    22,266    25,230    10,723    12,962
                                                    -------   -------   --------   -------   -------   -------   -------
    Loss from operations..........................   (8,011)   (2,402)   (10,574)     (192)   (7,334)     (486)   (6,487)
                                                    -------   -------   --------   -------   -------   -------   -------
Other income (expense):
  Interest income.................................      814       589        767       295       472       206       376
  Other income....................................       --        --        276        76       598        23        82
  Interest expense................................      (12)       (4)       (20)       --        --        --        --
  Litigation settlement...........................       --        --         --        --        --        --    (2,250)
                                                    -------   -------   --------   -------   -------   -------   -------
    Other income (expense), net...................      802       585      1,023       371     1,070       229    (1,792)
                                                    -------   -------   --------   -------   -------   -------   -------
Net income (loss).................................  $(7,209)  $(1,817)  $ (9,551)  $   179   $(6,264)  $  (257)  $(8,279)
                                                    =======   =======   ========   =======   =======   =======   =======
Net income (loss) per share.......................  $  (.94)  $  (.22)  $   (.98)  $   .02   $  (.60)  $  (.03)  $  (.71)
                                                    =======   =======   ========   =======   =======   =======   =======
Weighted average number of shares and equivalents
  outstanding.....................................    7,643     8,214      9,706    10,540    10,372    10,271    11,654
                                                    =======   =======   ========   =======   =======   =======   =======
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      DECEMBER 31,
                                                    ------------------------------------------------             JUNE 30,
                                                     1990      1991       1992      1993      1994                1995
                                                    -------   -------   --------   -------   -------             -------
                                                                               (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                 <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and short-term investments...................  $ 4,880   $ 6,823   $  9,135   $11,847   $11,161             $14,845
Working capital...................................    6,773     7,595     14,003    15,733    11,842              17,788
Total assets......................................   10,544    25,157     23,033    22,917    20,627              27,344
Deferred revenue and other long-term
  obligations.....................................    1,619       699        664       659       409                 409
Accumulated deficit...............................  (19,350)  (21,167)   (30,718)  (30,539)  (36,803)            (45,082)
Stockholders' equity..............................    5,938    19,603     16,207    18,024    13,993              20,157
</TABLE>
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   15
 
                      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
                OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
BACKGROUND
 
     Since its inception, VISX has been engaged in the design and development of
proprietary technologies and systems for LVC and has been manufacturing such
systems since 1987. In 1994, the Company determined that it was necessary for
the Company to strengthen its management as well as to devote increased
attention to regulatory affairs and monitoring of activities at clinical trial
sites. This determination arose, in part, as the Company became aware of
procedural and administrative irregularities at three of the Company's clinical
sites following FDA inspections in September 1994, which were conducted as part
of the FDA's normal oversight responsibility. The issues raised by the FDA
inspections did not involve concerns over patient safety or the efficacy of the
VISX System.
 
     On November 1, 1994, the Company hired Mark B. Logan as President and Chief
Executive Officer to strengthen its executive management. Also in 1995, the
Company hired Jordan D. Haller, M.D. as Vice President, Regulatory and Clinical
Affairs and retained Marc G. Odrich, M.D. as Medical Monitor to provide
additional oversight of clinical trials. As a result of these management changes
and increased focus on clinical and regulatory affairs, the Company has
increased its expenditures in the regulatory and clinical affairs area.
 
     During 1994 and throughout 1995, the Company has undergone a transition
from being primarily focused on development and clinical evaluation of the
Company's products to a broad-based, market-driven strategy to expand and
commercialize the Company's proprietary technology. In May 1995, Elizabeth
Davila joined the Company as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating
Officer to help implement this new strategy.
 
     Until May 26, 1995, Alcon had been a related party to the Company by virtue
of its representation on the Company's board of directors. Alcon's
representatives did not stand for reelection at the Company's 1995 annual
stockholders' meeting, and Alcon is therefore no longer considered a related
party to the Company. Certain allegations in pending derivative litigation
brought by stockholders of the Company relate to Alcon's marketing of the VISX
System. As part of ongoing settlement discussions among representatives of VISX,
Alcon and the other participants in the litigation, it is possible that a
resolution of the litigation could include a restructuring of the Company's
existing relationship with Alcon. See Notes 2 and 3 of Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements and "Business -- Legal Proceedings."
 
     In March 1995, the Company introduced a new, streamlined model of the VISX
System. On September 29, 1995, the Company received FDA approval of its PMA
application for the VISX System for PTK. In addition, the FDA has requested that
the Company be prepared to present its PMA application for LVC for treatment of
low-level myopia at a meeting of the FDA's Ophthalmic Devices Advisory Panel
scheduled for October 20, 1995.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
  Six Months Ended June 30,1995 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30,1994
 
     Revenues.  Product revenues for the six month period ended June 30, 1995
were $4,480,000, a decrease of 50% from the $9,007,000 in product sales for the
six month period ending June 30, 1994. The decline in product revenues in 1995
compared to 1994 is due to a reduced number of international systems sold during
the period to Alcon, the Company's exclusive international distributor. In light
of market conditions and Alcon's level of inventory, Alcon purchased fewer VISX
Systems from the Company during the first six months of 1995 than in the first
six months of 1994. Additionally, in connection with the introduction of the new
model VISX System, the Company agreed to reduce the distributor price to Alcon
during 1995. Service and other revenues for the six month period ended June 30,
1995 were $1,995,000, an increase of 62% over the $1,230,000 in service and
other revenues for the six month period ended June 30, 1994, due primarily to a
larger installed base of VISX Systems.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   16
 
     The volumes and terms of purchases by Alcon of VISX Systems are determined
from time to time by agreement between Alcon and VISX. International sales to
Alcon accounted for 100% of the Company's product sales in the six months ended
June 30, 1995, compared to 90% in the six months ended June 30, 1994. Through
May 26, 1995, sales to Alcon were reported as "Product sales to Alcon, a related
party," and after such date sales to Alcon are reported as "Product sales." See
Notes 2 and 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
     Cost of Revenues.  Cost of revenues consists of manufacturing costs, cost
of services and warranty expenses. Gross profit as a percentage of revenues was
31% for the six months ended June 30, 1995 and 49% for the six months ended June
30, 1994. Decreased gross profit as a percentage of revenues for the six months
ended June 30, 1995 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 1994 reflects
lower VISX System sales volume and product transition costs from the Company's
prior generation of the VISX System to the new model VISX System.
 
     Marketing, General and Administrative Expenses.  Marketing, general and
administrative expenses were $3,916,000 for the first six months of 1995, an
increase of 57% compared to $2,495,000 of marketing, general and administrative
expenses in the first six months of 1994. The increase in the first six months
ended June 30, 1995 compared to the same period of 1994 primarily reflects
increases in staffing and in legal expenses associated with pending litigation.
 
     Research, Development and Regulatory Expenses.  Research, development and
regulatory expenses were $4,608,000 for the first six months of 1995, an
increase of 55% compared to $2,978,000 of research, development and regulatory
expenses in the first six months of 1994. The increase in the first six months
of 1995 compared to the first six months of 1994 primarily reflects increased
consulting and regulatory expenses necessary to conduct United States clinical
trials, to compile clinical data and to pursue PMA applications filed with the
FDA.
 
     Other Income (Expense), Net.  Other expense, net was $1,792,000 in the
first six months of 1995 compared to other income, net of $229,000 in the first
six months of 1994. Other expense, net in the first six months of 1995 was due
primarily to the settlement (pending court approval) in June 1995 of the
securities class action lawsuit against the Company. The net cost of settlement
after insurance reimbursement is expected not to exceed $2,250,000. Interest
income in the first six months of 1995 increased to $376,000 from $206,000 in
the first six months of 1994. The increase in interest income is primarily due
to higher average cash and cash equivalent balances. In addition, other income
increased as a result of royalty payments from the Company's patent license
agreement with Meditec entered into in September 1994.
 
  1994 Compared to 1993
 
     Revenues.  Revenues from product sales for 1994 decreased 22% to
$15,233,000 from product sales of $19,542,000 in 1993. The decline in product
sales in 1994 compared to 1993 is due to a reduced number of international
systems sold during the second half of the year to Alcon, the Company's
exclusive international distributor. Alcon's inventory of VISX Systems increased
in the first half of 1994 and as such Alcon required fewer units from VISX in
the second half of the year to satisfy international customer demand. Alcon
accounted for 92% of the Company's product sales in 1994, compared to 94% in
1993.
 
     Service and other revenues, consisting primarily of customer service
revenue, sale of parts for VISX Systems, and sales of VisionKey cards, increased
to $2,663,000 in 1994 from $2,532,000 in 1993. The increase is primarily due to
increased service revenues and increased sale of parts and accessories due to a
larger installed base of VISX Systems internationally and an increase in the
number of procedures performed as the installed base of VISX Systems increases.
Including revenues from the sale of parts and VisionKey cards, Alcon accounted
for 86% and 87% of total revenues in 1994 and 1993, respectively.
 
     Cost of Revenues.  Cost of revenues for 1994 decreased by 15% to
$10,274,000 from $12,030,000 in 1993. The reduction in cost of sales reflects
lower material costs due to fewer units shipped during 1994 partially offset by
increased costs associated with the product transition to the new model VISX
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   17
 
System. Gross margins decreased to 43% in 1994 compared to 46% for 1993. The
lower margins are due primarily to the lower volume of units shipped during
1994.
 
     Marketing, General and Administrative Expenses.  Marketing, general and
administrative expenses increased by 21% to $6,371,000 in 1994 from $5,272,000
in 1993. The increase in 1994 compared to 1993 primarily reflects increases in
patent enforcement expenses, other legal expenses and expenses associated with a
reduction in workforce implemented in the third quarter of 1994.
 
     Research, Development and Regulatory Expenses.  Research, development and
regulatory expenses increased by 43% to $7,085,000 in 1994 from $4,964,000 in
1993. The increase in 1994 compared to 1993 primarily reflects increased
regulatory expenses necessary to monitor and support United States clinical
trials and to manage processing of the Company's PMA applications to the FDA. In
1994, the Company recorded an expense of $1,500,000 for disposition of the model
2015 excimer system product line. The Company determined not to pursue FDA
approval of the model 2015 system, discontinued clinical trials of such system
as of August 31, 1994 and withdrew the IDEs pursuant to which those trials were
conducted. The Company has not manufactured the model 2015 system since 1990.
 
     Other Income, Net.  Other income, net increased $699,000 in 1994 as
compared to 1993 primarily as a result of the Company's patent license agreement
with Meditec entered into in September 1994. The license agreement included a
payment for past infringement and provides for ongoing royalty payments based
upon future sales.
 
 1993 Compared to 1992
 
     Revenues.  Revenues from product sales for the year ended December 31, 1993
increased 3% to $19,542,000 from $18,934,000 for the year ended December 31,
1992. The increase in product sales in 1993 compared to 1992 is primarily due to
increased sales of VISX Systems to Alcon. Alcon accounted for 94% of the
Company's product sales in 1993 compared to 51% in 1992.
 
     Service and other revenues, consisting primarily of customer service
revenue, sale of parts for VISX Systems, and sales of VisionKey cards, increased
to $2,532,000 in 1993 from $1,351,000 in 1992. The increases are primarily due
to increased service revenues and increased sale of parts and accessories due to
a larger installed base of VISX Systems internationally and an increase in the
number of procedures performed as the installed base of VISX Systems increases.
Including revenues from the sale of parts and VisionKey cards, Alcon accounted
for 87% and 48% of total revenues in 1993 and 1992, respectively.
 
     Cost of Revenues.  Cost of revenues for 1993 decreased by 4% to $12,030,000
from $12,551,000 in 1992. Gross margins increased to 46% in 1993 compared to 38%
in 1992. The increase in gross margins in 1993 reflects increased efficiency as
well as lower product costs resulting from the consolidation of
VISX-Massachusetts, a laser manufacturer formerly known as Questek, Inc. that
was acquired by the Company in 1992 and was the Company's sole supplier of
lasers for the VISX System. During 1993 the Company scaled down the operations
of VISX-Massachusetts and in December 1993 consolidated all operations of
VISX-Massachusetts into its California facility.
 
     Marketing, General and Administrative Expenses.  Marketing, general and
administrative expenses decreased by 23% to $5,272,000 in 1993 compared to
$6,846,000 in 1992. The decrease in 1993 compared to 1992 was primarily due to
reduced commissions as a result of the Company's shift from direct sales to
end-users to international distribution through Alcon and reduced expenses under
the marketing agreement with Alcon.
 
     Research, Development and Regulatory Expenses.  Research, development and
regulatory expenses decreased 9% to $4,964,000 in 1993 from $5,445,000 in 1992.
The decrease in expenses in 1993 compared to 1992 is primarily due to reduced
product development expenses resulting from the transition and consolidation of
VISX-Massachusetts into the Company's California facility in December 1993.
 
     During 1992, the Company acquired VISX-Massachusetts for approximately
$5,932,000 in cash, assumed VISX-Massachusetts' outstanding stock options, and
forgave the intercompany balances between VISX and VISX-Massachusetts. The
acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   18
 
of accounting. The Company incurred a charge against earnings of $6,017,000 in
1992, which it allocated to VISX-Massachusetts research and development projects
that were in process at the time of the acquisition.
 
     Other Income, Net.  Other income, net decreased by $652,000 in 1993 as
compared to 1992. This decrease reflects lower interest income due to lower
average investment balances and lower interest rates in 1993 compared to 1992.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
     Since its inception, the Company's primary sources of liquidity have
consisted of financing from the sale of Common Stock and revenues from the sale
of VISX Systems. At June 30, 1995, the Company had $14,845,000 in cash, cash
equivalents and short-term investments, compared to $11,161,000 at December 31,
1994. At June 30, 1995, the Company had working capital of $17,788,000 compared
with $11,842,000 at December 31, 1994. The ratio of current assets to current
liabilities at June 30, 1995 was 3.62 to one, compared to 2.90 to one at
December 31, 1994.
 
     Cash Flows from Operating Activities.  Net cash used for operating
activities was $10,014,000 in the first six months of 1995 and was $2,472,000 in
1994, compared to $1,699,000 of net cash provided by operating activities in
1993. The cash flows used for operating activities in the first six months of
1995 and in 1994 primarily reflects the net loss incurred in these periods. In
addition, the Company's inventories increased by $1,516,000 in the six months
ended June 30, 1995 as a result of planned increases in production. The decrease
in accounts receivable in 1994 primarily reflects a lower level of system sales
in 1994 to Alcon. Net cash provided by operating activities was $1,699,000 in
1993 compared to cash used for operating activities of $7,991,000 in 1992. The
increase in net cash provided by operating activities in 1993 compared to 1992
reflects a higher net income, decreases in receivables, and reduced purchases of
raw materials resulting in decreases in inventories in 1993, offset by a
decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The decrease in accounts
receivable in 1993 primarily reflects collection of receivables from Alcon.
 
     Cash Flows from Investing Activities.  Net cash used for investing
activities was $8,794,000 in the first six months of 1995 and was primarily due
to the purchase of short-term investments. Net cash used for investing
activities was $447,000, and $620,000, in 1994 and 1993 respectively, and was
due to the purchase of capital equipment. By comparison, in 1992 the Company's
net cash provided by investing activities was $5,473,000, including $12,758,000
in proceeds received from the conversion of short and long-term investments to
cash and cash equivalents, which was partially offset by $5,932,000 used for the
purchase of VISX-Massachusetts and $1,353,000 for the purchase of capital
equipment.
 
     Cash Flows from Financing Activities.  Net cash provided by financing
activities in the first six months of 1995 was $14,443,000 and was primarily due
to proceeds received from a private placement of 1,200,000 shares of Common
Stock. Net cash provided by financing activities in 1994 and 1993 was $2,233,000
and $1,633,000, respectively, and was primarily due to proceeds received from
the exercise of stock options and warrants. Cash provided by financing
activities was $5,891,000 in 1992 and includes net proceeds of $5,529,000 from
the May 1992 public offering of its common stock, and $381,000 from the exercise
of stock options.
 
     The Company anticipates that its current cash and short-term investments,
together with the proceeds of this Offering, will be sufficient to fund
operating expenses for at least the next 24 months, including anticipated
capital expenditures. The Company expects to continue to fund future operations
and related research and development expenses from existing cash and short-term
investments, revenues received from the sales of VISX Systems and future
financing as required. If the Company were to receive FDA approval to market the
VISX System for LVC in the United States, the Company could require additional
capital to fund larger-scale manufacturing of the VISX System as well as future
product development. There can be no assurance that capital will be available
when needed or, if available, that the terms for obtaining such funds will be
favorable to the Company or will not result in dilution to the Company's
stockholders.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   19
 
                                    BUSINESS
 
THE COMPANY
 
     VISX is a leader in the design and development of proprietary technologies
and systems for LVC, an outpatient surgical procedure to treat refractive vision
disorders such as nearsightedness, astigmatism and farsightedness with the goal
of eliminating or reducing reliance on eyeglasses and contact lenses. In LVC, a
computer-controlled excimer laser ablates, or removes, submicron layers of
tissue from the surface of the cornea to reshape the eye, thereby improving
visual acuity. Vision correction represents one of the largest medical markets
with over 100 million people in the United States experiencing some form of
nearsightedness, astigmatism or farsightedness. Industry sources estimate that
approximately $13 billion was spent on eyeglasses, contact lenses and other
corrective eyewear in the United States in 1994. Vision correction is typically
paid for by the individual receiving treatment, and does not rely on
reimbursement from governmental or private health care payors.
 
     Since its inception in 1985, VISX has been developing a substantial
proprietary position in system and application technology relating to the use of
lasers for vision correction. The Company's strategy is to commercialize this
intellectual property position through (i) per procedure and equipment royalties
from Pillar Point at such time as the FDA grants approval for LVC indications,
(ii) international use and equipment royalties collected under direct licensing
agreements, and (iii) worldwide sales of the VISX System through Alcon, the
Company's exclusive marketing partner.
 
REFRACTIVE VISION DISORDERS AND LVC MARKET
 
     The human eye is approximately 25 millimeters in diameter and functions
much like a camera, incorporating a lens system that focuses light (the cornea
and the lens), a variable aperture system which regulates the amount of light
passing through the eye (the iris) and a film which records the image (the
retina). Images enter the human eye through the cornea. In a properly
functioning eye, the cornea bends, or refracts, the incoming images, causing the
images to focus on the retina of the eye. Refractive vision disorders are caused
by improper curvature of the cornea, which results in the cornea being unable to
properly focus the light passing through it. As a result, the viewer perceives a
blurred image. Nearsightedness (also known as myopia), astigmatism and
farsightedness (also known as hyperopia) are the three most common refractive
vision disorders. In a nearsighted eye, images are focused in front of the
retina. In an astigmatic eye, images are not focused at any one point. In a
farsighted eye, images are focused behind the retina. Currently, eyeglasses or
contact lenses are most often used to correct the vision of people with
refractive vision disorders.
 
     The principal market for LVC is the correction of refractive vision
disorders such as nearsightedness, astigmatism and farsightedness. In 1993,
industry sources estimated that over 100 million people in the United States
used eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct refractive vision disorders. Of
these individuals, approximately 60 million are estimated to suffer from
nearsightedness, with approximately 90% of nearsighted persons having low-level
myopia. The Company estimates that approximately one-fourth of all sufferers of
nearsightedness also experience astigmatism and an additional, approximately 23
million people in the United States suffer from astigmatism, but do not
experience nearsightedness. United States consumers spent approximately $13
billion in eyeglass, contact lens and other corrective eyewear purchases in
1994. The Company believes that LVC will make it possible for many of these
people to eliminate or reduce their reliance on corrective eye wear. In
particular, the Company believes that many of the approximately 26 million
contact lens users in the United States will be particularly receptive to LVC as
they have already chosen to use an alternative to eyeglasses for vision
correction.
 
     Industry sources estimate that between 250,000 and 300,000 radial
keratotomy ("RK") procedures are performed annually in the United States. RK is
a surgical procedure in which the ophthalmologist uses a scalpel to make a
series of incisions in the cornea with the goal of reshaping the cornea to
correct the patient's vision. Because RK is a manual procedure and is not
performed with a computer-controlled device, it is highly dependent on the
surgical skill of the ophthalmologist
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   20
 
performing the procedure. In addition, because RK involves incisions into the
corneal tissue, it weakens the structure of the cornea which can have adverse
consequences as patients age. Furthermore, RK has never undergone a controlled
clinical study under an FDA protocol because no medical devices, other than a
scalpel, are used in the procedure. The Company believes, based on currently
available follow-up data and market trends in countries where LVC is
commercially available, that more people will seek vision correction through LVC
than through RK because LVC involves reduced surgical risk, does not weaken the
corneal tissue, is less invasive and is less dependent on the ophthalmologist's
skill.
 
CORNEAL PATHOLOGIES AND PTK MARKET
 
     Corneal pathologies include traumatic and congenital defects and diseases
of the cornea which result in restricted vision. A number of conditions can
cause a clouding or opacification of the cornea, resulting in a loss of visual
acuity. A typical treatment of these conditions is a corneal transplant, which
involves major surgery, is expensive and is dependent on the availability of a
suitable donor cornea as well as on the individual surgeon's skill and
experience. Corneal transplants frequently produce irregular corneal surfaces
which can compromise the patient's vision. Additional major concerns relating to
corneal transplants are the possible transmission of viruses and rejection of
the transplanted tissue. Certain corneal pathologies can be addressed with an
excimer laser system in a procedure known as PTK. In PTK, submicron layers of
tissue are ablated from the surface of the cornea in order to remove diseased,
scarred or sight-inhibiting tissue with the principal goal of alleviating the
symptoms associated with the corneal pathology. Although PTK is an important
medical procedure for people who suffer from corneal pathologies, the market
opportunity represented by PTK is significantly smaller than that represented by
LVC.
 
BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
     The Company's objective is to position LVC as the preferred means of
treatment for refractive vision disorders, including nearsightedness,
astigmatism and farsightedness, conditions which are now most often addressed
with eyeglasses or contact lenses. The Company's strategy encompasses several
key elements:
 
     - Commercialize Proprietary Technology through Licensing Agreements.  The
       Company will seek to commercialize its proprietary technology through
       United States per procedure and equipment royalties from Pillar Point at
       such time as the FDA grants PMA for LVC indications as well as
       international use and equipment royalties collected under direct
       licensing agreements.
 
     - Increase Worldwide Market Penetration of VISX Products.  Internationally,
       the Company is seeking to increase market penetration of the VISX System
       through its international distributor, Alcon. In the United States, the
       Company has commenced commercialization of the VISX System for PTK and
       intends to introduce the VISX System for LVC applications, subject to FDA
       approval. Additionally, the Company intends to expand its technology
       through development of other medical laser technologies and possible
       acquisition of complementary technologies.
 
     - Increase Consumer and Physician Acceptance of LVC.  The Company, in
       cooperation with Alcon, intends to pursue market development by
       generating awareness regarding LVC among consumers and ophthalmologists.
       To expand awareness of LVC among the general public in markets entered by
       the Company, the Company intends to use print and broadcast media
       advertising, direct mail or other promotional tools. The Company and
       Alcon sponsor seminars and conferences throughout the year to improve
       awareness among ophthalmologists and other eye care specialists,
       including an annual global users meeting regarding LVC and the Company's
       products.
 
     - Expand Clinical Indications for LVC.  The Company intends to seek
       expansion of the number of LVC procedures performed by conducting
       clinical trials of and pursuing regulatory approval for additional
       indications. The initial FDA approvals for LVC are expected to be for
       treatment of low-level nearsightedness which accounts for approximately
       90% of the cases of myopia. The
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   21
 
       Company is conducting clinical trials of LVC for the treatment of
       moderate and severe nearsightedness, astigmatism and farsightedness and
       intends to seek FDA approval for these indications.
 
     - Aggressively Protect United States and International Patent
       Position.  The Company believes that establishment and protection of its
       intellectual property rights will be important to its long-term success.
       The Company intends to aggressively enforce its intellectual property
       rights worldwide.
 
PROCEDURES
 
     LVC Procedure.  To perform LVC, also known as photorefractive keratectomy
or PRK, with excimer lasers, the ophthalmologist determines the exact correction
required (which is measured by the same examination used to prescribe eyeglasses
or contact lenses) and programs the correction into the excimer laser system's
computer. The computer calculates the data needed to make a precise corneal
correction which the physician verifies before commencing the laser treatment.
The excimer laser system emits laser pulses to ablate submicron (a micron equals
0.001 of a millimeter) layers of tissue from the surface of the cornea in a
pattern to reshape the front surface of the cornea. The depth of tissue ablated
during the procedure typically is less than one-half of the thickness of a human
hair. The average procedure, which lasts approximately 15 to 40 seconds,
consists of approximately 150 laser pulses each of which lasts several
billionths of a second with cumulative exposure to laser light of less than one
second. The entire patient visit, including preparation, application of a
topical anesthetic and post-operative dressing, generally lasts no more than 30
minutes.
 
     The following diagram illustrates correction of nearsightedness using LVC:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                         <C>

         Cornea                               Flattened Cornea


  [Diagram of nearsighted                    [Diagram of formerly
eye prior to LVC treatment.]                 nearsighted eye after
                                                LVC treatment.]


     Incorrect Point                           Corrected Point
       of Focus                                    of Focus


        Before                                       After


</TABLE>
 
     Following the procedure, the ophthalmologist may prescribe topical
pharmaceuticals to promote corneal healing and alleviate discomfort. Individuals
undergoing LVC may experience discomfort for approximately 24 hours, and blurred
vision for approximately 48 to 72 hours, after the procedure. Although most
patients experience improvement in uncorrected vision within a few days of the
procedure, it generally takes from two to six months for the correction to
stabilize and for the full benefit of the procedure to be realized. An
individual typically has one eye treated in a session, with the second eye
treated three to six months later.
 
     The LVC procedure described above can be performed using a number of
manufacturers' excimer laser systems, including the VISX System. However, the
VISX System incorporates several advanced technological features that permit
treatment of hyperopia as well as simultaneous treatment of myopia and
astigmatism, including a proprietary adjustable iris and proprietary software.
 
     The Company has been engaged in United States clinical trials of the VISX
System under an IDE issued by the FDA for treatment of low-level nearsightedness
with LVC since 1988. The Company has filed a PMA application for treatment of
nearsightedness with the FDA. The FDA has requested that the Company be prepared
to present its PMA application for LVC for treatment of low-level myopia at a
meeting of the FDA's Ophthalmic Devices Advisory Panel scheduled for October 20,
1995. There can be no assurance that such panel review will take place or that
the outcome of such review will be
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   22
 
favorable. The Company has also conducted United States clinical trials for LVC
with the VISX System to treat individuals with moderate and severe myopia,
astigmatism and farsightedness.
 
     PTK Procedure.  PTK is an outpatient surgical procedure to treat corneal
pathologies. In this procedure, submicron layers of tissue are ablated from the
surface of the cornea to remove diseased, scarred or sight-inhibiting tissue.
The Company estimates that VISX Systems have been used worldwide to perform
approximately 10,000 PTK procedures. On September 29, 1995, the Company received
FDA approval of its PMA application for the VISX System for PTK. As a result,
the Company has commenced commercial sales of VISX Systems in the United States
for this indication.
 
     LASIK Procedure.  Another procedure that can be performed with excimer
laser systems is laser in situ keratomileusis ("LASIK"). LASIK is a variation of
a non-laser technique in which a knife, or microkeratome, is used to open a flap
on the surface of the cornea. Laser energy is then used to ablate corneal cells
on the exposed surface to improve the person's visual acuity, and the flap is
then folded back into place. VISX Systems are being used for LASIK in several
international markets. The Company has not commenced clinical trials involving
use of the VISX System for LASIK in the United States.
 
PRODUCTS
 
     VISX System.  The VISX System is a fully integrated unit incorporating an
excimer laser and a computer-driven workstation for use by an ophthalmologist.
The system is designed to enable an ophthalmologist to perform LVC and PTK after
a brief training program. The VISX System automatically varies the diameter of
the laser beam using a sophisticated optical delivery system that provides
temporal and spatial integration of an excimer laser beam through an adjustable,
mechanical iris. In March 1995, the Company introduced a streamlined model of
the VISX System which currently has an international end-user list price of
approximately $500,000. This system is functionally equivalent to the prior
model, but is one-half its size, easier and more economical to operate, and is
capable of treating farsightedness in addition to nearsightedness and
astigmatism.
 
     Excimer lasers ablate tissue without generating the heat associated with
many other types of lasers that use different wavelengths which can result in
unintended thermal damage to surrounding tissue. The excimer laser operates in
the ultraviolet spectrum and acts on the surface of the cornea without any
measurable effect in the interior of the cornea, which is approximately 500
microns thick, or the other parts of the eye.
 
     VisionKey Card.  The use of the VISX System is controlled by a proprietary
optical memory card, the VisionKey card, which is sold separately and is encoded
with proprietary software required to operate the VISX System. Approximately 30
VISX Systems still in the field have not been retrofitted to include the
VisionKey card system. Additionally, the VisionKey card provides the user with
access to software upgrades and can facilitate the collection of patient data.
One VisionKey card must be used with each procedure performed, and therefore
sales of the VisionKey card correlate to the number of procedures performed,
except for those procedures performed with units that have not been retrofitted
to include the VisionKey card system. The price charged per card varies based on
the package of services and materials programmed onto the VisionKey card
provided to the user. The percentage of VISX revenues received from sales of the
VisionKey card is expected to vary based upon demographics and other
site-specific considerations, as well as the competitive and marketing position
of the Company and Alcon.
 
CLINICAL TRIALS AND RESULTS
 
     The first LVC procedure for the treatment of nearsightedness was performed
in the United States in 1987 and the first PTK procedure for the treatment of a
corneal pathology was performed in 1988. To date, over 200 VISX Systems have
been shipped, and the Company estimates that over 250,000 eyes have been treated
with the installed base of VISX Systems in over 30 countries. In the United
States,
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   23
 
most LVC and PTK procedures have been performed using excimer lasers during
clinical trials conducted only in the past four years under IDEs approved by the
FDA.
 
     The Company has sponsored clinical trials in the United States for
low-level myopia on 1,610 eyes. According to two-year follow-up data accumulated
by the Company during these trials, all persons undergoing LVC experienced an
improvement in visual acuity without corrective eyewear. Of the eyes treated in
these trials, approximately 86% were 20/200 or worse and approximately 94% were
20/100 or worse prior to treatment. Approximately 93% of the eyes treated in
these trials improved to 20/40 or better, the legal requirement to obtain a
driver's license in most states without corrective eyewear. VISX Systems are
currently in 19 clinical investigational sites in the United States.
 
     FDA guidelines prescribe four phases of clinical testing for excimer
refractive surgical systems. During Phase I, the device manufacturer conducts
feasibility studies to confirm design and operating parameters. During Phase
IIA, the manufacturer attempts to rule out major safety risks and assure
reasonable stability of results and may make major modifications to the device
and protocol. During Phase IIB, the manufacturer attempts to rule out major
safety risks and further assure reasonable stability and predictability of
results in a larger patient population and may make minor modifications to the
device and protocol. During Phase III, the manufacturer provides reasonable
safety and efficacy assurances of the final device to be submitted for PMA.
 
     The Company is in various clinical trial stages for PTK and LVC indications
with the VISX System. On September 29, 1995, the FDA approved the Company's PMA
application for PTK for treatment of corneal pathologies. LVC indications under
trial include low-level myopia (-6 or less diopters of correction), mild myopia
(greater than -6 and less than -10 diopters of correction), severe myopia (more
than -10 diopters of correction), astigmatism and hyperopia. The Company has
completed Phase III trials and has submitted a PMA application to the FDA for
low-level myopia. VISX has completed Phase IIA and IIB trials for astigmatism
and has completed Phase I trials for hyperopia. The Company's clinical trials
for moderate and severe myopia are ongoing.
 
PILLAR POINT PARTNERS AND OTHER LICENSING AGREEMENTS
 
     Pillar Point Partners.  On June 3, 1992, VISX and Summit entered into the
Pillar Point Agreement by virtue of which all then pending issues between Summit
and VISX regarding the ownership and use of their respective United States
patents for performing ultraviolet laser corneal surgery were settled. Under the
agreements, each of Summit and VISX exclusively licensed to Pillar Point, a
partnership consisting of entities controlled by VISX and Summit, their
respective rights under patents previously issued to them covering apparatus and
methods for performing ultraviolet laser corneal surgery. The Pillar Point
Agreement also provides that any patent covering apparatus and methods for
performing ultraviolet laser corneal surgery which is issued after the date of
the Pillar Point Agreement to either party with respect to patent applications
filed, or which claim a priority date, at any time prior to June 3, 1993, will
automatically be contributed to Pillar Point at no additional cost. The Pillar
Point Agreement also contains provisions requiring VISX and Summit to offer to
the Partnership certain after-acquired precluding patents more particularly
defined in the Pillar Point Agreement regardless of when issued.
 
     Pillar Point has licensed to each of VISX and Summit, on a nonexclusive
basis, the rights to the inventions covered by the patents described above. It
is also contemplated that Pillar Point will grant licenses to other qualified
third parties. Under the Pillar Point Agreement, Pillar Point will be paid
certain per procedure and equipment royalties by VISX and Summit. This revenue,
net of applicable expenses, and any other revenue of Pillar Point, will be
shared between VISX and Summit in accordance with the provisions of the Pillar
Point Agreement.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   24
 
     The Pillar Point Agreement provides that the per procedure royalty charged
by Pillar Point will be fixed at the highest amount proposed by VISX or Summit,
up to $250 per procedure. Summit has announced that it intends to propose $250
as the initial per procedure LVC royalty. Profits realized from per procedure
royalties from LVC procedures using an excimer laser with an adjustable iris
(the only type of system approved by, or for which PMA applications have been
filed with, the FDA) are allocated 56% to VISX and 44% to Summit assuming a $250
per procedure royalty. Pillar Point profits realized from receipt of PTK per
procedure royalties are allocated 51% to VISX and 49% to Summit. However, Pillar
Point has decided not to charge any per procedure royalties for PTK at this
time.
 
     In addition, VISX and Summit are required to pay Pillar Point royalties of
6% for sales of excimer laser systems using an adjustable iris (excimer laser
systems owned by VISX or Summit generally are not subject to royalties). Profits
from royalties on such sales paid to Pillar Point are allocated entirely to
VISX. If and when manufacturers other than VISX and Summit obtain FDA approval
for excimer laser systems, profits from royalties received as a result of the
sale of their equipment would be allocated 50% to VISX and 50% to Summit.
 
     The Pillar Point Agreement has been challenged as, among other things, a
misuse of patents in litigation involving LaserSight. Any successful challenge
to the structure and operation of Pillar Point could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's business, financial condition and result of operations.
See "Risk Factors -- Risks Relating to Pillar Point Partners."
 
     Other Licensing Agreements.  In September 1995, VISX entered into a license
agreement with Chiron and extended its agreement, originally entered into in
1994, with Meditec. Under these agreements, the Company will receive royalties
for sales and use of Chiron and Meditec equipment in Canada and will receive
equipment royalties on all other international sales. Chiron and Meditec are two
of the largest manufacturers of excimer lasers for eye care applications in
international markets.
 
     In March 1992, the Company and IBM signed a license agreement that grants
the Company nonexclusive rights under United States and foreign IBM patents that
include claims that cover ultraviolet laser technology for removal of human
tissue. VISX has agreed to pay a royalty of 2% of the net sales price of VISX
Systems made, used, sold or otherwise transferred by or for VISX in the United
States, Canada, Japan, Australia, Brazil and Spain. The Company also has entered
into a nonexclusive, worldwide license agreement with Patlex Corporation which
holds certain patents on lasers. Under this agreement, the Company pays a
royalty on certain laser components of the VISX System.
 
MARKETING, SALES AND DISTRIBUTION
 
     Alcon, one of the world's largest eye care speciality companies with annual
sales in excess of $1.5 billion and distribution in over 120 countries, serves
as the Company's exclusive international distributor and has exclusive domestic
sales and marketing rights.
 
     International Sales and Marketing Strategy.  Unless and until the FDA
grants approval for an LVC system in the United States, VISX will be dependent
upon international sales of VISX Systems by Alcon for a major portion of its
revenues. The volume and terms of any purchases of VISX Systems by Alcon for
resale in the international market are currently determined by agreement between
Alcon and VISX from time to time. Alcon currently purchases VISX Systems from
the Company and resells the purchased systems in the international market. Alcon
markets directly to individual ophthalmologists, ophthalmic clinics and
hospitals and its strategy is to provide the ophthalmologist with a full range
of ophthalmology products and services. The international agreement will remain
in effect until the expiration of the last patent licensed to Alcon under the
international agreement which patents expire in years ranging from 2004 to 2011,
subject to extension if patents are issued under certain pending patent
applications.
 
     Domestic Sales and Marketing Strategy.  Alcon has exclusive sales and
marketing rights for the VISX System in the United States. As a result of the
Company's PMA for PTK, Alcon has commenced United States commercialization for
this indication. The VISX System cannot be marketed in the
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   25
 
United States for LVC unless and until a PMA for LVC is received. The domestic
marketing agreement with Alcon obligates the Company to reimburse Alcon for
certain budgeted marketing expenses. The agreement also contains provisions
obligating VISX to repay to Alcon certain funds advanced by Alcon for
development of the VISX System and enables Alcon, under certain circumstances,
to receive 25% of VISX's excess cash flow, as defined in the marketing
agreement. To date, no payments have accrued or become due and payable by VISX
under such provisions. The Company's agreements with Alcon require the Company
to indemnify Alcon and its affiliates for damages, up to an aggregate of $4.0
million, arising out of certain potential claims, including personal injury and
patent infringement claims. See Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements and "-- Legal Proceedings."
 
     The marketing agreement provides a mechanism for approval of marketing
costs, formulation of operating and marketing strategy for the VISX System, and
establishment of minimum unit volume and market share sales targets. The
marketing agreement will remain in effect until the expiration of the last
patent licensed to Alcon under the marketing agreement, which patents expire in
years ranging from 2004 to 2011, subject to extension if patents are issued
under certain pending patent applications. VISX may terminate the marketing
agreement, subject to certain limitations, if Alcon fails to meet sales targets
for specified time periods. Alcon can terminate the marketing agreement if any
of VISX's patent rights are found to be invalid or unenforceable in the United
States and under certain other specified circumstances. As part of ongoing
settlement discussions among representatives of VISX, Alcon and the other
participants in VISX's pending shareholder derivative litigation, it is possible
that the resolution of such litigation could include a restructuring of the
existing relationship. See "-- Legal Proceedings."
 
     In the United States, there are over 15,000 ophthalmologists, including
those practicing individually and in groups, in eye care centers and in
ophthalmology clinics. Alcon markets directly to individual ophthalmologists,
ophthalmic clinics and hospitals, and its strategy is to provide the
ophthalmologist with a full range of ophthalmology products and services. The
Company and Alcon sponsor seminars and conferences throughout the year to
improve awareness among ophthalmologists and other eye care specialists LVC,
including an annual global users meeting regarding LVC and the Company's
products. To expand awareness of LVC among the general public in markets entered
by the Company, the Company intends to use print and broadcast media
advertising, direct mail or other promotional tools.
 
PATENTS AND PROPRIETARY RIGHTS
 
     Protection of proprietary technology is important to the Company's
business. VISX holds over 100 United States and foreign patents, including
patents licensed to Pillar Point by VISX. VISX believes that its patents provide
a substantial proprietary position in system and application technology relating
to the use of lasers for vision correction. In addition, the Company has several
pending patent applications in the United States and in foreign countries.
 
     There can be no assurance that the United States patent rights held by
Pillar Point or international patents held by VISX will afford any significant
degree of protection or provide the Company with a competitive advantage. In
particular, there can be no assurance that any such patents will not be
challenged, invalidated or circumvented in the future, either in the United
States or internationally. Failure to maintain the protection afforded by the
patents held by Pillar Point and the Company's international patents would have
a material adverse effect on the Company's future revenues and ability to become
profitable. Further, there can be no assurance that the patents held by Pillar
Point or the Company's international patents will ultimately be found to be
valid or enforceable, or that the Company's patent rights will deter others from
developing substantially equivalent or competitive products.
 
     The medical device industry including the ophthalmic laser sector, has been
characterized by substantial litigation, both in the United States and
internationally, regarding patents and proprietary rights. The Company is
engaged in several pending patent proceedings, both in the United States and
internationally. In the United States, Summit sued the Company for infringement
of a patent held by Summit and not licensed to Pillar Point. Internationally,
the Company has filed actions alleging
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   26
 
infringement of its patents against certain parties in Canada, is involved in
opposition proceedings challenging the issuance of certain patents in the EPO
and has filed an action alleging patent infringement against a company in
Germany. For additional detail regarding these patent proceedings, see "-- Legal
Proceedings." There can be no assurance that additional patent infringement
claims in the United States or in other countries will not be asserted against
VISX by Summit (limited in the United States to patent rights not included in
Pillar Point) or others, or, if asserted, that VISX will be successful in
defending against such claims. Furthermore, it may be necessary for Pillar Point
or VISX to undertake additional infringement actions against others.
Infringement actions by the Company in the United States fall within the scope
of the Pillar Point Agreement, although the Company would have the right to
pursue such actions if Pillar Point declined to do so.
 
     The defense and prosecution of patents is costly and involves substantial
commitments of management time. Adverse determinations in patent proceedings to
which the Company currently is or may become a party could subject the Company
to significant liabilities to third parties and require the Company to seek
licenses from third parties. Although patent and intellectual property disputes
in the medical device area have often been settled through licensing or similar
arrangements, costs associated with such arrangements may be substantial and
could include ongoing royalties. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that
necessary licenses would be available to the Company on satisfactory terms or at
all. Accordingly, an adverse determination in a judicial or administrative
proceeding or failure to obtain necessary licenses could prevent the Company
from manufacturing and selling its products in one or more markets, which would
have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition
and results of operations. In addition, the Company's marketing agreement is
terminable if any of the Company's patent rights is found to be unenforceable or
invalid in the United States, which could adversely affect the marketing of the
VISX System. See "-- Legal Proceedings."
 
     The Company also seeks to protect its proprietary technology, in part,
through proprietary confidentiality and nondisclosure agreements with employees,
consultants and other parties. The Company's confidentiality agreements with its
employees and consultants generally contain industry standard provisions
requiring such individuals to assign to the Company without additional
consideration any inventions conceived or reduced to practice by them while
employed or retained by the Company, subject to customary exceptions. There can
be no assurance that proprietary information agreements with employees,
consultants and others will not be breached, that the Company would have
adequate remedies for any breach or that the Company's trade secrets will not
otherwise become known to or independently developed by competitors.
 
GOVERNMENT REGULATION
 
     United States.  Ophthalmic excimer lasers such as the VISX System are
considered medical devices, and as such are subject to regulation by the FDA
under the FDC Act and by similar agencies outside the United States. Medical
devices are classified by the FDA into class I, II or III on the basis of the
controls necessary to reasonably ensure their safety and effectiveness. Class
III devices, such as the VISX System, are subject to the most stringent form of
regulation and oversight and cannot be marketed for commercial sale in the
United States until the FDA grants a PMA for the device.
 
     To obtain a PMA for a medical device, the Company must file a PMA
application that includes clinical data and the results of pre-clinical and
other testing sufficient to show that there is a reasonable assurance of safety
and effectiveness of the VISX System for its intended conditions of use. Human
clinical studies may be conducted only under an FDA-approved IDE and must be
conducted in accordance with FDA regulations. In addition to the results of
clinical trials, the PMA application includes other information relevant to the
safety and efficacy of the device, a description of the facilities and controls
used in the manufacturing of the device, and proposed labeling. After the FDA
accepts a PMA application for filing, and after the FDA's review of the
application, a public meeting is held before an FDA advisory panel in which the
PMA is reviewed and discussed. The panel then issues a favorable or unfavorable
recommendation to the FDA or recommends approval with conditions. Although the
FDA is not bound by the panel's recommendations, it tends to give them
significant weight.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   27
 
     On September 29, 1995, the Company received FDA approval of its PMA
application for the VISX System for PTK. Additionally, the FDA has requested the
Company to be prepared to present its PMA application for LVC for treatment of
low-level myopia at a meeting of the Ophthalmic Devices Advisory Panel scheduled
for October 20, 1995. The advisory panel review could, however, be changed or
rescheduled, and, accordingly, there can be no assurance that panel review will
be held on such date or as to the action that the panel will take. If the panel
issues an unfavorable recommendation, the FDA could require the Company to
design and conduct new clinical trials, modify the device or undertake other
actions in connection with the Company's PMA application. Accordingly, an
adverse recommendation by such panel will significantly increase the time and
expense required for the Company to obtain a PMA for the VISX System for LVC and
will substantially increase the likelihood that the Company will never be able
to obtain such approval. If the panel recommendation is favorable, the FDA will
continue its review of the Company's PMA application, particularly in light of
any observations or recommendations made by the panel. A favorable panel
recommendation will not assure receipt of PMA, and the time frame required to
obtain a PMA following the panel recommendation may be significant. Accordingly,
there can be no assurance as to when or whether the Company will receive
approval of its PMA application for the VISX System for LVC. The failure to
receive such PMA could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
financial condition and results of operations.
 
     Should the FDA grant a PMA for an excimer laser system for LVC, it is
possible that the FDA would limit the classes of patients who could be treated,
such as those having specific vision defects or pathologies. Such limitations
could reduce the potential patient population in the United States, which could
therefore result in reduced per procedure royalties to Pillar Point and, in
turn, reduced partnership allocations to the Company. In addition, if the
Company receives PMA for the VISX System for LVC, it will be necessary for the
Company to seek additional regulatory approvals, through either additional PMA
applications or supplements to existing PMA applications, for additional
indications for the VISX System. There can be no assurance that any such
approvals would be obtained on a timely basis, or at all. The failure to receive
such PMAs could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
financial condition and results of operations.
 
     In 1990, the FDA issued a draft guideline outlining the type of clinical
data it expects applicants to present in PMA applications for excimer laser
refractive surgical systems and the nature of the clinical trials necessary to
obtain such data. The draft guideline defined four phases of clinical testing
for excimer laser refractive surgical systems. The Company's clinical trials are
being conducted in accordance with the FDA's draft guideline. In June 1995, the
FDA promulgated a draft proposal "FDA Guidance for Photorefractive Keratectomy
Laser Systems: IDE Studies and PMA Applications." The proposal, which would add
substantial additional requirements, is intended to supersede prior draft
guidelines promulgated by FDA in 1990 but never finalized. In July 1995, at a
public hearing regarding the draft proposal, the FDA and the Ophthalmic Devices
Advisory Panel heard recommendations from various industry sources. It is
uncertain as to whether the FDA will accept all or any of the recommended
changes to the draft proposal. FDA implementation of some or all of the
recommendations could, particularly if such implementation is retroactive,
require the Company to submit additional clinical data, including data not
collected in the Company's United States clinical trials. Such implementation
could therefore substantially delay receipt of PMA for the VISX System for LVC
and increase the likelihood that the Company will not be able to obtain such
approval.
 
     Other Government Regulation.  Products manufactured or distributed by the
Company pursuant to a PMA will be subject to pervasive and continuing regulation
by the FDA. Failure to comply with applicable regulatory requirements can result
in, among other things, warning letters, fines, suspensions or delays of
approvals, seizures or recalls of products, operating restrictions or criminal
prosecutions. The FDC Act also requires the Company to manufacture its products
in registered establishments and in accordance with FDA's GMP regulations and to
list its devices with the FDA. The Company's manufacturing facilities have
undergone GMP compliance inspections conducted by the FDA. As a condition to
receipt of PMA approval, the Company's facilities, procedures and practices will
be subject to additional pre-approval GMP inspections and thereafter to ongoing,
periodic GMP
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   28
 
inspections by the FDA. These GMP regulations impose certain procedural and
documentation requirements upon the Company with respect to manufacturing and
quality assurance activities. The FDA has proposed amendments to the GMP
regulations that will likely increase the cost of compliance with GMP
requirements. Labeling and promotional activities are subject to scrutiny by the
FDA and, in certain instances, by the Federal Trade Commission. Current FDA
enforcement policy prohibits the marketing of approved medical devices for
unapproved uses. Changes in existing regulatory requirements or adoption of new
requirements could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
financial condition and results of operations. There can be no assurance that
the Company will not be required to incur significant costs to comply with laws
and regulations in the future or that laws and regulations will not have a
material adverse effect upon the Company's business, financial condition and
results of operations.
 
     VISX is also regulated under the Radiation Control for Health and Safety
Act, which requires laser products to comply with performance standards,
including design and operation requirements, and manufacturers to certify in
product labeling and in reports to the FDA that their products comply with all
such standards. The law also requires laser manufacturers to file new product
and annual reports, maintain manufacturing, testing and sales records, and
report product defects. Various warning labels must be affixed and certain
protective devices installed, depending on the class of the product. In
addition, VISX is subject to California regulations governing the manufacture of
medical devices, including an annual licensing requirement, and VISX's
facilities have been inspected by, and are subject to ongoing, periodic
inspections by, California regulatory authorities.
 
     Sales, manufacture and further development of the VISX System also may be
subject to additional federal regulations pertaining to export controls and
environmental and worker protection, as well as to state and local health,
safety and other regulations that vary by locality, which may require obtaining
additional permits. The impact of such regulations cannot be predicted.
 
     International.  Many countries outside the United States do not impose
safety and efficacy testing and regulatory approval requirements for medical
laser systems. International regulatory requirements vary by country and there
can be no assurance that VISX will receive additional international regulatory
approvals or meet requirements for ongoing commercial sales, or as to the
associated cost or delay. Failure to receive approval in, or meet the
requirements of, any country would prevent the Company from selling its products
in that country, which could adversely affect the Company's results of
operations.
 
     In Europe, the member countries of the European Union have promulgated
rules which require that medical products receive by mid-1998 the certifications
necessary to affix the CE mark to the device. The CE mark is an international
symbol of adherence to quality assurance standards and compliance with
applicable European medical device directives. Certification under the ISO 9000
series of standards for quality assurance and manufacturing processes is one of
the CE mark requirements. The Company is implementing policies and procedures to
enable it to achieve ISO 9000 qualification within the required time frame. In
Japan, sales of VISX Systems are limited until such time as the Company receives
additional regulatory approvals.
 
MANUFACTURING, COMPONENTS AND RAW MATERIALS
 
     VISX purchases the various components of the VISX System and assembles them
at its California facility. The manufacture of VISX Systems is a complex
operation involving numerous procedures and the completed system must pass a
series of quality control and reliability tests prior to shipment.
 
     The Company purchases from various independent suppliers many components
that are either standard or built to the Company's proprietary specifications.
In addition, the Company contracts with third parties for the manufacture or
assembly of certain components. Several of these components are currently
provided by a single vendor. If any of these suppliers were to cease providing
components to the Company, the Company would be required to locate and contract
with a substitute supplier, and there can be no assurances that such substitute
supplier could be located and qualified in a timely
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   29
 
manner, or could provide required components on commercially reasonable terms. A
failure to increase production volumes in a cost-effective or timely manner or
an interruption in the manufacturing of VISX Systems could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of
operations.
 
COMPETITION
 
     The medical device and ophthalmic laser industries are subject to intense
competition and technological change. LVC for treatment of refractive vision
disorders competes with eyeglasses, contact lenses and RK, as well as with other
technologies and surgical techniques currently under development, such as
corneal implants and surgery using different types of lasers. In the United
States, the Company believes that it and Summit are the leading manufacturers of
LVC systems. In September 1995, Summit announced that it received an approvable
letter from FDA for its PMA application for LVC for treatment of
nearsightedness. Summit has indicated that it believes the approvable letter
positions Summit to receive FDA approval to market its LVC system for treatment
of nearsightedness by the end of 1995. An LVC approval would enable Summit to
commence commercial sale of its laser system for LVC in the United States prior
to the Company, which, although the Company would receive per procedure and
equipment royalties through Pillar Point, would afford Summit a competitive
advantage with respect to equipment sales. The Company's principal international
competitors are Chiron and Meditec, both of whom have received licenses from
VISX and are obligated to pay VISX royalties on system sales.
 
     Use of the VISX System for PTK to treat corneal pathologies competes with
corneal transplants, surgery and drug treatments. The VISX System also competes
with products marketed or under development by other laser and medical equipment
manufacturers, many of which may have greater financial and other resources than
the Company. Additionally, competitors, both in the United States and abroad,
may enter the excimer laser manufacturing business or acquire existing
companies. Such competitors may be able to offer their products at a lower cost
or may develop procedures that involve a lower per procedure cost. Competition
from new entrants may be particularly prevalent in those countries where
significant regulatory approvals are not required. In addition, medical
companies, academic and research institutions and others could develop new
therapies, including new medical devices or surgical procedures, for the
conditions targeted by the Company, which therapies could be more medically
effective and less expensive than LVC, and could potentially render LVC
obsolete. Any such developments could have a material adverse effect on the
business, financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
 
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
 
     The Company intends to remain a leader in the development of
state-of-the-art laser technologies for the treatment of ophthalmic disorders.
Toward this end, the Company incurred research and development expenses,
including clinical trial expenses, of $5.4 million, $5.0 million and $7.1
million during the years ended December 31, 1992, 1993 and 1994, respectively.
The Company expects to continue spending significant amounts in research and
development for the foreseeable future.
 
PRODUCT LIABILITY AND INSURANCE
 
     VISX maintains a "claims made" product liability insurance policy in the
amount of $4.0 million, which represents the maximum payout for all claims that
could be made during an annual policy period. At such time as the VISX System is
marketed commercially in the United States, the Company may require broader
coverage in greater amounts. The inability of the Company to maintain adequate
insurance coverage at any time could, in the event of product liability or other
claims in excess of the Company's insurance coverage, have a material adverse
effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
Additionally, VISX has agreed to indemnify certain medical institutions where
research was sponsored by the Company and certain of the medical institutions
participating in the Company's clinical studies.
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   30
 
EMPLOYEES
 
     As of June 30, 1995, VISX had 116 full-time employees, 25 temporary
employees and 9 consultants. Of the full-time employees, 51 are employed in
manufacturing and service, 43 in research and development and regulatory, and 22
in general administrative and marketing positions. None of VISX's employees is
covered by a collective bargaining agreement. The Company believes that its
relations with its employees are good.
 
FACILITIES
 
     VISX's operations are located in a 52,000 square foot leased facility in
Santa Clara, California. The facility is leased through September 1997, with a
five-year renewal term at the option of the Company. VISX also has a right of
refusal to lease an additional 52,000 square feet directly above the space
currently leased by the Company. The Company believes its facilities are
sufficient to meet its current and reasonably anticipated future requirements.
See Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
     Patent Proceedings and Litigation
 
     The Company is a party to a number of patent related legal proceedings in
the United States and in several international jurisdictions. Adverse
determinations in one or more of such proceedings could limit or restrict the
Company from manufacturing, marketing or selling its products in certain
markets, limit the Company's ability to collect use and equipment royalties in
certain markets and have a material, adverse effect on the Company's business,
financial condition and results of operations. These proceedings are discussed
separately below.
 
     Canada.  In February 1994, the Company filed suit in the Federal Court of
Canada against Nidek Co., Ltd. and its Canadian distributor for infringement of
three of VISX's Canadian patents. In August 1994, the Canadian trial court
dismissed most of Nidek's counterclaims against VISX, and Nidek has appealed
this dismissal. The Nidek appeal does not stay or delay the trial of VISX's
claims against Nidek. In July 1995, the Company notified Chiron, LaserSight,
Meditec, Nidek and Summit, and all of the doctors known to be using their
equipment in Canada, that such manufacturers' products infringe VISX's Canadian
patents. The Company offered all such manufacturers the opportunity to take a
license in Canada. The Company entered into license agreements for Canada with
Chiron and Meditec. The Company's offer to enter into license agreements expired
on September 1, 1995, and on September 5, 1995, the Company filed lawsuits in
Canada against LaserSight, Summit and their respective customers. The Company
has also taken action in Canada to add Nidek's customers to the lawsuit already
pending there between the Company and Nidek. The Company is seeking injunctive
relief and unspecified money damages against all defendants in Canada. The
Canadian actions other than the Nidek proceedings are in the pleading stage.
 
     Europe.  In 1993, both Carl Zeiss GmbH and Summit filed oppositions to
several of VISX's European patents before the EPO. The Company has filed written
submissions in response to these oppositions. The EPO has set October 17, 1995
for oral hearings in the first of these oppositions; no date has been set for
the remaining oppositions. Due to the nature of the patent opposition process
(in which claims can be reworded to overcome the opposition), it is impossible
to predict the outcome of these opposition proceedings. In August 1995, the
Company sued Herbert Schwind GmbH in Germany, alleging infringement of certain
of the Company's European patents. In addition, Schwind has filed a nullity
action in Germany against one of VISX's European patents. Although the Company
believes it will prevail in this nullity action, there can be no assurance that
such patent will survive the proceeding.
 
     Azema Patent.  On August 30, 1995, Summit sued the Company in the United
States for infringement of a United States patent held by Summit. Summit
acquired the rights to the patent in 1993, and Pillar Point did not acquire
rights to the patent from Summit. The lawsuit claims that the manufacture and
export of VISX Systems from the United States is an infringement of the patent.
The Company believes that the lawsuit is without merit and intends to vigorously
defend its position.
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   31
 
Nevertheless, the cost of defending this action could be significant, and there
can be no assurance that the VISX System will be held not to infringe the
patent. In such event, the Company could be subject to significant liabilities
to Summit and it could be necessary for the Company to seek a license from
Summit in order for the Company to manufacture, market and sell products in the
United States. There can be no assurance that a license would be available on
acceptable terms or at all. It might also be necessary for the Company to
attempt to redesign the VISX System so that it no longer infringes the patent,
although there can be no assurance that any such redesign efforts would be
successful. Additionally, a redesign of the VISX System, depending on its scope,
could entail delays in FDA approval of the redesign.
 
     Stockholder Derivative Litigation
 
     In September 1994, an action was filed as a derivative action on behalf of
the Company by CAP Advisers Limited, CAP Trust and Osterfak Limited
(collectively, the "CAP Group"), who collectively owned in excess of 10% of the
Company's outstanding Common Stock at the time the action was filed. The action
names as defendants several former officers of the Company, present and former
directors of the Company including representatives of Alcon, and Alcon and
certain of its affiliates. The suit alleges, among other things, breaches of
fiduciary duties involving the failure to exercise appropriate oversight over
regulatory affairs and the Alcon marketing agreement by the named individual
defendants including the Alcon representatives as well as breaches of certain of
Alcon's marketing obligations under the Company's agreements with Alcon, and
seeks monetary damages in excess of $2.25 billion from Alcon and the named
individual defendants. Alcon has filed counterclaims against the CAP Group and
the named individual defendants (other than the Alcon representatives) and two
former directors of the Company not named in the original suit for interference
with the Company's contractual relationship with Alcon. Alcon and the named
individual defendants have also filed counterclaims against such two former
directors for equitable indemnification and contribution. Because this action is
a derivative suit, any recovery of monetary damages would be for the benefit of
the Company. However, the Company has certain obligations to indemnify its
officers and directors in the event of litigation, and, as a result, the Company
has incurred and expects to continue to incur significant legal expenses in
connection with the derivative litigation. The Company believes that the
resolution of this matter will not have a material adverse effect on the
Company's financial position or results of operations. However, this suit is
currently in the pleading stage, and there can be no assurance as to the outcome
of the litigation.
 
     Product Liability
 
     VISX requires all clinical investigators to advise persons treated in
United States clinical trials that the procedure is investigational and has not
been determined to be safe or effective by the FDA and requires that signed
consents be obtained prior to treatment. Notwithstanding these requirements,
three individuals who were treated in United States clinical trials of the VISX
System have sued their ophthalmologists and VISX following their surgery. These
suits are currently pending in Michigan, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. VISX
believes that it has meritorious defenses to these actions, and that their
resolution will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial
position or results of operations. However, all three suits are in the early
stages of discovery and there can be no assurance as their outcome.
 
     Securities Class Action Litigation
 
     In September 1994, various actions were filed in United States District
Court against the Company and several former and current directors and officers
of the Company alleging violations of federal securities laws involving the
issuance of misleading statements and failure to make required disclosures
regarding the Company's prospects and the FDA regulatory status of the VISX
System. These actions were subsequently consolidated into a single class action.
In June 1995, the Company reached a settlement (pending court approval) of the
securities class action lawsuit against the Company. The net cost of settlement
after insurance reimbursement is expected not to exceed $2,250,000.
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   32
 
                                   MANAGEMENT
 
     The executive officers and directors of the Company are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            NAME               AGE                           POSITION
- -----------------------------  ---   ---------------------------------------------------------
<S>                            <C>   <C>
Mark B. Logan................  57    Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and
                                     President
Elizabeth H. Davila..........  51    Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer
Katrina J. Church............  34    Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Terrance N. Clapham..........  48    Vice President, Research and Development
Jordan D. Haller, M.D. ......  63    Vice President, Regulatory and Clinical Affairs
Timothy R. Maier.............  47    Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
Judith A. Somerville.........  52    Vice President, Human Resources
W. Michael Wilson............  51    Vice President, Operations
Glendon E. French............  61    Director
Robert B. Samuels............  55    Director
Richard B. Sayford...........  64    Director
</TABLE>
 
     Mark B. Logan.  Mr. Logan has served as Chairman of the Board, President
and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since November 1994. From January
1992 to July 1994, Mr. Logan was Chairman of the Board, President and Chief
Executive Officer of Insmed Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a development-stage
biopharmaceutical company, and has served on its board of directors since its
founding in 1988. Prior to 1992, Mr. Logan was a Principal Associate with
McManis Associates, Inc., a Washington, D.C. based research and management firm
specializing in the health care field. From 1981 to 1985, Mr. Logan was employed
by Bausch & Lomb, Inc. as President, Health Care and Consumer Group, and was a
member of Bausch & Lomb's board of directors. From 1975 to 1981, he was employed
by Becton, Dickinson & Co. where he held the position of Consumer Group
President, and was responsible for that Company's worldwide diabetes syringe
business. From 1967 to 1974, Mr. Logan held various management positions with
American Home Products Corporation.
 
     Elizabeth H. Davila.  Ms. Davila has been Executive Vice President and
Chief Operating Officer since May 1995. From 1977 to 1994, Ms. Davila held
senior management positions with Syntex Corporation which included Vice
President of Quality and Reengineering, Vice President and Director of the
Company's Drug Development Optimization Program, Vice President of Marketing and
Sales for the Syva Company Diagnostics Division and Vice President of Marketing
and Sales of the Syntex Ophthalmics Division.
 
     Katrina J. Church.  Ms. Church has been Vice President, General Counsel
since January 1995 and corporate counsel since June 1991. She has served as
Secretary of the Company since May 1994. Before joining the Company in 1991, Ms.
Church practiced law with the firm Hopkins & Carley in San Jose, California.
 
     Terrance N. Clapham.  Mr. Clapham has been Vice President, Research and
Development since March 1993. He also served as Secretary of the Company from
November 1990 to May 1994 and Vice President, Engineering and Product
Development from November 1990 to March 1993. He was a founder, Vice President,
Secretary and director of one of the Company's predecessors from its inception
in August 1987 until November 1990, when it was merged with the Company.
 
     Jordan D. Haller, M.D.  Dr. Haller has been Vice President, Regulatory and
Clinical Affairs since July 1995. Prior to joining VISX, Dr. Haller was Medical
Director of Quantum Bio-Medical Technologies from 1990. Dr. Haller also served
on the faculty at Columbia University and taught courses in technology
assessment, with emphasis on government and FDA regulation. From 1985 to 1990,
he was Medical Director for C.R. Bard Company. In 1984 he founded The Laser
Institute of Pittsburgh. Prior
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   33
 
to 1984, Dr. Haller was Director of Cardiovascular Surgery at Maimonides Medical
Center and a practicing cardiovascular surgeon.
 
     Timothy R. Maier.  Mr. Maier has been Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer since June 1995. From 1991 to June 1995, he served as Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer of GenPharm, International, Inc., a privately held
international biotechnology company. From 1976 to 1991, Mr. Maier held various
positions with Spectra-Physics, Inc., an international manufacturer of
scientific and commercial laser products. His positions included Operations
Manager, International Finance and Administration Manager, and Vice President of
Finance.
 
     Judith A. Somerville.  Ms. Somerville has been Vice President, Human
Resources since September 1995 and Director, Human Resources since March 1995.
From 1993 to March 1995, she served as Corporate Director, Compensation and
Benefits at VLSI Technology, Inc., a publicly held semiconductor company. From
1990 to 1993, she was Director, Corporate Compensation and Benefits at Conner
Peripherals, Inc., an international manufacturer of disk drives. From 1989 to
1990, she was Corporate Compensation Manager at Hexcel Corporation. From 1980 to
1989, Ms. Somerville was employed by United Technologies Corporation in a
variety of Human Resource positions.
 
     W. Michael Wilson.  Mr. Wilson has been Vice President, Operations since
January 1992 and served as Director of Operations from December 1991 to January
1993. He was Manufacturing Manager with one of the Company's predecessors from
January to November 1990 and Manufacturing Manager of the Company from November
1990 to December 1991.
 
     Glendon E. French.  Mr. French has served as a director of the Company
since May 1995. Mr. French served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
Imagyn Medical, Inc. ("Imagyn") from February 1992 until his retirement as Chief
Executive Officer in December 1994. He continued to serve as Chairman of Imagyn
until April 1995 and as a director of Imagyn until September 1995. From 1989
until he joined Imagyn in February 1992, Mr. French was Chairman, Chief
Executive Officer and a director of Applied Immune Sciences, Inc. From 1982 to
1988, Mr. French was President of the Health and Education Services Sector of
ARA Services, Inc., and from 1972 to 1982, he was President of American Critical
Care (formerly a division of American Hospital Supply Corp., now known as Dupont
Critical Care). Mr. French is also a director of Pacific Physician Services,
Inc.
 
     Robert B. Samuels.  Dr. Samuels has served as a director of the Company
since February 1993. He is Chairman of TEC, Inc., an organization that
specializes in business skills development for chief executive officers. He
served as President of Allergan Humphrey, a supplier of eye care diagnostic
instruments, from 1987 through December 1991. He has 26 years experience in the
health care industry, including corporate executive positions with Smith Kline
Beckman, Inc. and Allergan, Inc.
 
     Richard B. Sayford.  Mr. Sayford has served as a director of the Company
since May 1995. Mr. Sayford has been President of Strategic Enterprises, Inc., a
private business consulting firm specializing in work with high technology and
venture firms since 1979. He is a founding investor of MCI Communications Co.
and has served as a member of the Board of Directors of MCI since 1980. He is
also a director of Medtrac, Inc. and Laser Technologies, Inc. He is former
President of Amdahl International, Ltd. and Corporate Vice President of Amdahl
Corporation.
 
                                       32
<PAGE>   34
 
                                  UNDERWRITING
 
     The names of the Underwriters of the shares of Common Stock offered hereby
and the aggregate number of shares which each has severally agreed to purchase
from the Company (subject to the terms and conditions specified in the
Underwriting Agreement) are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                UNDERWRITERS                              NUMBER OF SHARES
    --------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------
    <S>                                                                   <C>
    Dillon, Read & Co. Inc. ............................................
    PaineWebber Incorporated............................................
 
                                                                              ---------
              Total.....................................................      2,500,000
                                                                              =========
</TABLE>
 
     The Managing Underwriters are Dillon, Read & Co. Inc. and PaineWebber
Incorporated.
 
     If any shares of Common Stock offered hereby are purchased by the
Underwriters, all such shares will be so purchased. The Underwriting Agreement
contains certain provisions whereby if any Underwriter defaults in its
obligation to purchase such shares and if the aggregate obligations of the
Underwriters so defaulting do not exceed 10% of the shares hereby, the remaining
Underwriters, or some of them, must assume such obligations.
 
     The shares of Common Stock offered hereby are being offered severally by
the Underwriters for sale at the price set forth on the cover page hereof, or at
such price less a concession not to exceed $          per share on sales to
certain dealers. The Underwriters may allow, and such dealers may reallow, a
concession not to exceed $          per share on sales to certain dealers. The
offering of the shares of Common Stock is made for delivery when, as, and if
accepted by the Underwriters and subject to prior sale and to withdrawal,
cancellation or modification of the offer without notice. The Underwriters
reserve the right to reject any order for the purchase of the shares. After the
shares are released for sale to the public, the public offering price, the
concession and the reallowance may be changed by the Managing Underwriters.
 
     The Company has granted to the Underwriters an option to purchase up to an
additional 375,000 shares of Common Stock on the same terms per share. If the
Underwriters exercise this option, each of the Underwriters will have a firm
commitment, subject to certain conditions, to purchase approximately the same
proportion of the aggregate shares so purchased as the number of shares to be
purchased by it shown in the above table bears to the total number of shares in
such table. The Underwriters may exercise such option on or before the thirtieth
day from the date of the public offering of the shares offered hereby and only
to cover over-allotments made of the shares in connection with this Offering.
 
     The Company has agreed that it will not, without the prior written consent
of Dillon, Read & Co. Inc., sell, grant any option to sell, transfer or
otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of the Common Stock, or
any securities convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, Common
Stock or warrants or other rights to purchase Common Stock, prior to the
expiration of 90 days from the date of the consummation of this Offering, except
(i) shares of Common Stock issued upon the exercise of options issued under its
existing stock option plans and (ii) options granted to its employees, officers
and directors under its stock option plans and (iii) shares of Common Stock
offered and sold pursuant to its existing stock purchase plan. The Company's
officers and directors and certain stockholders who will hold in the aggregate
          shares of Common Stock after this Offering and who hold certain
options to purchase Common Stock have agreed that they will not, without the
prior written consent of Dillon, Read & Co. Inc., sell, grant any option to
sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of
Common Stock or any securities convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable
for, Common Stock or warrants or other rights to purchase Common Stock, prior to
the expiration of 90 days from the date of the consummation of this Offering.
 
                                       33
<PAGE>   35
 
     The Company has agreed in the Underwriting Agreement to indemnify the
Underwriters against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act, or to contribute to payments that the Underwriters may be
required to make in respect thereof.
 
     In connection with the Company's private placement of 1,200,000 shares of
its Common Stock completed in February 1995, PaineWebber Growth Fund and
PaineWebber Growth Portfolio, affiliates of PaineWebber Incorporated, purchased
from the Company an aggregate of 100,000 shares of the Common Stock at a price
of $10.854 per share.
 
     In connection with this Offering, certain Underwriters and selling group
members or their affiliates may engage in passive marketing making transactions
in the Common Stock on the Nasdaq National Market in accordance with Rule 10b-6A
under the Exchange Act during the two business day period before the
commencement of sales in this Offering. Passive market making consists of, among
other things, displaying bids on the Nasdaq National Market limited by the bid
prices of independent market makers and purchases limited by such prices and
effected in response to order flow. Net purchases by a passive market maker on
each day are limited to a specified percentage of the passive market maker's
average daily trading volume in the Common Stock during a specified prior period
and all possible market making activity must be discontinued when such limit is
reached. Passive market making may stabilize the market price of the Common
Stock at a level above that which might otherwise prevail and, if commenced, may
be discontinued at any time.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
     The validity of the Common Stock offered hereby will be passed upon for the
Company by Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Professional Corporation, Palo
Alto, California. Certain legal matters in connection with this Offering will be
passed upon for the Underwriters by Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, Los Angeles,
California.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
     The audited financial statements as of December 31, 1993 and 1994 and for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1994 included in this
Prospectus have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public
accountants, as indicated in their report with respect thereto, and are included
herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in giving said
report.
 
                                       34
<PAGE>   36
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
     The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and in accordance therewith files
reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission"). Such reports, proxy statements and other information can be
inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the
Commission at its office at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20549, and at the Commission's Regional Offices at Northwestern Atrium Center,
500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661 and Seven World
Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such materials can
be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Commission, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. The Common Stock is
quoted on the Nasdaq National Market and reports, proxy statements and other
information concerning the Company may be inspected at the offices of the Nasdaq
Stock Market, 1735 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006-1500.
 
     The Company has filed with the Commission, Washington, D.C. 20549, a
Registration Statement under the Securities Act with respect to the shares of
Common Stock offered hereby. This Prospectus does not contain all of the
information set forth in the Registration Statement and the exhibits and
schedules thereto. For further information with respect to the Company and the
Common Stock offered hereby, reference is made to the Registration Statement and
the exhibits and schedules filed therewith. Statements contained in this
Prospectus as to the contents of any contract or any other document referred to
are not necessarily complete, and in each instance reference is made to the copy
of such contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement, each such statement being qualified in all respects by such
reference. A copy of the Registration Statement may be inspected without charge
at the Commission's principal office, and copies of all or any part of the
Registration Statement may be obtained from such office upon the payment of the
fees prescribed by the Commission.
 
                     INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
 
     The following documents, heretofore filed by the Company with the
Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act, are hereby incorporated by reference:
 
     (1) The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 1994.
 
     (2) The Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended
         March 31, 1995 and June 30, 1995.
 
     (3) The description of the Company's Common Stock contained in its
         Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Commission on
         February 4, 1991, as amended.
 
     All reports and other documents filed by the Company pursuant to Sections
13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this
Prospectus and prior to the termination of this Offering shall be deemed to be
incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and shall be a part hereof from
the date of filing of such reports and documents. Any statement incorporated
herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this
Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other
subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so
modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded,
to constitute a part of this Prospectus.
 
     The Company will provide without charge to each person to whom a copy of
this Prospectus is delivered, upon the written or oral request of any such
person, a copy of any report or document described above (other than exhibits,
unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference herein).
Requests for such copies should be directed to VISX at its principal executive
offices located at 3400 Central Expressway, Santa Clara, California 95051,
telephone (408) 733-2020, attention, Investor Relations.
 
                                       35
<PAGE>   37
 
                      VISX, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                   INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        PAGE
                                                                                        ----
<S>                                                                                     <C>
Report of Independent Public Accountants..............................................  F-1
Consolidated Balance Sheets...........................................................  F-2
Consolidated Statements of Operations.................................................  F-3
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity.......................................  F-4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.................................................  F-5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements............................................  F-6
</TABLE>
 
                                       36
<PAGE>   38
 
                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
TO VISX, INCORPORATED:
 
     We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of VISX,
Incorporated (a Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1993
and 1994, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders'
equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 1994. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.
 
     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
     In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of VISX, Incorporated and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1993 and 1994, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1994 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
                                             -----------------------------------
                                             Arthur Andersen LLP
 
San Jose, California
February 14, 1995
 
                                       F-1
<PAGE>   39
 
                      VISX, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
               (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               DECEMBER 31,
                                                           ---------------------      JUNE 30,
                                                             1993         1994          1995
                                                           --------     --------     -----------
                                                                                     (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                        <C>          <C>          <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
  Cash and cash equivalents..............................  $ 11,847     $ 11,161      $   6,796
  Short-term investments.................................        --           --          8,049
  Accounts receivable:
     Trade...............................................     1,059          268          4,160
     Alcon, a related party..............................     3,690        2,659             --
  Inventories............................................     3,206        3,792          5,308
  Prepaid expenses.......................................       165          187            253
                                                           --------     --------       --------
     Total current assets................................    19,967       18,067         24,566
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET..............................     1,590        1,450          1,884
OTHER ASSETS.............................................     1,360        1,110            894
                                                           --------     --------       --------
                                                           $ 22,917     $ 20,627      $  27,344
                                                           ========     ========       ========
LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
  Accounts payable.......................................  $  1,014     $  2,058      $   3,092
  Accrued liabilities....................................     3,220        4,167          3,686
                                                           --------     --------       --------
     Total current liabilities...........................     4,234        6,225          6,778
                                                           --------     --------       --------
DEFERRED REVENUE & OTHER LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS...........       659          409            409
                                                           --------     --------       --------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (NOTES 7 AND 8)
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
  Common stock -- $.01 par value, 30,000,000 shares
     authorized; 10,686,572, 11,024,808 and 12,571,142
     shares outstanding at December 31, 1993, 1994 and
     June 30, 1995, respectively.........................       107          110            125
  Additional paid-in capital.............................    48,459       50,689         65,117
  Accumulated deficit....................................   (30,539)     (36,803)       (45,082)
  Less: 500,000 common stock treasury shares, at cost....        (3)          (3)            (3)
                                                           --------     --------       --------
     Total stockholders' equity..........................    18,024       13,993         20,157
                                                           --------     --------       --------
                                                           $ 22,917     $ 20,627      $  27,344
                                                           ========     ========       ========
</TABLE>
 
      The accompanying notes are an integral part of these balance sheets.
 
                                       F-2
<PAGE>   40
 
                      VISX, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                            YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,               JUNE 30,
                                        --------------------------------     -------------------
                                          1992        1993        1994        1994        1995
                                        --------     -------     -------     -------     -------
                                                                                 (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                     <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
REVENUES:
  Product sales.......................  $  9,368     $ 1,092     $ 1,240     $   940     $ 2,800
  Product sales to Alcon, a related
     party............................     9,566      18,450      13,993       8,067       1,680
  Service and other revenues..........     1,351       2,532       2,663       1,230       1,995
                                        --------     -------     -------     -------     -------
          Total revenues..............    20,285      22,074      17,896      10,237       6,475
                                        --------     -------     -------     -------     -------
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
  Cost of revenues....................    12,551      12,030      10,274       5,250       4,438
  Marketing, general and
     administrative...................     6,846       5,272       6,371       2,495       3,916
  Research, development and
     regulatory.......................     5,445       4,964       7,085       2,978       4,608
  Reserve for product line
     disposition......................        --          --       1,500          --          --
  Purchased research and development..     6,017          --          --          --          --
                                        --------     -------     -------     -------     -------
          Total costs and expenses....    30,859      22,266      25,230      10,723      12,962
                                        --------     -------     -------     -------     -------
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS..................   (10,574)       (192)     (7,334)       (486)     (6,487)
                                        --------     -------     -------     -------     -------
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
  Interest income.....................       767         295         472         206         376
  Other income........................       276          76         598          23          82
  Interest expense....................       (20)         --          --          --          --
  Litigation settlement...............        --          --          --          --      (2,250)
                                        --------     -------     -------     -------     -------
     Other income (expense), net......     1,023         371       1,070         229      (1,792)
                                        --------     -------     -------     -------     -------
NET INCOME (LOSS).....................  $ (9,551)    $   179     $(6,264)    $  (257)    $(8,279)
                                        ========     =======     =======     =======     =======
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE...........  $   (.98)    $   .02     $  (.60)    $  (.03)    $  (.71)
                                        ========     =======     =======     =======     =======
Weighted average number of shares and
  equivalents outstanding.............     9,706      10,540      10,372      10,271      11,654
                                        ========     =======     =======     =======     =======
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                       F-3
<PAGE>   41
 
                      VISX, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          COMMON STOCK     ADDITIONAL                                TOTAL
                                         ---------------    PAID-IN     ACCUMULATED   TREASURY   STOCKHOLDERS'
                                         SHARES   AMOUNT    CAPITAL       DEFICIT      STOCK        EQUITY
                                         ------   ------   ----------   -----------   --------   -------------
<S>                                      <C>      <C>      <C>          <C>           <C>        <C>
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1991.............   9,827    $ 98     $ 40,675     $ (21,167)     $ (3)       $19,603
Exercise of stock options..............      66       1          380            --        --            381
Issuance of common stock and stock
  options in connection with the
  acquisition of VISX-Massachusetts....       7      --          245            --        --            245
Sale of common stock in a public
  offering, net of issuance costs......     496       5        5,524            --        --          5,529
Net loss...............................      --      --           --        (9,551)       --         (9,551)
                                         ------    ----      -------      --------      ----        -------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1992.............  10,396     104       46,824       (30,718)       (3)        16,207
Exercise of stock options..............     177       2          682            --        --            684
Exercise of warrants and options issued
  to Underwriters......................     114       1          953            --        --            954
Net income.............................      --      --           --           179        --            179
                                         ------    ----      -------      --------      ----        -------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1993.............  10,687     107       48,459       (30,539)       (3)        18,024
Exercise of stock options..............     265       3        1,488            --        --          1,491
Exercise of warrants issued to
  Underwriters.........................      35      --          350            --        --            350
Issuance of common stock under the
  Employee Stock Purchase Plan.........      38      --          392            --        --            392
Net loss...............................      --      --           --        (6,264)       --         (6,264)
                                         ------    ----      -------      --------      ----        -------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1994.............  11,025     110       50,689       (36,803)       (3)        13,993
Exercise of stock options..............     331       3        2,067            --        --          2,070
Sale of common stock in a private
  placement, net of issuance costs.....   1,200      12       12,222            --        --         12,234
Issuance of common stock under the
  Employee Stock Purchase Plan.........      15      --          139            --        --            139
Net loss...............................      --      --           --        (8,279)       --         (8,279)
                                         ------    ----      -------      --------      ----        -------
BALANCE, JUNE 30, 1995 (UNAUDITED).....  12,571    $125     $ 65,117     $ (45,082)     $ (3)       $20,157
                                         ======    ====      =======      ========      ====        =======
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                       F-4
<PAGE>   42
 
                      VISX, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,               JUNE 30,
                                            -------------------------------     --------------------
                                             1992        1993        1994        1994         1995
                                            -------     -------     -------     -------     --------
                                                                                    (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss).........................  $(9,551)    $   179     $(6,264)    $  (257)    $ (8,279)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss)
  to net cash provided by (used for)
  operating activities:
  Depreciation and amortization...........      409         550         609         287          322
  Purchased research and development......    6,017          --          --          --           --
CHANGES IN ASSETS AND LIABILITIES:
  Decrease (increase) in trade accounts
     receivable...........................    1,577         478         791          22       (3,892)
  Decrease (increase) in accounts
     receivable from Alcon................   (4,071)      1,589       1,031        (357)       2,659
  Decrease (increase) in inventories......   (1,400)        519        (586)       (215)      (1,516)
  Decrease (increase) in prepaid
     expenses.............................      (61)        324         (22)       (169)         (66)
  Decrease (increase) in other assets.....      (63)        (12)        228         205          205
  Increase (decrease) in accounts
     payable..............................      142        (940)      1,044         777        1,034
  Decrease in amounts payable to Alcon....   (1,000)         --          --          --           --
  Increase (decrease) in accrued
     liabilities..........................       34        (988)        947        (348)        (481)
  Decrease in deferred revenue and other
     long-term obligations................      (24)         --        (250)         --           --
                                            -------     -------     -------     -------     --------
     Net cash provided by (used for)
       operating activities...............   (7,991)      1,699      (2,472)        (55)     (10,014)
                                            -------     -------     -------     -------     --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Capital expenditures....................   (1,353)       (620)       (447)       (220)        (745)
  Acquisition of VISX-Massachusetts.......   (5,932)         --          --          --           --
  Purchase of short-term investments......       --          --          --          --       (8,712)
  Proceeds from maturities of short-term
     investments..........................    1,061          --          --          --          663
  Decrease in long-term investments.......   11,697          --          --          --           --
                                            -------     -------     -------     -------     --------
     Net cash provided by (used for)
       investing activities...............    5,473        (620)       (447)       (220)      (8,794)
                                            -------     -------     -------     -------     --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Net proceeds from issuance of common
     stock................................    5,910       1,638       2,233       1,236       14,443
  Repayments of long-term obligations and
     capital leases.......................      (19)         (5)         --          --           --
                                            -------     -------     -------     -------     --------
     Net cash provided by financing
       activities.........................    5,891       1,633       2,233       1,236       14,443
                                            -------     -------     -------     -------     --------
     Net increase (decrease) in cash and
       cash equivalents...................    3,373       2,712        (686)        961       (4,365)
  Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of
     period...............................    5,762       9,135      11,847      11,847       11,161
                                            -------     -------     -------     -------     --------
  Cash and cash equivalents, end of
     period...............................  $ 9,135     $11,847     $11,161     $12,808     $  6,796
                                            =======     =======     =======     =======     ========
  Cash paid for interest expense..........  $    20     $    --     $    --     $    --     $     --
                                            =======     =======     =======     =======     ========
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                       F-5
<PAGE>   43
 
                      VISX, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
    (INFORMATION RELATING TO THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1994 AND 1995 IS
                                   UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 1.  THE COMPANY
 
     VISX, Incorporated (the "Company" or "VISX") was incorporated in Delaware
in 1988 as Taunton Technologies Inc. The Company changed its name to VISX,
Incorporated in 1990 when it acquired VISX, Incorporated ("VISX California").
The Company is engaged in the design and development of proprietary technologies
and systems for laser vision correction ("LVC"). The Company has developed and
manufactures a device (the "VISX System") which utilizes an excimer laser to
reshape the surface of the cornea to treat nearsightedness, astigmatism and
farsightedness and is intended to reduce or eliminate the patient's dependence
on corrective lenses. The device is also intended to treat other eye disorders,
such as opacities and superficial scars.
 
     In 1992, the Company acquired VISX-Massachusetts, Inc.
("VISX-Massachusetts"), formerly known as Questek, Inc., a manufacturer of
excimer lasers and related products for medical, scientific and industrial
applications. VISX-Massachusetts was the Company's sole supplier of lasers for
the VISX System. The Company acquired VISX-Massachusetts for approximately
$5,932,000 in cash, assumed VISX-Massachusetts' outstanding stock options, and
forgave the intercompany balances between VISX and VISX-Massachusetts. The
acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. The
Company incurred a charge against earnings of $6,017,000 in 1992, which it
allocated to VISX-Massachusetts' research and development projects that were in
process at the time of the acquisition. In 1993, VISX sold the non-medical
technology of VISX-Massachusetts to Lambda-Physik for $850,000, to be paid in
four installments over three years. The Company accounted for the proceeds from
the sale of this technology as a re-allocation of the initial purchase price of
VISX-Massachusetts. VISX retained certain rights to the technology which is
incorporated into the VISX System.
 
     The Company's consolidated statements of operations include the results of
operations of VISX-Massachusetts since the date of acquisition. For 1992, the
combined results of operations on an unaudited pro forma basis, as though the
acquisition of VISX-Massachusetts had occurred at the beginning of the period,
were (in thousands, except per share data):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              1992
                                                                             -------
        <S>                                                                  <C>
        Revenues...........................................................  $20,978
        Net loss...........................................................  $(9,821)
        Net loss per share.................................................  $ (1.01)
</TABLE>
 
     Although further along in the development stage, the Company continues to
be subject to a number of risks similar to other companies in a comparable stage
of development. The success of the Company's future operations is affected by a
number of significant risk factors including, but not limited to, the following:
(1) the Company expects to collect per procedure fees or some other type of
payment from users of its equipment in foreign countries, based upon the
Company's patents, which is innovative and may encounter resistance; (2) until
the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) grants pre-market approval for the sale
of the VISX System for LVC, the Company will be dependent upon international
sales to Alcon Laboratories, Inc. to sustain or increase product sales, which
are also subject to international regulations and restrictions; (3) although the
FDA has authorized VISX to conduct clinical trials on humans for the VISX
System, there can be no assurance that the FDA will determine that the data
derived from these studies supports the safety and efficacy of the VISX System
for LVC; and (4) the Company may need additional financing to complete the
testing and development required for regulatory approval and to ultimately
manufacture the VISX System on a commercial basis; there can be no assurance
that such financing will be available when needed or, if available, that the
terms for
 
                                       F-6
<PAGE>   44
 
                      VISX, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
    (INFORMATION RELATING TO THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1994 AND 1995 IS
                                   UNAUDITED)
 
obtaining such financing will be favorable to the Company. See "Risk Factors"
included elsewhere in this Prospectus for a discussion of certain factors
affecting the Company.
 
NOTE 2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
     Unaudited Interim Financial Data.  The unaudited interim financial
statements as of June 30, 1995 and for the six months ended June 30, 1994 and
1995 have been prepared on the same basis as the audited financial statements
and, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments (consisting of only
normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial
information set forth therein, in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles. The data disclosed in the notes to the financial statements for
these periods are unaudited. The Company believes the results of operations for
the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected
for any future period.
 
     Principles of Consolidation.  The consolidated financial statements include
the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries after the elimination of
significant intercompany accounts and transactions.
 
     Cash and Cash Equivalents.  The Company considers all highly liquid debt
instruments purchased with an original maturity of 90 days or less to be cash
equivalents.
 
     Short-term Investments.  In 1994, the Company adopted Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 115 ("SFAS No. 115") "Accounting for Certain
Investments in Debt and Equity Securities." In 1995, the Company's short-term
investments consist of U.S. Treasury Bills with original maturities of between
three and twelve months that will be held-to-maturity and are thus accounted for
at amortized cost in accordance with SFAS No. 115. At June 30, 1995, the
amortized cost of short-term investments approximated the aggregate fair market
value and the investments mature through May 1996.
 
     Inventories.  Inventories consist of purchased parts and systems and are
stated at the lower of cost or market, using the first-in, first-out method.
Work-in-process and finished goods include material, labor, and overhead.
Inventories consisted of the following at (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                DECEMBER 31,
                                                              -----------------     JUNE 30,
                                                               1993       1994        1995
                                                              ------     ------     --------
    <S>                                                       <C>        <C>        <C>
    Raw Materials and Component Stock.......................  $  851     $1,394      $ 1,556
    Work-in-Process.........................................   1,683      2,398        3,209
    Finished Goods..........................................     672         --          543
                                                              ------     ------       ------
                                                              $3,206     $3,792      $ 5,308
                                                              ======     ======       ======
</TABLE>
 
     Property and Equipment.  Property and equipment is depreciated using the
straight-line method over estimated useful lives of the assets, generally three
to seven years or, in the case of leasehold
 
                                       F-7
<PAGE>   45
 
                      VISX, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
    (INFORMATION RELATING TO THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1994 AND 1995 IS
                                   UNAUDITED)
 
improvements, the term of the related lease. Property and equipment is stated at
cost and consisted of the following at (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                           -------------------     JUNE 30,
                                                            1993        1994         1995
                                                           -------     -------     --------
    <S>                                                    <C>         <C>         <C>
    Furniture and fixtures...............................  $   791     $   813     $    946
    Machinery and equipment..............................    1,995       2,676        3,201
    Leasehold improvements...............................       62         103          112
                                                           -------     -------      -------
                                                             2,848       3,592        4,259
    Less -- accumulated depreciation and amortization....   (1,258)     (2,142)      (2,375)
                                                           -------     -------      -------
    Property and equipment, net..........................  $ 1,590     $ 1,450     $  1,884
                                                           =======     =======      =======
</TABLE>
 
     Revenue Recognition.  The Company recognizes revenue on product sales when
the products are shipped. Service revenue is recognized as the services are
performed. An allowance for installation and training costs is made at the time
sales are recognized.
 
     Net Income (Loss) Per Share.  Net income per share data for 1993 has been
computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, after
giving effect to dilutive common stock equivalents. Common stock equivalents
consist of the dilutive shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options and
warrants (using the treasury stock method). Net loss per share data has been
computed using the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each
period; dilutive common stock equivalents have been excluded from the
computation as their effect would be to reduce the net loss per share amount.
 
     Concentration of Credit Risk; Major Customers and Export Revenues.  The
Company's credit risk in its accounts receivable is concentrated primarily in
sales to Alcon. Internationally, Alcon buys product from the Company and sells
direct to end-users. The Company recognized $9,566,000, $18,450,000,
$13,993,000, $8,067,000 and $4,480,000 in revenues from the sale of VISX Systems
to Alcon for the years ended December 31, 1992, 1993 and 1994, and for the six
months ended June 30, 1994 and 1995, respectively. Including sales of parts and
VisionKey cards, Alcon accounted for 48%, 87%, 86%, 84% and 90% of total
revenues for the years ended December 31, 1992, 1993 and 1994, and for the six
months ended June 30, 1994 and 1995, respectively. The Company's marketing
agreements with Alcon require the Company to nominate two representatives of
Alcon for election to the Company's Board of Directors. Alcon was a related
party to the Company due to its representation on the Company's Board of
Directors. Alcon representatives did not stand for reelection at the Company's
1995 stockholders' meeting on May 26, 1995. Accordingly, after such date, Alcon
is no longer considered a related party to the Company. The accompanying
financial statements reflect transactions with Alcon up until May 26, 1995 as
related party transactions (see Note 3).
 
     Export revenues accounted for 86%, 86%, 85%, 88% and 69% of revenues for
the years ended December 31, 1992, 1993 and 1994, and for the six months ended
June 30, 1994 and 1995, respectively.
 
                                       F-8
<PAGE>   46
 
                      VISX, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
    (INFORMATION RELATING TO THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1994 AND 1995 IS
                                   UNAUDITED)
 
     The following table represents export revenues by geographic region for the
periods ended (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     YEAR ENDED                SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                    DECEMBER 31,                   JUNE 30,
                                           -------------------------------     -----------------
                                            1992        1993        1994        1994       1995
                                           -------     -------     -------     ------     ------
<S>                                        <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>
Europe...................................  $10,365     $18,450     $12,653     $7,732     $4,200
Canada...................................    1,444          --       1,790        485        280
Far East.................................    5,586         453         790        790         --
                                           -------     -------     -------     ------     ------
                                           $17,395     $18,903     $15,233     $9,007     $4,480
                                           =======     =======     =======     ======     ======
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 3.  RELATIONSHIP WITH ALCON
 
     Marketing Agreement.  In 1987, the Company amended its then-existing
agreement with Alcon Laboratories, Inc. and Alcon Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
(collectively "Alcon") whereby the Company granted a license and exclusive
marketing rights for the VISX System to Alcon, and in 1988, Alcon advanced
$2,500,000 to the Company to defray development costs. In January 1990, the
Company and Alcon entered into a Second Amended and Restated Marketing Agreement
("Marketing Agreement") which amended and restated the marketing agreement, as
it pertained to domestic marketing. The Marketing Agreement grants Alcon a
license and exclusive marketing rights for the Company's VISX System in the
U.S., and Alcon is required to collect a per-procedure fee and remit it to the
Company. The Marketing Agreement contains provisions to repay the $2,500,000
previously advanced to defray development costs. The Company repaid $1,000,000
of that amount in 1992. Alcon is compensated for its duties under the Marketing
Agreement as follows: (1) The Company reimburses Alcon for costs it incurs
throughout the year on behalf of the Company. The Company recorded expenses of
$905,000, $90,000 and $120,000, $60,000 and $400,000 for the years ended
December 31, 1992, 1993 and 1994, and for the six months ended June 30, 1994,
and 1995, respectively, related to the reimbursement of these costs. These
expenses are recorded in marketing, general and administrative expenses in the
accompanying consolidated statements of operations. (2) VISX is contingently
liable to Alcon for $1,500,000, the balance of the $2,500,000 previously
advanced. This payment will be made at the end of each year, to the extent VISX
has Annual Cash Flow, as defined in the Marketing Agreement. (3) VISX reimburses
Alcon for certain additional approved costs not previously reimbursed, to the
extent the Company has Annual Cash Flow. (4) Thereafter, Alcon would receive 25%
of the Company's Excess Cash Flow, as defined in the Marketing Agreement. To
date, no payments have accrued or become due and payable under these segments of
the Marketing Agreement described in (2), (3) and (4), above. The Marketing
Agreement will remain in effect until the expiration of the last patent licensed
under the agreement, unless earlier terminated by Alcon or VISX in accordance
with the terms of the Marketing Agreement.
 
     Insurance/Indemnification.  Under the Marketing Agreement, the Company will
be required to indemnify Alcon, its affiliates and their respective officers,
directors, partners, employees and stockholders for damages, up to an aggregate
of $4,000,000, arising out of the design, manufacture or authorized use of the
VISX Systems or any claim that the manufacture, design, use, marketing or sale
of the VISX Systems infringes any patent owned or controlled by any third party.
The indemnity does not cover damages resulting from negligence, recklessness,
willful misconduct or unauthorized act of any party seeking indemnification.
VISX maintains a product liability policy in the amount of $4,000,000.
 
     Clinical and Regulatory.  In September 1994, VISX and Alcon signed a letter
of intent pursuant to which Alcon agreed to provide interim regulatory and
clinical assistance to the Company. During 1994,
 
                                       F-9
<PAGE>   47
 
                      VISX, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
    (INFORMATION RELATING TO THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1994 AND 1995 IS
                                   UNAUDITED)
 
the Company recognized expenses of $400,000 related to these services provided
by Alcon. Effective February 1995, the Company terminated the interim regulatory
and clinical agreement with Alcon.
 
NOTE 4. ACCRUED LIABILITIES
 
     Accrued liabilities consisted of the following at (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                DECEMBER 31,
                                                              -----------------     JUNE 30,
                                                               1993       1994        1995
                                                              ------     ------     --------
    <S>                                                       <C>        <C>        <C>
    Payroll and related accruals............................  $1,081     $  729      $   804
    Accrued installation/training...........................   1,235        657          473
    Product line disposition................................      --      1,437        1,223
    Accrued royalties.......................................     188        318          265
    Deferred revenue........................................     258        101           93
    Other...................................................     458        925          828
                                                              ------     ------       ------
                                                              $3,220     $4,167      $ 3,686
                                                              ======     ======       ======
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 5.  STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
     Common Stock.  On February 14, 1995, the Company concluded a private
placement of 1,200,000 shares of its Common Stock at a price of $10.85 per share
and received net proceeds of approximately $12,234,000. Certain holders of the
shares purchased in the private placement demanded registration of those shares
for resale under the Securities Act of 1933, pursuant to the terms of the
private placement agreement. The Company filed for registration of those shares
in April 1995.
 
     Stock Option Plans.  The Company has reserved shares of its common stock
for issuance upon the exercise of stock options granted to the Company's
employees under five separate option plans. In 1993, the Company adopted a
Flexible Stock Incentive Plan (the "1993 Plan") and reserved 1,000,000 shares.
The 1993 Plan permits the issuance of incentive or non-qualified stock options
and stock grants to employees, consultants and non-employee directors of the
Company with an exercise price not less than 85% of the fair market value on the
date of grant (100% for incentive stock options). Options granted under the 1993
Plan generally vest 25% one year after the date of grant and ratably thereafter
over three years and expire ten years from the date of grant. In addition to the
1993 Plan, the Company has options outstanding under its 1983, 1987, 1988 and
1990 option plans, which have generally the same eligibility and vesting terms
as options granted under the 1993 Plan. The Company grants 2,000 shares of the
Company's common stock annually to each non-employee director of the Company.
Options granted to non-employee directors of the Company become fully
exercisable six months after the date of grant; however, unvested shares are
subject to repurchase as set forth in the agreement.
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>   48
 
                      VISX, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
    (INFORMATION RELATING TO THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1994 AND 1995 IS
                                   UNAUDITED)
 
     A summary of stock option activity for all plans follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  SHARES           EXERCISE
                                                               UNDER OPTION          PRICE
                                                               ------------     ---------------
<S>                                                            <C>              <C>
December 31, 1991............................................    1,024,966      $   1.70-$14.88
  Granted....................................................      306,788          10.52-16.15
  Exercised..................................................      (49,789)          1.70-10.52
  Canceled...................................................      (83,001)          5.25-16.15
                                                                 ---------       --------------
December 31, 1992............................................    1,198,964           1.70-16.15
  Granted....................................................      320,755           9.88-14.75
  Exercised..................................................     (176,531)          1.70-16.15
  Canceled...................................................      (93,301)          5.25-16.15
                                                                 ---------       --------------
December 31, 1993............................................    1,249,887           3.00-16.15
  Granted....................................................      545,910          11.25-19.25
  Exercised..................................................     (262,642)          5.25-16.15
  Canceled...................................................      (59,340)         5.25-17.125
                                                                 ---------       --------------
December 31, 1994............................................    1,473,815           3.00-19.25
  Granted....................................................      432,500        11.375-13.875
  Exercised..................................................     (340,830)          5.25-12.40
  Canceled...................................................      (63,092)         10.84-19.25
                                                                 ---------       --------------
June 30, 1995................................................    1,502,393      $   3.00-$16.50
                                                                 =========       ==============
</TABLE>
 
     Employee Stock Purchase Plan.  The Company has an Employee Stock Purchase
Plan ("the Purchase Plan"). The Purchase Plan is available to all eligible
full-time employees, excluding those owning 5% or more of the Company's stock.
Pursuant to the Purchase Plan, employees can purchase the Company's common stock
at 85% of fair market value, in an amount up to 10% of the employee's wages
during the semiannual plan purchase period. At June 30, 1995, 53,110 shares had
been issued under the Purchase Plan.
 
     Option Agreement.  The Company has also assumed a stock option that VISX
California granted to an officer to purchase 66,195 shares of common stock at
$5.70 per share. These options were exercised during 1994.
 
     Warrants and Stock Options Issued to Underwriters.  In December 1993, Noel
Group, Inc. ("Noel"), which had two representatives on the Company's Board of
Directors, exercised a warrant to purchase 100,000 shares of the Company's
common stock at a purchase price of $8.40 per share, which resulted in net
proceeds to the Company of $840,000. Noel purchased the warrant in 1991 from the
underwriter that received the warrant in 1988 in connection with the Company's
initial public offering.
 
     Also in 1993, options to purchase an additional 14,000 shares of common
stock were exercised at a purchase price of $8.16 per share, resulting in net
proceeds to the Company of $114,000. The options were initially issued to the
underwriters in connection with the initial public offering of VISX California.
The Company assumed the options in connection with the 1990 acquisition of VISX
California.
 
     In January 1990, in connection with the private placement of 800,000 shares
of its common stock, the Company issued to its private placement agent a warrant
to purchase up to 35,000 shares of the Company's common stock at a purchase
price of $10.00 per share. The warrant became exercisable in January 1991, and
was exercised during 1994, resulting in proceeds to the Company of $350,000.
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>   49
 
                      VISX, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
    (INFORMATION RELATING TO THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1994 AND 1995 IS
                                   UNAUDITED)
 
     At June 30, 1995, there were no remaining warrants or stock options
outstanding outside of the Company's Stock Option and Purchase plans. The
following table summarizes the share information at June 30, 1995 related to all
Stock Option plans and the Purchase Plan.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           AVAILABLE
                                             SHARES                           FOR
                                            RESERVED      OUTSTANDING     FUTURE GRANT     EXERCISABLE
                                            ---------     -----------     ------------     -----------
<S>                                         <C>           <C>             <C>              <C>
All Option Plans..........................  2,278,532      1,502,393         125,082         530,869
Purchase Plan.............................    500,000             --         446,890              --
                                            ---------      ---------         -------         -------
Total.....................................  2,778,532      1,502,393         571,972         530,869
                                            =========      =========         =======         =======
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 6.  INCOME TAXES
 
     In January 1993, the Company adopted on a prospective basis Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 109 ("SFAS No. 109"), "Accounting for Income
Taxes." SFAS No. 109 is an asset and liability approach for computing deferred
income taxes. This method requires that the statement of operations reflect any
changes in tax laws and rates enacted during the period affecting events that
have been recognized in the Company's financial statements or tax returns. In
estimating future tax consequences, SFAS No. 109 generally considers all
expected future events other than enactments of changes in the tax law or rates.
The Company has not had any taxable income or related tax liabilities for any
period and accordingly, there is no provision for income taxes in the
accompanying statements of operations. As a result, the implementation of SFAS
No. 109 did not have any effect on the Company's financial position or results
of operations.
 
     At December 31, 1994, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards of
approximately $34,000,000 available to offset future Federal taxable income.
These loss carryforwards expire through the year 2009. The availability and
timing of the amount of prior losses to be used to offset taxable income in
future years will be limited due to various provisions, including any change in
ownership interest of the Company resulting from significant stock transactions.
 
     The components of the net deferred income tax asset as of December 31, 1993
and 1994 were as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     1993         1994
                                                                   --------     --------
    <S>                                                            <C>          <C>
    Net operating loss carryforwards.............................  $  8,700     $ 12,700
    Cumulative temporary differences (reserves)..................     1,500        1,900
    Tax credit carryforwards.....................................     1,200        1,400
                                                                   --------     --------
                                                                     11,400       16,000
    Valuation allowance..........................................   (11,400)     (16,000)
                                                                   --------     --------
    Net deferred income tax asset................................  $     --     $     --
                                                                   ========     ========
</TABLE>
 
     The valuation allowance consisted of net operating losses, deferred tax
assets and tax credit carryforwards which may expire before the Company can use
them. The Company believes sufficient uncertainty exists regarding the
realizability of these items, and accordingly, a valuation allowance has been
established.
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>   50
 
                      VISX, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
    (INFORMATION RELATING TO THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1994 AND 1995 IS
                                   UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 7.  COMMITMENTS
 
     The Company leases its facilities under operating leases which expire
through 1997. Rent expense was $408,000, $657,000, $529,000, $270,000 and
$269,000 for the years ended December 31, 1992, 1993 and 1994 and for the six
months ended June 30, 1994 and 1995, respectively. Future minimum lease
commitments are as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
        <S>                                                                   <C>
        1995..............................................................    $  586
        1996..............................................................       585
        1997..............................................................       427
                                                                              ------
        Total minimum lease payments......................................    $1,598
                                                                              ======
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 8.  LITIGATION
 
  Securities Class Action Litigation
 
     In September 1994, various actions were filed in United States District
Court for the Northern District of California against the Company and several
former and current directors and officers of the Company alleging violations of
federal securities laws. These actions were consolidated into a single class
action. The plaintiffs in the class action allege that from periods ranging from
November 1993 to October 1994, the Company issued misleading statements and
failed to make required disclosures about the Company's business prospects and
the status of FDA process relating to approval of the VISX System, in violation
of certain Federal securities laws. The amount of damages sought was
unspecified. In June 1995, the Company reached a settlement (pending court
approval) of the securities class action lawsuit against the Company. The net
cost of settlement after insurance reimbursement was $2,250,000, which has been
paid into an escrow account as of June 30, 1995.
 
  Stockholder Derivative Litigation
 
     In September 1994, an action was filed as a derivative action on behalf of
the Company by CAP Advisers Limited, CAP Trust and Osterfak Limited
(collectively, the "CAP Group"), who collectively owned in excess of 10% of the
Company's outstanding Common Stock at the time the action was filed. The action
names as defendants several former officers of the Company, present and former
directors of the Company including representatives of Alcon, and Alcon and
certain of its affiliates. The suit alleges, among other things, breaches of
fiduciary duties involving the failure to exercise appropriate oversight over
regulatory affairs and the Alcon marketing agreements by the named individual
defendants including the Alcon representatives as well as breaches of certain of
Alcon's marketing obligations under the Company's agreements with Alcon, and
seeks monetary damages in excess of $2.25 billion from Alcon and the named
individual defendants. Alcon has made counterclaims against the CAP Group and
the named individual defendants (other than the Alcon representatives) and two
former directors of the Company not named in the original suit for interference
with the Company's contractual relationship with Alcon. Because this action is a
derivative suit, any recovery of monetary damages would be for the benefit of
the Company. However, the Company has certain obligations to indemnify its
officers and directors in the event of litigation, and the Company has incurred
and expects to continue to incur significant legal expenses in connection with
the derivative litigation. The Company believes that the resolution of this
matter will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial
position or results of operations. However, this suit is currently in the
pleading stage, and there can be no assurance as to the outcome of the
litigation.
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>   51
 
                      VISX, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
    (INFORMATION RELATING TO THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1994 AND 1995 IS
                                   UNAUDITED)
 
  Azema Patent Litigation
 
     On August 30, 1995, Summit Technology, Inc. ("Summit") sued the Company in
the United States for infringement of a U.S. patent held by Summit. Summit
acquired the rights to the patent in 1993, and Pillar Point Partners, a
partnership consisting of entities controlled by VISX and Summit, has not
acquired rights to the patent. The lawsuit claims that the manufacture and
export of VISX Systems from the United States is an infringement of the patent.
A preliminary analysis of these patents by the Company leads the Company to
believe that the current VISX System does not infringe these patents. The
Company believes that the lawsuit is without merit and intends to vigorously
defend its position and believes that the resolution of this matter will not
have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or results of
operations.
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>   52
[Photo of ophthalmologist
treating a patient with
   the VISX System]




                             [Photo of VISX System]






                                             [Photo of VisionKey card]


                                         A VisionKey card, which is sold
                                          separately and is encoded with
                                         proprietary software, is required
                                           for each procedure performed
                                              using the VISX System.




CAUTION:  The excimer laser is an investigational device for LVC indications. 
Limited by United States law to investigational use within the United States.


<PAGE>   53
 
- ------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------
 
  NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR ANY OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS
PROSPECTUS IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER CONTAINED HEREIN, AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE,
SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN
AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR ANY UNDERWRITER. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT
CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY, SHARES OF
COMMON STOCK IN ANY JURISDICTION TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS NOT LAWFUL TO MAKE
ANY SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IN SUCH JURISDICTION OR IN WHICH THE PERSON
MAKING SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS NOT QUALIFIED TO DO SO. NEITHER THE
DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE AN IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE
AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF.
 
                            ------------------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         PAGE
                                         -----
<S>                                      <C>
Prospectus Summary......................     3
Risk Factors............................     5
The Company.............................    11
Use of Proceeds.........................    11
Price Range of Common Stock and Dividend
  Policy................................    11
Capitalization..........................    12
Selected Consolidated Financial Data....    13
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
  Financial Condition and Results of
  Operations............................    14
Business................................    18
Management..............................    31
Underwriting............................    33
Legal Matters...........................    34
Experts.................................    34
Available Information...................    35
Information Incorporated by Reference...    35
Index to Consolidated Financial
  Statements............................    36
- ----------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------
 
                                    [LOGO]
                            ------------------------
 
                                2,500,000 SHARES
 
                                  COMMON STOCK
                                   PROSPECTUS
                                             , 1995
                            ------------------------
 
                            DILLON, READ & CO. INC.
 
                            PAINEWEBBER INCORPORATED
- ------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   54
 
                                    PART II
                    INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED THE PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 14.  OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
 
     The following table sets forth the costs and expenses, other than
underwriting discounts and commissions, payable by Registrant in connection with
the sale of the Common Stock being registered. All amounts are estimates except
for the SEC registration fee, NASD filing fee and Nasdaq listing fee.
 
<TABLE>
    <S>                                                                         <C>
    SEC registration fee......................................................  $ 22,059
    NASD filing fee...........................................................     6,897
    Nasdaq listing fee........................................................    17,500
    Accounting fees and expenses..............................................    45,000
    Legal fees and expenses...................................................   125,000
    Printing expenses.........................................................    85,000
    Blue Sky fees and expenses................................................     5,000
    Transfer agent and registrar fees and expenses............................     5,000
    Miscellaneous.............................................................    38,544
                                                                                --------
      Total...................................................................  $350,000
                                                                                ========
</TABLE>
 
ITEM 15.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
 
     Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL") provides
for, among other things: (i) permissive indemnification for specified expenses
incurred by directors and officers of a corporation, in the event such persons
are parties to litigation or are parties to stockholder derivative actions, if
certain conditions are met; and (ii) mandatory indemnification for expenses
actually and reasonably incurred by directors and officers of a corporation in
the event such persons are successful on the merits or otherwise in litigation
covered by (i) above. Section 145 also states that these indemnification
provisions shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights which may be
provided under a corporation's by-laws, an agreement, a stockholder or
disinterested director vote, or otherwise.
 
     The Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, Ninth
Section, part (a), "Right to Indemnification," states that each person who is
involved (or threatened to be involved) in any action, suit or proceeding by
reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director or officer of the
Corporation shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Corporation to the
fullest extent authorized by the DGCL against all expense, liability and loss
(including attorneys' fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties
and amounts paid or to be paid in settlement reasonably incurred by such person
in connection therewith). This Ninth Section, part (a) also states that the
Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless any person who is made a party or
threatened to be made a party to a proceeding by reason of the fact that, at the
request of the Corporation, he or she is or was serving as a director, officer,
employee or agent of another corporation or other enterprise; provided, however,
that the Corporation shall indemnify this person in connection with a proceeding
initiated by such person only if the proceeding was authorized by the board of
directors of the Corporation. This right to indemnification includes the right
to be paid by the Corporation the expenses incurred in defending any such
proceeding in advance of its final disposition, limited, however, by any
provisions of DGCL. In addition, the Ninth Section, part (d) "Insurance," states
that the Corporation may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself
and any director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or another
corporation or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss, whether
or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against
such expense, liability or loss under DGCL. This section also states that these
rights are not exclusive of other rights that these persons might have.
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>   55
 
     The Company's Amended and Restated Bylaws, Article X, Section 1, states
that any and every person made a party to any action by reason of the fact that
he or she is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation,
or of any corporation or other enterprise which he served at the request of the
Corporation, shall be indemnified by the Corporation, to the fullest extent
permissible under DGCL, against any and all reasonable expenses (including
attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and
necessarily incurred by such person in connection with the defense of any such
action. This section also states that this right is not exclusive of other
rights that these persons might have.
 
     The form of Underwriting Agreement filed as an exhibit to this Registration
Statement also provides for indemnification of the Registrant's directors and
officers who sign the Registration Statement against certain liabilities under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). The Company also
carries director and officer liability insurance.
 
ITEM 16.  EXHIBITS.
 
     The following exhibits are filed herewith:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER  DESCRIPTION
<C>     <C>  <S>
    1.1  --  Form of Underwriting Agreement
   *4.1  --  Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended
  **4.2  --  Amended and Restated Bylaws
    5.1  --  Opinion of Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati, Professional Corporation
   23.1  --  Consent of Independent Public Accountants (see page II-4)
   23.2  --  Consent of Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati, Professional Corporation
             (included in Exhibit 5.1)
   24.1  --  Power of Attorney (see Page II-4 of this Registration Statement)
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 * Previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File
   No. 33-41621) as amended in Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No.
   33-53806).
** Previously filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File
   No. 33-46311).
 
   ITEM 17.  UNDERTAKINGS.
 
     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrant pursuant to the provisions described under Item 15 above, or
otherwise, the Registrant has been informed that in the opinion of the
Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy
as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the
event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the
payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action,
suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person
in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless
in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
 
     The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that:
 
     (1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act,
         each filing of the Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a)
         or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
         (the "Exchange Act") that is incorporated by reference in this
         registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration
         statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering
         of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
         fide offering thereof.
 
     (2) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the
         information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this
         Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a
         form of prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1)
         or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of
         this Registration Statement as of the time it was declared effective.
 
     (3) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act,
         each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall
         be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
         offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall
         be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>   56
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Santa Clara, State of California, on this 5th day of
October, 1995.
 
                                          VISX, Incorporated
 
                                          By:       /s/  MARK B. LOGAN
 
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                       Mark B. Logan
                                               President and Chief Executive
                                                           Officer
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
     Each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints
Mark B. Logan and Timothy R. Maier, and each of them, his attorneys-in-fact,
each with the power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign
any amendment to this Registration Statement (including post-effective
amendments) and to sign any registration statement for the same offering covered
by this Registration Statement that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to
Rule 462(b) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933 (and all post-effective
amendments thereto), and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
granting to said attorneys-in-fact, or his substitute or substitutes, the power
and authority to perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to
be done in connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of
said attorneys-in-fact, or his substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   NAME                                 TITLE                      DATE
<S>                                         <C>                              <C>
                /s/  MARK B. LOGAN          President, Chief Executive         October 5, 1995
- ------------------------------------------  Officer and Chairman of the
              Mark B. Logan                 Board (Principal Executive
                                            Officer)
              /s/  TIMOTHY R. MAIER         Vice President and Chief           October 5, 1995
- ------------------------------------------  Financial Officer (Principal
             Timothy R. Maier               Financial and Accounting
                                            Officer)
             /s/  GLENDON E. FRENCH         Director                           October 5, 1995
- ------------------------------------------
            Glendon E. French
             /s/  ROBERT B. SAMUELS         Director                           October 5, 1995
- ------------------------------------------
            Robert B. Samuels
            /s/  RICHARD B. SAYFORD         Director                           October 3, 1995
- ------------------------------------------
            Richard B. Sayford
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>   57
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
     As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our
report and to all references to our Firm included in or made a part of this
Registration Statement.
 
                                          /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
San Jose, California
October 4, 1995
 
                                      II-4

<PAGE>   1
 
                               VISX, INCORPORATED
 
                                  COMMON STOCK
 
                                ($.01 PAR VALUE)
 
                             UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT
 
            , 1995
<PAGE>   2
 
                             UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT
 
                                                                          , 1995
 
Dillon, Read & Co. Inc.
535 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10022
 
PaineWebber Incorporated
1285 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10009
 
  as Managing Underwriters
 
Dear Sirs:
 
     VISX Incorporated, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), proposes to
issue and sell to the underwriters named in Schedule A (the "Underwriters")
2,500,000 shares (the "Firm Shares") of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
(the "Common Stock"), of the Company. In addition, solely for the purpose of
covering overallotments, the Company proposes to issue and sell, at the
Underwriters' option, up to 375,000 additional shares of the Common Stock (the
"Additional Shares"). The Additional Shares and the Firm Shares are collectively
referred to as the "Shares". The Shares are described in the Prospectus which is
referred to below.
 
     The Company has filed, in accordance with the provisions of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (collectively,
the "Act"), with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") a
registration statement on Form S-3, including a prospectus, relating to the
Shares, which incorporates by reference certain documents that the Company has
filed in accordance with the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (collectively, the
"Exchange Act"). The Company has furnished to you, for use by the Underwriters
and by dealers, copies of one or more preliminary prospectuses and all documents
incorporated by reference therein (collectively, the "Preliminary Prospectus")
relating to the Shares. Except where the context otherwise requires, the
registration statement as in effect at the time of execution of this Agreement
or, if the registration statement is not yet effective, as amended when it
becomes effective, including all documents filed as a part thereof or
incorporated by reference therein, and including any information contained in a
prospectus subsequently filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under
the Act and deemed to be part of the registration statement at the time of
effectiveness pursuant to Rule 430A under the Act, is herein called the
"Registration Statement", and the prospectus, including all documents
incorporated therein by reference, in the form filed by the Company with the
Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Act or, if no such filing is
required, in the form of final prospectus included in the Registration Statement
at the time it became effective, is herein called the "Prospectus".
 
     The Company and the Underwriters agree as follows:
 
     1. Sale and Purchase.  On the basis of the representations and warranties
and the other terms and conditions herein set forth, the Company agrees to sell
to the respective Underwriters and each of the Underwriters, severally and not
jointly, agrees to purchase from the Company, the number of Firm Shares set
forth opposite the name of such Underwriter on Schedule A, at a purchase price
of $          per Share. You may release the Firm Shares for public sale
promptly after this Agreement becomes effective. You may from time to time
increase or decrease the public offering price after the initial public offering
to such extent as you may determine.
 
     In addition, on the basis of the representations and warranties and the
other terms and conditions herein set forth, the Company hereby grants to the
several Underwriters an option to purchase, and the Underwriters shall have the
right to purchase, severally and not jointly, from the Company all or a portion
of the Additional
<PAGE>   3
 
Shares as may be necessary to cover overallotments made in connection with the
offering of the Firm Shares, at the same purchase price per share to be paid by
the several Underwriters to the Company for the Firm Shares. This option may be
exercised at any time or from time to time on or before the thirtieth day
following the date hereof, by written notice to the Company. Such notice shall
set forth the aggregate number of Additional Shares as to which the option is
being exercised, and the date and time when the Additional Shares are to be
delivered (such date and time being herein referred to as an "additional time of
purchase"); provided, however, that no additional time of purchase shall occur
earlier than the time of purchase (as defined below) nor earlier than the second
business day* after the date on which the option shall have been exercised nor
later than the eighth business day after the date on which the option shall have
been exercised. The number of Additional Shares to be sold to each Underwriter
at an additional time of purchase shall be the number which bears the same
proportion to the aggregate number of Additional Shares being purchased at such
additional time of purchase as the number of Firm Shares set forth opposite the
name of such Underwriter on Schedule A bears to the total number of Firm Shares
(subject, in each case, to such adjustment as you may determine to eliminate
fractional shares).
 
     2. Payment and Delivery.  Payment of the purchase price for the Firm Shares
shall be made to the Company by certified or official bank check, in New York
Clearing House funds, at the office of Dillon, Read & Co. Inc. in New York City,
against delivery of the certificates for the Firm Shares to you for the
respective accounts of the Underwriters. Such payment and delivery shall be made
at 9:30 A.M., New York City time, on               , 1995 (unless another time
shall be agreed to by you and the Company or unless postponed in accordance with
the provisions of Section 8). The time at which such payment and delivery are
actually made is called the "time of purchase". Certificates for the Firm Shares
shall be delivered to you in definitive form in such names and in such
denominations as you shall specify on the second business day preceding the time
of purchase. For the purpose of expediting the checking of the certificates for
the Firm Shares by you, the Company agrees to make such certificates available
to you for such purpose at least one full business day preceding the time of
purchase.
 
     Payment of the purchase price for the Additional Shares shall be made to
the Company at the additional time of purchase in the same manner and at the
same office as the payment for the Firm Shares. Certificates for the Additional
Shares shall be delivered to you in definitive form in such names and in such
denominations as you shall specify on the second business day preceding the
additional time of purchase. For the purpose of expediting the checking of the
certificates for the Additional Shares by you, the Company agrees to make such
certificates available to you for such purpose at least one full business day
preceding the additional time of purchase.
 
     3. Representations and Warranties of the Company.  The Company represents
and warrants to each of the Underwriters that:
 
          (a) Each Preliminary Prospectus filed as part of the Registration
     Statement as originally filed or as part of any amendment thereto, or filed
     pursuant to Rule 424 under the Act, complied when so filed in all material
     respects with the Act; when the Registration Statement becomes or became
     effective and at all times subsequent thereto up to the time of purchase
     and the additional time of purchase, the Registration Statement and the
     Prospectus, and any supplements or amendments thereto, complied and will
     comply in all material respects with the provisions of the Act; and the
     Registration Statement at all such times did not and will not contain an
     untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
     required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein
     not misleading, and the Prospectus at all such times did not and will not
     contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
     fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
     therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
     misleading; provided, however, that the Company makes no representation or
     warranty with respect to any statement contained in the Registration
     Statement or the Prospectus in reliance upon and in conformity with
     information concerning the Underwriters and furnished in writing by or on
     behalf of any Underwriter through you to the Company expressly for use in
 
- ---------------
 
* As used herein, "business day" shall mean a day on which the New York Stock
  Exchange is open for trading.
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   4
 
     the Registration Statement or the Prospectus and set forth in the section
     of the Registration Statement and the Prospectus entitled "Underwriting";
     the documents incorporated by reference in the Prospectus, at the time they
     were filed with the Commission, complied in all material respects with the
     requirements of the Exchange Act, and do not contain an untrue statement of
     a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated
     therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the
     circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
 
          (b) As of the date of this Agreement, the Company has an authorized
     capitalization as set forth under the column entitled "June 30, 1995
     Actual" in the section of the Registration Statement and the Prospectus
     entitled "Capitalization" and, as of the time of purchase, the
     capitalization of the Company will be as set forth under the column
     entitled "June 30, 1995 As Adjusted" in the section of the Registration
     Statement and the Prospectus entitled "Capitalization"; all of the issued
     and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company have been duly
     authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable; the
     Company has been duly organized and is validly existing as a corporation in
     good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware with full power and
     authority to (i) own its properties and conduct its business as described
     in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and (ii) execute and
     deliver this Agreement and to issue, sell and deliver the Shares as herein
     contemplated.
 
          (c) The Company does not own any interest in any corporation, joint
     venture or partnership except VISX Partner, Inc., a Delaware corporation
     (the "Subsidiary"). VISX Partner, Inc. does not own any interest in any
     corporation, joint venture or partnership, except that it is a general
     partner of Pillar Point Partners, a Delaware general partnership (the
     "Partnership"). All of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock
     of the Subsidiary are owned directly by the Company; all of such shares
     have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and
     nonassessable and, except as described in the Prospectus, are owned free
     and clear of any pledge, lien, encumbrance, security interest or other
     claim; there are no outstanding rights, subscriptions, warrants, calls,
     preemptive rights, options or other agreements of any kind with respect to
     the capital stock of the Subsidiary.
 
          (d) The Subsidiary owns the general partnership interests (the
     "Partnership Interests") of the Partnership contemplated by the General
     Partnership Agreement dated as of June 3, 1992 between the Subsidiary and
     Summit Partner, Inc.; the Partnership Interests are owned free and clear of
     any pledge, lien, encumbrance, security interest or other claim; there are
     no outstanding rights, subscriptions, warrants, calls, preemptive rights,
     options or other agreements of any kind with respect to the partnership
     interests of the Partnership.
 
          (e) The Subsidiary has been duly incorporated and is validly existing
     as a corporation in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of
     incorporation, with full corporate power and authority to own its
     properties and to conduct its businesses.
 
          (f) The Partnership has been duly organized and is validly existing as
     a general partnership under the laws of Delaware, with full power and
     authority to own its properties and to conduct its business.
 
          (g) Each of the Company and the Subsidiary is duly qualified or
     licensed by and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which it owns
     or leases property or conducts its business and in each other jurisdiction
     in which the failure, individually or in the aggregate, to be so qualified
     or licensed could have a material adverse effect on the properties, assets,
     operations, business, business prospects or condition (financial or other)
     of the Company and the Subsidiary taken as a whole; each of the Company and
     the Subsidiary is in compliance in all material respects with the laws,
     orders, rules, regulations and directives issued or administered by each
     such jurisdiction; the Partnership is in compliance in all material
     respects with the laws, orders, rules, regulations and directives issued or
     administered by each jurisdiction in which it owns or leases property or
     conducts its business.
 
          (h) Neither the Company nor the Subsidiary is in breach of, or in
     default under (nor has any event occurred which with notice, lapse of time
     or both would constitute a breach of, or default under), its charter or
     bylaws, or in the performance or observance of any obligation, agreement,
     covenant or condition contained in any license, indenture, lease, mortgage,
     deed of trust, bank loan or credit
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   5
 
     agreement, material supply agreement or other agreement or instrument to
     which the Company or the Subsidiary is a party or by which either of them
     may be bound or affected. The execution, delivery and performance of this
     Agreement, the issuance of the Shares and the consummation of the
     transactions contemplated hereby will not conflict with, or result in any
     breach of or constitute a default under (nor constitute any event which
     with notice, lapse of time or both would constitute a breach of, or default
     under), the charter or bylaws of the Company or the Subsidiary or under any
     provision of any license, indenture, lease, mortgage, deed of trust, bank
     loan or credit agreement, material supply agreement or other agreement or
     instrument to which the Company or the Subsidiary is a party or by which
     either of them or their properties may be bound or affected, or under any
     federal, state, local or foreign law, regulation or rule or any decree,
     judgment or order applicable to the Company or the Subsidiary.
 
          (i) The Partnership is not in breach of, or in default under (nor has
     any event occurred which with notice, lapse of time or both would
     constitute a breach of, or default under), in the performance or observance
     of any obligation, agreement, covenant or condition contained in any
     license, indenture, lease, mortgage, deed of trust, bank loan or credit
     agreement, material supply agreement or other agreement or instrument to
     which the Partnership is a party or by which it may be bound or affected.
 
          (j) The Firm Shares and the Additional Shares, when issued and
     delivered to and paid for by the Underwriters as contemplated hereby, will
     be duly authorized and validly issued and fully paid and nonassessable,
     free and clear of any pledge, lien, encumbrance, security interest,
     preemptive right or other claim.
 
          (k) This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by
     the Company.
 
          (l) The capital stock of the Company, including the Shares, conforms
     in all material respects to the description thereof contained in the
     Registration Statement and the Prospectus; and the certificates for the
     Shares are in due and proper form and the holders of the Shares after
     making payment therefor will not be subject to personal liability under the
     General Corporation Law of Delaware by reason of being such holders.
 
          (m) No approval, authorization, consent or order of or filing with any
     federal, state, local or foreign governmental or regulatory commission,
     board, body, authority or agency is required in connection with the
     issuance and sale of the Shares as contemplated hereby, other than
     registration of the Shares under the Act, clearance of the offering of the
     Shares with the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the
     "NASD") and any necessary qualification under the securities or blue sky
     laws of the various jurisdictions in which the Shares are being offered by
     the Underwriters.
 
          (n) No person has the right, contractual or otherwise, to cause the
     Company to issue to it, or (except for such rights as have been satisfied
     or waived) register pursuant to the Act, any securities of the Company in
     consequence of the issue and sale of the Shares to the Underwriters
     hereunder, nor does any person have preemptive rights, rights of first
     refusal or other rights to purchase any of the Shares.
 
          (o) Arthur Andersen LLP, whose reports on the consolidated financial
     statements of the Company and the Subsidiary are included or incorporated
     by reference in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, are
     independent public accountants with respect to the Company as required by
     the Act and the applicable published rules and regulations thereunder.
 
          (p) Each of the Company, the Subsidiary and the Partnership has all
     necessary licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals and has made all
     necessary filings required under any federal, state, local or foreign law,
     regulation or rule, and has obtained all necessary authorizations,
     consents, licenses and approvals from other persons, in order to conduct
     its business; neither the Company, the Subsidiary nor the Partnership is in
     violation of, or in default under, any such license, authorization, consent
     or approval or any federal, state, local or foreign law, regulation or rule
     or any decree, order or judgment applicable to the Company, the Subsidiary
     or the Partnership the result of which could have a material adverse effect
     on the properties, assets, operations, business, business prospects or
     condition (financial or other) of the Company and the Subsidiary taken as a
     whole.
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   6
 
          (q) All legal or governmental proceedings, contracts or documents of a
     character required to be described in the Registration Statement or the
     Prospectus or to be filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement have
     been so described or filed as required.
 
          (r) Except as set forth in the Registration Statement and the
     Prospectus, there is no action, suit or proceeding pending or threatened
     against the Company, the Subsidiary or the Partnership or any of their
     properties, at law or in equity, or before or by any federal, state, local
     or foreign governmental or regulatory commission, board, body, authority or
     agency that could result in a judgment, decree or order having a material
     adverse effect on the properties, assets, operations, business, business
     prospects or condition (financial or other) of the Company and the
     Subsidiary taken as a whole.
 
          (s) The audited and unaudited financial statements included in the
     Registration Statement and the Prospectus present fairly the consolidated
     financial condition of the Company and the Subsidiary as of the dates
     indicated and the consolidated results of operations and cash flows of the
     Company and the Subsidiary for the periods specified; such financial
     statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted
     accounting principles applied on a consistent basis during the periods
     involved.
 
          (t) Subsequent to the respective dates as of which information is
     given in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, and except as may
     be otherwise stated in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, there
     has not been: (A) any material adverse change in the properties, assets,
     operations, business, business prospects or condition (financial or other),
     present or prospective, of the Company and the Subsidiary taken as a whole;
     (B) any transaction, that is material to the Company and the Subsidiary
     taken as a whole, contemplated or entered into by the Company, the
     Subsidiary or the Partnership; or (C) any obligation, contingent or
     otherwise, directly or indirectly incurred by the Company, the Subsidiary
     or the Partnership that is material to the Company and the Subsidiary taken
     as a whole.
 
          (u) The Company has obtained the agreement of the stockholders listed
     on Schedule B not to sell, contract to sell, grant any option to sell,
     transfer or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of
     Common Stock, or securities convertible into or exchangeable for Common
     Stock or warrants or other rights to purchase Common Stock for a period of
     90 days from the date of the Prospectus.
 
          (v) The business, operations and facilities of the Company and the
     Subsidiary have been and are being conducted in compliance in all material
     respects with all applicable laws, ordinances, rules, regulations,
     licenses, permits, approvals, plans, authorizations or requirements
     relating to occupational safety and health, or pollution, or protection of
     health or the environment, or reclamation (including without limitation
     those relating to emissions, discharges, releases or threatened releases of
     pollutants, contaminants or hazardous or toxic substances, materials or
     wastes into ambient air, surface water, groundwater or land, or relating to
     the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage,
     disposal, transport or handling of chemical substances, pollutants,
     contaminants or hazardous or toxic substances, materials or wastes, whether
     solid, gaseous or liquid in nature) or otherwise relating to remediating
     real property in which the Company or the Subsidiary has any interest,
     whether owned or leased, of any governmental department, commission, board,
     bureau, agency or instrumentality of the United States, any state or
     political subdivision thereof or any foreign jurisdiction and all
     applicable judicial or administrative agency or regulatory decrees, awards,
     judgments and orders relating thereto; and neither the Company nor the
     Subsidiary has received any notice from a governmental instrumentality or
     any third party alleging any violation thereof or liability thereunder
     (including without limitation liability for costs of investigating or
     remediating sites containing hazardous substances or damages to natural
     resources).
 
          (w) Neither the Company nor the Subsidiary, nor any employee of the
     Company or the Subsidiary, has made any payment of funds of the Company or
     the Subsidiary prohibited by law, and no funds of the Company or the
     Subsidiary have been set aside to be used for any payment prohibited by
     law.
 
          (x) The Company, the Subsidiary and the Partnership have filed all
     federal or state income or franchise tax returns required to be filed and
     have paid all taxes shown thereon as due, and there is no material tax
     deficiency which has been or might be asserted against the Company, the
     Subsidiary or the Partnership; all material tax liabilities are adequately
     provided for on the books of the Company, the Subsidiary and the
     Partnership.
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   7
 
          (y) The Company has not incurred any liability for any finder's fees
     or similar payments in connection with the transactions herein
     contemplated.
 
          (z) The Company, the Subsidiary and the Partnership have good title to
     all properties and assets owned or leased by them, in each case free and
     clear of all liens, security interests, pledges, charges, encumbrances,
     mortgages and defects (except such as are described or referred to in the
     Prospectus and the financial statements and the notes thereto contained
     therein or such as do not interfere with the use made and proposed to be
     made of such property by the Company, the Subsidiary and the Partnership).
 
          (aa) Neither the Company nor the Subsidiary is an "investment company"
     within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or is
     subject to regulation under such Act.
 
     4. Certain Covenants of the Company.  The Company hereby agrees:
 
          (a) to furnish such information as may be required and otherwise to
     cooperate in qualifying the Shares for offering and sale under the
     securities or blue sky laws of such states as you may designate and to
     maintain such qualifications in effect as long as required for the
     distribution of the Shares, provided that the Company shall not be required
     to qualify as a foreign corporation or to consent to the service of process
     under the laws of any such state (except service of process with respect to
     the offering and sale of the Shares); promptly to advise you of the receipt
     by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the
     qualification of the Shares for sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation
     or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose; and to use its best
     efforts to obtain the withdrawal of any order of suspension at the earliest
     practicable moment;
 
          (b) to make available to you in New York City, as soon as practicable
     after the Registration Statement becomes effective, and thereafter from
     time to time to furnish to the Underwriters, as many copies of the
     Prospectus (or of the Prospectus as amended or supplemented if the Company
     shall have made any amendment or supplement thereto after the effective
     date of the Registration Statement) as the Underwriters may request for the
     purposes contemplated by the Act;
 
          (c) to advise you promptly and if requested by you to confirm such
     advice in writing, (i) when the Registration Statement has become effective
     and when any post-effective amendment thereto becomes effective and (ii)
     when the Prospectus is filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b)
     under the Act, if required under the Act (which the Company agrees to file
     in a timely manner under such Rule);
 
          (d) to advise you promptly, confirming such advice in writing, of any
     request by the Commission for amendments or supplements to the Registration
     Statement or the Prospectus or for additional information with respect
     thereto, or of notice of institution of proceedings for or the entry of a
     stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement and,
     if the Commission should enter a stop order suspending the effectiveness of
     the Registration Statement, to use its best efforts to obtain the lifting
     or removal of such order as soon as possible; to advise you promptly of any
     proposal to amend or supplement the Registration Statement or the
     Prospectus, including by filing any document that would be incorporated
     therein by reference, and to file no such amendment or supplement to which
     you shall object in writing;
 
          (e) to furnish to you and, upon request to each of the other
     Underwriters, for a period of five years from the date of this Agreement
     (i) copies of all reports or other communications that the Company shall
     send to its stockholders or from time to time shall publish or publicly
     disseminate and (ii) copies of all annual, quarterly and current reports
     filed with the Commission on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, or such other
     similar form as may be designated by the Commission, and any other document
     filed by the Company pursuant to Section 12, 13, 14 or 15(d) of the
     Exchange Act;
 
          (f) to advise the Underwriters promptly of the happening of any event
     known to the Company within the time during which a prospectus relating to
     the Shares is required to be delivered under the Act that, in the
     reasonable judgment of the Company, would require the making of any change
     in the Prospectus then being used, or in the information incorporated
     therein by reference, so that the Prospectus, as then supplemented, would
     not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   8
 
     state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the
     light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading and,
     during such time, promptly to prepare and furnish, at the Company's
     expense, to the Underwriters such amendments or supplements to such
     Prospectus as may be necessary to reflect any such change in such
     quantities as requested by the Underwriters, and to furnish to you a copy
     of such proposed amendment or supplement before filing any such amendment
     or supplement with the Commission;
 
          (g) to make generally available to its security holders, and to
     deliver to you, an earnings statement of the Company (which need not be
     audited and which will satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Act
     including, at the option of the Company, Rule 158) covering a period of 12
     months beginning after the effective date of the Registration Statement but
     ending not later than 15 months after the date of the Registration
     Statement, as soon as is reasonably practicable after the termination of
     such 12-month period;
 
          (h) to furnish to you three signed copies of the Registration
     Statement, as initially filed with the Commission, and of all amendments
     thereto (including all exhibits thereto and documents incorporated by
     reference therein) and sufficient conformed copies of the foregoing (other
     than exhibits) for distribution of a copy to each of the other
     Underwriters;
 
          (i) to furnish to you as early as practicable prior to the time of
     purchase and the additional time of purchase, as the case may be, but not
     later than two business days prior thereto, a copy of the latest available
     unaudited interim consolidated financial statements, if any, of the Company
     and the Subsidiary that have been read by the Company's independent
     certified public accountants as stated in their letter to be furnished
     pursuant to Section 6(b);
 
          (j) to apply the net proceeds from the sale of the Shares in the
     manner set forth under the caption "Use of Proceeds" in the Registration
     Statement and the Prospectus;
 
          (k) to use its best efforts to cause the Shares to be included in the
     Nasdaq National Market;
 
          (l) whether or not the transactions contemplated in this Agreement are
     consummated or this Agreement otherwise becomes effective or is terminated,
     to pay all expenses, fees and taxes (other than (x) any transfer taxes and
     (y) fees and disbursements of your counsel except as set forth under
     Section 5 and clauses (iii) and (iv) below) in connection with (i) the
     preparation and filing of the Registration Statement, each Preliminary
     Prospectus, the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto, and the
     printing and furnishing of copies of each thereof to you and to dealers
     (including costs of mailing and shipment), (ii) the issuance, sale and
     delivery of the Shares, (iii) the word processing or printing of this
     Agreement and any dealer agreements, and the reproduction or printing and
     furnishing of copies of each thereof to you and to dealers (including costs
     of mailing and shipment), (iv) the qualification of the Shares for offering
     and sale under state laws as aforesaid (including legal fees and filing
     fees and other disbursements of your counsel) and the printing and
     furnishing of copies of any blue sky surveys to you and to dealers, (v) any
     listing of the Shares on any securities exchange or qualification of the
     Shares for inclusion in the Nasdaq National Market and any registration
     thereof under the Exchange Act, (vi) any filing for review of the public
     offering of the Shares by the NASD and (viii) the performance of the
     Company's other obligations hereunder;
 
          (m) not to sell, contract to sell, grant any option to sell, transfer
     or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of Common Stock
     or securities convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock or warrants
     or other rights to purchase Common Stock or permit the registration under
     the Act of any shares of Common Stock, except for the registration of the
     Shares and the sales to you pursuant to this Agreement for a period
     commencing on the date hereof and continuing for    days after the date of
     the Prospectus, without the prior written consent of Dillon, Read & Co.
     Inc., except for the issuance of shares of Common Stock (i) upon exercise
     of options granted prior to the date hereof under the Company's stock
     option plans to the extent such options become exercisable in accordance
     with their terms; and (ii) pursuant to the Company's Employee Stock
     Purchase Plan described in Note 5 to the Company's consolidated financial
     statements included in the Registration Statement; and
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   9
 
          (n) to refrain from investing the proceeds from the sale of the Shares
     in a manner to cause the Company or the Subsidiary to become an "investment
     company" within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
     amended.
 
     5. Reimbursement of Underwriters' Expenses.  If the Shares are not
delivered for any reason other than as provided in the second paragraph of
Section 7, the Company will reimburse the Underwriters for all of their
out-of-pocket expenses, including the fees and disbursements of their counsel.
 
     6. Conditions of Underwriters' Obligations.  The several obligations of the
Underwriters hereunder are subject to the accuracy of the representations and
warranties on the part of the Company on the date hereof and at the time of
purchase (and the several obligations of the Underwriters at the additional time
of purchase are subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties on
the part of the Company on the date hereof and at the time of purchase and at
the additional time of purchase, as the case may be), the performance by the
Company of its obligations hereunder and to the following conditions:
 
          (a) The Company shall furnish to you at the time of purchase and at
     the additional time of purchase, as the case may be, an opinion of Wilson,
     Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati, counsel for the Company, addressed to the
     Underwriters, and dated the time of purchase or the additional time of
     purchase, as the case may be, with reproduced copies for each of the other
     Underwriters and in form satisfactory to Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, counsel
     for the Underwriters, stating that:
 
             (i) the Company has been duly incorporated and is validly existing
        as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of
        Delaware, with full corporate power and authority (A) to own its
        properties and conduct its business as described in the Registration
        Statement and the Prospectus and (B) to execute and deliver this
        Agreement and to issue, sell and deliver the Shares as herein
        contemplated;
 
             (ii) to the best of such counsel's knowledge, the Company does not
        own any interest in any corporation, joint venture or partnership except
        the Subsidiary and the Partnership; the Subsidiary has been duly
        incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation in good standing
        under the laws of the state in which such Subsidiary is incorporated,
        with full corporate power and authority to own its properties and to
        conduct its business as described in the Registration Statement and the
        Prospectus;
 
             (iii) The Subsidiary owns the Partnership Interests; the
        Partnership Interests are owned free and clear of any pledge, lien,
        encumbrance, security interest or other claim; there are no outstanding
        rights, subscriptions, warrants, calls, preemptive rights, options or
        other agreements of any kind with respect to the partnership interests
        of the Partnership.
 
             (iv) each of the Company and the Subsidiary is duly qualified or
        licensed to do business by and is in good standing as a foreign
        corporation in each jurisdiction in which it conducts business or owns
        property and in which the failure, individually or in the aggregate, to
        be so licensed or qualified could have a material adverse effect on the
        properties, assets, operations, business, business prospects or
        condition (financial or other) of the Company and the Subsidiary taken
        as a whole;
 
             (v) the Partnership has been duly organized and is validly existing
        as a general partnership in good standing under the laws of Delaware,
        with full power and authority to own its properties and to conduct its
        business.
 
             (vi) all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of
        the Subsidiary have been duly authorized and validly issued and are
        fully paid and nonassessable and, except as set forth in the Prospectus,
        are owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company free and clear of any
        pledge, lien, encumbrance, security interest, preemptive right or other
        claim, and there are no rights, warrants, options or other agreements to
        acquire or instruments convertible into or exchangeable for any shares
        of capital stock or other equity interest of the Subsidiary, except as
        set forth in the Prospectus;
 
             (vii) this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and
        delivered by the Company;
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   10
 
             (viii) (a) the Shares, when issued and delivered to and paid for by
        the Underwriters, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid
        and nonassessable, and will be free of any pledge, lien, encumbrance,
        claim or preemptive right; and (b) the certificates for the Shares are
        in due and proper form and the holders of the Shares will not be subject
        to personal liability by reason of being such holders;
 
             (ix) (a) the Company has an authorized capitalization as set forth
        under the heading "Capitalization" in the Registration Statement and the
        Prospectus, and (b) the outstanding shares of capital stock of the
        Company have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid,
        nonassessable and free of statutory and contractual preemptive rights;
 
             (x) the capital stock of the Company, including the Shares,
        conforms in all material respects to the description thereof contained
        in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus;
 
             (xi) the Registration Statement and the Prospectus (except as to
        the financial statements and schedules contained or incorporated by
        reference therein as to which such counsel need express no opinion)
        comply as to form in all material respects with the requirements of the
        Act;
 
             (xi) the Registration Statement has become effective under the Act
        and, to the best of such counsel's knowledge, no stop order proceedings
        with respect thereto are pending or threatened under the Act;
 
             (xiii) no approval, authorization, consent or order of or filing
        with any federal, state, local or foreign governmental or regulatory
        commission, board, body, authority or agency is required in connection
        with the issuance or sale of the Shares as contemplated hereby other
        than registration of the Shares under the Act (except such counsel need
        express no opinion as to any necessary qualification under the state
        securities or blue sky laws of the various jurisdictions in which the
        Shares are being offered by the Underwriters);
 
             (xiv) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by
        the Company and the consummation by the Company of the transactions
        contemplated hereby do not and will not conflict with, or result in any
        breach of, or constitute a default under (nor constitute any event which
        with notice, lapse of time or both would constitute a breach of or
        default under), the charter or bylaws of the Company or the Subsidiary,
        or any provision of any license, indenture, lease, mortgage, deed of
        trust, bank loan or credit agreement or other agreement or instrument to
        which the Company or the Subsidiary is a party or by which the Company
        or the Subsidiary or their properties are bound or affected, or under
        any federal, state, local or foreign law, regulation or rule or any
        decree, judgment or order applicable to the Company or the Subsidiary;
 
             (xv) to the best of such counsel's knowledge, neither the Company,
        the Subsidiary nor the Partnership is in breach of or in default under
        (nor has any event occurred which with notice, lapse of time or both
        would constitute a breach of or default under) any license, indenture,
        lease, mortgage, deed of trust, bank loan or credit agreement or any
        other agreement or instrument to which the Company, the Subsidiary or
        the Partnership is a party or by which the Company, the Subsidiary or
        the Partnership or their properties are bound or affected or under any
        law, regulation or rule or any decree, judgment or order applicable to
        the Company, the Subsidiary or the Partnership, except for such matters
        as could not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse
        effect on the properties, assets, operations, business, business
        prospects or condition (financial or other) of the Company and the
        Subsidiary taken as a whole;
 
             (xvi) all contracts or documents of a character required to be
        described in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or to be filed
        as an exhibit to the Registration Statement have been so described or
        filed;
 
             (xvii) except as described in the Registration Statement and the
        Prospectus, there are no actions, suits or proceedings of which such
        counsel has knowledge pending or threatened against the Company, the
        Subsidiary or the Partnership, or any of their respective properties, at
        law or in equity,
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   11
 
        or before or by any federal, state, local or foreign governmental or
        regulatory commission, board, body, authority or agency that
        individually or in the aggregate could result in a judgment, decree or
        order having a material adverse effect on the properties, assets,
        operations, business, business prospects or condition (financial or
        other) of the Company and the Subsidiary taken as a whole;
 
             (xviii) the documents incorporated by reference in the Registration
        Statement and Prospectus, when they were filed (or, if an amendment with
        respect to any such document was filed, when such amendment was filed),
        complied as to form in all material respects with the Exchange Act
        (except as to the financial statements and schedules and other financial
        and statistical data contained or incorporated by reference therein, as
        to which such counsel need express no opinion);
 
             (xix) to the best of such counsel's knowledge, each person who has
        the right, contractual or otherwise, to request the Company to register
        pursuant to the Act securities of the Company upon the issue and sale of
        the Shares to the Underwriters hereunder or who has preemptive rights,
        rights of first refusal or other rights to purchase any of the Shares,
        except to the extent included in the Registration Statement, either
        waived such rights or was excluded from including any such shares in
        this offering, or from any preemptive rights, rights of first refusal or
        other purchase rights, in accordance with the terms thereof;
 
             (xx) the statements in the Registration Statement and the
        Prospectus under the captions ["Risk Factors -- Lack of FDA Approval;
        Government Regulation,"] "Risk Factors -- Dependence on Third-Party
        Sales and Marketing," ["Risk Factors -- Reliance on Patents and
        Proprietary Technology; Risk of Infringement and Litigation,"] "Risk
        Factors -- Risks Relating to Pillar Point Partners," "Risk
        Factors -- Potential Claims for Personal Injury," "Business -- Pillar
        Point and Other Licensing Agreements," "Business -- Marketing, Sales and
        Distribution," ["Business -- Government Regulation,"]
        ["Business -- Patents and Proprietary Rights,"] "Business -- Insurance
        and Indemnification," "Business -- Facilities" and "Business -- Legal
        Proceedings," insofar as they are descriptions of laws, regulations and
        rules, of legal and governmental proceedings or of contracts,
        agreements, leases and other legal documents, or refer to statements of
        law or legal conclusions, have been reviewed by such counsel and are
        accurate in all material respects [order and section names to be
        conformed to revised draft];
 
             (xxi) neither the Company nor the Subsidiary is an "investment
        company" or a person "controlled" by an "investment company" within the
        meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended;
 
             (xxii) the sales of securities by the Company described in Item 15
        of the Registration Statement were exempt from the registration
        requirements of the Act; and
 
             (xxiii) nothing has come to the attention of such counsel that
        causes them to believe that the Registration Statement or any amendment
        thereto at the time such Registration Statement or amendment became
        effective contained an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to
        state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make
        the statements therein not misleading, or that the Prospectus or any
        supplement thereto at the date of such Prospectus or such supplement,
        and at all times up to and including the time of purchase contained an
        untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact
        required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
        therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
        misleading (it being understood that such counsel need express no
        opinion with respect to the financial statements and schedules included
        in the Registration Statement or Prospectus).
 
          (b) You shall have received from Arthur Andersen LLP letters dated,
     respectively, the date of this Agreement and the time of purchase and
     additional time of purchase, as the case may be, and addressed to the
     Underwriters (with reproduced copies for each of the Underwriters) in form
     and substance satisfactory to the Managing Underwriters.
 
          (c) You shall have received at the time of purchase and at the
     additional time of purchase, as the case may be, opinions from Gibson, Dunn
     & Crutcher in form and substance satisfactory to you.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   12
 
          (d) No amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement or the
     Prospectus, including documents deemed to be incorporated by reference
     therein, shall be filed prior to the time the Registration Statement
     becomes effective to which you shall have objected in writing.
 
          (e) The Registration Statement shall become effective at or before
     5:00 P.M., New York City time, on the date of this Agreement and, if Rule
     430A under the Act is used, the Prospectus shall have been filed with the
     Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Act at or before 5:00 P.M.,
     New York City time, on the second full business day after the date of this
     Agreement; provided, however, that the Company and you and any group of
     Underwriters, including you, who have agreed hereunder to purchase in the
     aggregate at least 50% of the Firm Shares from time to time may agree in
     writing or by telephone, confirmed in writing, on a later date.
 
          (f) Prior to the time of purchase or the additional time of purchase,
     as the case may be: (i) no stop order with respect to the effectiveness of
     the Registration Statement shall have been issued under the Act or
     proceedings initiated under Section 8(d) or 8(e) of the Act; (ii) the
     Registration Statement and all amendments thereto, or modifications
     thereof, if any, shall not contain an untrue statement of a material fact
     or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary
     to make the statements therein not misleading; and (iii) the Prospectus and
     all amendments or supplements thereto, or modifications thereof, if any,
     shall not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a
     material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
     statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were
     made, not misleading.
 
          (g) Between the time of execution of this Agreement and the time of
     purchase or the additional time of purchase, as the case may be, there has
     not been: (i) any material and adverse change, present or prospective, in
     the properties, assets, operations, business, business prospects or
     condition (financial or other) of the Company and the Subsidiary taken as a
     whole, other than as described in the Registration Statement and the
     Prospectus; (ii) any transaction that is material to the Company and the
     Subsidiary taken as a whole contemplated or entered into by the Company or
     the Subsidiary, other than as described in the Registration Statement and
     the Prospectus; or (iii) any obligation, contingent or otherwise, directly
     or indirectly, incurred by the Company or the Subsidiary that is material
     to the Company and the Subsidiary taken as a whole, other than as described
     in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus.
 
          (h) The Company, at the time of purchase or additional time of
     purchase, as the case may be, will deliver to you a certificate of two of
     its executive officers to the effect that the representations and
     warranties of the Company as set forth in this Agreement are true and
     correct as of each such date and the conditions set forth in Section 6(f)
     and Section 6(g) have been met.
 
          (i) You shall have received a signed letter, dated the date of this
     Agreement, from each of the stockholders listed in Schedule B to the effect
     that such persons shall not sell, contract to sell, grant any option to
     sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares
     of Common Stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for Common
     Stock or warrants or other rights to purchase Common Stock for a period of
     90 days from the date of the Prospectus without the prior written consent
     of Dillon, Read & Co. Inc.
 
          (j) The Company shall have furnished to you such other documents and
     certificates as to the accuracy and completeness of any statement in the
     Registration Statement or the Prospectus as of the time of purchase and the
     additional time of purchase, as the case may be, as you reasonably may
     request.
 
          (k) The Company shall have performed such of its obligations under
     this Agreement as are to be performed by the terms hereof at or before the
     time of purchase and at or before the additional time of purchase, as the
     case may be.
 
          (l) The Shares shall have been approved for quotation through the
     Nasdaq National Market.
 
     7. Effective Date of Agreement; Termination.  This Agreement shall become
effective (i) if Rule 430A under the Act is not used, when you shall have
received notification of the effectiveness of the Registration
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   13
 
Statement, or (ii) if Rule 430A under the Act is used, when the parties hereto
have executed and delivered this Agreement.
 
     The obligations of the several Underwriters hereunder shall be subject to
termination in the absolute discretion of you or any group of Underwriters
(which may include you) which has agreed to purchase in the aggregate at least
50% of the Firm Shares if, at any time prior to the time of purchase or, with
respect to the purchase of any Additional Shares, the additional time of
purchase, as the case may be, trading in securities on the New York Stock
Exchange shall have been suspended or minimum prices shall have been established
on the New York Stock Exchange, or if a banking moratorium shall have been
declared either by the United States or New York State authorities, or if the
United States shall have declared war in accordance with its constitutional
processes or there shall have occurred any material outbreak or escalation of
hostilities or other national or international calamity or crisis of such
magnitude in its effect on, or any material adverse change in, any financial
market which, in each case, in your judgment, or in the judgment of such group
of Underwriters, makes it impracticable to market the Shares.
 
     If you or any group of Underwriters elect to terminate this Agreement as
provided in this Section 7, the Company and each other Underwriter shall be
notified promptly by letter or telegram.
 
     If the sale to the Underwriters of the Shares, as contemplated by this
Agreement, is not carried out by the Underwriters for any reason permitted under
this Agreement or if such sale is not carried out because the Company shall be
unable to comply with any of the terms of this Agreement, the Company shall not
be under any obligation or liability under this Agreement (except to the extent
provided in Sections 4(l), 5 and 9), and the Underwriters shall be under no
obligation or liability to the Company under this Agreement (except to the
extent provided in Section 9).
 
     8. Increase in Underwriters' Commitments.  If any Underwriter shall default
in its obligation to take up and pay for the Firm Shares to be purchased by it
hereunder and if the number of Firm Shares which all Underwriters so defaulting
shall have agreed but failed to take up and pay for does not exceed 10% of the
total number of Firm Shares, the non-defaulting Underwriters shall take up and
pay for (in addition to the aggregate principal amount of Firm Shares they are
obligated to purchase pursuant to Section 1) the number of Firm Shares agreed to
be purchased by all such defaulting Underwriters as hereinafter provided. Such
Shares shall be taken up and paid for by such non-defaulting Underwriter or
Underwriters in such amount or amounts as you may designate with the consent of
each Underwriter so designated or, in the event no such designation is made,
such Shares shall be taken up and paid for by all non-defaulting Underwriters
pro rata in proportion to the aggregate number of Firm Shares set opposite the
names of such non-defaulting Underwriters in Schedule A.
 
     Without relieving any defaulting Underwriter from its obligations
hereunder, the Company agrees with the non-defaulting Underwriters that they
will not sell any Firm Shares hereunder unless all of the Firm Shares are
purchased by the Underwriters (or by substituted Underwriters selected by you
with the approval of the Company or selected by the Company with your approval).
 
     If a new Underwriter or Underwriters are substituted by the Underwriters or
by the Company for a defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters in accordance with
the foregoing provision, the Company or you shall have the right to postpone the
time of purchase for a period not exceeding five business days in order that any
necessary change in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and other
documents may be effected.
 
     The term Underwriter as used in this Agreement shall refer to and include
any Underwriter substituted under this Section 8 with like effect as if such
substituted Underwriter had originally been named in Schedule A.
 
     9. Indemnity by the Company and the Underwriters.
 
     (a) The Company agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless each
Underwriter, each person that controls any Underwriter within the meaning of
Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, and each Underwriter's
agents, employees, officers and directors and the agents, employees, officers
and directors of any such controlling person (collectively, the "Underwriter
indemnified parties") from and against any and
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   14
 
all losses, claims, damages, judgments, liabilities and expenses (including the
fees and expenses of counsel and other expenses in connection with
investigating, defending or settling any such action or claim) which, jointly or
severally, any Underwriter indemnified party may incur as they are incurred (and
regardless of whether such Underwriter indemnified party is a party to the
litigation, if any) arising out of or based upon any untrue statement or alleged
untrue statement of a material fact contained in the registration statement
relating to the Shares or the Prospectus or any Preliminary Prospectus, or
arising out of or based upon any omission or alleged omission to state therein a
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
therein not misleading, except insofar as such losses, claims, damages,
judgments, liabilities or expenses arise out of, or are based upon, any such
untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission based upon
and in conformity with information with respect to any Underwriter furnished in
writing by any Underwriter through you to the Company expressly for use therein
with reference to such Underwriter. This indemnity agreement will be in addition
to any liability the Company otherwise may have.
 
     (b) If any action or proceeding (including any governmental or regulatory
investigation or proceeding) shall be brought or asserted against any
Underwriter indemnified party, with respect to which indemnity may be sought
against the Company pursuant to this Section 8, such Underwriter indemnified
party shall promptly notify the Company in writing, and the Company shall assume
the defense thereof, including the employment of counsel reasonably satisfactory
to the Underwriter indemnified party and payment of all fees and expenses;
provided that the omission so to notify the Company shall not relieve it from
any liability that it may have to any Underwriter indemnified party. An
Underwriter indemnified party shall have the right to employ separate counsel in
any such action or proceeding and to assume the defense thereof, but the fees
and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Underwriter
indemnified party unless (i) the employment of such counsel has been authorized
in writing by the Company, (ii) the Company has failed promptly to assume the
defense and employ counsel satisfactory to the Underwriter indemnified party or
(iii) the named parties to any such action or proceeding (including any
impleaded parties) include both the Underwriter indemnified party and the
Company and such Underwriter indemnified party shall have reasonably concluded
that there may be one or more legal defenses available to it that are different
from or additional to those available to the Company (in which case the Company
shall not have the right to assume the defense of such action on behalf of such
Underwriter indemnified party), in any of which events such fees and expenses
shall be borne by the Company and reimbursed as they are incurred. It is
understood, however, that the Company shall not, in connection with any one such
action or separate but substantially similar or related actions in the same
jurisdiction arising out of the same general allegations or circumstances, be
liable for the fees and expenses of more than one separate firm of attorneys (in
addition to any local counsel) at any time for all such Underwriter indemnified
parties, which firm shall be designated in writing by Dillon, Read & Co. Inc.,
and that all such fees and expenses shall be reimbursed as they are incurred.
The Company shall not be liable for any settlement of any such action effected
without the written consent of the Company (which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld or delayed), but if settled with the written consent of
the Company, or if there is a final judgment with respect thereto, the Company
agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter indemnified party from
and against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement or judgment.
 
     (c) Each Underwriter severally agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the
Company, its directors, its officers who sign the Registration Statement, and
any person that controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act
or Section 20 of the Exchange Act (collectively, the "Company indemnified
parties") to the same extent as the foregoing indemnity from the Company to the
Underwriter indemnified parties, but only with respect to information concerning
such Underwriter furnished in writing by or on behalf of such Underwriter
through you to the Company expressly for use with respect to such Underwriter in
the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus. In
case any action shall be brought against any Company indemnified party based on
the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus and in
respect of which indemnity may be sought against any Underwriter pursuant to
this Section 8(c), such Underwriter shall have the rights and duties given to
the Company by Section 8(b) (except that if the Company shall have assumed the
defense thereof such Underwriter shall not be required to do so, but may employ
separate counsel therein and participate in the defense thereof, provided that
the fees and expenses of such separate counsel shall be at the expense of such
Underwriter), and the Company
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   15
 
indemnified parties shall have the rights and duties given to the Underwriter
indemnified parties by Section 8(b).
 
     (d) If the indemnification provided for in this Section 8 is unavailable to
or insufficient to hold harmless any Underwriter indemnified party or any
Company indemnified party, then the party required to indemnify such indemnified
party under this Section 8, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party,
shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a
result of such losses, claims, damages, judgments, liabilities and expenses (i)
in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received
by the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other hand from the
offering of the Shares, or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i) above
is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to
reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) above but also
the relative fault of the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters on the
other hand in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such
losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses, as well as any other relevant
equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Company on the
one hand and the Underwriters on the other hand shall be deemed to be in the
same proportion as the total proceeds from the offering (net of underwriting
discounts and commissions but before deducting expenses) received by the Company
bear to the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by the
Underwriters, in each case as set forth in the table on the cover page of the
Prospectus. The relative fault of the Company on the one hand and the
Underwriters on the other hand shall be determined by reference to, among other
things, whether the untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material
fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to
information supplied by the Company or by the Underwriters, and the parties'
relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or
prevent such statement or omission. The amount paid or payable by a party as a
result of the losses, claims, damages, judgments, liabilities and expenses
referred to above shall be deemed to include any legal or other fees or expenses
reasonably incurred by such party in connection with investigating or defending
any claim or action.
 
     The Company and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and
equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 8(d) were determined by pro
rata allocation or by any other method of allocation (even if the Underwriters
were treated as one entity for such purpose) that does not take account of the
equitable considerations referred to in this Section 8(d). Notwithstanding the
provisions of this Section 8(d), no Underwriter indemnified party shall be
required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total
price at which the Shares underwritten by such Underwriter indemnified party and
distributed to the public were offered to the public exceeds the amount of any
damages which such Underwriter indemnified party otherwise has been required to
pay by reason of such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission
or alleged omission. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within
the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Act) shall be entitled to contribution from
any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The
Underwriters' obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section 8 are several
in proportion to their respective underwriting commitments and are not joint.
 
     The statements under the caption "Underwriting" in the Prospectus (to the
extent such statements relate to an Underwriter) constitute the only information
furnished to the Company in writing by such Underwriter expressly for use in the
Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus.
 
     (e) The indemnity and contribution agreements contained in this Section 8
and the representations, warranties and covenants of the Company contained in
this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect, regardless of any
investigation made by or on behalf of any Underwriter indemnified party or by or
on behalf of any Company indemnified party, and shall survive any termination of
this Agreement or the issuance and delivery of the Shares. Subject to the
provisions of Section 8(b) and Section 8(c), the Company and each Underwriter
agree promptly to notify the other of the commencement of any litigation or
proceeding against it in connection with the issuance and sale of the Shares or
in connection with the Registration Statement or the Prospectus.
 
     10. Notices.  Except as otherwise herein provided, all statements,
requests, notices and agreements shall be in writing or by telegram and, if to
the Underwriters, shall be sufficient in all respects if delivered or sent to
Dillon, Read & Co. Inc., 535 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10022,
Attention: Syndicate
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   16
 
Department, and if to the Company, shall be sufficient in all respects if
delivered or sent to the Company at the offices of the Company at 3400 Central
Expressway, Santa Clara, California 95051, Attention: Chief Financial Officer.
 
     11. Construction.  THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO PRINCIPLES
OF CONFLICTS OF LAW. THE SECTION HEADINGS IN THIS AGREEMENT HAVE BEEN INSERTED
AS A MATTER OF CONVENIENCE OF REFERENCE AND ARE NOT A PART OF THIS AGREEMENT.
 
     12. Parties at Interest.  The Agreement herein set forth has been and is
made solely for the benefit of the Underwriters, the Company, the Underwriter
indemnified parties and the Company indemnified parties, and their respective
successors, assigns, executors and administrators. No other person, partnership,
association or corporation (including a purchaser, as such purchaser, from any
of the Underwriters) shall acquire or have any right under or by virtue of this
Agreement.
 
     13. Counterparts.  This Agreement may be signed by the parties in
counterparts which together shall constitute one and the same agreement among
the parties.
 
     If the foregoing correctly sets forth the understanding among the Company
and the Underwriters, please so indicate in the space provided below for such
purpose, whereupon this letter and your acceptance shall constitute a binding
agreement among the Company and the Underwriters, severally.
 
                                          Very truly yours,
 
                                          VISX, INCORPORATED
 
                                          By:
 
                                            ------------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
Accepted and agreed to as of
the date first above written,
on behalf of themselves,
PaineWebber Incorporated
and the other several
Underwriters named in
Schedule A
 
DILLON, READ & CO. INC., as
Managing Underwriter
 
By:
 
    --------------------------------------------------------
      Name:
      Title:
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   17
 
                                   SCHEDULE A
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    NUMBER OF
                                   UNDERWRITER                                     FIRM SHARES
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------
<S>                                                                                <C>
Dillon, Read & Co. Inc...........................................................
PaineWebber Incorporated.........................................................
                                                                                    ---------
Total............................................................................   2,500,000
                                                                                    =========
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   18
 
                                   SCHEDULE B
 
               STOCKHOLDERS WHO HAVE EXECUTED LOCK-UP AGREEMENTS

<PAGE>   1
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT 5.1
 
                 [WILSON SONSINI GOODRICH & ROSATI LETTERHEAD]
 
                                October 5, 1995
 
VISX, Incorporated
3400 Central Expressway
Santa Clara, CA 95051
 
                     RE: REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-3
Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
     We have examined the Registration Statement on Form S-3 to be filed by you
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about October 6, 1995 (as such
may thereafter be amended or supplemented, the "Registration Statement"), in
connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
of 2,875,000 shares of your Common Stock, $0.01 par value (the "Shares"). The
Shares include an over-allotment option granted to the Underwriters to purchase
375,000 shares. We understand that the Shares are to be sold to the Underwriters
for resale to the public as described in the Registration Statement. As your
legal counsel, we have examined the proceedings taken, and are familiar with the
proceedings proposed to be taken, by you in connection with the sale and
issuance of the Shares.
 
     It is our opinion that, upon completion of the proceedings being taken or
contemplated by us, as your counsel, to be taken prior to the issuance of the
Shares, including the proceedings being taken in order to permit such
transaction to be carried out in accordance with applicable state securities
laws, the Shares, when issued and sold in the manner described in the
Registration Statement and in accordance with the resolutions adopted by the
Board of Directors of the Company, will be legally and validly issued, fully
paid and nonassessable.
 
     We consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement and further consent to the use of our name wherever appearing in the
Registration Statement, including the Prospectus constituting a part thereof,
and any amendments thereto.
 
                                          Very truly yours,
 
                                          /s/ WILSON, SONSINI, GOODRICH & ROSATI
 
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          WILSON, SONSINI, GOODRICH & ROSATI
                                          Professional Corporation


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