PREMIER LASER SYSTEMS INC
424B4, 1996-10-16
ELECTROMEDICAL & ELECTROTHERAPEUTIC APPARATUS
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<PAGE>
   
                                                FILED PURSUANT TO RULE 424(b)(4)
    
   
                                                     REG. STATEMENT NO. 333-4219
    
PROSPECTUS
 
                                  11,000 UNITS
 
                                     [LOGO]
 
                            EACH UNIT CONSISTING OF
                     190 SHARES OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK AND
                         95 REDEEMABLE CLASS B WARRANTS
 
    Each  unit ("Unit") of  Premier Laser Systems,  Inc. (the "Company") offered
hereby consists of 190 shares  of Class A Common Stock,  no par value ("Class  A
Common  Stock") and  95 redeemable  Class B  Warrants ("Class  B Warrants"). The
Class B Warrants  are immediately  exercisable and  are transferable  separately
from  the Class A Common Stock. The number of shares of Class A Common Stock and
Class B  Warrants  included in  each  Unit has  been  determined by  D.H.  Blair
Investment  Banking Corp. (the  "Underwriter") based primarily  upon the current
market price  of  the  Class  A  Common Stock,  as  well  as  the  Underwriter's
determination of the number of shares and Class B Warrants per Unit necessary to
successfully  market the Units in light of  the size of the offering made hereby
(the "Offering")  relative to  the number  of  shares of  Class A  Common  Stock
outstanding  immediately  prior to  the Offering.  Fractional  Units may  not be
purchased in the Offering.
 
    Each Class B Warrant entitles the registered holder thereof to purchase  one
share of Class A Common Stock for $8.00, subject to adjustment, at any time from
the  date of issuance  through November 30, 1999.  Commencing November 30, 1997,
the Class  B  Warrants  will be  subject  to  redemption by  the  Company  at  a
redemption  price of $.05 per  Warrant on 30 days'  written notice provided that
the average closing bid price as reported by the Nasdaq Stock Market  ("Nasdaq")
of  the Class A Common Stock exceeds $11.20 per share for 30 consecutive trading
days ending within  15 days  of the notice  of redemption.  The public  offering
price  of  the Units  and the  exercise price  and  other terms  of the  Class B
Warrants were determined by negotiations between the Company and the Underwriter
and are not necessarily related to the Company's asset value, net worth or other
criteria of value.  The Underwriter is  the subject of  an investigation by  the
Securities  and Exchange Commission  (the "Commission"). See  "Risk Factors" and
"Underwriting."
 
    The Company's Class A  Common Stock, Class A  Warrants and Class B  Warrants
are  presently  quoted on  the Nasdaq  National Market.  The last  reported sale
prices of the Class A Common Stock and  Class B Warrants on October 14, 1996  as
reported  by the Nasdaq National  Market, were $7 3/4  and $1 3/4, respectively.
The Units offered hereby will not be listed on Nasdaq. The Class A Common  Stock
is  one of  three classes of  the Company's  Common Stock. The  Company also has
outstanding publicly traded units (the "IPO Units"), each IPO Unit consisting of
one share of Class A Common Stock, one  Class A Warrant and one Class B  Warrant
sold in the Company's initial public offering in December 1994. See "Description
of Securities."
                           --------------------------
 
    THE  SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY INVOLVE A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK AND SUBSTANTIAL
IMMEDIATE DILUTION. SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 7 AND "DILUTION."
                           --------------------------
 
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
                                                         DISCOUNTS AND          PROCEEDS TO
                                  PRICE TO PUBLIC       COMMISSIONS (1)         COMPANY (2)
<S>                             <C>                   <C>                   <C>
Per Unit......................         $1,000                 $75                   $925
Total (3).....................      $11,000,000             $825,000            $10,175,000
</TABLE>
 
                                                   (FOOTNOTES ON FOLLOWING PAGE)
 
   
    These  Units are  being offered  by the  Underwriter on  a "firm commitment"
basis when, as and if delivered to and accepted by the Underwriter, and  subject
to  withdrawal or cancellation of  the offer without notice  and to its right to
reject orders  in whole  or  in part  and to  certain  other conditions.  It  is
expected  that delivery of the certificates  representing the Units will be made
at the offices of D.H. Blair Investment Banking Corp., 44 Wall Street, New York,
New York 10005, on or about October 18, 1996.
    
 
                      D.H. BLAIR INVESTMENT BANKING CORP.
                                ---------------
 
   
                The date of this Prospectus is October 15, 1996.
    
<PAGE>
(FOOTNOTES FROM PREVIOUS PAGE)
 
(1) Does not reflect additional compensation  to be received by the  Underwriter
    in  the form of (i) a nonaccountable expense allowance of $330,000 ($379,500
    if the over-allotment option  is exercised in full);  and (ii) an option  to
    purchase  up to 1,100 Units  at 120% of the  per Unit public offering price,
    exercisable over a period of three years commencing two years from the  date
    of  this Prospectus (the  "Unit Purchase Option").  In addition, the Company
    has agreed to indemnify the  Underwriter for certain liabilities,  including
    liabilities  under the Securities  Act of 1933,  as amended (the "Securities
    Act"). See "Underwriting."
 
(2) Before deducting expenses of the Offering payable by the Company,  estimated
    to   be  $975,000,   including  the   Underwriter's  nonaccountable  expense
    allowance.
 
(3) The  Company has  granted  the Underwriter  an option  (the  "Over-Allotment
    Option"),  exercisable within  45 days  of the  date of  this Prospectus, to
    purchase up to  1,650 additional  Units on the  same terms  set forth  above
    solely  to cover  over-allotments, if any.  If the  Over-Allotment Option is
    exercised in full,  the total  Price to Public,  Underwriting Discounts  and
    Commissions  and  Proceeds  to  Company will  be  increased  to $12,650,000,
    $948,750 and $11,701,250. See "Underwriting."
 
                                     [LOGO]
 
    IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING,  THE UNDERWRITER MAY OVER-ALLOT OR  EFFECT
TRANSACTIONS  WHICH STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE OF THE CLASS A COMMON
STOCK AND/ OR THE CLASS B WARRANTS  AT A LEVEL ABOVE THAT WHICH MIGHT  OTHERWISE
PREVAIL  IN THE  OPEN MARKET.  SUCH TRANSACTIONS MAY  BE EFFECTED  ON THE NASDAQ
NATIONAL MARKET, IN THE OVER-THE-COUNTER MARKET OR OTHERWISE. SUCH  STABILIZING,
IF COMMENCED, MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME. IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING,
THE  UNDERWRITER  AND  SELLING  GROUP  MEMBERS  (IF  ANY)  OR  THEIR  RESPECTIVE
AFFILIATES MAY  ENGAGE IN  PASSIVE MARKET  MAKING TRANSACTIONS  IN THE  CLASS  A
COMMON  STOCK AND/OR  THE CLASS  B WARRANTS  ON NASDAQ  IN ACCORDANCE  WITH RULE
10B-6A UNDER  THE SECURITIES  EXCHANGE ACT  OF 1934  (THE "EXCHANGE  ACT").  SEE
"UNDERWRITING."
 
    Altair,  AngleTIPS,  Arago,  Arcturus,  Aurora,  Centauri,  Dentalaser, MOD,
Orion, Pegasus, Polaris, Premier Laser Systems,
Proclosure-Registered Trademark-,  Sirius and  TouchTIPS are  trademarks of  the
Company.  This Prospectus also includes trademarks  and trade names of companies
other than the Company.
 
    Pursuant to Rule 429 under the Securities Act, this Prospectus also  relates
to and may be used in connection with the securities previously registered under
said  Act pursuant to Registration Statement  No. 33-83984 and consisting of (i)
4,120,149 shares of Class A Common Stock and 4,120,149 Class B Warrants issuable
upon exercise of outstanding Class A Warrants; (ii) 7,247,198 shares of Class  A
Common  Stock  issuable  upon  exercise  of Class  B  Warrants  that  are either
presently outstanding  or are  issuable  upon exercise  of outstanding  Class  A
Warrants; and (iii) 240,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, Class A Warrants and
Class  B Warrants issuable upon exercise of unit purchase options (the "IPO Unit
Purchase Options") received by the  Underwriter and its designees in  connection
with  the Company's initial public offering (the "IPO"), 240,000 shares of Class
A Common Stock  and Class  B Warrants  issuable upon  exercise of  said Class  A
Warrants  and 480,000 shares of  Class A Common Stock  issuable upon exercise of
all of said Class B Warrants.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
    THE  FOLLOWING SUMMARY  IS QUALIFIED  IN ITS  ENTIRETY BY  REFERENCE TO, AND
SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH, THE MORE DETAILED INFORMATION AND  FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (INCLUDING THE NOTES THERETO) APPEARING ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS.
UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS ASSUMES
(I)  A  PUBLIC  OFFERING PRICE  OF  $1,000 PER  UNIT,  (II) NO  EXERCISE  OF THE
UNDERWRITER'S  OVER-ALLOTMENT  OPTION  AND  (III)  NO  EXERCISE  OF  ANY   OTHER
OUTSTANDING  WARRANTS  OR  OPTIONS.  THIS  PROSPECTUS  CONTAINS  FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS THAT INVOLVE  RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES.  THE COMPANY'S ACTUAL  RESULTS
MAY  DIFFER  SIGNIFICANTLY FROM  THE  RESULTS DISCUSSED  IN  THE FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS. FACTORS  THAT MIGHT  CAUSE  SUCH DIFFERENCES  INCLUDE, BUT  ARE  NOT
LIMITED TO, THOSE DISCUSSED IN "RISK FACTORS."
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
    Premier Laser Systems, Inc. develops, manufactures and markets several lines
of  proprietary  medical  lasers,  fiberoptic  delivery  systems  and associated
products  for  a  variety  of  dental,  ophthalmic  and  surgical   applications
principally  for  use in  surgical centers  and  medical offices.  The Company's
lasers and related products use the controlled application of thermal,  acoustic
and  optical  energy  to allow  the  physician  or dentist  to  perform selected
minimally invasive  procedures which,  compared to  conventional techniques  not
involving  the use of lasers,  vaporize or sever tissue  with minimal blood loss
and scarring, increase  patient comfort  and reduce patient  treatment time  and
treatment costs.
 
    The  Company's  product line  of proprietary  lasers includes  argon, diode,
CO(2), neodymium:yttrium  aluminum  garnet ("Nd:YAG"),  erbium:yttrium  aluminum
garnet  ("Er:YAG") and holmium:yttrium aluminum  garnet ("Ho:YAG") lasers, which
the Company  believes are  capable of  a wide  range of  procedures in  multiple
medical and surgical specialties ranging from cutting bone and teeth to removing
precise  layers of  cellular tissue  in the  eye. Representative  procedures for
which the Company  has market  clearance from the  United States  Food and  Drug
Administration  ("FDA")  include  teeth whitening,  treatment  of endometriosis,
treatment of gum disease,  laparoscopic procedures, dermatological treatment  of
port  wine stains  and discectomy. The  Company is  currently conducting various
clinical trials relating to additional applications for its laser products.  The
Company  also manufactures a  variety of disposable  fiberoptic delivery systems
and sculpted fiberoptic probes, optical tips, waveguides and catheters which are
designed for single-patient use. The Company believes that the increasing demand
for product  sterility  and cost  containment  will  result in  an  increase  in
disposable product sales and will provide a recurring revenue stream.
 
    In  dentistry,  the Company  currently markets  its  lasers for  soft tissue
(gums) procedures, composite  curing in cavity  preparation and teeth  whitening
procedures.  The Company's Aurora diode laser  is currently used by dentists and
periodontists to treat periodontal disease and has been shown to postpone or  in
some  cases  eliminate  the  need  for  conventional  periodontal  surgery.  The
Company's Arago and MOD (Multi Operatory Dentalaser) argon lasers are  currently
used  by  dentists  to accelerate  the  curing  of composites  placed  in cavity
preparations. The use of the laser for this application has been shown to result
in a stronger restoration  than composites cured  by traditional curing  lights.
The Company is seeking clearance for additional dental applications to enable it
to  market its Centauri Er:YAG laser for  hard tissue (teeth) procedures, and is
currently initiating clinical trials for cavity prevention.
 
    Medical lasers have been  used for the treatment  of eye disorders for  many
years  and  are  widely  accepted in  the  ophthalmic  community.  The Company's
multiple application Centauri Er:YAG laser is priced significantly below current
single purpose refractive lasers and  has been cleared for anterior  capsulotomy
(one  step in  the cataract  extraction procedure)  and occuloplastic  and other
cosmetic procedures,  among  other  indications.  The  Centauri  laser  is  also
currently  being  tested  in clinical  trials  and animal  studies  for cataract
removal,  glaucoma  treatment  and  corneal  sculpting  (treatment  of   myopia,
hyperopia and astigmatism).
 
    The  Company  believes  surgical  lasers,  either  in  conjunction  with  or
independent of traditional  sutures or staples,  may be used  for various  wound
closure  procedures.  The  Company believes  that  the  benefits of  the  use of
surgical lasers for tissue melding, as compared to sutures and staples,  include
fluid-static  seals, immediate closure  strength and reduced  surgical time. The
Company and its strategic partner  are currently conducting clinical and  animal
studies  for tissue melding for  ducts, arteries, veins and  skin, in support of
future regulatory applications.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
    The Company's strategy is to seek to increase its market penetration in  the
dental,  ophthalmic  and surgical  markets by  (i)  expanding its  marketing and
distribution efforts, (ii) creating market awareness through increased publicity
and the  education of  dentists and  physicians, (iii)  pursuing clearances  for
additional  laser  applications,  (iv)  capitalizing  on  disposable aftermarket
related products,  and (v)  expanding domestically  and internationally  through
strategic  alliances or  acquisitions of companies  with additional distribution
channels, complementary products or an international presence.
 
    The  Company   commenced  operations   in  August   1991,  after   acquiring
substantially  all of the assets  of Pfizer Laser Systems,  a division of Pfizer
Hospital Products  Group, Inc.  ("Pfizer HPG"),  in an  acquisition led  by  the
Company's  Chief Executive Officer. The assets  acquired by the Company included
the proprietary rights  to a broad  base of laser  and fiberoptic  technologies,
which  the  Company developed  over the  past  four years  into 19  laser models
cleared for  market  introduction.  Following  an  initial  public  offering  in
December  1994, the  Company increased inventory  and expanded  its dental sales
force in December 1995  to include five area  sales managers and 25  independent
marketing  representatives. As a result of  this expansion, the Company achieved
$723,000 in sales to the dental market for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1996.
 
    The Company has not generated significant revenues to date, and may continue
to incur losses for the foreseeable  future due to substantial costs  associated
with  manufacturing, marketing and distributing its laser products and continued
research and development related to additional applications for these products.
 
    The Company's principal executive offices  are located at 3 Morgan,  Irvine,
California 92718. The Company's telephone number is (714) 859-0656.
 
                                  THE OFFERING
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                      <C>
Securities Offered by the Company......  11,000 Units, each Unit consisting of 190 shares of
                                         Class  A Common Stock and 95 Class B Warrants. Each
                                         Class B Warrant is exercisable at $8.00 (subject to
                                         adjustment) to purchase one share of Class A Common
                                         Stock, at  any  time  from  the  date  of  issuance
                                         through  November  30,  1999,  subject  to  earlier
                                         redemption by the Company. See "Capitalization" and
                                         "Description of Securities."
 
Class A Common Stock Outstanding Before
 the Offering (1)(2)...................  4,750,554 shares
 
Class A Common Stock Outstanding After
 the Offering (1)(2)...................  6,840,554 shares
 
Class E-1 Common Stock Outstanding
 Before and After the Offering (1).....  1,256,818 shares
 
Class E-2 Common Stock Outstanding
 Before and After the Offering (1).....  1,256,818 shares
 
Nasdaq National Market Symbols.........  Class A Common Stock -- PLSIA
                                         Class A Warrants -- PLSIW
                                         Class B Warrants -- PLSIZ
 
Nasdaq SmallCap Symbols................  IPO Units -- PLSIU
</TABLE>
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                      <C>
Use of Proceeds........................  To fund the  expansion of  the Company's  marketing
                                         and distribution capabilities, including
                                         distribution   to  international  markets,  through
                                         acquisitions,  strategic   alliances  or   internal
                                         development;    to   invest    in   inventory   and
                                         demonstration   equipment;   to   fund   additional
                                         research  and  development; to  repay indebtedness;
                                         and  for  general  corporate  and  working  capital
                                         purposes.
 
Risk Factors...........................  The securities offered hereby involve a high degree
                                         of  risk and immediate  and substantial dilution to
                                         public investors.  Investors  should  purchase  the
                                         securities  offered hereby only  if they can afford
                                         the loss  of  their entire  investment.  See  "Risk
                                         Factors" and "Dilution."
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
(1) The Class E-1 and Class E-2 Common Stock (collectively, the "Escrow Shares")
    will  be automatically  converted into Class  A Common Stock  if the Company
    attains certain earnings levels over the next  four years or if the Class  A
    Common  Stock attains certain  market price targets over  the next year, and
    will be cancelled by the Company on June 30, 2000 if the Escrow Shares  have
    not  been  converted into  Class  A Common  Stock  prior to  that  time. See
    "Description of Securities."
 
(2) Does not include (i)  723,796 shares of Class  A Common Stock issuable  upon
    exercise  of outstanding  options as of  October 14, 1996  granted under the
    Company's 1992 Employee Stock Option Plan,  1995 Stock Option Plan and  1996
    Stock  Option Plans;  (ii) 470,250 shares  of Class A  Common Stock issuable
    upon exercise  of the  Over-Allotment  Option (and  the underlying  Class  B
    Warrants);  (iii)  313,500  shares of  Class  A Common  Stock  issuable upon
    exercise of the Unit Purchase Option (and the underlying Class B  Warrants);
    (iv)  696,540 shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of other
    outstanding options  and warrants  to  purchase Class  A Common  Stock;  (v)
    8,240,298  shares  of Class  A Common  Stock issuable  upon exercise  of the
    Company's outstanding  publicly-held Class  A  Warrants and  the  underlying
    Class  B Warrants;  (vi) 3,127,049 shares  of Class A  Common Stock issuable
    upon exercise of the Company's  outstanding publicly-held Class B  Warrants;
    (vii)  960,000 shares of Class A Common  Stock issuable upon exercise of the
    IPO Unit Purchase Options (and the  underlying Class A Warrants and Class  B
    Warrants)  and (viii) 1,256,818 shares of each of Class E-1 Common Stock and
    Class E-2 Common Stock. For a description  of the Class A Warrants, Class  B
    Warrants  (collectively, the  "Warrants"), IPO Unit  Purchase Options, Class
    E-1  Common  Stock  and  Class   E-2  Common  Stock,  see  "Description   of
    Securities."  For  a description  of the  Company's  stock option  plans and
    options outstanding thereunder, see "Management -- Stock Option Plans."
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
                             SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                 FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,                  JUNE 30,
                                           ----------------------------------------  --------------------------
                                               1994          1995          1996          1995          1996
                                           ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
<S>                                        <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
SELECTED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
  Net sales..............................  $  2,079,335  $  1,249,403  $  1,704,390  $    112,564  $  1,254,082
  Cost of sales..........................     1,753,352     1,298,420     3,324,757       450,353     1,028,611
                                           ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
  Gross profit (loss)....................       325,983       (49,017)   (1,620,367)     (337,789)      225,471
  Selling and marketing expenses.........     1,087,461     1,035,863     1,308,767       195,831       461,772
  Research and development expenses......       678,279     1,035,705     1,213,471       255,959       126,779
  General and administrative expenses....     1,322,888     1,747,090     1,709,327       501,078       326,786
                                           ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
  Loss from operations...................    (2,762,645)   (3,867,675)   (5,851,932)   (1,290,657)     (689,866)
  Interest (expense) income, net.........      (434,851)     (322,540)       99,037        94,449        (7,194)
                                           ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
  Loss before extraordinary items........    (3,197,496)   (4,190,215)   (5,752,895)   (1,196,208)     (697,060)
  Extraordinary gain from extinguishment
   of indebtedness.......................            --       381,730            --            --            --
                                           ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
  Net loss...............................  $ (3,197,496) $ (3,808,485) $ (5,752,895)   (1,196,208)     (697,060)
                                           ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
                                           ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
 
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA:
  Net loss...............................                              $      (1.26) $      (0.27) $      (0.15)
                                                                       ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                                       ------------  ------------  ------------
  Weighted average shares outstanding
   (1)...................................                                 4,556,959     4,501,899     4,719,923
  Pro forma loss before extraordinary
   item (2)..............................  $      (2.45) $      (1.59)
  Extraordinary gain from extinguishment
   of indebtedness.......................            --           .15
                                           ------------  ------------
  Pro forma net loss (2).................  $      (2.45) $      (1.44)
                                           ------------  ------------
                                           ------------  ------------
  Pro forma weighted average shares
   outstanding (1)(2)....................     1,288,751     2,584,722
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          AT JUNE 30, 1996
                                                                                    -----------------------------
                                                                                                    AS ADJUSTED
                                                                                       ACTUAL           (3)
                                                                                    -------------  --------------
<S>                                                                                 <C>            <C>
SELECTED BALANCE SHEET DATA:
  Cash and cash equivalents.......................................................  $     135,881   $  7,735,881
  Working capital.................................................................      4,449,812     13,649,812
  Total assets....................................................................     15,670,277     22,825,367
  Total debt......................................................................        881,195        400,000
  Shareholders' equity............................................................     12,223,544     21,423,544
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------
(1) Does not include 1,256,818 shares of  each of Class E-1 or Class E-2  Common
    Stock  outstanding as of March 31, 1996 and June 30, 1996, which are subject
    to cancellation under certain circumstances. See "Description of  Securities
    -- Common Stock" and Notes 2 and 16 of Notes to Financial Statements.
 
(2)  Adjusted  to give  pro forma  effect to  the conversion  of certain  of the
    Company's indebtedness which occurred upon completion of the Company's  IPO.
    The  effect  on  net loss  per  common  share from  the  conversion  of such
    indebtedness was to reduce historical net  loss by $37,500 and $67,995,  and
    to increase weighted average shares outstanding by 76,875 and 321,099 shares
    for the fiscal years ended March 31, 1994 and 1995, respectively.
 
(3)  Adjusted to reflect  the receipt by  the Company of  estimated net proceeds
    from the issuance of 11,000 Units offered hereby and the application of  the
    net proceeds thereof. See "Use of Proceeds" and "Capitalization."
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
    In  evaluating  an  investment  in  the  securities  being  offered  hereby,
investors should consider  carefully the  following principal  risk factors,  as
well as the other information contained in this Prospectus.
 
    LIMITED  OPERATING HISTORY;  CONTINUING OPERATING  LOSSES.   The Company was
formed in July 1991 and  has not generated significant  revenues to date. As  of
June  30, 1996, the Company  had an accumulated deficit  of $19,313,474. For the
three months ended June 30, 1996 and the fiscal years ended March 31, 1994, 1995
and 1996, the Company had  operating losses of $689,866, $2,762,645,  $3,867,675
and  $5,851,932,  respectively,  resulting principally  from  costs  incurred in
research and development and other costs of operations. The Company expects that
operating losses  will  continue  until  such time  as  product  sales  generate
sufficient  revenues to fund its continuing operations, as to which there can be
no assurance.
 
    INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS' REPORT;  GOING CONCERN QUALIFICATION.   The  report
from  the Company's  independent accountants  includes an  explanatory paragraph
which describes  substantial doubt  concerning  the ability  of the  Company  to
continue  as a going concern.  The Company may incur  losses for the foreseeable
future due to the significant costs associated with manufacturing, marketing and
distributing its laser products  and due to  continual research and  development
activities  which will be  necessary to develop  additional applications for the
Company's  laser  technology.  See  "Management's  Discussion  and  Analysis  of
Financial  Condition  and Results  of Operations"  and "Financial  Statements --
Report of Independent Accountants."
 
    UNCERTAINTIES CONCERNING  FUTURE PROFITABILITY.   The  Company's ability  to
achieve  profitability  will depend,  in  part, on  its  ability to  continue to
successfully develop clinical applications  and obtain regulatory approvals  for
its products and to develop the capacity to manufacture and market such products
on  a  wide scale.  There  is no  assurance  that the  Company  will be  able to
successfully make the transition from research and development to  manufacturing
and selling commercial medical laser products on a broad basis. While attempting
to  make this transition, the Company will be subject to all risks inherent in a
growing venture, including the need to produce reliable and effective  products,
develop  marketing  expertise and  enlarge  its sales  force.  See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
 
    UNCERTAIN MARKET ACCEPTANCE.  The  Company's future sales are dependent,  in
part,  on the Company's ability to demonstrate to dentists, ophthalmologists and
other physicians  the potential  cost and  performance advantages  of its  laser
systems  over traditional  methods of  treatment and,  to a  lesser extent, over
competitive laser systems.  To date,  commercial sales of  the Company's  lasers
have  been limited, and no assurance can  be given that these laser products can
be successfully commercialized  on a broad  basis. Lasers have  not been  widely
used  in dentistry and their use requires training and expertise. The acceptance
of dental  lasers may  be adversely  affected by  their high  cost, concerns  by
patients and dentists relating to their safety and efficacy, and the substantial
market acceptance and penetration of alternative dental tools such as the dental
drill.  Current economic pressure may make  dentists and physicians reluctant to
purchase substantial capital equipment or invest in new technology. The  failure
of  medical  lasers to  achieve broad  market acceptance  would have  a material
adverse effect on  the Company's  business, financial condition  and results  of
operations. No assurance can be given that any of the Company's products will be
accepted  by  the  medical  or  dental  community  or  by  patients,  or  that a
significant market  for  the  Company's  laser systems  will  be  developed  and
sustained. The Company currently has a limited sales force and will need to hire
additional sales and marketing personnel to facilitate the general acceptance of
its products. See "Business -- Market Overview."
 
    DEPENDENCE  ON  SUPPLIERS.   The  Company purchases  certain  raw materials,
components and subassemblies included in  the Company's products from a  limited
group  of qualified suppliers  and does not  maintain long-term supply contracts
with any of its  key suppliers. The disruption  or termination of these  sources
could  have a material adverse  effect on the Company's  business and results of
operations. For example, during fiscal 1994, the Company's sole supplier of  the
specialized  optic fiber required for use  in the Company's Er:YAG lasers ceased
to provide this fiber to the Company. The
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
Company's inability to obtain sufficient quantities of this specialized  optical
fiber  had a material adverse effect on  the volume of Er:YAG lasers the Company
was able to sell during fiscal 1994 and 1995. The Company's arrangement with the
supplier of  its Arago  argon laser  terminates in  November 1996,  and if  this
arrangement  is not renewed and  the Company is unable  to secure another source
for this  argon laser,  the Company's  results of  operations may  be  adversely
affected.  There can be  no assurance that  this or any  other supplier could be
replaced in a timely manner. Any interruption  in the supply of these and  other
key  components can have a  material adverse effect on  the Company's ability to
manufacture its products and, consequently, on its business, financial condition
and results of operations. See "Business -- Manufacturing and Materials."
 
    RISKS APPLICABLE TO FOREIGN SALES.  For the years ended March 31, 1994, 1995
and 1996, sales to foreign markets accounted for approximately 22%, 63% and 40%,
respectively, of the Company's  net sales. Foreign sales  expose the Company  to
certain risks, including the difficulty and expense of maintaining foreign sales
distribution  channels,  barriers to  trade,  potential fluctuations  in foreign
currency exchange  rates, political  and economic  instability, availability  of
suitable  export financing, accounts receivable collections, tariff regulations,
quotas, shipping delays, foreign taxes, export licensing requirements and  other
United  States and foreign regulations  that may apply to  the export of medical
lasers. The regulation of medical  devices worldwide also continues to  develop,
and  there can  be no assurance  that new laws  or regulations will  not have an
adverse  effect  on  the  Company.  In  addition,  the  Company  may  experience
additional  difficulties in providing  prompt and cost  effective service of its
medical lasers  in  foreign countries.  The  Company does  not  carry  insurance
against  such  risks. The  occurrence of  any one  or more  of these  events may
individually or  in  the aggregate  have  a  material adverse  effect  upon  the
Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. See "Business
- -- Marketing, Sales and Service."
 
    RISK  OF TECHNOLOGICAL  OBSOLESCENCE.   The markets  in which  the Company's
laser products compete are subject to rapid technological change, as well as the
potential development of alternative  surgical techniques or new  pharmaceutical
products.  Such  changes could  render the  Company's products  uncompetitive or
obsolete. The Company will be required to invest in research and development  to
attempt  to maintain and enhance its existing products and develop new products.
No assurances  can be  given that  such research  and development  efforts  will
result  in  the  introduction  of  new  products  or  product  improvements. See
"Business -- Research and Development."
 
    DEPENDENCE ON PATENTS  AND PROPRIETARY  TECHNOLOGY.   The Company's  success
will  depend, in part, on  its ability to obtain  patent protection for products
and processes, to preserve its trade  secrets and to operate without  infringing
the  proprietary rights  of third  parties. The  Company holds  19 United States
patents and has  other patent  applications pending  in the  United States.  The
Company  also holds 13  foreign patents including two  utility model patents and
has other foreign patent  applications pending. No assurance  can be given  that
any  additional United States or foreign patents  will be issued, that the scope
of any patent protection will exclude  competitors or that any of the  Company's
patents  will be held valid if subsequently challenged. Further, there can be no
assurance that others will not independently develop similar products, duplicate
the Company's products or  design products that circumvent  any patents used  by
the  Company. The Company  is aware of  certain patents which,  along with other
patents that may exist or be granted in the future, could restrict the Company's
right to  market  certain of  its  technologies without  a  license,  including,
without  limitation,  patents  relating  to  the  Company's  lens emulsification
product and ophthalmic probes for the Er:YAG laser. In the past, the Company has
received allegations that certain of the Company's laser products infringe other
patents. There has been significant patent litigation in the medical industry in
general, and in the medical laser industry in particular. Adverse determinations
in litigation or  other patent  proceedings to which  the Company  may become  a
party  could  subject  the  Company  to  significant  legal  judgments  or other
liabilities to third parties and could require the Company to seek licenses from
third parties  that may  or may  not be  economically viable.  Patent and  other
intellectual  property  rights  disputes  often  are  settled  through licensing
arrangements. No assurance can be given  that any licenses required under  these
or  any  other  patents  or  proprietary  rights  would  be  available  on terms
acceptable to  the Company,  if at  all. If  the Company  does not  obtain  such
licenses,  it could encounter delays in  product introductions while it attempts
to design around such patents, or it
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
could find that the development, manufacture or sale of products requiring  such
licenses  could be enjoined. If the Company  is found, in a legal proceeding, to
have infringed the patents  or other proprietary rights  of others, it could  be
liable  for significant damages.  The Company also  relies upon unpatented trade
secrets, and  no assurance  can  be given  that  others will  not  independently
develop or otherwise acquire substantially equivalent trade secrets.
 
    POTENTIAL  CHARGES RESULTING  FROM WRITE-OFFS OF  INTANGIBLES.   At June 30,
1996, the Company's  financial statements  reflect patents,  licenses and  other
intangible  assets in the  approximate net amount of  $7,211,072 which amount is
being amortized over the next two to 15 years. Accordingly, the Company  expects
to  recognize a charge to earnings of approximately $700,000 for the fiscal year
ending March 31, 1997, and expects to continue to recognize substantial  charges
to earnings in subsequent fiscal years. In addition, at each balance sheet date,
the  Company is required to  review the value of  its intangible assets based on
various factors, such as changes in technology. Any adjustment downward in  such
value may result in a write-off of the intangible asset and a substantial charge
to earnings, thereby adversely affecting the operating results of the Company in
the future.
 
    NEED FOR FDA AND FOREIGN GOVERNMENTAL APPROVALS; GOVERNMENT REGULATION.  The
Company's products are regulated as medical devices by the FDA under the Federal
Food,  Drug and  Cosmetic Act  (the "FDC  Act") and  the regulations promulgated
thereunder. As  such,  these devices  require  either Section  510(k)  premarket
clearance  ("510(k)") or approval of a premarket approval application ("PMA") by
the FDA  prior  to  commercialization.  Satisfaction  of  applicable  regulatory
requirements  may take  several years  and varies  substantially based  upon the
type, complexity and novelty of such devices, as well as the clinical procedure.
There can be no assurance that some  of the Company's products will not  require
the  more rigorous  and time  consuming PMA  approval, including  laser uses for
vasovasotomy or other  tissue melding,  dental hard  tissue, cavity  prevention,
cosmetic surgery, sclerostomy and lens emulsification, among others. Filings and
governmental  approvals may be required in  foreign countries before the devices
can be  marketed in  these countries.  There can  be no  assurance that  further
clinical  trials of the Company's medical lasers  or of any future products will
be successfully completed or, if they  are completed, that any requisite FDA  or
foreign  governmental clearances  or approvals  will be  obtained. FDA  or other
governmental clearances or approvals of products developed by the Company in the
future may  require substantial  filing fees  which could  limit the  number  of
applications  sought by the Company and  may entail limitations on the indicated
uses for which such products may  be marketed. In addition, approved or  cleared
products may be subject to additional testing and surveillance programs required
by  the FDA and other regulatory  agencies, and product approvals and clearances
could be withdrawn  for failure to  comply with regulatory  standards or by  the
occurrence of unforeseen problems following initial marketing. Also, the Company
has  made modifications to  certain of its  existing products which  it does not
believe require the submission of a new 510(k) notification to the FDA. However,
there can  be  no  assurance  that  the  FDA  would  agree  with  the  Company's
determination  and not require the Company  to discontinue marketing one or more
of the modified devices until they have been cleared by the FDA. There also  can
be no assurance that any such clearance of modifications would be granted should
it  become  necessary. The  Company  is also  required  to adhere  to applicable
requirements for current Good Manufacturing Practices ("cGMP") and  radiological
health  requirements, to engage in extensive record keeping and reporting and to
comply  with   the  FDA's   product   labeling,  promotional   and   advertising
requirements.  Noncompliance with state, local,  federal or foreign requirements
can result  in  fines,  injunctions,  civil  penalties,  recall  or  seizure  of
products, total or partial suspension of production, delay, denial or withdrawal
of  premarket clearance or approval of  devices, recommendations by the FDA that
the Company not  be allowed  to enter  into government  contracts, and  criminal
prosecution,  all of which would have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business,  financial  condition  and   results  of  operations.  The   Company's
manufacturing  facilities  are  subject  to periodic  inspections  by  state and
federal agencies,  including  the  FDA,  the  California  Department  of  Health
Services,   and  comparable  agencies  in  other  countries.  See  "Business  --
Government Regulation."
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
    DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL.  The  Company depends to a considerable  degree
on  a  limited number  of key  personnel, including  Colette Cozean,  Ph.D., its
Chairman of  the  Board, Chief  Executive  Officer, President  and  Director  of
Research.  Dr. Cozean is also an inventor  of a number of the Company's patented
technologies.  During  the  Company's   limited  operating  history,  many   key
responsibilities  within the  Company have been  assigned to  a relatively small
number of individuals.  The loss of  Dr. Cozean's services  or those of  certain
other  members of management could adversely affect the Company. The Company has
no long-term employment agreements  with its key personnel.  The success of  the
Company will also depend, among other factors, on the successful recruitment and
retention of qualified technical and other personnel. See "Management."
 
    HIGHLY  COMPETITIVE  INDUSTRY.   The medical  laser  industry is  subject to
intense competition  and is  characterized by  rapid technological  change.  The
Company  is  and will  continue to  be  subject to  competition in  its targeted
markets, principally from  businesses providing other  traditional surgical  and
nonsurgical treatments, including existing and developing technologies, and to a
lesser  extent competitors' CO(2), argon, diode,  Er:YAG and Nd:YAG lasers. Many
of the Company's competitors have substantially greater financial, marketing and
manufacturing resources  and  experience  than  the  Company.  Furthermore,  the
Company  expects other companies will enter  the market, particularly as medical
lasers gain increasing market acceptance. Significant competitive factors  which
will  affect  future  sales  in the  marketplace  include  regulatory approvals,
performance, pricing  and  general  market acceptance.  See  "--  Dependence  on
Suppliers" and "Business -- Competition."
 
    POTENTIAL   FLUCTUATIONS  IN  QUARTERLY  OPERATING  RESULTS.    Due  to  the
relatively high sales  price of the  Company's laser systems  and the low  sales
unit  volume,  minor  timing  differences in  receipt  of  customer  orders have
produced and could  continue to  produce significant  fluctuations in  quarterly
results.  In addition, if anticipated sales and  shipments in any quarter do not
occur   when   expected,   expenditures   and   inventory   levels   could    be
disproportionately  high, and the Company's  operating results for that quarter,
and potentially  for future  quarters, would  be adversely  affected.  Quarterly
results  may  also  fluctuate based  on  a  variety of  other  factors,  such as
seasonality, production  delays, product  mix, cancellation  or rescheduling  of
orders,  new  product announcements  by  competitors, receipt  of  clearances or
approvals by the Company  or its competitors, notices  of product suspension  or
recall,  the Company's ability  to manage product  transitions, sales prices and
market  conditions.  In  addition,  if  the  Company  expands  or  augments  its
manufacturing  capabilities in connection with the introduction of new products,
quarterly revenues and operating  results are expected to  fluctuate to an  even
greater degree. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations."
 
    UNCERTAIN  ABILITY  TO  MEET  CAPITAL  NEEDS.    The  Company  will  require
substantial  additional  funds  for  its  research  and  development   programs,
preclinical  and  clinical testing,  development of  its sales  and distribution
force, operating expenses, regulatory processes and manufacturing and  marketing
programs.  The Company's capital  requirements will depend  on numerous factors,
including the  progress of  its research  and development  programs, results  of
preclinical  and  clinical  testing, the  time  and cost  involved  in obtaining
regulatory approvals, the cost of  filing, prosecuting, defending and  enforcing
any   patent   claims  and   other   intellectual  property   rights,  competing
technological and market developments, developments and changes in the Company's
existing research, licensing and  other relationships and the  terms of any  new
collaborative,  licensing and other arrangements that the Company may establish.
The Company believes that  the net proceeds of  the Offering, together with  its
available  short-term assets and  investment income, will  be sufficient to meet
its operating expenses and capital expenditures through the next 12 months.  See
"Use  of  Proceeds"  and  "Management's  Discussion  and  Analysis  of Financial
Condition and  Results  of  Operations  --  Liquidity  and  Capital  Resources."
However,  the Company's  cash requirements  may vary  materially from  those now
planned due  to potential  future  acquisitions, the  progress of  research  and
development  programs, results of clinical testing, relationships with strategic
partners, if any, competitive  and technological advances,  the FDA and  foreign
regulatory processes and other factors. There can be no assurance, however, that
additional  financing will  be available when  needed, or if  available, will be
available on acceptable terms. Insufficient  funds may prevent the Company  from
implementing its business strategy or may
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
require  the Company to delay,  scale back or eliminate  certain of its research
and product  development programs  or  to license  to  third parties  rights  to
commercialize  products or technologies that the Company would otherwise seek to
develop itself.
 
    BROAD DISCRETION  OVER  USE OF  PROCEEDS.   The  Company  intends to  use  a
substantial  portion of the net proceeds of the Offering to expand the Company's
marketing and distribution capabilities through internal development,  strategic
alliances and acquisitions. In addition, the Company may use of a portion of the
net  proceeds  to  increase  its  available  technologies  or  products  through
acquisitions, capital and research and development expenditures or a combination
or both. Management's allocation decisions concerning such net proceeds will  be
dependent  upon  a variety  of factors,  including the  progress and  results of
clinical trials, the  timing of  receipt of regulatory  approvals and  potential
strategic  alliances and acquisitions. The Company is not engaged in discussions
relating to any acquisitions and has not  yet determined the extent to which  it
will  expand  its  marketing, distribution,  technologies  and  products through
acquisitions or strategic alliances,  as contrasted with  internal growth. As  a
result,  a  significant  portion  of  the net  proceeds  will  be  available for
acquisitions and  projects  that  are  not yet  identified,  and  the  Board  of
Directors  will have  broad discretion with  respect to the  application of such
proceeds. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to  consummate
acquisitions   or  identify  and  arrange   projects  that  meet  the  Company's
requirements. Approximately $500,000 of the net proceeds will be used to pay  in
full  a  note  due  to Pfizer  HPG  which  is secured  by  certain  tangible and
intangible assets  of the  Company. The  Company  has not  made a  payment  with
respect  to this note that was due in  July 1996, but is attempting to negotiate
an extension of this payment date. No assurance can be given, however, that such
extension will be granted  or that Pfizer  will not seek  to enforce its  rights
under such note. See "Use of Proceeds."
 
    POSSIBLE  VOLATILITY OF STOCK PRICE.  The stock market has from time to time
experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are unrelated to  the
operating  performance of particular companies.  These broad market fluctuations
may adversely affect the market price of the Company's securities. In  addition,
the market price of the Company's securities has been and is likely to be highly
volatile.  Factors  such as  fluctuations  in the  Company's  operating results,
announcements of technological innovations or new products by the Company or its
competitors, FDA and international regulatory actions, developments with respect
to patents or proprietary  rights, public concern as  to the safety of  products
developed  by the Company or  its competitors, changes in  health care policy in
the United  States and  internationally,  changes in  analysts'  recommendations
regarding  the Company,  other medical companies  or the  medical laser industry
generally and general  market conditions may  have a significant  effect on  the
market price of the Company's securities. See "Price Range of Securities."
 
    PRODUCT  LIABILITY  EXPOSURE.   The  sale  of the  Company's  laser products
involves the inherent risk of product liability claims against the Company.  The
Company  currently maintains product liability  insurance coverage in the amount
of $5 million per occurrence and $5 million in the aggregate, but such insurance
is expensive, subject to various coverage  exclusions and may not be  obtainable
by the Company in the future on terms acceptable to the Company. There can be no
assurance  that claims against the Company  arising with respect to its products
will be successfully defended or that the insurance carried by the Company  will
be  sufficient to cover liabilities arising from such claims. A successful claim
against the Company 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."
 
    LIMITATIONS ON THIRD PARTY REIMBURSEMENT.  The Company's laser products  are
generally purchased by physicians, dentists and surgical centers which then bill
various  third party payors,  such as government  programs and private insurance
plans, for  the  procedures conducted  with  the Company's  lasers.  Third-party
payors  carefully review and are increasingly challenging the prices charged for
medical products and services. Reimbursement  rates from private companies  vary
depending  on the procedure performed, the third-party payor, the insurance plan
and other  factors.  Medicare reimburses  hospitals  a  prospectively-determined
fixed amount for the costs associated with an in-patient
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
hospitalization  based  on  the patient's  discharge  diagnosis,  and reimburses
physicians a  prospectively-determined  fixed  amount  based  on  the  procedure
performed,  regardless of the actual costs incurred by the hospital or physician
in furnishing  the care  and unrelated  to  the specific  devices used  in  that
procedure. Third-party payors are increasingly scrutinizing whether to cover new
products  and the level  of reimbursement for covered  products. Payors may deny
coverage and reimbursement for the Company's products if they determine that the
device was not  reasonable and  necessary for the  purpose for  which used,  was
investigational  or not cost-effective.  As a result, there  can be no assurance
that reimbursement  from  third  party  payors  for  these  procedures  will  be
available  or  if available,  that reimbursement  will  not be  limited, thereby
adversely affecting the Company's ability to  sell its products on a  profitable
basis.   Moreover,  the  Company  is  unable  to  predict  what  legislation  or
regulation, if any, relating to the health care industry or third-party coverage
and reimbursement may be enacted in the future, or what effect such  legislation
or regulation may have on the Company.
 
    UNCERTAINTIES  REGARDING HEALTH CARE REFORM.   Several states and the United
States government  are investigating  a variety  of alternatives  to reform  the
health care delivery system and further reduce and control health care spending.
These  reform efforts include  proposals to limit spending  on health care items
and services, limit coverage for new  technology and limit or control the  price
health  care providers  and drug and  device manufacturers may  charge for their
services and products.  If adopted and  implemented, such reforms  could have  a
material  adverse  effect on  the  Company's business,  financial  condition and
results of operations. See "Business -- Government Regulation."
 
    CHARGE TO EARNINGS IN THE  EVENT OF RELEASE OF  ESCROW SHARES.  The  Company
has outstanding 1,256,818 shares of each of Class E-1 and Class E-2 Common Stock
which  are being held by the Company in  escrow, and which will be released from
escrow and converted into shares of Class A Common Stock if certain criteria are
met. In  the event  any of  these criteria  are met  and any  Escrow Shares  are
released  from escrow to shareholders who  are officers, directors, employees or
consultants of the Company, a  substantial noncash compensation expense will  be
recorded  for financial reporting purposes. The recognition of such compensation
expense may  have  an  adverse effect  on  the  market price  of  the  Company's
securities. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results  of  Operations  --  Potential  Future  Charge  to  Income,"  "Principal
Shareholders" and "Description of Securities -- Common Stock."
 
    SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE; POTENTIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON MARKET PRICE OF
CLASS  A  COMMON  STOCK  RESULTING  FROM  EFFECT  OF  OUTSTANDING  OPTIONS   AND
WARRANTS.   Sales of a  substantial number of shares of  Class A Common Stock in
the public market following the Offering could adversely affect the market price
for the Class A Common Stock. Other than 161,352 shares of Class A Common  Stock
held  by the  Company's officers, directors  and certain  shareholders which are
subject to  13 month  lock-up  agreements, substantially  all of  the  Company's
6,840,554  shares of Class A  Common Stock to be  outstanding upon completion of
the Offering  will be  freely tradeable,  including the  shares offered  hereby,
3,708,997  registered shares of Class A  Common Stock which have been previously
registered under the Securities Act and 1,041,557 unregistered shares of Class A
Common Stock which may be sold in  the public market subject to compliance  with
Rule  144 promulgated under the Securities  Act. An additional 11,367,347 shares
of Common Stock are issuable upon the full exercise of the Company's outstanding
publicly traded  Warrants, and  2,380,336 shares  of Class  A Common  Stock  are
issuable  upon exercise of other outstanding  warrants and options. The issuance
of shares upon the exercise of  the outstanding Warrants, the IPO Unit  Purchase
Options  and options under the 1995 Stock  Option Plan has been registered under
the Securities Act,  and 718,680 shares  of Class A  Common Stock issuable  upon
exercise  of the remaining options  and warrants may be  resold pursuant to Rule
701 under  the  Securities  Act.  The existence  of  the  Company's  outstanding
warrants  and options  could adversely  affect the  Company's ability  to obtain
future financing. The price which the Company may receive for the Class A Common
Stock issued upon exercise of such options and warrants will likely be less than
the market  price of  the Class  A Common  Stock at  the time  such options  and
warrants  are exercised. Moreover, the holders of the options and warrants might
be expected  to  exercise  them  at  a time  when  the  Company  would,  in  all
likelihood, be able to obtain
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
needed  capital by a new offering of its securities on terms more favorable than
those provided for by the options and warrants. See "Management -- Stock  Option
Plans" and "Shares Eligible for Future Sale."
 
    POTENTIAL  ANTI-TAKEOVER EFFECTS OF PREFERRED STOCK.  The Company's Articles
of Incorporation authorize  the issuance  of 8,850,000 shares  of "blank  check"
preferred  stock, which will  have such designations,  rights and preferences as
may be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors. Accordingly,  the
Board  of  Directors  is  empowered,  without  shareholder  approval,  to  issue
preferred stock with dividend, liquidation,  conversion, voting or other  rights
which  could adversely affect the voting power or other rights of the holders of
the Company's Common Stock. In the  event of such issuance, the preferred  stock
could  be utilized,  under certain circumstances,  as a  method of discouraging,
delaying or preventing a change in  control of the Company. See "Description  of
Securities -- Preferred Stock."
 
    POTENTIAL  ADVERSE EFFECT OF  REDEMPTION OF CLASS  B WARRANTS.   The Class B
Warrants may be redeemed by the Company at any time commencing November 30, 1997
at a redemption price of  $.05 per Class B Warrant  upon 30 days' notice if  the
average  closing  bid prices  (or  last sales  prices  if listed  on  a national
securities exchange)  of  the  Class  A  Common  Stock  exceeds  $11.20  for  30
consecutive  trading days  ending within  15 days  of the  notice of redemption.
Redemption of the Class B Warrants could  force the holders (i) to exercise  the
Class  B  Warrants  and  pay  the  exercise price  at  a  time  when  it  may be
disadvantageous for the holders to do so,  (ii) to sell the Class B Warrants  at
the then current market price when they might otherwise wish to hold the Class B
Warrants, or (iii) to accept the nominal redemption price, which is likely to be
substantially  less than the market value of the Class B Warrants at the time of
redemption. See "Description of Securities -- Redeemable Warrants."
 
    CURRENT  PROSPECTUS   AND   STATE   REGISTRATION   TO   EXERCISE   CLASS   B
WARRANTS.   Holders of  Class B Warrants  will be able  to exercise the warrants
only if  (i) a  current prospectus  under  the Securities  Act relating  to  the
securities  underlying the  Class B  Warrants is  then in  effect and  (ii) such
securities are  qualified  for  sale  or exempt  from  qualification  under  the
applicable securities laws of the states in which the various holders of Class B
Warrants reside. Although the Company has undertaken and intends to use its best
efforts  to maintain a current prospectus covering the securities underlying the
Class B Warrants following completion of the Offering to the extent required  by
federal securities laws, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able
to  do  so. The  value of  the  Class B  Warrants may  be  greatly reduced  if a
prospectus covering the  securities issuable upon  the exercise of  the Class  B
Warrants  is not kept current or if  the securities are not qualified, or exempt
from qualification,  in the  states in  which the  holders of  Class B  Warrants
reside.  Persons holding Class  B Warrants who reside  in jurisdictions in which
such securities are not  qualified and in  which there is  no exemption will  be
unable  to exercise their Class  B Warrants and would  either have to sell their
Class B Warrants in the open market or allow them to expire unexercised. If  and
when  the Class B Warrants  become redeemable by the  terms thereof, the Company
may exercise its redemption right even if it is unable to qualify the underlying
securities for sale under all applicable state securities laws. See "Description
of Securities -- Redeemable Warrants."
 
    POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECT ON LIQUIDITY OF THE COMPANY'S SECURITIES DUE TO  THE
INVESTIGATION  OF D.H. BLAIR INVESTMENT BANKING CORP. AND D.H. BLAIR & CO., INC.
BY THE SECURITIES  AND EXCHANGE  COMMISSION.   The Commission  is conducting  an
investigation concerning various business activities of the Underwriter and D.H.
Blair  & Co., Inc. ("Blair & Co."), a selling group member which will distribute
substantially all of the Units offered  hereby. The investigation appears to  be
broad  in scope,  involving numerous  aspects of  the Underwriter's  and Blair &
Co.'s compliance  with  the federal  securities  laws and  compliance  with  the
federal  securities laws  by issuers whose  securities were  underwritten by the
Underwriter or Blair  & Co., or  in which the  Underwriter or Blair  & Co.  made
over-the-counter  markets, persons  associated with  the Underwriter  or Blair &
Co., such  issuers  and other  persons.  The Company  has  been advised  by  the
Underwriter that the investigation has been ongoing since at least 1989 and that
the Underwriter is cooperating with the investigation. The
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
Underwriter  cannot predict whether  this investigation will  ever result in any
type of formal enforcement action against the Underwriter or Blair & Co., or, if
so, whether any  such action might  have an adverse  effect on the  Underwriter,
Blair  & Co. or the securities offered hereby. The Company has been advised that
Blair & Co., which has  continued to make a  market in the Company's  securities
since  the  IPO,  intends to  make  a  market in  the  securities  following the
Offering. An unfavorable resolution of the Commission's investigation could have
the effect of limiting  such firm's ability  to make a  market in the  Company's
securities,  which could affect  the liquidity or price  of such securities. See
"-- Adverse Effect on Liquidity Associated with Possible Restrictions on  Market
Making Activities in the Company's Securities" and "Underwriting."
 
    ADVERSE  EFFECT ON LIQUIDITY ASSOCIATED WITH POSSIBLE RESTRICTIONS ON MARKET
MAKING ACTIVITIES IN THE COMPANY'S SECURITIES.  The Underwriter has advised  the
Company  that Blair & Co. intends to continue  to make a market in the Company's
securities. Rule 10b-6 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1934, as  amended
(the "Exchange Act") may prohibit Blair & Co. from engaging in any market-making
activities  with  regard to  the  Company's securities  for  a period  from nine
business days (or such other applicable period as Rule 10b-6 may provide)  prior
to any solicitation by the Underwriter of the exercise of the Warrants until the
later  of the termination  of such solicitation activity  or the termination (by
waiver or otherwise) of any right that the Underwriter may have to receive a fee
for the exercise of Warrants following  such solicitation. As a result, Blair  &
Co.  may  be unable  to provide  a  market for  the Company's  securities during
certain periods while the Warrants  are exercisable. Any temporary cessation  of
such  market-making activities could have an  adverse effect on the market price
of the Company's securities.
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
    The net proceeds  to the Company  from the  sale of the  11,000 Units  being
offered   hereby  are  estimated  to  be   $9,200,000  (or  $10,676,750  if  the
Underwriter's Over-Allotment  Option  is  exercised  in  full)  after  deducting
underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses payable by the Company.
 
    The  Company intends  to use the  net proceeds  of the Offering  to fund the
expansion of the  Company's marketing and  distribution capabilities,  including
distribution   into  international  markets,   through  acquisitions,  strategic
alliances or internal development. The Company also plans to invest in inventory
and demonstration  or loaner  equipment,  and to  fund additional  research  and
development including further clinical trials.
 
    The Company also plans to use approximately $1.6 million of the net proceeds
of  the Offering to repay  outstanding indebtedness including approximately $1.1
million  in  trade   payables  and  approximately   $500,000  representing   the
outstanding  principal and unpaid accrued interest  on a promissory note payable
to Pfizer HPG representing acquisition  indebtedness, which note bears  interest
at the rate of 10.0% per annum, and matures on the closing of the Offering.
 
    The remaining proceeds are expected to be used for working capital and other
general  corporate  purposes,  including possible  strategic  alliances  with or
acquisitions of businesses that may provide distributor networks,  complementary
products  or  an  international  presence. There  are  no  present negotiations,
agreements or understandings with  respect to any  such acquisitions. Because  a
significant  portion of the net proceeds  will be available for acquisitions and
projects that are  not yet identified,  the Board of  Directors will have  broad
discretion  with respect to  the application of  such proceeds. There  can be no
assurance that the Company  will be able to  identify and arrange projects  that
meet the Company's requirements or to consummate any such acquisition.
 
    Pending  the application of such proceeds, the Company intends to invest the
net proceeds of the Offering in  bank deposits and short-term, investment  grade
securities.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
                           PRICE RANGE OF SECURITIES
 
    The  Company's Class A Common  Stock, Class A Warrants  and Class B Warrants
are quoted on the  Nasdaq National Market under  the symbols "PLSIA," PLSIW  and
"PLSIZ,"  respectively. Prior to May 1, 1995, the Company's Class A Common Stock
and Warrants were listed on the  Nasdaq SmallCap Market under the same  symbols.
The  Company's IPO  Units are  listed on  the Nasdaq  SmallCap Market  under the
symbol "PLSIU." The following table sets forth, for the quarters indicated,  the
high  and low bid  prices of the Company's  Class A Common  Stock, IPO Units and
Warrants on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market through April 30, 1995, and the high  and
low  last sale  prices of the  Class A Common  Stock and Warrants  on the Nasdaq
National Market thereafter.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   CLASS A              CLASS A              CLASS B
                                                                 COMMON STOCK           WARRANTS             WARRANTS
                                                              ------------------   ------------------   ------------------
                                                                HIGH       LOW       HIGH       LOW       HIGH       LOW
                                                              --------   -------   --------   -------   --------   -------
<S>                                                           <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>
FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1995:
  Third Quarter (commencing November 30, 1994)..............  $  4       $ 4       $  1       $   3/4   $    1/2   $   1/2
  Fourth Quarter............................................     4 1/2     3 1/2        31/32     5/8        5/8       1/2
FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1996:
  First Quarter*............................................  $  6 3/4   $ 3 3/4   $  2 5/16  $   63/64 $    3/4   $   25/32
  Second Quarter............................................     7         5 5/8      2 1/2     1 3/4      2         1 1/2
  Third Quarter.............................................     6 1/8     5          3 1/8     1 1/2      2 3/8     1 3/8
  Fourth Quarter............................................     8 5/8     3 7/8      4 3/4     1 3/4      3         1 5/8
FISCAL YEAR ENDING MARCH 31, 1997:
  First Quarter.............................................  $ 10 3/4   $ 8       $  7 7/8   $ 3 7/8   $  3 5/8   $ 2 1/8
  Second Quarter............................................     9         6 1/8      5 7/8     3          2 3/4     1 3/8
  Third Quarter (through October 14, 1996)..................     7 3/4     6 1/4      4 5/8     3 1/8      1 3/4     1 3/16
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                     IPO
                                                                    UNITS
                                                              ------------------
                                                                HIGH       LOW
                                                              --------   -------
<S>                                                           <C>        <C>
FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1995:
  Third Quarter (commencing November 30, 1994)..............  $  7       $ 5 55/64
  Fourth Quarter............................................     6 3/4     5 5/8
FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1996:
  First Quarter*............................................  $ 10 1/8   $ 5 3/4
  Second Quarter............................................    10 1/8     9 1/4
  Third Quarter.............................................    10 1/8     8 3/4
  Fourth Quarter............................................    16         7 3/4
FISCAL YEAR ENDING MARCH 31, 1997:
  First Quarter.............................................  $ 21 3/4   $15
  Second Quarter............................................    17 1/2    10 1/4
  Third Quarter (through October 14, 1996)..................    13 1/4    10 1/2
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 *  For April 1 through April 30, 1995, the high and low bid prices of the Class
    A Common Stock Class A Warrants and Class B Warrants were $5 and $3 1/2,  $1
    and $ 15/16, and $ 3/4 and $ 1/2, respectively.
 
    The quotations in the above table reflect inter-dealer prices without retail
markups,  markdowns or commissions. In addition, for all periods prior to May 1,
1995, the quotations do not represent actual transactions.
 
    On October 14, 1996, the last reported sale prices for the Company's Class A
Common Stock, Class  A Warrants and  Class B Warrants  were $7 3/4,  $4 5/8  and
$1  3/4,  respectively, on  the  Nasdaq National  Market.  The Company  also has
outstanding Class E-1 Common Stock and Class E-2 Common Stock for which there is
no public market. See "Description of  Securities." As of October 14, 1996,  the
approximate  number of holders of record of  the Company's Class A Common Stock,
Class E-1 and Class  E-2 Common Stock  were 261, 323  and 323 respectively.  The
Company  believes that there  are a substantial  number of additional beneficial
holders of Class A Common Stock.
 
                                DIVIDEND POLICY
 
    The Company has not declared or paid any cash dividends on its capital stock
since its inception and for the foreseeable future intends to follow a policy of
retaining all of its earnings, if any, to finance the development and  continued
expansion of its business. There can be no assurance that dividends will ever be
paid  by the Company. Any  future determination as to  payment of dividends will
depend upon the Company's  financial condition, results  of operations and  such
other  factors  as  the Board  of  Directors  deems relevant.  In  addition, the
Company's credit  facility  with Silicon  Valley  Bank prohibits  the  Company's
payment   of  any  dividends  without  the  prior  consent  of  such  bank.  See
"Management's Discussion  and Analysis  of Financial  Condition and  Results  of
Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources."
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
    The following table sets forth the capitalization of the Company at June 30,
1996, and as adjusted to reflect the sale of 11,000 Units offered by the Company
hereby  and the application of the net proceeds  of the Offering as set forth at
"Use of Proceeds." The  following table should be  read in conjunction with  the
financial  statements  and related  notes  thereto appearing  elsewhere  in this
Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           AT JUNE 30, 1996
                                                                                     ----------------------------
                                                                                        ACTUAL       AS ADJUSTED
                                                                                     -------------  -------------
<S>                                                                                  <C>            <C>
Short-term debt....................................................................  $     881,195  $     400,000
                                                                                     -------------  -------------
                                                                                     -------------  -------------
Shareholders' equity:
  Preferred Stock, no par value; 8,850,000 shares authorized; no shares
   outstanding.....................................................................             --             --
  Class A Common Stock, no par value; 35,600,000 shares authorized; 4,748,758
   shares outstanding; 6,840,554 shares outstanding, as adjusted (1)(2)............     16,565,250     24,831,917
  Class E-1 Common Stock, no par value; 2,200,000 shares authorized; 1,256,818
   shares outstanding and as adjusted..............................................      4,769,878      4,769,878
  Class E-2 Common Stock, no par value; 2,200,000 shares authorized; 1,256,818
   shares outstanding and as adjusted..............................................      4,769,878      4,769,878
  Class A Warrants, 4,120,149 warrants outstanding and as adjusted.................      2,295,328      2,295,328
  Class B Warrants, 3,127,049 warrants outstanding and 4,172,049 warrants
   outstanding, as adjusted (3)....................................................        453,304      1,386,637
  Warrants to purchase Class A Common Stock........................................        192,130        192,130
  Unrealized holding gain on short-term investments................................      2,491,250      2,491,250
  Accumulated deficit..............................................................    (19,313,474)   (19,313,474)
                                                                                     -------------  -------------
    Total shareholders' equity.....................................................     12,223,544     21,423,544
                                                                                     -------------  -------------
      Total capitalization.........................................................  $  12,223,544  $  21,423,544
                                                                                     -------------  -------------
                                                                                     -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------
(1) Does not include (i)  723,796 shares of Class  A Common Stock issuable  upon
    exercise  of outstanding  options as of  October 14, 1996  granted under the
    Company's 1992 Employee Stock Option Plan,  1995 Stock Option Plan and  1996
    Stock  Option Plans;  (ii) 470,250 shares  of Class A  Common Stock issuable
    upon exercise  of the  Over-Allotment  Option (and  the underlying  Class  B
    Warrants);  (iii)  313,500  shares of  Class  A Common  Stock  issuable upon
    exercise of the Unit Purchase Option (and the underlying Class B  Warrants);
    (iv)  696,540 shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of other
    outstanding options  and warrants  to  purchase Class  A Common  Stock;  (v)
    8,240,298  shares  of Class  A Common  Stock issuable  upon exercise  of the
    Company's outstanding  publicly-held Class  A  Warrants and  the  underlying
    Class  B Warrants;  (vi) 3,127,049 shares  of Class A  Common Stock issuable
    upon exercise of the Company's  outstanding publicly-held Class B  Warrants;
    (vii)  960,000 shares of Class A Common  Stock issuable upon exercise of IPO
    Unit Purchase  Options (and  the underlying  Class A  Warrants and  Class  B
    Warrants)  granted to the  Underwriter and its  designees in connection with
    the IPO and (viii) 1,256,818  shares of each of  Class E-1 Common Stock  and
    Class  E-2 Common Stock. For a description  of the Class A Warrants, Class B
    Warrants, IPO Unit Purchase  Options, Class E-1 Common  Stock and Class  E-2
    Common  Stock, see  "Description of  Securities." For  a description  of the
    Company's  stock  option  plans  and  options  outstanding  thereunder,  see
    "Management -- Stock Option Plans."
 
(2)  As adjusted gives  effect to the issuance  of the shares  of Class A Common
    Stock included in the Units offered hereby.
 
(3) As adjusted gives effect to the issuance of the Class B Warrants included in
    the Units offered hereby.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
                            SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
    The following  table sets  forth  for the  periods indicated,  the  selected
financial  data  of the  Company  and should  be  read in  conjunction  with the
Company's Financial  Statements  and  related notes  thereto  and  "Management's
Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Financial Condition  and  Results  of Operations"
appearing elsewhere  in this  Prospectus.  The selected  financial data  of  the
Company  as of March  31, 1994, 1995 and  1996 and for each  of the fiscal years
then ended are derived from financial statements of the Company audited by Price
Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants. The balance sheet at March 31, 1996 and
the related statements of  operations, shareholders' equity  and cash flows  for
the fiscal years ended March 31, 1995 and 1996 and notes thereto are included in
this  Prospectus. The report of Price Waterhouse LLP, which also appears herein,
contains an explanatory paragraph that  describes uncertainty as to the  ability
of  the Company to continue as a going concern. The statement of operations data
presented below  for the  three months  ended June  30, 1995  and 1996  and  the
balance  sheet data  as of  June 30, 1996  are derived  from unaudited financial
statements included  elsewhere  in  this  Prospectus.  The  unaudited  financial
statements  have been  prepared by  the Company on  a basis  consistent with the
Company's  audited  financial  statements  and   include,  in  the  opinion   of
management,  all adjustments,  consisting only of  normal recurring adjustments,
necessary for a fair presentation of the information. Operating results for  the
three  months ended June 30, 1996 are  not necessarily indicative of the results
expected for any future period.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                    FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,               JUNE 30,
                                               -------------------------------------  ------------------------
                                                  1994         1995         1996         1995         1996
                                               -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                            <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
SELECTED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
  Net sales..................................  $ 2,079,335  $ 1,249,403  $ 1,704,390  $   112,564  $ 1,254,082
  Cost of sales..............................    1,753,352    1,298,420    3,324,757      450,353    1,028,611
                                               -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
  Gross profit (loss)........................      325,983      (49,017)  (1,620,367)    (337,789)     225,471
  Selling and marketing expenses.............    1,087,461    1,035,863    1,308,767      195,831      461,772
  Research and development expenses..........      678,279    1,035,705    1,213,471      255,959      126,779
  General and administrative expenses........    1,322,888    1,747,090    1,709,327      501,078      326,786
                                               -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
  Loss from operations.......................   (2,762,645)  (3,867,675)  (5,851,932)  (1,290,657)    (689,866)
  Interest (expense) income, net.............     (434,851)    (322,540)      99,037       94,449       (7,194)
                                               -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
  Loss before extraordinary items............   (3,197,496)  (4,190,215)  (5,752,895)  (1,196,208)    (697,060)
  Extraordinary gain from extinguishment of
   indebtedness..............................           --      381,730           --           --           --
                                               -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
  Net loss...................................  $(3,197,496) $(3,808,485) $(5,752,895) $(1,196,208) $  (697,060)
                                               -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                               -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA:
  Net loss...................................                            $     (1.26) $     (0.27) $     (0.15)
                                                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
  Weighted average shares outstanding (1)....                              4,556,959    4,501,899    4,719,923
  Pro forma loss before extraordinary item
   (2).......................................  $     (2.45) $     (1.59)
  Extraordinary gain from extinguishment of
   indebtedness..............................           --          .15
                                               -----------  -----------
  Pro forma net loss (2).....................  $     (2.45) $     (1.44)
                                               -----------  -----------
                                               -----------  -----------
  Pro forma weighted average shares
   outstanding (1)(2)........................    1,288,751    2,584,722
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         AT MARCH 31,               AT JUNE 30,
                                                             -------------------------------------  -----------
                                                                1994         1995         1996         1996
                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
SELECTED BALANCE SHEET DATA:
  Cash and cash equivalents................................  $   308,764  $ 5,888,237  $    35,463  $   135,881
  Working capital (3)......................................    1,287,587    6,756,149    5,818,492    4,449,812
  Total assets.............................................   12,325,029   16,883,975   15,674,568   15,670,277
  Total debt (4)...........................................    4,403,890      481,195      481,195      881,195
  Shareholders' equity.....................................    6,022,174   15,002,260   13,797,046   12,223,544
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------------
(1) Does not include 1,256,818 shares of each  of Class E-1 or Class E-2  Common
    Stock  outstanding as of March  31, 1996 and as of  June 30, 1996, which are
    subject to  cancellation under  certain circumstances.  See "Description  of
    Securities  --  Common Stock"  and  Notes 2  and  16 of  Notes  to Financial
    Statements.
 
(2) Adjusted to  give pro  forma effect  to  the conversion  of certain  of  the
    Company's  indebtedness which occurred upon completion of the Company's IPO.
    The effect  on  net  loss per  common  share  from the  conversion  of  such
    indebtedness  was to reduce historical net  loss by $37,500 and $67,995, and
    to increase weighted average shares outstanding by 76,875 and 321,099 shares
    for the fiscal years ended March 31, 1994 and 1995, respectively.
 
(3) The decrease in working capital at  June 30, 1996 is primarily  attributable
    to a decrease in the market value of short-term investments.
 
(4) Amounts for long-term debt at March 31, 1994 include $285,000 in mandatorily
    redeemable warrants.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
    The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the
Selected Financial Data and the Company's Financial Statements and related notes
thereto  appearing  elsewhere  in  this  Prospectus.  This  Prospectus  contains
forward-looking statements including, without limitation, statements  concerning
future  cost  of sales,  which involve  risks  and uncertainties.  The Company's
actual results  may differ  significantly from  the results  discussed in  these
forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause such differences include, but
are not limited to, those discussed in "Risk Factors."
 
GENERAL
 
    The  Company develops, manufactures and markets several lines of proprietary
medical lasers,  fiberoptic  delivery  systems and  associated  products  for  a
variety  of dental, ophthalmic and  surgical applications. The Company commenced
operations in August 1991,  after acquiring substantially all  of the assets  of
Pfizer  Laser Systems  ("Pfizer Laser"),  a division  of Pfizer  HPG which  is a
wholly-owned subsidiary  of Pfizer,  Inc.  The assets  acquired by  the  Company
included  the  proprietary  rights  to  a broad  base  of  laser  and fiberoptic
technologies developed by Pfizer Laser.
 
    Since its  formation  and  until  its IPO  in  December  1994,  the  Company
principally  focused on, and its research and development activities related to,
growing markets  in dentistry,  ophthalmology, cosmetic  procedures and  certain
surgical  specialties to  be used  in surgical  centers and  medical offices. To
implement this strategy, the Company  developed the Pegasus Nd:YAG dental  laser
system  from existing technology and introduced  this laser to the dental market
in February 1992. In June 1993, the Company introduced the Centauri Er:YAG laser
for ophthalmology and initiated  clinical trials for  hard tissue procedures  in
dentistry.  In  December 1993,  the Company  acquired  from Proclosure,  Inc., a
Florida corporation ("Proclosure"), certain  technology, assets and  proprietary
rights  relating to  a 1.32m  Nd:YAG laser system  for tissue  melding. From its
formation in 1991 through its IPO, the Company developed and received regulatory
approvals for 15 models of  lasers and sold certain  of those products for  soft
tissue  applications in  dentistry and as  part of clinical  trials conducted by
third parties.
 
    After the  Company's  IPO  in  December  1994,  the  Company  increased  its
inventory,  acquired the  distribution rights to  two new dental  lasers and, in
December 1995, expanded its dental sales force. In September and November  1995,
the  Company acquired rights  to market and  distribute the Arago  and MOD argon
lasers, respectively for dental applications, and in February 1996, the  Company
introduced  and began  shipping its  Aurora diode  laser for  soft tissue dental
applications.
 
    While the Company has received clearance to market laser products covering a
variety of medical applications, to date  the Company has focused its  research,
development   and  marketing  efforts  on  a   limited  number  of  products  or
applications (principally  specific  dental  and  ophthalmic  applications).  As
future  resources  permit,  the  Company  may  introduce  certain  products  for
applications for  which it  already  has all  necessary  approvals or  may  seek
strategic alliances to develop, market and distribute such products.
 
    The  Company has recorded operating losses in each of the fiscal years since
its formation, resulting principally from substantial costs incurred in research
and development activities and obtaining regulatory approvals, together with the
absence of significant revenues to date  primarily due to the Company's  limited
marketing  and financial  resources, the  Company's inability  to obtain certain
critical components  and lasers  from  time to  time,  and until  recently,  the
limited  acceptance of lasers in the medical industry, in general. The report of
the  Company's  independent  accountants   includes  an  explanatory   paragraph
describing  substantial doubt concerning the ability  of the Company to continue
as a going concern. The Company believes, however, that its presently  available
short-term assets, expected revenues from operations and the net proceeds of the
Offering will provide sufficient working capital through the next 12 months. See
"-- Liquidity and Capital Resources."
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
    QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 COMPARED TO QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 1995
 
    The  Company's net  sales for  the quarter  ended June  30, 1996  (the "1996
Quarter") increased 1,014.1% to $1,254,082  from $112,564 for the quarter  ended
June  30, 1995 (the  "1995 Quarter"). The increase  is primarily attributable to
continued growth in sales in the  dental market, principally from the  Company's
three new products, which accounted for $855,654 of the increase. Sales of other
dental,  surgical and ophthalmic products increased by 325.2% to $331,651 in the
1996 Quarter from  $78,005 in  the 1995 Quarter  and included  initial sales  to
Mattan  Corporation (Medical Laser Institute of  America) ("Mattan") for its new
laser centers.
 
    Cost of  sales increased  128.4%  to $1,028,611  in  the 1996  Quarter  from
$450,353  in the  1995 Quarter. This  increase was directly  attributable to the
increase in sales and included a fee of $87,545 to a third party pursuant to the
Company's manufacturing arrangement  relating to  the argon MOD  laser. Cost  of
sales  related to sales  to Mattan were  95% of the  amount of the corresponding
sales due  to the  fact that  the  products sold  were purchased  from  original
equipment  manufacturers, instead  of being manufactured  by the  Company. It is
intended that  as  additional centers  are  opened, the  Company  will  commence
manufacturing  of the lasers  and cost of sales  will only include manufacturing
costs. If production volumes increase in future periods, management  anticipates
higher  absorption  of  manufacturing  costs and  increased  utilization  of the
Company's manufacturing personnel,  which could lead  to positive gross  margins
based  upon management's current  calculation of the  Company's standard cost of
sales for fiscal  1996. There  can be  no assurance  that the  Company will,  in
future periods, achieve positive gross margins, or that the assumptions on which
standard cost of sales is computed will be realized by the Company.
 
    Selling  and marketing  expenses increased  135.8% to  $461,772 in  the 1996
Quarter  from  $195,831  for  the  1995  Quarter.  The  increase  was  primarily
attributable  to marketing  and sales  efforts related  to the  Company's dental
products. These expenses  primarily included increased  commissions and  related
selling  expenses,  expenses  of  sales  and  marketing  personnel,  trade  show
attendance and advertising expenses. Sales and marketing expenses also  included
expenses  relating to the initial  showing of the Company's  Er:YAG laser at the
annual meeting of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons.
 
    Research and development expenses  decreased 50.5% to  $126,779 in the  1996
Quarter  from $255,959 in  the 1995 Quarter.  This net decrease  resulted from a
$397,634 cash  reimbursement  received by  the  Company from  a  Small  Business
Innovative  Research  ("SBIR") Grant  which  was partially  offset  by increased
clinical trial costs for certain  ophthalmic applications and expenses  incurred
in the development of the argon MOD laser.
 
    General  and administrative expenses decreased 34.8% to $326,786 in the 1996
Quarter  from  $501,078  in  the  1995  Quarter.  The  decrease  was   primarily
attributable  to a  $58,637 reduction in  annual report  production and printing
expenses which have  been delayed,  and a $50,423  reduction in  "out-of-pocket"
legal  expenses associated with the Company's  litigation with a former supplier
of optical fiber (the "Fiber Litigation").
 
    Net interest income decreased 107.6%, to a net interest expense of $7,194 in
the 1996  Quarter from  net interest  income  of $94,449  in the  1995  Quarter,
reflecting  the  decreased  cash available  for  the  Company to  invest  and an
increase in borrowings under the  Company's credit facility with Silicon  Valley
Bank (the "Credit Facility"). See "-- Liquidity and Capital Resources."
 
    Net  loss decreased 41.7% to $697,060 in the 1996 Quarter from $1,196,208 in
the 1995 Quarter. This  decrease was primarily attributable  to the increase  in
sales  and decreases in research and  development and general and administrative
expenses, offset in part by increases in sales and marketing expenses.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
    FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1996 COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,
1995
 
    Net sales increased 36.4%  to $1,704,390 in fiscal  1996 from $1,249,403  in
fiscal 1995. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase of $723,000
in  sales to the dental market, related principally to the introduction of three
new products in  the latter half  of fiscal  1996, the Aurora  diode laser,  the
Arago argon laser and the MOD argon laser. This increase was partially offset by
a  decrease in sales  to the surgical market  of approximately $200,000, largely
due to a decline in  the demand for the Company's  10 and 20 watt CO(2)  lasers,
which are nearing the end of their product life cycle. The Company's arrangement
with  the supplier of the Arago argon  laser terminates in November 1996, and to
the extent the Company is unable to extend this arrangement or to secure another
source for this  laser, the  Company's results  of operations  may be  adversely
affected.
 
    Cost  of sales increased 156.1% to $3,324,757 in fiscal 1996 from $1,298,420
in fiscal 1995. This increase  in the cost of sales  was due primarily to (i)  a
write-down  of approximately  $848,000 principally  attributed to  the Company's
CO(2) lasers and accessories  obtained in the acquisition  of Pfizer Laser,  and
Nd:YAG  lasers and accessories,  which lasers were developed  prior to March 31,
1992  and  are  nearing  the  end   of  their  product  life  cycle,  (ii)   the
underabsorption of manufacturing costs due to low production volumes due in part
to  the unavailability of  certain key components  which require long lead-times
for delivery, coupled with an increase in the number of manufacturing  employees
during  fiscal 1996 from 12 to 17  employees resulting in an increase in payroll
expense of approximately  $280,000, and  (iii) increased  costs associated  with
higher sales volumes in fiscal 1996. Cost of sales for fiscal 1996 also included
a  fee of  $122,000 to  a third  party pursuant  to the  Company's manufacturing
arrangement relating to the MOD argon laser.
 
    Selling and marketing expenses increased 26.3% to $1,308,767 in fiscal  1996
from  $1,035,863 in  fiscal 1995.  This increase  was primarily  attributable to
marketing efforts related  to the  Company's dental products,  which included  a
$219,000  expense related to the appointment  of more than 25 new manufacturer's
representatives during  the third  quarter,  and associated  expenses  including
training, promotional costs and commissions.
 
    Research  and development expenses  increased 17.2% to  $1,213,471 in fiscal
1996 from  $1,035,705 in  fiscal  1995. This  increase resulted  primarily  from
increases  in outside industrial  and software design  services of approximately
$305,000, and expenses of approximately $196,000 associated with the development
of new  laser  products.  This  increase was  partially  offset  by  a  $175,000
reduction  in clinical studies  expense, due to the  completion of the Company's
dental hard  tissue clinical  trials  and a  $250,000  payment received  by  the
Company under a SBIR grant.
 
    General  and administrative expenses decreased  2.2% to $1,709,327 in fiscal
1996 from $1,747,090 in fiscal 1995. This decrease was the result of a reduction
in legal  expenses associated  with the  Fiber Litigation,  partially offset  by
increases  associated  with  becoming a  public  company. In  1995,  the Company
incurred legal expenses of approximately  $400,000 in connection with the  Fiber
Litigation. Future legal expenses related to the Fiber Litigation (not including
out-of-pocket  expenses)  are  expected to  be  limited in  accordance  with the
Company's agreement  with  its legal  counsel,  although if  the  litigation  is
successful, counsel will be entitled to certain contingency fees.
 
    Net  interest income increased  to $99,037 in fiscal  1996 from net interest
expense of $322,540 in fiscal 1995,  reflecting the investment of the  Company's
remaining  net proceeds  from its IPO  and the  repayment in December  1994 of a
significant portion of the Company's outstanding debt.
 
    Net loss increased  51.1% to $5,752,895  in fiscal 1996  from $3,808,485  in
fiscal  1995. This increase was principally attributable to increases in cost of
sales, selling and marketing expenses and research and development expenses.
 
    FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1995 COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,
1994
 
    Net sales decreased 39.9%  to $1,249,403 in fiscal  1995 from $2,079,335  in
fiscal  1994. Net sales during fiscal 1994 included substantial revenue from the
introduction of the Company's Er:YAG laser.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
Sales in fiscal 1995  of Nd:YAG lasers, Er:YAG  lasers and other laser  products
were  adversely affected by the lack of  working capital to fund the purchase of
inventory components (some of which require  a three month lead time to  supply)
and manufacturing operations, and the limited availability of optical fibers for
the  Er:YAG laser. The decrease in sales  of these products was partially offset
by a general increase in sales of the Company's other products.
 
    Cost of sales decreased 25.9% to  $1,298,420 in fiscal 1995 from  $1,753,352
in fiscal 1994. This decrease was primarily attributable to reduced expenditures
of raw materials resulting from lower sales.
 
    Selling  and marketing expenses decreased 4.7%  to $1,035,863 in fiscal 1995
from $1,087,461 in fiscal 1994.
 
    Research and development  expenses increased 52.7%  to $1,035,705 in  fiscal
1995  from $678,279 in  fiscal 1994 primarily due  to increased efforts directed
towards dental hard tissue clinical  trials and the initial development  efforts
associated with two potential products.
 
    General  and administrative expenses increased 32.1% to $1,747,090 in fiscal
1995 from $1,322,888 in fiscal 1994. This increase was primarily due to expenses
incurred in connection with the Fiber Litigation, which were partially offset by
reductions in management compensation.
 
    Net interest  expense  decreased  25.8%  to $322,540  in  fiscal  1995  from
$434,851 in fiscal 1994.
 
    Net  loss increased  19.1% to $3,808,485  in fiscal 1995  from $3,197,496 in
fiscal 1994.  This  increase reflected  the  decreased  level of  sales  and  an
increase  in research  and development  and general  and administrative expenses
during fiscal 1995. The  net loss for fiscal  1995 included a net  extraordinary
gain of $381,730 from the extinguishment of indebtedness.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
    The  Company's operations have  been financed through  the proceeds from the
sale of  the  Company's equity  securities,  including the  IPO,  revenues  from
operations, the proceeds from an SBIR grant and funding from the Credit Facility
with  Silicon Valley Bank. The  Company's principal capital requirements include
the financing  of  inventory,  accounts  receivable,  research  and  development
activities,  the development  of an ophthalmic  and a surgical  sales force, the
development of  marketing  programs  and the  acquisition  and/or  licensing  of
patents.
 
    At  June 30, 1996,  the Company had  a cash balance  of $135,881 and working
capital of  $4,449,812. This  represents  an increase  from  March 31,  1996  of
$100,418  in  cash  and  cash  equivalents.  This  increase  in  cash  and  cash
equivalents was largely  due to borrowings  under the Credit  Facility and  cash
received from the exercise of Class A Warrants, partially offset by cash used in
operations.
 
    In  December 1995, the  Company entered into  a strategic marketing alliance
with Mattan,  a Canadian  corporation  whose stock  is  publicly traded  on  the
Alberta  Stock Exchange. Pursuant  to this alliance, the  Company entered into a
Purchasing Agreement with Mattan which provides that the Company will supply all
laser equipment and associated disposables for  all laser surgery centers to  be
designed  and opened by  Mattan in Canada  and the United  States. In connection
with this alliance,  the Company entered  into a Share  Exchange Agreement  with
Mattan  pursuant to  which the  Company issued  200,000 shares  of the Company's
Common Stock to two  parties affiliated with Mattan,  in exchange for  1,150,000
shares of Mattan's Common Stock, which constituted approximately 12% of Mattan's
outstanding Common Stock as of the date of the transaction. The Company accounts
for this investment as an available-for-sale security pursuant to SFAS 115.
 
    At  June 30, 1996,  the Company's indebtedness consisted  of a $481,195 note
payable to Pfizer  HPG (the "Pfizer  Note") and $400,000  due to Silicon  Valley
Bank on the Credit Facility. The Pfizer Note, which is secured by certain of the
Company's  tangible and  intangible assets,  is due  in three  installments. The
first installment of $240,598,  plus accrued interest was  due in July 1996  and
additional $120,299 quarterly principal payments, plus accrued interest, are due
in October 1996 and
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
January  1997. Upon completion  of the Offering,  any remaining unpaid principal
and accrued interest  becomes immediately  due and payable.  Although the  first
installment  was not made in  July 1996, the Company  is attempting to negotiate
with Pfizer HPG for an extension of this payment date. There can be no assurance
that such extension will be granted or that Pfizer will not seek to enforce  its
rights under the Pfizer Note.
 
    The Company's Credit Facility with Silicon Valley Bank permits borrowings of
up  to $1,000,000 based on the value of  the 1,150,000 shares of common stock of
Mattan Corporation (the "Mattan Shares")  held by the Company. Borrowings  under
the  Credit Facility are secured by the Mattan Shares, bear interest at the rate
of 1.0% per annum over  the prime rate of interest,  and are due and payable  in
April  1997. In connection with the Credit  Facility, the Company issued to such
lender warrants to purchase up to 9,756  shares of the Company's Class A  Common
Stock  at an exercise price  equal to $10.25 per share.  As of October 14, 1996,
the Company had drawn approximately $1,000,000 on this Credit Facility.
 
    At March 31,  1996, the  Company had  net operating  loss carryforwards  for
federal  income tax purposes totaling approximately $16,319,249 which will begin
to expire in fiscal 2007. Net operating loss carryforwards for state income  tax
purposes  totaling approximately $7,895,167 at March 31, 1996 begin to expire in
fiscal 1998. The Tax Reform Act of 1986 includes provisions which may limit  the
net  operating loss carryforwards available for use in any given year if certain
events occur, including significant changes  in stock ownership. Utilization  of
the  Company's net operating  loss carryforwards to offset  future income may be
limited.
 
    The Company's  future  capital requirements  will  depend on  many  factors,
including the progress of the Company's research and development activities, the
scope  and results  of preclinical  studies and  clinical trials,  the costs and
timing of regulatory approvals, the rate of technology advances by the  Company,
competitive  conditions within the medical  laser industry, the establishment of
manufacturing capacity  and the  establishment  of collaborative  marketing  and
other  relationships which may either involve  cash infusions to the Company, or
require additional cash  from the Company.  Management believes that  short-term
assets, cash generated through expected future revenues, the Credit Facility and
SBIR grants and the net proceeds of the Offering will be adequate to satisfy its
working  capital needs for  at least the  next 12 months.  After that period the
Company's ability to  meet its working  capital needs will  be dependent on  its
ability  to  achieve  a  positive  cash  flow  from  operations  and  profitable
operations, in  addition to  its ability  to secure  additional debt  or  equity
financing.  No assurance can be given that the Company will be able to achieve a
positive cash flow from operations, profitable operations or secure financing on
acceptable terms.
 
SEASONALITY OF BUSINESS
 
    To date, the Company's revenues have typically been significantly higher  in
the second and fourth calendar quarters. This seasonality reflects the timing of
major  medical and dental industry trade  shows in these quarters, significantly
reduced sales  during  the  summer and  the  effect  of year  end  tax  planning
influencing  the  purchasing of  capital equipment  for depreciation  during the
fourth calendar quarter. The Company expects that this seasonality will continue
indefinitely.
 
GOVERNMENT GRANTS
 
    The Company has been awarded a SBIR grant for approximately $750,000 for the
study of laser  cataract emulsification. Approximately  $698,000 of this  amount
was  drawn at October 14, 1996. The remainder of the grant can be drawn over the
next six months upon the achievement of specified criteria. The Company has also
applied for  new Phase  I  research grants  related to  dentistry,  orthopedics,
tissue  melding and  ophthalmology. No assurance  can be given  that the Company
will be awarded any of these potential government grants.
 
POTENTIAL FUTURE CHARGE TO INCOME RESULTING FROM CONVERSION OF ESCROW SHARES
 
    The Commission has adopted a position  with respect to arrangements such  as
the one entered into among the Company and the holders of its outstanding Escrow
Shares which provides that in the
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
event  any shares are released from escrow  to certain persons who are officers,
directors, employees or consultants of the Company, compensation expense will be
recorded for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the Company expects,  in
the  event  of  the release  of  the  Escrow Shares  from  escrow,  to recognize
substantial noncash charges to earnings during the periods in which the criteria
for release  of the  Escrow  Shares are  met, which  would  have the  effect  of
significantly increasing the Company's loss or reducing or eliminating earnings,
if  any,  at such  time. The  recognition  of such  compensation expense  by the
Company may  have a  depressive effect  on  the market  price of  the  Company's
securities.
 
    The  Escrow Shares will be automatically converted into Class A Common Stock
(at a conversion  rate of  one share  of Class A  Common Stock  for each  Escrow
Share)  in the  event that  the Company meets  certain criteria  relating to the
market price of the Class  A Common Stock or the  achievement by the Company  of
certain  levels of "income," as defined.  Different criteria relate to the Class
E-1 Common Stock and Class E-2 Common Stock. For these purposes, "income"  means
the  Company's net income before provision  for income taxes, including earnings
from joint  ventures,  distribution  agreements and  licensing  agreements,  but
exclusive  of any other  earnings that are classified  as an extraordinary item,
and exclusive of charges to income that may result from conversion of the Escrow
Shares into  Class  A  Common  Stock,  as  stated  in  the  Company's  financial
statements audited by the Company's independent accountants. See "Description of
Securities -- Common Stock."
 
    If  none of the pretax  net income or market  price levels are attained, the
Escrow Shares, as well as any dividends or other distributions made with respect
thereto, will be cancelled. The pretax  net income and market price levels  were
determined  by negotiation between the Company and the Company's underwriter for
the IPO and should not be construed  to imply or predict any future earnings  by
the  Company or any increase in the market price of its securities. There can be
no assurance that such earnings and market price levels will be attained or that
any or all of the Escrow Shares will be converted into Class A Common Stock.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
                                    BUSINESS
 
OVERVIEW
 
    The Company develops, manufactures and markets several lines of  proprietary
medical  lasers,  fiberoptic  delivery  systems and  associated  products  for a
variety of dental, ophthalmic and  surgical applications principally for use  in
surgical  centers and medical offices. The Company's lasers and related products
use the controlled application of thermal, acoustic and optical energy to  allow
the  physician  or dentist  to  perform selected  minimally  invasive procedures
which, compared  to conventional  techniques not  involving the  use of  lasers,
vaporize  or sever tissue with minimal blood loss and scarring, increase patient
comfort and reduce  patient treatment  time and  treatment costs.  To date,  the
Company  has received clearance to market 19 models of medical lasers, which are
covered  by  19  United  States   patents,  13  pending  United  States   patent
applications,  13  foreign patents  and 41  pending  foreign patents.  While the
Company has  clearance  to  market  laser products  for  a  variety  of  medical
applications, due to limited resources the Company has focused its marketing and
distribution  efforts to date  on a limited number  of products and applications
(principally specific dental applications) which  the Company believes have  the
most  potential for commercial success. As  future resources permit, the Company
may introduce certain  products for applications  for which it  already has  all
necessary  approvals  or may  seek strategic  alliances  to develop,  market and
distribute such products.
 
MARKET OVERVIEW
 
    The use of laser technology in dentistry, ophthalmology and surgery involves
the controlled application  of laser  light to hard  or soft  tissue causing  an
optical,  thermal, acoustic or plasma interaction  with the tissue. When applied
to tissue, the  laser light is  partially absorbed. This  process of  absorption
converts  the light to heat,  which in turn alters the  state of the tissue. The
degree of  tissue absorption  varies with  the choice  of wavelength  and is  an
important  variable in the  application of laser  technology in treating various
tissues. The laser energy  can also form  a gas bubble in  a water medium  which
provides  an acoustic cutting  effect as it  bursts. The Company  often uses its
proprietary delivery systems  to control the  relative proportions of  acoustic,
thermal  and  optical energy  applied to  tissue  resulting in  enhanced cutting
effects.  These  delivery  systems  include  flexible  fiberoptics,  waveguides,
articulated arms and micromanipulators which are used on a disposable or limited
reuse  basis which the  Company intends will provide  a recurring revenue stream
for the Company. The  Company's strategy is to  target specific applications  in
the  dental, ophthalmic and surgical markets, where management believes that the
Company's technology and products have competitive strengths.
 
    DENTAL AND PERIODONTAL MARKET
 
    The current market for laser equipment in dental procedures is comprised  of
soft  tissue procedures, composite  curing and teeth  whitening. If clearance or
approval is obtained,  this market may  be expanded to  include hard tissue  and
cavity prevention procedures.
 
    SOFT  TISSUE.  It  is estimated that over  60 million periodontal procedures
are performed by dentists and periodontists annually in the United States,  many
of  which the  Company believes  can be  addressed with  laser technology.  In a
clinical study  involving  more  than 900  procedures,  periodontists  used  the
Company's lasers during a new minimally invasive surgical technique used in lieu
of  traditional periodontal  flap surgery, for  which technique  the Company has
filed a  patent  application  which  is  pending.  The  results  demonstrated  a
reduction  in bacteria,  improved periodontal pocket  depth, minimal  or no pain
when using  the  laser  even  without  anesthesia,  little  or  no  prescription
medication  following surgery and a substantial reduction in surgical time. This
study also demonstrated that the  dental laser can also  be used to treat  early
gum  disease, postponing or in some  cases eliminating the need for conventional
periodontal surgery.  While  the Company  has  clearance to  market  six  lasers
(including  the Aurora  diode laser and  Centauri Er:YAG laser)  for soft tissue
dental procedures, the Company focuses its marketing efforts on its Aurora diode
laser in this area.
 
    COMPOSITE CURING.  Approximately 48% of  all respondents in a recent  survey
of  dentists conducted by Clinical Research Associates, a dental market research
firm, use composites, an alternate
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
material to  amalgams  (gold and  silver)  for cavity  filling.  Composites  are
rapidly replacing amalgams as the material of choice for restoration of cavities
because  they more closely  match the color  of teeth and  because amalgams have
drawn increasing worldwide concern over safety due to the toxic gases which  may
be  released when  the amalgams are  removed from teeth.  Composite fillings are
typically cured  using  a  curing  light which  provides  a  broad  spectrum  of
wavelengths.  The use of an  argon laser for this  application has been shown to
result in a  stronger restoration  than composites cured  by traditional  curing
lights.  The Company's argon lasers can also be  used to cure the resins used in
placing veneers  or  to bond  orthodontic  brackets. The  Company  has  received
clearance to market the MOD argon laser for use in these applications.
 
    TEETH  WHITENING.    In  a  recent  survey  conducted  by  Clinical Research
Associates, approximately  79%  of  dentists  surveyed  used  light  accelerated
bleaching  materials with clinical success  for teeth whitening. These materials
are traditionally applied at night over a  six to eight week period to whiten  a
patient's teeth while he or she sleeps. Lasers have been shown to facilitate the
use  of these light sensitive materials  in the dentist's office by accelerating
this process and resulting in an approximate three shade change in less than one
hour. In August  1996, the Company  received clearance to  market its MOD  argon
laser for this application.
 
    HARD TISSUE (CAVITY PREPARATION).  The American Dental Association estimates
that more than 170 million hard tissue restorative procedures are performed each
year in the United States. The Company believes that the use of its dental laser
for  certain of such  procedures could reduce  or eliminate the  need for a high
speed dental  hand drill,  reduce the  need  for anesthesia  and assist  in  the
prevention of dental caries. Potential dental laser applications for hard tissue
procedures  include pit and fissure sealing,  etching, caries removal and cavity
preparation. Based  on user  feedback  from the  Company's clinical  sites,  the
Company  believes  that  the  use  of a  laser  in  dentistry  reduces  the pain
associated with various  traditional procedures performed  with a dental  drill.
Although no lasers are currently approved by the FDA for hard tissue procedures,
the  Company has completed clinical trials  to support its 510(k) application to
the FDA for clearance to market its Centauri Er:YAG laser on teeth. There can be
no assurance, however, that the FDA will not require the Company to submit a PMA
application for this use, or require the Company to conduct additional  clinical
trials or that such product will ever be approved for this use.
 
    CAVITY  PREVENTION.   Studies performed  by an  outside university  on human
extracted teeth have demonstrated that lasers used in conjunction with  fluoride
treatments  can be highly  effective in the prevention  of cavity formation. The
Company is currently  initiating clinical trials  to use its  lasers for  cavity
prevention applications. The Company's clinical trials are at an early stage and
there  can be  no assurance  that the  Company will  obtain clearance  for these
applications.
 
    OPHTHALMIC MARKET
 
    Lasers have been used for the treatment of eye disorders for many years  and
are  widely accepted in  the ophthalmic community. The  original and most widely
accepted use of lasers in ophthalmology has been for posterior capsulotomy.  The
Company  does  not promote  its lasers  for  this market,  which it  believes is
approaching saturation, but instead focuses on intraocular procedures  including
anterior  capsulotomy, cataract  removal, glaucoma  treatment, corneal sculpting
and occuloplastic or cosmetic procedures. The Company has developed the Centauri
Er:YAG laser which is capable of  performing all of these procedures, which  are
typically performed using several different types of medical lasers, although to
date, the Centauri laser has only been cleared for use in anterior capsulotomies
and certain cosmetic procedures.
 
    CATARACT  REMOVAL PROCEDURES.  According to the American Society of Cataract
and  Refractive  Surgeons,   approximately  two   million  cataract   extraction
procedures  are performed  annually in the  United States.  The Company believes
that no lasers have been approved to date for this application, and that  lasers
may  result in less  trauma and inflammation  than traditional surgical methods,
providing more comfort to the patient.  The Company's Centauri Er:YAG laser  has
been  cleared to  market for anterior  capsulotomy, a procedure  which opens the
capsule of the eye prior to the removal
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
of the cataract. The Company is also currently conducting clinical trials on the
Centauri laser for lens emulsification (the removal of the cataract itself),  as
an alternative to phacoemulsification (the breakup of the cataract by ultrasonic
energy).  The  Company  believes  this  patented  technology  for  use  in  lens
emulsification may provide an easier and safer method of cataract removal.
 
    TREATMENT OF GLAUCOMA.  According to  the National Institutes of Health,  in
1995,  approximately three  million people  in the  United States  suffered from
glaucoma, a disease of the  eye characterized by increased intraocular  pressure
within  the eyeball and progressive loss  of vision. Traditionally, glaucoma has
been treated  with drug  therapy.  When drug  therapy is  ineffective,  periodic
invasive surgery may be required. In these cases, lasers may be used to open the
sclera  and relieve pressure in the eye.  This procedure, which must be repeated
periodically, can  be  performed under  local  anesthesia with  a  self  closing
incision  on an outpatient  basis. The Company  is currently conducting clinical
trials to  support  investigational  device  exemption  ("IDE")  submittals  for
clearance  to market its Centauri Er:YAG  laser for this procedure. If clearance
is obtained, as to which there can  be no assurance, the Company's Er:YAG  laser
could  provide  a  viable  alternative  to  the  traditional  invasive  surgical
procedures.
 
    CORNEAL SCULPTING.  Medical Insight, Inc. estimated in 1993 that 170 million
people  in  the   United  States  suffered   from  vision  disorders   including
nearsightedness   (myopia),  farsightedness  (hyperopia)  and  astigmatism.  The
Company believes that  the recent  approval of  excimer lasers  has resulted  in
greater acceptance and recognition of laser refractive surgery in the ophthalmic
market.  Medical  lasers  may  be used  for  corneal  sculpting (photorefractive
keratectomy), a procedure in which the laser is used to sculpt the cornea of the
eye to a desired curvature to correct the myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism.  The
Company  plans to  seek FDA  approval to market  the Centauri  laser for corneal
sculpting and has initiated  animal studies for  this application. No  assurance
can be given, however, that FDA approval will be given for this application.
 
    SURGICAL MARKET
 
    Lasers  have been approved for and are  currently being used in a variety of
surgical   applications    including   orthopedics,    neurosurgery,    urology,
gastroenterology, ophthalmology, cardiology, dermatology, gynecology and plastic
surgery.  Although the Company's products  are cleared to market  in a number of
specialty areas  within  the  surgical  market,  the  Company  has  specifically
targeted  tissue melding  (tissue fusion)  and cosmetic  applications within the
surgical market.
 
    TISSUE MELDING.  The Company believes a significant number of wound  closure
procedures  may  be  addressed  with  surgical  lasers  in  conjunction  with or
independent of traditional  sutures or  staples. The Company  believes that  the
benefits of the use of surgical lasers for tissue melding, as compared to suture
and  staples, include fluid-static seals, immediate  strength of the closure and
reduced surgical  time. The  Company and  its strategic  partner have  conducted
animal  tests to  support IDE  submittals for the  use of  the Company's Polaris
Nd:YAG laser in the areas of arteries,  veins, blood vessels and ducts, and  are
currently  conducting clinical studies for skin and hypospadias. The Company has
also completed clinical trials for vasovasotomy (reversal of vasectomies)  which
demonstrated  a success rate of approximately 89%. The Company is also beginning
Phase I clinical trials for the treatment of hypospadias, the lengthening of the
urethra to the end of the penis in infant boys, in which it is anticipated  that
the  laser's fluid-static seal may  minimize post-surgical complications such as
the leakage of urine which  requires secondary surgical procedures. The  Company
has   clearance  for  Phase  II  clinical  trials  for  skin  closure  following
mastectomies and eyelid surgery at five clinical sites. Artery and vein  melding
is  being  tested in  animals by  the  Company's strategic  partner in  Japan in
preparation for clinical studies.
 
    COSMETIC SURGICAL  PROCEDURES.    The  Company  entered  into  a  Purchasing
Agreement  and a  Share Exchange Agreement  dated December 20,  1995 with Mattan
Corporation, the  parent  corporation  of Medical  Laser  Institute  of  America
("MLIA"),  pursuant to  which the  Company made an  investment in  and formed an
alliance with MLIA. Mattan owns and operates or provides marketing support for a
series of medical laser cosmetic surgery centers, which centers focus on wrinkle
removal, treatment of
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
varicose veins,  acne  scar  removal, tattoo  removal  and  refractive  surgery.
Pursuant to these agreements, Mattan has agreed to purchase all laser equipment,
accessories  and  disposable  laser  products  for  use  in  its  laser  centers
exclusively from the Company until December 31, 2005. To the extent the  Company
is  unable  to provide  a requested  laser to  Mattan, the  Company will  act as
purchasing agent  for Mattan  and purchase  the lasers  from a  third party  for
resale to Mattan. During the 1996 Quarter, sales to Mattan accounted for $90,651
of the Company's revenues. Substantially all of such sales were resales of third
party products.
 
    The Company has regulatory clearance to market its products for a variety of
additional    applications,   including    urology,   orthopedics,   gynecology,
gastroenterology, podiatry, pulmonary  and neurosurgery, among  other areas.  In
areas  where the Company's  technology is not being  fully utilized, the Company
may seek  agreements  to supply  its  products  under private  label  for  other
manufacturers  or may enter  into strategic alliances to  develop and market the
Company's lasers for other applications.
 
BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
    The Company's strategy is to seek to increase its market penetration in  the
dental,  ophthalmic and surgical markets. Key elements of the Company's strategy
include the following:
 
    FOCUS ON  THE OFFICE  AND SURGICAL  CENTER MARKETS.   Recognizing  the  cost
containment environment of the medical industry, the Company intends to focus on
clinical  applications for lasers which may be performed in a surgical center or
medical office.  Management believes  that the  Company's compact  and  portable
lasers  offer cost efficiencies  and can be  used to take  advantage of industry
trends which favor minimally invasive medical procedures.
 
    INCREASE DOMESTIC MARKETING AND ACCEPTANCE OF LASER TECHNOLOGY.  The Company
intends to expand its domestic  marketing organization through additional  sales
representatives  and distributors to target  the dental, ophthalmic and surgical
markets in the United States. The Company also intends to continue to  implement
a  doctor awareness  and education  program to  address the  individual doctor's
training,  practice  management  and  marketing  needs.  The  Company   believes
increased  publicity  and  additional  publications  are  essential  to  educate
dentists, physicians and patients about the clinical benefits of medical lasers.
 
    EMPHASIZE EXPANSION IN INTERNATIONAL MARKETS.   Foreign sales account for  a
substantial  portion of the Company's revenues and the Company intends to devote
additional  resources  to  expand  the  worldwide  marketing  of  its  products,
particularly  in the Pacific Rim and Europe. The Company anticipates substantial
growth opportunity  in these  markets  and will  seek  to enter  into  marketing
arrangements  with  recognized  distributors who  will  aggressively  market and
service the  Company's  products in  each  region. Such  expansion  may  include
potential  acquisitions of businesses which have  a marketing presence in Europe
and the  Pacific Rim.  There  are no  present  negotiations or  agreements  with
respect to any acquisitions, and no assurance may be given that the Company will
be able to identify or consummate any such acquisitions.
 
    EXPAND  CLINICAL APPLICATIONS FOR PROPRIETARY LASER TECHNOLOGY.  The Company
manufactures lasers which are  multidisciplinary in their surgical  applications
and multifunctional in the specific procedures for which they have been cleared.
The  Company holds  19 United  States patents  and 13  foreign patents,  and has
pending 13 United States patents and 41 foreign patents. The Company intends  to
expand  its proprietary laser technology by  developing and marketing lasers for
selected additional  applications, which  may  include corneal  sculpting,  hard
tissue  (teeth and bone) cutting, teeth  whitening procedures and tissue melding
applications, subject to FDA approval or clearance.
 
    CAPITALIZE ON  DISPOSABLE AFTERMARKET  SALES.   The Company  manufactures  a
variety  of  disposable  fiberoptic  delivery  systems  and  sculpted fiberoptic
probes,  optical  tips,  waveguides  and   catheters  which  are  designed   for
single-patient  use. The  unique design of  the Company's  lasers, including the
patented connecters, encourages the users of the Company's products to  purchase
the  compatible  disposable products  distributed  by the  Company.  The Company
believes that the increasing demand
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
for product  sterility  and cost  containment  will  result in  an  increase  in
disposable  product  sales  and will  provide  a recurring  revenue  stream. The
Company intends to market  these products to existing  customers, as well as  to
hospital administrators on a custom basis for other surgical lasers.
 
    DEVELOP  NEW MARKETS THROUGH STRATEGIC ALLIANCES.   The Company will seek to
establish strategic  alliances  in order  to  expedite  and lower  the  cost  of
developing  and bringing to market new  products in current markets and existing
products in new  markets. The  Company believes a  substantial potential  market
exists for its laser technology and products both inside and outside the dental,
ophthalmic  and  surgical  markets.  Strategic  alliances  could  accelerate the
Company's efforts to expand in several key areas including, but not limited  to,
tissue  melding,  bone  shaping,  removal  of  bone  cement  and  discectomy  in
orthopedics,  photo  dynamic  therapy,   revascularization  of  the  heart   and
interstitial  treatment of the prostate. Pursuant  to this strategy, the Company
entered into an Exclusive  Marketing Agreement dated July  26, 1994 with  Nippon
Shoji  Kaisha, Ltd. ("NSK") to distribute the Company's Polaris Nd:YAG laser for
tissue melding applications in  Japan, China and Taiwan,  subject to receipt  of
regulatory approval.
 
    Although   the  Company  will  continue  to  seek  to  increase  its  market
penetration in  the dental,  opthalmic and  surgical markets,  there can  be  no
assurance  that the foregoing  strategy will be  commercially successful or that
the Company's products will be accepted  by the medical or dental community,  or
that  a significant market for the Company's laser systems will be developed and
sustained.
 
LASER PRODUCTS
 
    The Company's line of portable lasers  are specifically designed for use  in
outpatient  surgical centers and medical offices.  The Company believes that its
lasers are  also  well suited  for  the international  market,  particularly  in
facilities  with many surgical suites where  easy transportation of equipment is
necessary. By  employing  techniques developed  in  the computer  industry,  the
Company  has designed  a laser  system that (i)  is modularly  designed and uses
similar components for  multiple laser  systems thereby  reducing their  overall
cost,  (ii) allows for efficient and inexpensive  repair by replacing a board or
assembly in the field or through the mail, reducing the need for a field service
force, and (iii) can be easily moved from the office to surgical centers because
of its  compact size  and  limited voltage  requirements. The  Company's  Er:YAG
lasers  are currently priced from $35,000 to  $115,000 and its Nd:YAG lasers are
currently priced  from  $25,000  to  $80,000. The  Company's  diode  lasers  are
currently  priced from $20,000 to $30,000, its argon laser is priced from $8,000
to $20,000 and its CO(2) lasers are currently priced from $5,500 to $20,000. The
prices of lasers within these ranges  depend upon each model's power  capability
and the features offered.
 
    PRINCIPAL LASER APPLICATIONS AND FDA STATUS
 
    The  following  table presents,  in  summary form,  the  Company's principal
lasers and  delivery systems,  the primary  applications for  which the  Company
intends to use them, and the FDA status of such products.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           PRODUCT                                MEDICAL APPLICATION                     FDA REGULATORY STATUS(1)
- -----------------------------  ---------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------
<S>                            <C>                                                        <C>
Centauri (Er:YAG)              Dental -- Soft Tissue....................................  Cleared to market
                               Dental -- Hard Tissue....................................  Clinical trials
                                                                                           completed
                                                                                          Pending 510(k)
                               Ophthalmology (e.g. Anterior Capsulotomy)................  Cleared to market
                               Ab-externo and Ab-interno Sclerostomy, Laser Lens
                                Emulsification..........................................  Clinical trials
                               Corneal Sculpting........................................  Preclinical animal
                                                                                           studies
                               General Surgery, Neurosurgery, Orthopedics,
                                Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary Procedures, Urology,
                                Gynecology and Oral Surgery.............................  Cleared to market
Pegasus (Nd:YAG) 20W           Dental -- Soft Tissue....................................  Cleared to market
</TABLE>
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               FDA REGULATORY
           PRODUCT                                MEDICAL APPLICATION                            STATUS (1)
- -----------------------------  ---------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------
Polaris (1.32m Nd:YAG)         Tissue Melding...........................................  Clinical trials
<S>                            <C>                                                        <C>
                               General Surgery, Ophthalmology, Arthroscopic Surgery,
                                Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary Procedures, Urology,
                                Gynecology and Oral Surgery.............................  Cleared to market
Aurora (diode)                 Dental -- Soft Tissue....................................  Cleared to market
                               Dental and General Surgery, Ophthalmology, Arthroscopic
                                Surgery, Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary Procedures,
                                Urology, Dermatology, Plastic Surgery, Podiatry,
                                Neurosurgery, Gynecology, Pulmonary Surgery and Oral
                                Surgery.................................................  Cleared to market
Arago and MOD (argon)          Dental -- Composite and Resin Curing.....................  Cleared to market
                               Dental -- Teeth Whitening (MOD only).....................  Cleared to market
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
(1)  The Company  has made  modifications to certain  of its  products which the
    Company believes do not require the submission of new 510(k)  notifications.
    However,  there  can  be no  assurance  that  the FDA  will  agree  with the
    Company's determinations and  will not  require the  Company to  discontinue
    marketing  one or more of the  modified devices until the modifications have
    been cleared  by the  FDA. There  also can  be no  assurance that  any  such
    clearance  of modifications would be  granted should clearance be necessary.
    See "-- Government Regulation."
 
    CENTAURI ER:YAG LASER
 
    The Company's Centauri Er:YAG laser is a portable Er:YAG pulsed solid  state
laser  which  generates high  frequencies (up  to 30Hz)  at relatively  low peak
power. These high frequencies  allow faster cutting at  lower energies. The  2.9
micron  wavelength of the  Er:YAG is highly  absorbed by water,  producing a cut
similar to the scalpel. The Er:YAG wavelength is delivered through a fiber optic
delivery system  which  enables  the  beams to  be  focused  and  angled.  These
fiberoptic  catheters  are difficult  to produce  and  the Company  has invested
heavily in the technology to develop fibers which can handle adequate power. The
Company has experienced difficulties in  securing a consistent source for  these
fibers  in the past, although it has recently procured two new sources for these
fibers. See "-- Legal Proceedings."
 
    The Company's  Centauri  Er:YAG laser  has  many potential  applications  in
different  medical specialties, including  cutting hard tissue  such as bone and
teeth, which could replace or minimize the use of noisy, high speed dental  hand
drills,  and removing ocular structures  or performing microsurgery with minimal
thermal  damage.  Although  presently  marketed  only  for  soft  tissue  dental
procedures  and anterior capsulotomy, the Centauri  laser also has clearances to
market for  hemostasis (cessation  of bleeding),  excision and  vaporization  of
tissues   in   ophthalmology,   general   surgery,   neurosurgery,  orthopedics,
gastroenterology, urology,  gynecology  and  oral surgery.  See  "--  Government
Regulation."  The  Centauri laser  is  highly effective  in  cataract ophthalmic
procedures because  its  wavelength is  at  the  peak of  the  water  absorption
spectrum  and water comprises greater than 60% of ophthalmic tissues. Therefore,
the Centauri  laser can  emulsify  cataracts, surgically  excise tissue  in  the
treatment  of glaucoma and can precisely remove layers of cornea similarly to an
excimer laser. This system, which currently is cleared for anterior  capsulotomy
and  other  procedures  in  ophthalmology,  is  estimated  to  be  available for
approximately one-third the price of refractive excimer lasers currently on  the
market  and requires substantially  lower maintenance costs  than excimer lasers
(an estimated annual expense of  $10,000 as compared to approximately  $70,000).
In  addition,  the  multiple  application Centauri  Er:YAG  laser  is completely
portable, does  not emit  any toxic  gases or  cause any  potentially  mutagenic
effect which may result from the use of the excimer laser.
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
    The  Company has recently  introduced what it believes  to be the industry's
first fully-integrated Er:YAG  laser system for  ophthalmic procedures. The  new
system  incorporates the Centauri Er:YAG laser and provides the option of either
a bi-manual  or  coaxial,  uni-manual handpiece  to  accommodate  an  individual
physician's   technique.  The  Company  has   also  recently  introduced  a  new
irrigation/ aspiration product for use in conjunction with the Centauri  system,
which  integrates with the  laser in performing  the cataract removal procedure,
and includes  proprietary vacuum  monitoring connectors  that create  a  sterile
aspiration line.
 
    While  animal studies have been encouraging,  there can be no assurance that
the FDA  will  approve the  use  of the  Company's  Centauri laser  for  corneal
sculpting,  or that the laser will work effectively in clinical trials. Clinical
trials are estimated to continue  for two to five  years before approval can  be
sought  in  the  United  States.  There  are  several  patents  pending  on this
technology and  application, although  no  assurances can  be given  that  these
patents will be approved or approved with the current claims.
 
    POLARIS AND PEGASUS ND:YAG LASERS
 
    The  energy of Nd:YAG lasers is absorbed by  blood in tissue and as a result
these systems are the preferred lasers to limit bleeding during surgery and  for
procedures  requiring  fiberoptic delivery,  such  as laparoscopic  surgery. The
Nd:YAG fiberoptic delivery system allows the surgeon to perform surgery  through
small  incisions, providing minimally  invasive surgery to  patients and usually
reducing treatment costs and the length of hospital stays.
 
    The Company manufactures  a variety  of continuous wave  solid state  Nd:YAG
lasers  which  are  designed  for  use in  dentistry  and  a  number  of medical
specialties. The Company  received its  first clearance to  market a  continuous
wave  Nd:YAG laser system  for dental (soft  tissue) applications and introduced
its 20  watt dental  Pegasus Nd:YAG  laser in  February 1992.  The Company  also
manufactures  40, 60 and 100 watt Pegasus  Nd:YAG lasers which have clearance to
market for  various applications  and procedures  in general  surgery,  urology,
gastrointestinal  procedures, pulmonary procedures, gastroenterology, gynecology
and ophthalmology.
 
    These lasers  also  utilize the  Company's  disposable and  reusable  unique
TouchTIPS,  AngleTIPS and  sculptured fibers.  By using  the Pegasus  laser with
TouchTIPS, the surgeon  is allowed direct  contact with tissue  and the  tactile
feeling  of the scalpel or other surgical instruments. The Company believes that
the availability of  these technologies  permits the  use of  lower power  laser
systems (20 watt in dental, 40-60 watt in surgery).
 
    In  December 1993, the Company entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with
Proclosure  pursuant  to  which  the   Company  acquired  from  Proclosure   the
proprietary  rights,  including several  patents,  to manufacture  and  sell the
Polaris laser, a 1.32 micron Nd:YAG  laser (except in Japan, China and  Taiwan),
together with specialized software and delivery systems, for tissue melding. The
Company  is  developing the  Polaris laser  for use  in cosmetic  skin closures,
vascular surgeries and minimally invasive surgical procedures normally performed
with sutures  and staples.  Although the  use of  the Polaris  laser for  tissue
melding is still in the development stage, and no clearance for this application
has  been received,  the Company  believes that  tissue melding  offers clinical
advantages over traditional sutures and staples.
 
    AURORA DIODE LASER
 
    The Aurora diode laser  is the Company's first  semiconductor laser and,  to
the  Company's knowledge, is  the first truly portable  diode laser designed for
dentistry. The  Aurora  diode laser  replaces  the  20 watt  Pegasus  laser  for
periodontal  procedures, and is one-fourth the size  and one-half of the cost of
that system. The diode wavelength is  absorbed by blood in pigmentation and  has
been   cleared  for  use  in  multiple  specialties  such  as  general  surgery,
ophthalmology,  urology  and  plastic  surgery.  The  Aurora  laser,  which  was
introduced  for soft tissue dental applications in February 1996, is designed to
utilize  the  Nd:YAG  delivery  systems,  including  TouchTIPS,  AngleTIPS   and
sculptured  fibers, for soft tissue surgery with minimal bleeding or anesthesia.
This dental laser can also be used to treat early
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
stage gum  disease,  postponing  or  in some  cases  eliminating  the  need  for
periodontal  surgery and providing the opportunity for overall cost savings. The
Company believes the Aurora laser  compares favorably with competitive  products
including pulsed Nd:YAG lasers, which cannot produce the required laser settings
for use with TouchTIPs, or in the new technique for the treatment of periodontal
disease,  as well  as with  CO(2) lasers  (which cannot  be delivered  through a
fiber), and argon lasers  (which tend to  be slower in  cutting and may  produce
charring).
 
    ARAGO AND MOD ARGON LASERS
 
    The Arago and the MOD are argon gas lasers which have been cleared to market
in  dentistry to accelerate the composite curing process. Composites are rapidly
replacing amalgams  (gold  and  silver)  as  the  material  of  choice  for  the
restoration  of cavities. The argon  wavelength penetrates through the composite
and has been shown to result in a stronger restoration than composites cured  by
traditional  curing lights. The Company's argon lasers  can also be used to cure
the resins used in placing veneers or bonding orthodontic brackets.
 
    The argon laser can also be used to enhance teeth whitening procedures using
light activated bleaching  materials which  have traditionally  been applied  at
night  over a six to eight week period. Lasers have been shown to facilitate the
use of these light activated products in a dentist's office by accelerating this
process and resulting  in an  approximate three shade  change in  less than  one
hour.  In August 1996,  the Company received  clearance to market  its MOD argon
laser for this application. No assurance may be given, however, that the use  of
the  argon laser for teeth  whitening will become a  widely accepted practice in
the dental industry. The Company plans to bundle its lasers with light activated
whitening materials and co-market these products with the manufacturers of these
materials.
 
    The MOD argon  laser is  manufactured by the  Company pursuant  to a  letter
agreement dated August 24, 1996 with International Biolaser Corporation ("IBC").
Pursuant  to this agreement, the Company has guaranteed certain debt of IBC to a
third party in the amount of  approximately $201,000, plus future interest.  The
Company  has also  entered into  a letter agreement  dated August  14, 1996 with
Lasermed, Inc., pursuant to which the Company maintains the non-exclusive  right
to  purchase a  limited number of  the portable lightweight  Arago argon lasers.
This agreement terminates in November 1996. The Company will seek to extend this
agreement or, if no extension  can be obtained on  acceptable terms, to find  an
alternative  source for the  argon laser, the Company's  inability to extend the
agreement or find a suitable replacement  product could have a material  adverse
effect on the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition.
 
    ALTAIR CO(2) LASERS
 
    The  CO(2) laser was the first available  and the early standard in surgical
laser applications. The 10.6 micron wavelength  generated by the CO(2) laser  is
absorbed  by water in  tissue. The CO(2)  laser acts like  a surgical scalpel to
vaporize tissue with minimal blood loss  and scarring. The risk of infection  is
reduced  by  thermal sealing  of  blood and  lymphatic  vessels in  the adjacent
tissues. The characteristics of the CO(2) laser have provided a wide variety  of
medical  specialists  a modality  of  treatment that  has  significantly changed
conventional invasive surgery in a number of clinical specialties.
 
    The Company's hand-held  10 and 20  watt CO(2) lasers  acquired from  Pfizer
Laser  are  marketed primarily  for office  use by  podiatrists, dermatologists,
orthopedists, dentists and gynecologists. The  laser weighs less than 40  pounds
and  packs in  a suitcase. The  Company and Pfizer  Laser have sold  a number of
these lasers and the Company continues to provide service and support for  these
products.  To expand its CO(2)  laser product line, the  Company has designed 35
watt and 65 watt Altair CO(2) lasers for hospital based surgeries. These  lasers
are  portable,  and  laser energy  may  be  delivered through  a  waveguide arm,
reusable or  disposable  handpieces  or  more  maneuverable  flexible  waveguide
delivery systems.
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
    OTHER LASERS -- APPLICATIONS AND FDA STATUS
 
    The  Company has  developed other  solid state  pulsed lasers  including the
Sirius .532m Nd:YAG laser and the Orion Ho:YAG laser, and other applications for
its existing lasers, but is not  actively marketing these lasers at the  present
time.  The following table sets forth in summary form, certain additional lasers
owned by the Company which  are not currently marketed  by the Company, and  the
principal  applications  for  which the  Company  has clearance  to  market such
lasers.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           PRODUCT                                MEDICAL APPLICATION                     FDA REGULATORY STATUS(1)
- -----------------------------  ---------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------
<S>                            <C>                                                        <C>
Altair (CO(2)) and a CO(2)     Orthopedics, General and Plastic Surgery, Dermatology,
 laser acquired from Pfizer     Podiatry, Ear, Nose and Throat, Gynecology, Pulmonary
 HPG                            Procedures, Neurosurgery and Ophthalmology..............  Cleared to market
                               Dental -- Soft Tissue....................................  Cleared to market
Pegasus (Nd:YAG) 40W/60W       General Surgery, Urology, Gastrointestinal Procedures,
                                Pulmonary Procedures, Gastroenterology, Gynecology and
                                Ophthalmology...........................................  Cleared to market
Pegasus (Nd:YAG) 100W          Oral, Arthroscopic and General Surgery, Gastroenterology,
                                Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary Procedures, Pulmonary
                                Procedures, Gynecology, Neurosurgery and
                                Ophthalmology...........................................  Cleared to market
Sirius (.532m Nd:YAG)          Dermatology, General and Plastic Surgery, Podiatry and
                                Orthopedic Applications.................................  Cleared to market
Orion (Ho:YAG)                 General Surgery, Orthopedics, Ear, Nose and Throat,
                                Ophthalmology, Gastroenterology, Pulmonary Procedures
                                and Urology.............................................  Cleared to market
Er:YAG/Nd:YAG combination      Various specialties......................................  Cleared to market
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
(1) The Company  has made  modifications to certain  of its  products which  the
    Company  believes do not require the submission of new 510(k) notifications.
    However, there  can  be  no assurance  that  the  FDA will  agree  with  the
    Company's  determinations and  will not  require the  Company to discontinue
    marketing one or more of the  modified devices until the modifications  have
    been  cleared  by the  FDA. There  also can  be no  assurance that  any such
    clearance of modifications would be  granted should clearance be  necessary.
    See "-- Government Regulation."
 
DELIVERY SYSTEMS AND DISPOSABLE PRODUCTS
 
    An integral part of any laser system is the means of delivering laser energy
to  the  target  tissue. Delivery  systems  commonly employed  in  laser surgery
include flexible fiberoptics, waveguides, articulated arms and
micromanipulators.  The  Company's  proprietary  delivery  systems  control  the
relative  proportions of acoustic, thermal and  optical energy applied to tissue
resulting in enhanced cutting efforts. Flexible fibers are a preferred method of
delivery for most clinical  procedures, but until  recently were only  available
for  Nd:YAG and argon lasers.  The end of a  fiber may be shaped  or used with a
detachable tip to control the mechanism  of laser/tissue interaction, to give  a
tactile  feel, to provide certain  mechanical effects and to  angle or focus the
laser beam. The  Company has also  been granted a  perpetual paid-up license  to
manufacture,  use and sell flexible waveguides  to deliver CO(2) energy pursuant
to the  Assignment and  Modification Agreement  dated July  26, 1991  among  the
Company, Pfizer HPG and Medical Laser Technologies Limited.
 
    While  each laser system marketed by the  Company consists of a laser and an
integral fiber, these fibers and other  products, such as tubing sets, are  used
by  surgeons on a disposable or limited reuse basis for each clinical procedure.
The  Company   believes  that   expansion  into   this  market   could   provide
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
it  with  a recurring  revenue  stream. The  Company  manufactures a  variety of
fiberoptic delivery systems, sculpted fiberoptic probes, optical tips (AngleTIPS
and TouchTIPS), waveguides and catheters  which are designed for  single-patient
use.  The patented connectors and need for product sterility encourage the users
of the Company's lasers to purchase only products which are compatible with this
system. The Company believes  it can sell  these products on  a custom basis  to
hospital  administrators  for  other  surgical laser  systems  at  a significant
discount to  competitors'  published  prices, while  maintaining  gross  margins
through  vertical integration  and the extensive  use of molds  and tooling. The
Company also  assembles  and  distributes  a full  line  of  laser  accessories,
including glasses, goggles, laser signs and smoke evacuators.
 
    During  fiscal 1994, 1995 and 1996, sales of laser accessories accounted for
approximately 10%, 19% and 14%, respectively, of the Company's revenues.
 
MARKETING, SALES AND SERVICE
 
    MARKETING AND SALES
 
    The Company markets its products to  the dental market in the United  States
directly to dentists and periodontists through its direct sales force consisting
of   five  area  sales  managers  and  its  recently  expanded  distributor  and
manufacturer's representative network  consisting of  more than  25 people.  The
Company markets its products primarily through conventions, educational courses,
direct  mail, telemarketing and  other dental training  programs. In March 1994,
the Company entered into a sales and marketing arrangement for its dental lasers
with  Burkhart  Dental  Supply  Company,   a  member  of  the  American   Dental
Cooperative,  Inc., which is one of the largest distributors of dental equipment
and supplies in the United States. This agreement is terminable by either  party
at any time. If this strategic alliance is successful, the Company believes this
relationship  may  be  expanded to  the  other  members of  the  American Dental
Cooperative, Inc. which markets dental products  to a significant number of  the
approximately 129,000 practicing dentists in the United States. Such alliance is
expected  to assist the Company if the  Company receives clearance to market the
Centauri laser for hard tissue applications.
 
    Through an active  program of  educational courses  and preceptorships,  the
Company  has  trained  dentists in  ten  countries  during the  past  year using
industry recognized dentists and periodontists. In the past two years, more than
20 dental papers  have been  presented by the  Company or  clinicians using  the
Company's products.
 
    The Company markets its products in the ophthalmic market through two direct
sales managers who focus on sales to key ophthalmologists worldwide. The Company
has  entered into distribution agreements with distributors in nine countries in
preparation for market introduction of the Centauri laser during calendar  1996.
The  Company grants exclusive  distribution rights in  select territories to its
distributors who must maintain certain distribution minimums in order to  retain
their  exclusive rights. The Company plans  to expand its ophthalmic sales force
both by  enlarging  its  domestic  sales force,  either  internally  or  through
acquisition, and by acquiring or engaging additional international manufacturing
representatives.
 
    In  the surgical market, the Company  intends to form strategic alliances in
any specialty area where the partner  has an established presence in the  market
selling  to either the physician  or the hospital. The  Company has entered into
such a strategic alliance with NSK, one  of the leading suppliers of sutures  in
the  Pacific  Rim,  pursuant to  an  Exclusive Marketing  Agreement.  Under this
agreement, Proclosure  granted  to NSK,  in  exchange  for a  license  fee,  the
exclusive  rights to  market and distribute  the Polaris Nd:YAG  laser in Japan,
China and Taiwan. In addition, under this agreement, the Company granted to  NSK
an  option to manufacture the  Polaris, which if exercised  would require NSK to
pay the Company  a $1.5 million  fee and  royalties. NSK has  not yet  indicated
whether it intends to manufacture these products. There can be no assurance that
the Company will receive any payments under this agreement.
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
    Sales  in fiscal 1996 to one  customer, Rockford Industries, Inc., a leasing
company, accounted for 10% of  the Company's net sales  for that year. Sales  in
fiscal  1995 to LaserSight Centers, Inc.  accounted for approximately 11% of the
Company's net sales for that year.
 
    CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SUPPORT
 
    The Company is seeking to create a  group of loyal customers by focusing  on
customer  service,  quality  and  reliability. In  addition  to  its educational
courses, the Company performs a complete  installation of its lasers and  trains
the  customers'  staff in  its  proper use.  Educational  videos and  papers are
available upon request. The  Company conducts service  training courses for  the
representatives of its distributors. Prior to shipping, every laser is subjected
to  an extensive battery  of quality control  tests. The Company  provides a one
year warranty  with all  lasers  and extended  warranties  are available  at  an
additional  cost. The Company generally provides service within one business day
to all of its customers in the United  States. An owner is either sent a  loaner
laser  by  overnight carrier  or a  service representative  visits the  owner to
repair the  unit.  International  service  is provided  either  by  the  foreign
distributor  or  by  return  of  the  laser  to  the  Company.  The  Company has
experienced and may continue to experience difficulties in providing prompt  and
cost-effective service of its medical lasers in foreign countries.
 
COMPETITION
 
    The  Company  is and  will  continue to  be  subject to  competition  in its
targeted  markets,  principally  from  businesses  providing  other  traditional
surgical   and  nonsurgical   treatments,  including   existing  and  developing
technologies or therapies, some of which include medical lasers manufactured  by
competitors.  In the dental  market, the Company  competes primarily with dental
drills, traditional  curing lights  and other  existing technologies,  and to  a
lesser  extent  competitors'  CO(2), argon,  Er:YAG  and Nd:YAG  lasers.  In the
ophthalmic market, the Company  is subject to  competition principally from  the
(i)  traditional surgical  treatments using  a needle  to tear  a circle  in the
anterior capsule, (ii) phacoemulsification, an  ultrasound device used to  break
up  cataracts in cataract removal procedures,  (iii) corrective eyewear (such as
eyeglasses and contact lenses) and surgical treatments for refractive  disorders
such as photorefractive keratectomy which is typically performed with an excimer
laser  and radial keratotomy  which is performed  with a scalpel,  and (vi) drug
therapy or surgical treatment of glaucoma. In the surgical market, wound closure
procedures are  usually performed  using sutures  and staples,  and  traditional
cosmetic  surgical procedures may be performed with  a scalpel or a CO(2) laser.
The Company  believes that  for many  applications its  proprietary methods  and
fiberoptic delivery systems provide clinical benefits over other currently known
technologies and competitors' laser products.
 
    The  medical  laser  industry  in  particular  is  also  subject  to intense
competition and  rapid technological  changes. The  Company believes  there  are
approximately 30 competitors in different sectors of the medical laser industry.
The Company believes that the principal competitive factors in the medical laser
industry  are the products' technological capabilities, proven clinical ability,
patent protection, price and scope of  regulatory approval, as well as  industry
expert  endorsements.  Many  conventional laser  systems  target  one particular
application, while  the  Company's  Er:YAG  system is  designed  to  perform  in
multiple  therapeutic  applications.  The  Company's  self-contained  units  are
significantly smaller than  competitive surgical models,  have internal  cooling
devices  and are powered primarily by dedicated readily available 110 volt lines
instead of the  220 volt lines  used by  most surgical solid  state lasers.  The
specialized  menu-driven system software  utilized in the  Company's lasers also
enhances safety and ease of use of the lasers.
 
    The Company  believes  that  its ability  to  compete  successfully  against
traditional  treatments, competitive  laser systems  and treatments  that may be
developed in  the future  will depend  on  its ability  to create  and  maintain
advanced  technology, develop  proprietary products,  obtain required regulatory
approvals and  clearances  for  its  products,  attract  and  retain  scientific
personnel,  obtain patent or  other proprietary protection  for its products and
technologies, and manufacture and successfully  market products either alone  or
through other parties. Certain of the Company's competitors
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
have substantially greater financial, technical and marketing resources than the
Company.  There can  be no  assurance that  such competition  will not adversely
affect the  Company's  results of  operations  or  its ability  to  maintain  or
increase market share.
 
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
 
    During  the last two fiscal years, the  Company has invested an aggregate of
approximately $2.5 million in research  and development programs. The  Company's
research   and  development  programs  have  capitalized  on  the  research  and
development activities conducted by Pfizer Laser wherein that company identified
key military  and  aerospace  technologies and  adapted  these  technologies  to
portable,  efficient, solid-state  laser products  that were  modular in nature.
This investment in research and development  has resulted in the development  of
19  models  of lasers,  more than  1,000  types of  custom delivery  systems and
approximately 20 types of  surgical tips and  accessories. Approximately 41%  of
the  Company's net sales  for fiscal 1996  were derived from  sales of three new
lasers introduced during the last six months  of that year. Five more lasers  or
related  products  are scheduled  for introduction  in  fiscal 1997,  subject to
receipt of clearance  to market  such products, for  which no  assurance may  be
given.
 
    In  order to maintain its technological advantage, the Company must continue
to invest in new product development.  The Company seeks to augment its  funding
of  research and  development through  government grants.  The Company  has been
awarded a Phase II SBIR grant  of $750,000, of which approximately $698,000  has
been  drawn to date  and the remainder of  which can be drawn  over the next six
months  to  fund  additional  research  and  clinical  trials  regarding   laser
emulsification  of  cataracts. The  Company  has also  applied  for new  Phase I
research  grants  related  to   dentistry,  orthopedics,  tissue  welding,   and
ophthalmology. No assurance can be given that the Company will be awarded any of
these potential government grants.
 
    The  Company's  current  research  is  focused  on  expanding  the  clinical
applications of its  existing products, reducing  the size and  cost of  current
laser  systems, developing custom delivery systems and developing new innovative
products. The Company's in-house research  and development efforts have  focused
on  the  development  of  a  systems approach  to  medical  laser  products with
proprietary delivery systems designed to allow the laser to interact with tissue
by a number of different mechanisms  (e.g., acoustic, ablative and thermal)  for
unique  laser/tissue  effects.  These  disposable  fiberoptic  delivery systems,
developed  specifically  for  niche   surgical  applications,  demonstrate   the
principal  focus  of the  Company's research  efforts.  Examples of  patented or
patent  pending  products  resulting   from  these  research  efforts   include:
TouchTIPS, AngleTIPS, Er:YAG fiberoptics and CO(2) waveguides. Clinical research
has also yielded several new surgical procedures.
 
PATENTS AND PATENT APPLICATIONS
 
    Patent  protection is an important part  of the Company's business strategy,
and the Company's success depends, in  part, on its ability to maintain  patents
and  trade secret protection and on its ability to operate without infringing on
the rights  of third  parties. The  Company  has sought  to protect  its  unique
technologies and clinical advances through the use of the patent process. Patent
applications  filed in the  United States are frequently  also filed in selected
foreign countries. The  Company focuses  its efforts  on filing  only for  those
patents  which the Company believes will provide it with key defensible features
instead of filing for all potential minor device features. The Company holds  19
U.S.  patents and  has other patent  applications pending in  the United States,
including divisional applications.  In addition,  the Company  holds 13  foreign
patents  including  two  utility  model patents  and  has  other  foreign patent
applications pending. No  assurance can  be given  that any  additional U.S.  or
foreign  patents will be  issued, that the  scope of any  patent protection will
exclude competitors or that any of the  Company's patents will be held valid  if
subsequently challenged. The Company also has a nonexclusive license to a number
of  basic laser technologies  which are commonly  licensed on such  basis in the
laser industry.
 
    The Company's success will  depend in part on  its ability to obtain  patent
protection  for its  products and  processes, to  preserve trade  secrets and to
operate without infringing the rights of
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
others. The Company is aware of certain patents which, along with other  patents
that  may exist or be granted in  the future, could restrict the Company's right
to market  certain of  its technologies  without a  license, including,  without
limitation,  patents relating to  the Company's lens  emulsification product and
ophthalmic probes for its  Er:YAG laser. In the  past, the Company has  received
allegations that certain of the Company's laser products infringe other patents.
There has been significant patent litigation in the medical industry in general,
and  in  the medical  laser industry  in  particular. Adverse  determinations in
litigation or other patent proceedings in  which the Company may become a  party
could subject the Company to significant legal judgments or liabilities to third
parties,  and could require the Company to seek licenses from third parties that
may or may not  be economically viable. Patent  and other intellectual  property
rights  disputes often are settled  through licensing arrangements. No assurance
can be given  that any licenses  required under  these or any  other patents  or
proprietary  rights would be available on terms acceptable to the Company, if at
all. If the Company does not obtain such licenses, it could encounter delays  in
product  introductions while  it attempts to  design around such  patents, or it
could find that the development, manufacture or sale of products requiring  such
licenses  could be enjoined. If the Company  is found, in a legal proceeding, to
have infringed the patents  or other proprietary rights  of others, it could  be
liable  for significant  damages. The  Company also  relies on  unpatented trade
secrets, and  no assurance  can  be given  that  others will  not  independently
develop or otherwise acquire substantially equivalent trade secrets.
 
GOVERNMENT REGULATION
 
    FDA REGULATION
 
    The  lasers that  are manufactured by  the Company are  regulated as medical
devices by the  FDA under  the FDC  Act. Satisfaction  of applicable  regulatory
requirements  may take several  years and requirements  vary substantially based
upon the type, complexity and  novelty of such devices  as well as the  clinical
procedure.  Pursuant to the FDC Act  and the regulations promulgated thereunder,
the FDA regulates the preclinical  and clinical testing, manufacture,  labeling,
distribution,  and promotion  of medical devices.  Noncompliance with applicable
requirements can  result  in  fines, injunctions,  civil  penalties,  recall  or
seizure  of  products,  total or  partial  suspension of  production,  denial or
withdrawal of premarket  clearance or approval  for devices, recommendations  by
the  FDA that the Company not be allowed to enter into government contracts, and
criminal prosecution. The FDA also has the authority to request recall,  repair,
replacement  or refund of the cost of  any device manufactured or distributed by
the Company.
 
    The FDA classifies medical  devices in commercial  distribution into one  of
three  classes: Class I, II or III. This classification is based on the controls
the FDA deems  necessary to reasonably  ensure the safety  and effectiveness  of
medical devices. Class I devices are subject to general control (E.G., labeling,
premarket  notification and adherance to GMPs)  and Class II devices are subject
to  general  and  special  controls  (E.G.,  performance  standards,  postmarket
surveillance,  patient  registries, and  FDA  guidelines). Generally,  Class III
devices are those  which must receive  premarket approval by  the FDA to  ensure
their  safety  and  effectiveness  (E.G.,  life-sustaining,  life-supporting and
implantable  devices,  or  new  devices  which   have  been  found  not  to   be
substantially  equivalent  to legally  marketed  devices). Lasers  typically are
classified as Class II devices, but the FDA may classify certain indications  or
technologies into Class III and require a PMA.
 
    If  a manufacturer or distributor  of a medical device  can establish that a
proposed device is "substantially equivalent" to  a legally marketed Class I  or
Class  II medical device or to a pre-1976 Class III medical device for which the
FDA has not  called for  a PMA,  the manufacturer  or distributor  may seek  FDA
clearance for the device by filing a Section 510(k) premarket notification. If a
manufacturer or distributor of a medical device cannot establish that a proposed
device  is  substantially equivalent  to  another legally  marketed  device, the
manufacturer or  distributor  will  have  to seek  premarket  approval  for  the
proposed  device. A 510(k) notification and the claim of substantial equivalence
will likely  have  to be  supported  by various  types  of data  and  materials,
possibly  including test results or the results of clinical studies in humans. A
PMA would have  to be submitted  and be supported  by extensive data,  including
preclinical    and   clinical   study   data,    to   prove   the   safety   and
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
effectiveness  of  the  device. There  can  be  no assurance  that  some  of the
Company's products will  not require the  more rigorous and  time consuming  PMA
approval,  including laser uses for vasovasotomy or other tissue melding, dental
hard  tissue,  cavity  prevention,   cosmetic  surgery,  sclerostomy  and   lens
emulsification, among others.
 
    If  human clinical studies of a proposed  device are required, whether for a
510(k) or a PMA, and the device presents a "significant risk," the  manufacturer
or  the distributor of the devices will have to file an IDE application with the
FDA prior  to commencing  human clinical  trials. The  IDE application  must  be
supported  by data,  typically including  the results  of animal  and mechanical
laboratory testing. If the  IDE application is  approved by the  FDA and one  or
more appropriate Institutional Review Boards ("IRBs"), human clinical trials may
begin  at a specific number  of investigational sites with  a specific number of
patients, as approved by the FDA. Submission  of an IDE does not give  assurance
that  FDA will approve the IDE and, if it is approved, there can be no assurance
that the FDA will determine that the data derived from these studies support the
safety and  efficacy of  the  device or  warrant  the continuation  of  clinical
studies.  Sponsors of clinical studies are permitted to charge for those devices
distributed in  the course  of the  study provided  such compensation  does  not
exceed recovery of the costs of manufacture, research, development and handling.
Clinical  studies of nonsignificant risk devices  may be performed without prior
FDA approval, but  various regulatory  requirements still  apply, including  the
requirement for approval by an IRB, conduct of the study according to applicable
portions  of the IDE regulations,  and prohibitions against commercialization of
an investigational device.
 
    The manufacturer or  distributor may  not place the  device into  interstate
commerce  until an order is  issued by the FDA  granting premarket clearance for
the device. The FDA  has no specific time  limit by which it  must respond to  a
510(k) premarket notification. The FDA has recently been requiring more rigorous
demonstration of substantial equivalence in connection with 510(k) notifications
and  the review time can take four to 12 months or longer for a 510(k). If a PMA
submission is filed, the FDA has by statute 180 days to review it; however,  the
review  time  is  often  extended  significantly  by  the  FDA  asking  for more
information or clarification of information already provided in the  submission.
During   the  review  period,  an  advisory  committee  may  also  evaluate  the
application and provide  recommendations to  the FDA  as to  whether the  device
should be approved. In addition, the FDA will inspect the manufacturing facility
to  ensure compliance  with the  FDA's good  manufacturing practice requirements
prior to approval of a PMA.
 
    Devices are  cleared by  510(k) or  approved by  PMA only  for the  specific
intended  uses claimed in the submission and  agreed to by the FDA. Labeling and
promotional activities are also subject to  scrutiny by the FDA and, in  certain
instances,  by the Federal Trade Commission.  Marketing or promotion of products
for medical applications  other than those  that are cleared  or approved  could
lead to enforcement action by the FDA.
 
    There  can be no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain necessary
regulatory approvals or clearances for its products on a timely basis or at all,
and delays in receipt of or failure to receive such approvals or clearances, the
loss of previously received approvals or clearances, limitations on intended use
imposed as a  condition of such  approvals or clearances,  or failure to  comply
with  existing or future  regulatory requirements would  have a material adverse
effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
FDA or other governmental approvals of products developed by the Company in  the
future  may  require substantial  filing fees  which could  limit the  number of
applications sought by the Company and  may entail limitations on the  indicated
uses  for which such products may be  marketed. In addition, approved or cleared
products may be subject to additional testing and surveillance programs required
by the FDA and other regulatory  agencies, and product approvals and  clearances
could  be withdrawn for  failure to comply  with regulatory standards  or by the
occurrence of unforeseen problems following initial marketing.
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
    REGULATORY STATUS OF PRODUCTS
 
    The Company has received 510(k) clearance to market the following lasers  in
an  aggregate of more  than 100 specialty  areas: CO(2) (four  models: 10W, 20W,
35W, 65W); Nd:YAG (four models: 20W, 40W, 60W, 100W); Ho:YAG (one model); Er:YAG
(two models); 1.32m  Nd:YAG (two models:  15W, 25W); .532m  Nd:YAG (one  model);
Argon  (two models); diode  (four models); Nd:YAG/Er:YAG  combination laser (one
model). Each of  these lasers has  clearances in multiple  specialty areas.  The
Company  also has received 510(k) clearance to market sculptured fibers, contact
tip fibers, bare fibers, TouchTIPS, AngleTIPS and focusing tips for all  cleared
wavelengths  of the Company's  lasers as well  as argon lasers.  If a device for
which the Company has already received 510(k) premarket clearance is changed  or
modified in design, components, method of manufacture or intended use, such that
the safety or effectiveness of the device could be significantly affected, a new
510(k)  premarket notification  is required  before the  modified device  can be
marketed in the United States. The Company has made modifications to certain  of
its  products which the  Company believes do  not require the  submission of new
510(k) notifications. However, there can be no assurance that the FDA will agree
with the Company's  determinations and  not require the  Company to  discontinue
marketing  one or more of  the modified devices until  they have been cleared by
the FDA. There can also be no assurance that any such clearance of modifications
would be granted should it become necessary.
 
    The Company currently is conducting preclinical animal studies and  clinical
trials,  both under approved IDEs and  as nonsignificant risk studies. There can
be no  assurance that  the results  of any  of these  clinical studies  will  be
successful  or that the FDA  will not require the  Company to discontinue any of
these studies in the interest of the  public health or due to any violations  of
the  FDA's IDE  regulations. There  can be  no assurance  that the  Company will
receive approval from the FDA to conduct any of the significant risk studies for
which the Company seeks IDE approval, or that the FDA will not disagree with the
Company's determination  that  any  of its  studies  are  "nonsignificant  risk"
studies  and require the Company  to obtain approval of  an IDE before the study
can continue.
 
    ADDITIONAL REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS
 
    Any products manufactured or distributed by the Company pursuant to a 510(k)
premarket clearance notification or PMA are or will be subject to pervasive  and
continuing  regulation by  the FDA.  The FDC  Act also  requires the  Company to
manufacture its products  in registered  establishments and  in accordance  with
cGMP regulations, which include testing, control and documentation requirements.
The  Company must also comply with Medical Device Reporting ("MDR") requirements
that a firm report to the FDA any incident in which its product may have  caused
or  contributed  to  a  death  or  serious  injury,  or  in  which  its  product
malfunctioned and, if the malfunction were to recur, would be likely to cause or
contribute to a death or serious injury. The Company's facilities in the  United
States  are subject  to periodic  inspections by  the FDA.  The FDA  may require
postmarketing surveillance with respect to the Company's products. The export of
medical devices is also subject to regulation in certain instances.
 
    All lasers manufactured by the Company are subject to the Radiation  Control
for   Health  and  Safety  Act  administered  by  the  Center  for  Devices  and
Radiological Health of the FDA. The law requires laser manufacturers to file new
product and annual reports and to maintain quality control, product testing  and
sales  records, to incorporate  certain design and  operating features in lasers
sold to  end  users pursuant  to  a performance  standard,  and to  comply  with
labeling  and certification requirements. Various warning labels must be affixed
to the  laser, depending  on the  class  of the  product under  the  performance
standard.
 
    In  addition, the use of the Company's  products may be regulated by various
state agencies. For instance, the Company  is required to register as a  medical
device manufacturer with certain state agencies. In addition to being subject to
inspection by the FDA, the Company also will be routinely inspected by the State
of California for compliance with cGMP regulations and other requirements.
 
    Although  the Company believes that it  currently complies and will continue
to comply with the applicable regulations regarding the manufacture and sale  of
medical devices, such regulations are
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
always  subject to change and  depend heavily on administrative interpretations.
There can  be no  assurance  that future  changes  in law,  regulations,  review
guidelines  or  administrative interpretations  by the  FDA or  other regulatory
bodies,  with  possible  retroactive  effect,  will  not  adversely  affect  the
Company's  business, financial condition and  results of operations. In addition
to the foregoing, the  Company is subject to  numerous federal, state and  local
laws  relating  to  such  matters  as  safe  working  conditions,  manufacturing
practices,  environmental  protection,  fire  hazard  control  and  disposal  of
hazardous  or potentially hazardous  substances. There can  be no assurance that
the Company will not be required to incur significant costs to comply with  such
laws  and regulations in the  future, or that such  laws or regulations will not
have a material adverse effect upon the Company's ability to conduct business.
 
    Furthermore, the introduction of the Company's products in foreign countries
may require obtaining foreign regulatory  clearances, and additional safety  and
effectiveness  standards are  required in  certain other  countries. The Company
believes that  only  a  limited  number  of  foreign  countries  currently  have
extensive  regulatory requirements.  These countries include  the European Union
countries, France,  Germany, Canada,  Mexico and  Japan. Domestic  manufacturing
locations  of American  companies doing  business in  certain foreign countries,
including European  Union countries,  may  be subject  to inspection.  The  time
required  for regulatory  approval in  foreign countries  varies and  can take a
number of years. During the  period in which the  Company will be attempting  to
obtain  the necessary  regulatory approvals, the  Company expects  to market its
products on  a limited  basis in  certain other  countries that  do not  require
regulatory  approval. There can be no assurance that the Company's products will
be cleared or approved by the FDA or other governmental agencies for  additional
applications  in the United States or in  other countries or that countries that
do not now  require regulatory approval  will not require  such approval in  the
future.
 
MANUFACTURING AND MATERIALS
 
    Manufacturing  consists  of component  assembly  and systems  integration of
electronic, mechanical and optical components and modules. The Company's product
costs are principally related to the  purchase of raw materials while labor  and
overhead  have been reduced due  to the use of  customized tooling and automated
test systems.  The Company  believes that  these manufacturing  systems  improve
quality  and manufacturing reliability resulting  in lower overall manufacturing
costs, and  that these  systems  will allow  the  Company to  expand  production
rapidly.
 
    The  Company purchases  certain raw materials,  components and subassemblies
included in the Company's products from  a limited group of qualified  suppliers
and  does not maintain long-term supply contracts with any of its key suppliers.
While multiple sources of supply exist for most critical components used in  the
laser  and fiberoptic delivery  systems, the disruption  or termination of these
sources could  have a  material adverse  effect on  the Company's  business  and
results  of operations. Vendor  delays or quality problems  could also result in
production delays of up to six months as several components have long production
lead times. These long lead times, as well as the need for demonstration  units,
require  a significant portion of working  capital to fund inventory growth. The
Company has in the past experienced and may continue to experience shortages  in
raw  materials  and  certain  supplies.  See  "Risk  Factors  --  Dependence  on
Suppliers."
 
    The Company owns the molds used to produce certain proprietary parts of  its
laser products and owns the software used in the operation of its laser systems.
The  Company designs and assembles its own fiberoptic delivery systems and laser
accessory equipment such as laser carts, smoke evacuation devices and associated
disposable supplies. The Company believes  that its manufacturing practices  are
in accordance with cGMP regulations.
 
PRODUCT LIABILITY AND INSURANCE
 
    Since  the Company's products are intended for use in the treatment of human
medical conditions,  the Company  is  subject to  an  inherent risk  of  product
liability  and other liability  claims which may  involve significant claims and
defense costs.  The  Company  currently has  product  liability  insurance  with
coverage limits of $5.0 million per occurrence and $5.0 million in the aggregate
per year. Product
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
liability insurance is expensive and subject to various coverage exclusions, and
in  the future may not be available  in acceptable amounts, on acceptable terms,
or at all. Although the Company does not have any outstanding product  liability
claims,  in the event the  Company were to be  held liable for damages exceeding
the limits of its insurance  coverage or outside of  the scope of its  coverage,
the  business  and results  of  operations of  the  Company could  be materially
adversely  affected.  The  Company's  reputation  and  business  could  also  be
adversely  affected by  product liability claims,  regardless of  their merit or
eventual outcome.
 
FACILITIES
 
    The Company  leases approximately  28,000  square feet  in one  facility  in
Irvine,  California pursuant  to a  lease which  expires in  December 2000. This
facility  contains  the   Company's  executive  offices,   service  center   and
manufacturing  space.  The Company  is required  to  lease an  additional 13,000
square feet in the same facility commencing in January 1999, or on such  earlier
date  that the adjoining  tenant's lease terminates.  While the Company believes
that its manufacturing and administrative facilities are adequate to satisfy the
Company's needs through  at least 2000,  it may need  to lease additional  clean
room facilities in the future.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
    As  of October  14, 1996, the  Company employed  41 people, two  of whom are
employed on a  part-time basis.  None of these  employees are  represented by  a
union. Eight employees perform sales, marketing and customer support activities.
The   remaining  employees  perform  manufacturing,  financial,  administration,
regulatory, research and development and quality control activities. The Company
believes that its relationship with its employees is good.
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
    In March 1994, the Company instituted litigation in the U.S. District Court,
Central District of California, against Infrared Fiber Systems, Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("IFS") which contracted to supply optical fiber to the Company  for
the  Company's Er:YAG  laser. Two  of IFS's  senior officers  are also  named as
defendants. The Company's complaint in this  matter alleges that IFS and two  of
its  officers made misrepresentations  to the Company and  that IFS breached its
agreement to supply fibers and certain warranties concerning the quality of  the
fiber to be provided. The Company is seeking damages and an injunction requiring
IFS to subcontract the production of optical fiber to a third party, as provided
in  the supply agreement. In April 1994, IFS filed a general denial and a cross-
complaint against  the  Company  alleging breach  of  contract  and  intentional
interference  with prospective economic  advantage, seeking compensatory damages
"in excess of $500,000,"  punitive damages and a  judicial declaration that  the
contract  has  been terminated  and that  IFS is  free to  market its  fibers to
others. In September  1996, IFS filed  a new cross-complaint  alleging the  same
causes  of action and seeking substantially the same relief in the Orange County
California Superior Court.  The Company has  filed an answer  to the  complaint,
denying the allegations and asserting several affirmative defenses.
 
    IFS  has agreed to license certain  fiber technologies, to which the Company
claims exclusive license rights, to Coherent, Inc. ("Coherent"), a competitor of
the Company. Coherent  joined the  above federal  litigation on  behalf of  IFS,
seeking  a declaration that IFS  had the legal right  to enter into this license
and supply the fiber  covered by that agreement,  and then subsequently filed  a
new  complaint in  the Orange County  California Superior  Court for declaratory
relief, seeking an order that the Company's original agreement with IFS  applies
only  to  a  specific type  of  optical  fiber. The  Company  has  answered this
complaint.
 
    In May 1995, the  Company instituted litigation  concerning this dispute  in
the  Orange  County, California  Superior  Court against  Coherent, Westinghouse
Electric Corporation ("Westinghouse") and an individual employee of Westinghouse
who was an officer  of IFS from 1986  to 1993, when the  events involved in  the
federal action against IFS took place and while Westinghouse owned a substantial
minority interest in IFS. The complaint charges that Coherent conspired with IFS
in  the wrongful conduct which  is the subject of  the federal lawsuit described
above and interfered with the Company's
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
contracts and relations with IFS and with prospective contracts and advantageous
economic relations with third parties.  The complaint asserts that  Westinghouse
is  liable for  its employee's  wrongful acts as  an IFS  executive while acting
within the scope of his employment at Westinghouse. The lawsuit seeks injunctive
relief and compensatory damages. In October 1995, the federal action was  stayed
by  order of the court  in favor of the California  state court action, in which
the pleadings have been amended to include all claims asserted by the Company in
the federal action.
 
    In July  1996,  the court  in  the  California state  court  action  granted
demurrers  by Westinghouse  and the  employee of  Westinghouse to  all causes of
action against them,  as well as  all but  one of the  Company's claims  against
Coherent.  As a result, the claims that are the subject of the granted demurrers
have been dismissed, subject to the  Company's right to appeal. The Company  has
decided  that it will file an appeal of  these decisions. No trial date has been
set as to the remaining outstanding causes of action.
 
    In September 1996, the Company instituted litigation in the Salt Lake  City,
Utah  State  Court against  IBC. The  Company's  complaint alleges,  among other
things, conversion, breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty by IBC as  a
result  of  actions taken  by IBC  with  respect to  the collection  of accounts
receivable due to the  Company. The Court in  this matter subsequently issued  a
temporary  restraining  order  against  IBC, prohibiting  it  from,  among other
things, taking actions to collect receivables generated by the Company's sale of
its products. IBC has filed a cross complaint against the Company, alleging that
the Company breached  the August  24, 1996  agreement between  the parties,  and
seeking  monetary damages. Management of the  Company believes, based in part on
discussions with  counsel,  that IBC's  cross  complaint is  without  merit  and
intends to vigorously defend the action.
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
                                   MANAGEMENT
 
    The  following table sets forth  certain information regarding the Company's
directors and executive officers.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
               NAME                      AGE                                POSITION
- -----------------------------------      ---      ------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                  <C>          <C>
Colette Cozean, Ph.D...............          38   Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, President
                                                   and Director of Research
T. Daniel Caruso, Jr...............          53   Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing
Ronald E. Higgins..................          54   Vice President, Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance,
                                                   and Secretary
James S. Polentz...................          53   Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer
Richard Roemer.....................          62   Vice President, Operations and Industrial Lasers
Patrick J. Day.....................          69   Director (1)
Grace Ching-Hsin Lin...............          46   Director (1)(2)
E. Donald Shapiro..................          64   Director (1)(2)
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
(1) Member of the Audit Committee.
 
(2) Member of the Compensation Committee.
 
    The business experience,  principal occupations and  employment, as well  as
the  periods of service, of each of  the directors and executive officers of the
Company during at least the last five years are set forth below.
 
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
    COLETTE COZEAN, PH.D. is a founder of  the Company and has been Chairman  of
the  Board of Directors, President and Director of Research of the Company since
it began operations  in August 1991  and became the  Chief Executive Officer  in
1994.  From April 1987 to August 1991, Dr. Cozean served as Director of Research
and Development, Regulatory Affairs and Clinical Programs at Pfizer Laser and in
such capacities managed  the development  of the laser  technologies which  were
acquired  by the Company from Pfizer Laser. Prior to April 1987, Dr. Cozean held
various research positions at  Baxter Edwards, a  division of Baxter  Healthcare
Corporation  ("Baxter"),  and American  Technology and  Ventures, a  division of
American Hospital  Supply Company  ("American  Hospital"). Baxter  and  American
Hospital  are  manufacturers and  suppliers  of advanced  medical  products. Dr.
Cozean holds several patents,  has published many articles  and has served as  a
member  of the National Institutes of  Health grant review committee. Dr. Cozean
holds a Ph.D. in  biomedical engineering and an  M.S. in Electrical  Engineering
from Ohio State University, a B.S. in biomedical engineering from the University
of Southern California, and a B.A. in physical sciences from Westmont College.
 
    T.  DANIEL CARUSO, JR. has  been Vice President, Sales  and Marketing of the
Company since July 1992  and became a  Senior Vice President  in May 1996.  From
July  1989 to April 1992, Mr. Caruso  was Vice President, Sales and Marketing at
Hycor Biomedical,  a laboratory  diagnostics company.  From March  1988 to  July
1989,  Mr. Caruso was  President and Chief Executive  Officer of Physicians Home
Infusion Care, a home health care company. Mr. Caruso has a B.S. in Biology  and
Chemistry and an M.B.A. in marketing from the University of Southern California.
 
    RONALD  E. HIGGINS is  a founder and the  Vice President, Regulatory Affairs
and Quality Assurance of the Company, a position he has held since January 1995.
From the founding of the Company in August 1991 to January 1995, Mr. Higgins was
Vice President, Operations. From September 1989 to August 1991, Mr. Higgins  was
Manager  of  Regulatory  Affairs and  Quality  Assurance at  Pfizer  Laser. From
January 1987 to September 1989, Mr.  Higgins was Director of Regulatory  Affairs
at  Cardio Pulmonics,  a medical  device company.  Mr. Higgins  holds a  B.S. in
Zoology from the University of Utah and has completed post graduate work in  the
areas  of biochemistry, educational  training, regulatory affairs, manufacturing
and engineering.
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
    JAMES S. POLENTZ  joined the  Company as  Chief Financial  Officer in  April
1994. From October 1992 to April 1994, Mr. Polentz served as the Chief Financial
Officer  with Spector Entertainment Group, a telecommunications service company.
From March 1991  through July 1992,  Mr. Polentz served  as the Vice  President,
Finance  and  Chief  Financial  Officer for  Commstruct  International,  Inc., a
telecommunications  company.  A  subsidiary  of  Commstruct  International,   US
Commstruct,  Inc.,  filed  a petition  under  Chapter  11 of  the  United States
Bankruptcy Code within six months after the date Mr. Polentz left the employ  of
Commstruct  International, Inc. Mr. Polentz is a certified public accountant and
has a  B.S. in  Accounting from  the University  of Southern  California and  an
M.B.A. from California State University.
 
    RICHARD  ROEMER has been Vice President, Operations and Industrial Lasers of
the Company  since  February  1995.  From  1994  to  1995,  Mr.  Roemer  was  an
independent  consultant for  the Company.  From 1988 to  1994, Mr.  Roemer was a
consultant to and general manager of  California Labs, JMED, Inc. and  Pineridge
Capital, which are manufacturers of laser-based medical products. Prior to 1988,
Mr.  Roemer founded  the laser  group of  Melles Griot  and served  as the Chief
Operating Officer  of the  laser division  of Hughes  Aircraft Corporation.  Mr.
Roemer holds a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rutgers University.
 
    PATRICK  J. DAY has served  as a director of  the Company since August 1991.
Mr. Day  is  a  Certified  Public  Accountant and  owns  a  CPA  firm  which  he
established  in  1967. He  has served  as a  director for  several organizations
including the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood and many private companies.
Mr. Day is the father of Dr. Cozean, the Company's Chairman of the Board,  Chief
Executive  Officer and  President. Mr.  Day has  a B.A.  in accounting  from the
University of Idaho.
 
    GRACE CHING-HSIN LIN has served as a director of the Company since  February
1992,  representing a group  of original investors  in the Company.  Ms. Lin has
been an  agent providing  real  estate consulting  services for  Security  Trust
Realty  since April 1988 and an owner of South Pacific Investment, an investment
management company, since 1989.
 
    E. DONALD SHAPIRO joined the Board of Directors in August 1994. Since  1983,
Mr.  Shapiro has served as the Joseph  Solomon Distinguished Professor of Law at
New York Law School where he served as both Dean and Professor of Law from  1973
to  1983. He is Supernumerary Fellow of  St. Cross College at Oxford University,
England. Mr. Shapiro received a J.D. degree at Harvard Law School. He  currently
serves  on the Boards of Directors  for several public companies including Loral
Space and  Communications, Ltd.,  Eyecare Products  PLC, Kranzco  Realty  Trust,
Group  Health  Incorporated,  Vasomedical  Corporation,  MacroChem  Corporation,
United Industrial, Telepad, Inc. and Food Entertainment, Inc. He also serves  on
the  Board of Directors of Bank Leumi NY.  Mr. Shapiro is special counsel to the
law firm of Herzfeld and  Rubin, which firm is  representing the Company in  the
litigation  described in "Business  -- Legal Proceedings." Mr.  Shapiro is not a
partner of such  firm and receives  no compensation calculated  by reference  to
such firm's profits.
 
KEY CONSULTANTS
 
    ROBERT  J. FREIBERG, PH.D.  is currently a Technical  Advisor to the Company
and from August 1991 has provided consulting services to the Company. From  1986
to  1991,  Dr. Freiberg  served  in various  capacities  for Pfizer  Laser, most
recently holding  the  position of  Director  of Engineering  and  Manufacturing
Operations.  From 1983 to 1986, Dr.  Freiberg was Director of Minimally Invasive
Surgery Products for American  Technology and Ventures,  a division of  American
Hospital.  Dr. Freiberg has also managed projects/departments at Hughes Research
Laboratory, United Technologies and TRW. In addition to holding several patents,
Dr. Freiberg identified and developed emerging medical technologies for American
Hospital. Dr.  Freiberg  holds  a Ph.D.,  M.S.  and  B.S. in  physics  from  the
University  of Illinois and  Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.  The Company pays
Mr. Freiberg $85 per hour for services rendered to the Company.
 
    RICHARD P. KRATZ, M.D. became affiliated with the Company in April 1994 as a
Medical Director. Dr.  Kratz is  a clinical  professor of  ophthalmology at  the
University  of  California,  Irvine and  a  clinical professor  emeritus  at the
University of Southern California.  Dr. Kratz is on  the Board of Directors  for
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
the  University of California, Irvine, Beckman  Laser Institute & Medical Clinic
and a member of the  Board of Directors of the  American Board of Eye  Surgeons,
and  is on  the editorial  boards for OCULAR  SURGERY NEWS,  OCULAR SURGERY NEWS
INTERNATIONAL and the EUROPEAN  JOURNAL OF IMPLANT  AND REFRACTIVE SURGERY.  Dr.
Kratz  received a M.D. from the University of Southern California. Dr. Kratz has
published numerous papers  and frequently lectures  on topics in  ophthalmology,
including  cataract surgery.  Other than  stock options  granted at  fair market
value to Dr. Kratz from time to time at the discretion of the Company's Board of
Directors, Dr.  Kratz  does not  receive  any other  compensation  for  services
rendered to the Company.
 
MEDICAL ADVISORY BOARDS
 
    The  Company  is advised  by three  Medical  Advisory Boards  (the "Advisory
Boards") covering ophthalmology,  dentistry and surgery,  respectively. Each  of
the  Advisory  Boards is  comprised  of up  to  fifteen members  who  are active
primarily in the  Company's target  markets and who  are selected  to provide  a
balance   of   university   deans,   researchers   and   clinicians,   different
subspecialties, and laser users of multiple wavelengths, users of the  Company's
systems  and users who do not use lasers  in their practice at all. The Advisory
Board's function is to review clinical, regulatory, new product development  and
marketing  programs and proposals for the Company. Members of these boards often
serve as clinical investigators, course lecturers and perform research resulting
in published papers. Other than stock options granted at fair market value  from
time to time at the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors, the Chairmen
of  the  Medical  Advisory Boards  do  not  receive any  other  compensation for
services rendered to the Company. Each  Advisory Board is headed by a  Chairman.
Currently, the Chairmen of the Company's Advisory Boards are as follows:
 
    D.  MICHAEL COLVARD, M.D., OPHTHALMOLOGY.  Dr. Colvard is the founder of the
Center for Ophthalmic Surgery  in Encino, California,  and has been  responsible
for  its Outpatient Surgery Center for the  past ten years. Dr. Colvard has also
been a clinical faculty  member at the University  of Southern California  since
1991  and  has  published widely  in  the  field of  ophthalmology.  Dr. Colvard
maintains a medical  practice and is  engaged by a  major ophthalmic company  to
review  its clinical trials, procedures and  results. Dr. Colvard also served as
the Medical Director for the Company during its first two years. The Company has
entered into an  Assignment Agreement with  Dr. Colvard, pursuant  to which  Dr.
Colvard  assigned to the Company certain technology relating to the Er:YAG laser
for use on ocular structures. While  this agreement provides for the payment  of
royalties under certain circumstances to Dr. Colvard of 1.0% to 2.5% on sales of
the  Er:YAG intraocular and refractive  lasers, fiberoptic intraocular catheters
and intraocular probes, no  royalties have been  earned as of  the date of  this
Prospectus.
 
    G.  LYNN POWELL, D.D.S., DENTISTRY.   Dr. Powell has  been on the faculty at
the University of Utah  since 1982, where he  currently serves as the  Assistant
Dean  for  Dental Education  in  the School  of  Medicine and  Professor  in the
Department of  Pathology. He  is a  patent holder  who has  performed  extensive
research  in the field  of dentistry serving as  primary investigator on several
funded grants  and is  author or  co-author of  over 45  papers in  journals,  a
majority  of which  relate to  the use of  lasers in  dentistry. He  serves as a
reviewer for three dental and laser journals, has lectured nationally as well as
internationally and routinely presents his work at research meetings. Dr. Powell
is the current President of the  International Society for Lasers in  Dentistry.
Dr.  Powell received his D.D.S. from the University of Washington and was on the
full time faculty in Restorative Dentistry for ten years.
 
    WARREN SCOTT GRUNDFEST, M.D., GENERAL SURGERY.   Dr. Grundfest, a Fellow  of
the  American College  of Surgeons,  has been  the Director,  Laser Research and
Technology Development Program  at Cedars-Sinai  Medical Center  in Los  Angeles
since  1985. He is also the  holder of the Dorothy and  E. Phillip Lyon Chair in
Laser Research  at such  hospital, as  well as  being an  Assistant Director  of
Surgery.  In addition, he is  an Assistant Clinical Professor  of Surgery at the
UCLA School of Medicine,  and the co-editor of  the Journal of  Laparoendoscopic
Surgery.  Dr. Grundfest has published more than 100 papers, 30 book chapters and
conducted multiple  courses in  the fields  of laser  applications in  medicine,
microendoscopy  and minimally invasive surgery. His laboratory has been involved
in the development
 
                                       44
<PAGE>
of minimally invasive surgery, from angioscopy to laparoscopic transcystic  duct
common   bile  duct  exploration.  Dr.  Grundfest  consults  for  a  variety  of
governmental agencies including the FDA and the National Institutes of Health.
 
BOARD COMMITTEES AND DESIGNATED DIRECTORS
 
    The Board's Audit Committee consists of Ms. Lin and Messrs. Day and Shapiro.
The Audit  Committee  meets  periodically  with  management  and  the  Company's
independent  accountants to review the results and  scope of the audit and other
services provided  by  the  Company's  independent auditors  and  the  need  for
internal auditing procedures and the adequacy of internal controls.
 
    The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors consists of Ms. Lin and
Mr.  Shapiro. The  Compensation Committee  establishes salaries,  incentives and
other forms of compensation  for officers, directors  and certain key  employees
and consultants (including the Chairmen of the Advisory Boards), administers the
Company's  various  incentive  compensation  and  benefit  plans,  including the
Company's 1992 Employee Stock Option Plan,  1995 Employee Stock Option Plan  and
the 1996 Stock Option Plans and recommends policies relating to such plans.
 
    Until October 2001, the Company has agreed, if requested by the Underwriter,
to  nominate  two  designees  of  the  Underwriter  to  the  Company's  Board of
Directors. The Underwriter has designated Mr. Shapiro, a current director of the
Company, pursuant  to this  provision.  The Underwriter  has not  yet  indicated
whether it will nominate a second designee.
 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
    The   following  table   sets  forth   information  concerning   the  annual
compensation paid by  the Company for  the fiscal years  indicated to the  Chief
Executive  Officer  and executive  officers  of the  Company  whose compensation
exceeded $100,000 during the fiscal year ended March 31, 1996.
 
                           SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      LONG-TERM
                                                                                    COMPENSATION
                                                                                 -------------------
                                                     ANNUAL COMPENSATION (1)         SECURITIES
                                        FISCAL    -----------------------------      UNDERLYING         ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION              YEAR         SALARY          BONUS            OPTIONS        COMPENSATION
- -------------------------------------  ---------  --------------  -------------  -------------------  -------------
<S>                                    <C>        <C>             <C>            <C>                  <C>
Colette Cozean, Ph.D. ...............       1996  $   112,200     $       --           140,000         $  19,800(5)
 Chairman of the Board,                     1995  $    97,500     $   37,500           358,650(4)      $   4,800(6)
 Chief Executive Officer, President         1994  $    97,500(2)  $       --                --         $   5,376(6)
 and Director of Research
T. Daniel Caruso, Jr. ...............       1996  $               $       --(3)        109,522         $      --
 Senior Vice President,                                90,625
 Sales and Marketing
Ronald E. Higgins ...................       1996  $    92,625     $       --(3)         90,000         $      --
 Vice President, Regulatory
 Affairs and Quality
 Assurance and Secretary
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
(1) Excludes perquisites and other personal benefits, securities and  properties
    otherwise  categorized as salary or bonuses which in the aggregate, for each
    of the named persons did not exceed  the lesser of either $50,000 or 10%  of
    the  total  annual salary  reported for  such person.  The Company  has also
    entered into  Employment Agreements  with each  of the  named persons  which
    provide  for two to four months of severance benefits upon their termination
    of employment.  Based  upon salary  levels  as  of October  14,  1996,  such
    severance  benefits range from approximately $15,000  to $33,000 for each of
    the named persons.
 
(2) Includes $19,500 which was deferred until January 1995.
 
                                       45
<PAGE>
(3) Bonuses  for fiscal  1996 have  not  yet been  determined, but  the  Company
    anticipates  paying such bonuses in October 1996. The Company estimates that
    such bonuses will be  between approximately $8,000 and  $16,000 for each  of
    Messrs. Caruso and Higgins.
 
(4)  The exercise price for  these options is $5.00  per share. One-half of such
    options will vest in five equal annual installments commencing on August  8,
    1995.  The remaining options will vest on  the earlier of August 8, 2005, or
    when the  Company  attains  certain financial  criteria.  Vesting  of  these
    options is accelerated in the event of certain acquisitions of the Company.
 
(5)  Represents the full amount of premiums  paid by the Company ($15,000) for a
    split-dollar life insurance policy in the  amount of $2 million on the  life
    of Dr. Cozean, and an auto allowance for Dr. Cozean ($4,800).
 
(6) Represents an auto allowance for Dr. Cozean.
 
                      OPTIONS GRANTED IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
 
    The  following table sets forth certain information concerning stock options
granted to the named executive officers  during the fiscal year ended March  31,
1996:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               NUMBER OF
                                               SHARES OF      PERCENT OF TOTAL
                                              COMMON STOCK     OPTIONS GRANTED     EXERCISE OR
                                               UNDERLYING       TO EMPLOYEES       BASE PRICE    EXPIRATION
NAME                                            OPTIONS          DURING 1996      PER SHARE (1)     DATE
- -------------------------------------------  --------------  -------------------  -------------  ----------
<S>                                          <C>             <C>                  <C>            <C>
Colette Cozean, Ph.D.......................      140,000(2)            20.2%        $   4.625      02/23/06
T. Daniel Caruso, Jr.......................       60,000(3)            13.7%        $   4.625      02/23/06
                                                  35,000(4)                         $   5.625      06/01/05
Ronald E. Higgins..........................       45,000(3)            11.6%        $   4.625      02/23/06
                                                  35,000(4)                         $   5.625      06/01/05
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
(1)  The options were  granted at an exercise  price at least  equal to the fair
    market value of the Class A Common Stock on the date of grant. The  exercise
    price  may be paid by  delivery of cash or  already owned shares, subject to
    certain conditions.
 
(2) Such options  vest in four  equal annual installments  commencing March  31,
    1996.
 
(3)  Such options vest  in three equal annual  installments commencing March 31,
    1997.
 
(4) 15,000 of the  options held by  each of Messrs. Caruso  and Higgins vest  on
    September  21, 1997.  The remaining 20,000  options held by  each of Messrs.
    Caruso and Higgins vest on the earlier of June 1, 2005, or when the  Company
    attains certain financial criteria.
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
                AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
                       AND FISCAL YEAR END OPTION VALUES
 
    The  following table sets forth  certain information regarding stock options
exercised by the named executive officers during the fiscal year ended March 31,
1996, as well as the number of exercisable and unexercisable in-the-money  stock
options  and their values at  fiscal year end. An  option is in-the-money if the
fair market value for  the underlying securities exceeds  the exercise price  of
the option.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            NUMBER OF SECURITIES
                                                           UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED     VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
                                                                 OPTIONS AT           IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
                                  SHARES                       MARCH 31, 1996        AT MARCH 31, 1996 (1)
                                ACQUIRED ON      VALUE     -----------------------  ------------------------
                                 EXERCISE      REALIZED    EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE
                               -------------  -----------  -----------------------  ------------------------
<S>                            <C>            <C>          <C>                      <C>
Colette Cozean, Ph.D.........       --            --              70,865/427,785      $270,011/$1,590,096
T. Daniel Caruso, Jr.........       --            --               2,500/102,500        $9,063/$372,188
Ronald E. Higgins............       --            --                2,500/87,500        $9,063/$312,188
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
(1) Represents  the last sale price of  underlying securities at fiscal year end
    as reported by the  Nasdaq National Market, less  the exercise price of  the
    options.
 
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
 
    All  directors are  elected annually and  hold office until  the next annual
meeting of the  shareholders and  until their  successors are  duly elected  and
qualified.  The  Company  pays to  all  nonemployee directors  $1,000  per Board
meeting attended,  $1,000  per  committee  meeting  attended  which  is  not  in
conjunction  with  a  Board  meeting, $500  per  committee  meeting  attended in
conjunction with a  Board meeting, and  $500 per telephonic  Board or  committee
meeting. Directors are also reimbursed for their out-of-pocket expenses incurred
in  attending meetings of the Board of Directors and its committees. Mr. Shapiro
also receives  a  fee  of  $1,000  per  month  as  compensation  for  additional
consulting  services relating to the Company's  pending litigation matter and to
new business issues. The Company may also periodically award options or warrants
to its Directors. On November 30, 1994, the Company granted to each  nonemployee
director  warrants to  purchase, at  an exercise price  of $5.00  per share, (i)
45,000 shares of Class  A Common Stock,  which warrants vest  on the earlier  of
August 8, 2005 or when the Company attains certain financial conditions (subject
to  earlier vesting upon certain acquisitions of the Company, and subject to the
requirement that the director  remains on the Board  through the vesting  date);
and  (ii)  20,000  shares  of  Class  A  Common  Stock,  which  warrants  vested
immediately upon grant. On  February 23, 1996, the  Company also granted to  Mr.
Day,   the  only  nonemployee  director  of  the  Company  not  on  the  Board's
Compensation Committee, an option to purchase 10,000 shares at an exercise price
of $4.63 per share.
 
    The Company's 1996 Stock Option Plan provides that each person who was or is
a member  of the  Compensation Committee  of  the Board  on February  23,  1996,
February  23, 1997 and February 23, 1998 will be issued on each such date, under
that plan, options  to purchase 10,000  shares of the  Company's Class A  Common
Stock.  These options will have an exercise price equal to the fair market value
of the Company's Class A Common Stock on the trading day prior to the grant date
and a term of  ten years. These  options are issued subject  to approval by  the
Company's  shareholders at  the 1996  Annual Meeting  of Shareholders,  and will
terminate if such approval is not given.
 
    The Company's  Articles  of  Incorporation  and  indemnification  agreements
entered  into between  the Company  and certain  of the  Company's directors and
officers require the  Company to indemnify  such officers and  directors to  the
fullest  extent  permitted by  applicable  law against  liabilities  incurred in
connection with their  duties as  officers and  directors of  the Company.  Such
indemnification  rights  may extend  to  liabilities under  the  Securities Act.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act  may
be  permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Company, the
Company  has  been  advised  that  in   the  opinion  of  the  Commission   such
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act, and
is, therefore, unenforceable.
 
                                       47
<PAGE>
STOCK OPTION PLANS
 
    Each  of the Company's  Stock Option Plans  is administered by  the Board of
Directors  which  has  sole  discretion  and  authority,  consistent  with   the
provisions  of the plans, to determine  which eligible participants will receive
options, the time when options will be granted, the terms of options granted and
the number  of shares  which will  be subject  to options.  The Board  may  also
appoint  a committee (the  "Committee") to administer the  plans and, subject to
applicable law, to exercise all of the powers of the Board under the plans.
 
    1992 STOCK OPTION PLAN AND 1995 STOCK OPTION PLAN
 
    The Company's 1992 Stock Option Plan and 1995 Stock Option Plan each provide
for the granting of "incentive stock options," within the meaning of Section 422
of the Internal Revenue  Code of 1986, as  amended ("Incentive Stock  Options"),
and  nonstatutory options. The exercise price of Incentive Stock Options must be
not less than the fair market  value of a share of  Class A Common Stock on  the
date  the option is granted (110% with respect to optionees who own at least 10%
of the outstanding  Common Stock).  Under the  1992 Stock  Option Plan,  options
covering  an aggregate  of 54,264  shares of the  Company's Common  Stock may be
granted and under the  1995 Stock Option Plan  options covering an aggregate  of
225,000  shares of the  Company's Class A  Common Stock may  be granted, in each
case to  directors,  employees  and  consultants of  the  Company,  except  that
Incentive  Stock  Options  may  not  be  granted  to  nonemployee  directors  or
nonemployee consultants. The 1992 Stock  Option Plan terminates in August  2002,
and  the 1995 Stock Option Plan terminates in 2005. As of October 14, 1996 there
were options to purchase an aggregate of  31,896 shares of Class A Common  Stock
and  1,678 shares of  each of Class  E-1 and Class  E-2 Common Stock outstanding
under the 1992 Stock  Option Plan, at  an exercise price  ranging from $1.00  to
$11.06,  which were held by 17 former and current employees, and 177,250 options
outstanding under the 1995 Stock Option Plan at an exercise price of $5.625  per
share, held by 30 employees and consultants.
 
    FEBRUARY 1996 STOCK OPTION PLAN AND 1996 STOCK OPTION PLAN
 
    In  February  1996, the  Board of  Directors adopted  two option  plans, the
February 1996 Stock Option Plan and the 1996 Stock Option Plan which provide for
the grant of options covering an aggregate of 550,000 shares and 500,000 shares,
respectively, of the Company's Class A  Common Stock to employees and  directors
of,  and consultants to the Company. Both  plans terminate in February 2006. The
1996 Stock Option Plan provides for the granting of Incentive Stock Options  and
nonstatutory stock options. The 1996 Stock Option Plan provides that each person
who  was or is a member of the  Company's Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors on February 23, 1996, February 23, 1997 and February 23, 1998 will  be
issued  on each such  date, options to  purchase 10,000 shares  of the Company's
Common Stock. These options will have a term of ten years and an exercise  price
equal  to the  fair market value  of the Company's  Class A Common  Stock on the
trading day prior to the grant date. As of October 14, 1996, there were  options
to  purchase an aggregate of 20,000 shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock
outstanding under the 1996 Stock Option Plan, at an exercise price of $4.625 per
share, which options  were held by  two directors of  the Company. The  February
1996 Stock Option Plan provides for the grant of nonstatutory options to certain
key  employees and  consultants to  the Company, but  does not  permit grants to
nonemployee directors of  the Company. The  February 1996 Stock  Option Plan  is
administered  by the  Compensation Committee  of the  Board of  Directors. As of
October 14, 1996, there were options to purchase an aggregate of 494,650  shares
of  Class A Common Stock outstanding under  the February 1996 Stock Option Plan,
at an  exercise  price of  $4.625  per share,  which  options were  held  by  49
employees, directors and consultants.
 
    Except  for formula grants  under the 1996  Stock Option Plan,  the Board of
Directors (or a committee  thereof) has the authority  to determine the time  or
times  at which options granted under the Stock Option Plans become exercisable,
provided that options  expire no later  than ten  years from the  date of  grant
(five  years with respect to  optionees who own at  least 10% of the outstanding
Class A Common Stock). Options are  nontransferable, other than by will and  the
laws  of descent  and distribution,  and generally may  be exercised  only by an
employee while employed by  the Company or within  60 days after termination  of
employment (one year for termination resulting from death or disability).
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
                             PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
 
    The  following table sets forth certain  information as of October 14, 1996,
and as adjusted  to reflect  the sale  of 11,000 Units  by the  Company in  this
Offering,  regarding the beneficial ownership of  the Company's Common Stock by:
(i) all persons known  by the Company  to beneficially own more  than 5% of  the
Company's Common Stock, (ii) each director and executive officer of the Company,
and  (iii) all directors and executive officers  as a group. The following table
treats the Common Stock,  the Class E-1  Common Stock and  the Class E-2  Common
Stock as a single class.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                      PERCENT OF
                                                                                  AMOUNT AND         COMMON STOCK
                                                                                   NATURE OF   ------------------------
                                                                                  BENEFICIAL     BEFORE        AFTER
NAME AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIAL OWNER (1)                                           OWNERSHIP    OFFERING     OFFERING
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                               <C>          <C>          <C>
Colette Cozean, Ph.D. (2).......................................................     247,320          3.4%         2.6%
Patrick J. Day (3)..............................................................     232,981          3.2          2.5
E. Donald Shapiro (4)...........................................................     108,000          1.5          1.1
Ronald E. Higgins (5)...........................................................     100,320          1.4            *
Grace Chin-Hsin Lin (6).........................................................      52,801            *            *
T. Daniel Caruso, Jr. (7).......................................................      52,767            *            *
James S. Polentz (8)............................................................       5,000            *            *
Richard Roemer..................................................................          --                         *
All directors and executive officers
 as a group (8 persons) (9).....................................................     799,189         10.5%         8.2%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
 *  Less than 1%.
 
(1)  The address of each of Dr. Cozean, Ms. Lin and Messrs. Day, Caruso, Higgins
    and Shapiro is 3 Morgan,  Irvine, California 92718. Unless otherwise  noted,
    the  Company  believes  that  all  persons  named  in  the  table  have sole
    investment and voting  power with respect  to all shares  of Class A  Common
    Stock  beneficially owned by such person, subject to community property laws
    where applicable.
 
(2) Includes 49,144 shares of Class A  Common Stock, 43,514 shares of Class  E-1
    Common  Stock and 43,514 shares of Class E-2 Common Stock held by Dr. Cozean
    and 1,594 shares of Class A Common  Stock, 1,412 shares of Class E-1  Common
    Stock  and 1,412  shares of  Class E-2  Common Stock  held by  Dr. Cozean as
    custodian for her two minor children. Also includes 106,730 shares of  Class
    A Common Stock subject to options exercisable within 60 days.
 
(3)  Includes 54,263 shares of Class A  Common Stock, 48,047 shares of Class E-1
    Common Stock and  48,047 shares  of Class  E-2 Common  Stock. Also  includes
    48,992  shares of Class  A Common Stock,  16,816 shares of  Class E-1 Common
    Stock and 16,816 shares  of Class E-2 Common  Stock subject to warrants  and
    options exercisable within 60 days.
 
(4)  Includes 108,000 shares of Class A Common Stock subject to Class A Warrants
    and other warrants and options exercisable within 60 days.
 
(5) Includes 34,400 shares of Class A  Common Stock, 30,460 shares of Class  E-1
    Common  Stock and  30,460 shares  of Class  E-2 Common  Stock. Also includes
    5,000 shares of Class A Common  Stock subject to options exercisable  within
    60 days.
 
(6)  Includes 6,330 shares  of Class A  Common Stock, 5,605  shares of Class E-1
    Common Stock  and 5,605  shares of  Class  E-2 Common  Stock held  by  Linco
    Investments,  a limited partnership  in which Ms. Lin's  husband serves as a
    general partner, and 1,899 shares of  Class A Common Stock, 1,681 shares  of
    Class  E-1 Common Stock and  1,681 shares of Class  E-2 Common Stock held by
    the pension plan for Ms. Lin's husband. Also includes 30,000 shares of Class
    A Common Stock subject to warrants and options exercisable within 60 days.
 
                                       49
<PAGE>
(7) Includes 13,722 shares of Class A  Common Stock, 12,150 shares of Class  E-1
    Common  Stock and  12,150 shares of  Class E-2 Common  Stock. Also, includes
    8,517 shares of Class A Common Stock, 3,114 shares of Class E-1 Common Stock
    and 3,114 shares of  Class E-2 Common Stock  subject to options  exercisable
    within 60 days.
 
(8)  Consists  of  5,000 shares  of  Class  A Common  Stock  subject  to options
    exercisable within 60 days.
 
(9) Includes 161,352 shares of Class A Common Stock, 142,869 shares of Class E-1
    Common Stock and  142,869 shares of  Class E-2 Common  Stock. Also  includes
    304,236  shares of Class A  Common Stock, 19,486 shares  of Class E-1 Common
    Stock and 19,486 shares  of Class E-2 Common  Stock subject to warrants  and
    options exercisable within 60 days.
 
                              CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
 
    As  of September  30, 1994, the  Company owed an  aggregate of approximately
$226,000 to  its  officers  for unreimbursed  expenses  and  deferred  salaries.
Included  in that amount  was $52,000 owed  to an immediate  family member of an
officer of the Company for consulting  services rendered to the Company. All  of
these  amounts were paid in December 1994 and January 1995. In addition, between
June and  September 1994,  the  Company borrowed  an  aggregate of  $55,000  and
$25,000  from Messrs.  Patrick J.  Day (a  director) and  Irving M.  Frankman (a
former director), respectively, pursuant to short-term promissory notes  bearing
interest  at 10% per annum  (18% upon the occurrence of  an event of a default).
These loans have been repaid in full.
 
    In March 1994, the Company's Board  of Directors agreed to extend Mr.  Day's
outstanding  warrants to purchase 100,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock for
two years. In December 1994, the  Company exchanged these warrants for  warrants
to  purchase 9,044 shares of  Class A Common Stock, and  8,008 shares of each of
Class E-1  and  Class  E-2 Common  Stock  for  an aggregate  purchase  price  of
$100,000.  In May 1996, the  Company's Board of Directors  agreed to extend such
warrants until March 31, 1997.
 
    In connection  with the  Company's  private placement  in August  1994,  Mr.
Shapiro,  a  director of  the Company,  purchased  $100,000 principal  amount of
promissory notes and 70,000 warrants (which converted by their terms in December
1994 into Class A Warrants) for  an aggregate purchase price of $100,000.  These
promissory notes were repaid in full in December 1994.
 
                                       50
<PAGE>
                           DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
 
    The  following  description  of  the Company's  capital  stock  and selected
provisions of  its Articles  of Incorporation  and Bylaws  is a  summary and  is
qualified in its entirety by the Company's Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws,
copies  of which have been filed with  the Securities and Exchange Commission as
exhibits to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part.
 
UNITS
 
    Each Unit consists of 190 shares of  the Company's Class A Common Stock  and
95  of the  Company's Class  B Warrants.  See "--  Common Stock;  Class A Common
Stock," "-- Redeemable Warrants; Class B Warrants," and "Underwriting -- Pricing
the Offering."
 
COMMON STOCK
 
    The Company  is authorized  to issue  35,600,000 shares  of Class  A  Common
Stock,  no par value, 2,200,000 shares of  Class E-1 Common Stock, no par value,
and 2,200,000 shares of Class E-2 Common Stock. The Class A Common Stock,  Class
E-1 Common Stock and the Class E-2 Common Stock have equal voting rights and are
entitled  to share equally in dividends from sources available therefor when, as
and if declared by the Board of Directors, subject to certain escrow  conditions
pertaining  to dividends declared  with respect to  the Class E-1  and Class E-2
Common Stock. See "Dividend Policy."
 
    CLASS A COMMON STOCK
 
    Shareholders have no preemptive rights and no right to convert their Class A
Common Stock into any other securities. The holders of Common Stock are entitled
to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote  of
the  shareholders, except that holders  of Class A Common  Stock are entitled to
cumulative voting with respect to the  election of directors upon giving  notice
as  required by law. In  cumulative voting, the holders  of Class A Common Stock
are entitled to cast for each share held the number of votes equal to the number
of directors  to be  elected. In  the  event of  a liquidation,  dissolution  or
winding up of the Company, holders of Class A Common Stock are entitled to share
ratably in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities and the liquidation
preference  of any then outstanding Preferred  Stock. There are no redemption or
sinking fund provisions applicable to the Class A Common Stock. All  outstanding
shares are, and all shares to be sold and issued as contemplated hereby will be,
fully  paid  and nonassessable  and legally  issued. The  Board of  Directors is
authorized to issue additional shares of Class A Common Stock within the  limits
authorized  by  the  Company's charter  and  without shareholder  action.  As of
October  14,  1996  there  were  4,750,554  shares  of  Class  A  Common   Stock
outstanding.
 
    CLASS E-1 COMMON STOCK
 
    The  Company is  authorized to  issue 2,200,000  shares of  Class E-1 Common
Stock, no par value.  As of October 14,  1996, there were outstanding  1,256,818
shares  of Class E-1 Common Stock and 1,256,818 shares of Class E-2 Common Stock
(the "Escrow  Shares"). The  Escrow Shares  are not  transferrable (but  may  be
voted), and each Escrow Share will automatically convert into one share of Class
A Common Stock and be released to the owners thereof upon the achievement of the
objectives  described below. On June 30,  2000, all Escrow Shares not previously
converted into Class  A Common  Stock will  be cancelled.  This arrangement  was
required  by the  representative of the  underwriters for  the Company's initial
public offering as a condition of such offering.
 
    All of the shares of Class E-1 Common Stock will be automatically  converted
into  Common  Stock in  the  event that:  (a)  the Company's  net  income before
provision for income taxes, including earnings from joint ventures, distribution
agreements and licensing agreements,  but exclusive of  any other earnings  that
are  classified as an extraordinary item, and exclusive of any charges to income
that may result from  the conversion of  the Escrow Shares  into Class A  Common
Stock  (as stated in the Company's financial statements audited by the Company's
independent  accountants)  ("Minimum  Pretax   Income")  amounts  to  at   least
$5,500,000  for the fiscal  year ending March  31, 1997; (b)  the Minimum Pretax
Income amounts to at least $6,850,000 for the fiscal year ending March 31, 1998;
 
                                       51
<PAGE>
   
(c) the Minimum Pretax Income amounts to at least $8,425,000 for the fiscal year
ending March  31,  1999; (d)  the  Minimum Pretax  Income  amounts to  at  least
$9,900,000  for the fiscal year ending March  31, 2000; or (e) the Closing Price
of the Company's Class A Common Stock for any 30 consecutive business days shall
average in excess of $19.25 during the period commencing June 1996 and ending in
November 1997 (subject to adjustment in the event of any reverse stock splits or
similar events). The Closing Price shall  be the closing sale price as  reported
by  the Nasdaq National Market. To the  extent any additional shares are issued,
including the shares issued  in the Offering, all  of the Minimum Pretax  Income
amounts referenced above will be increased proportionately.
    
 
    CLASS E-2 COMMON STOCK
 
   
    The  Company is  authorized to  issue 2,200,000  shares of  Class E-2 Common
Stock, no  par value.  All of  the  shares of  Class E-2  Common Stock  will  be
automatically  converted into Class  A Common Stock  in the event  that: (a) the
Minimum Pretax Income amounts to at least $11,800,000 for the fiscal year ending
March 31, 1997; (b)  the Minimum Pretax Income  amounts to at least  $14,750,000
during  the fiscal  year ending  March 31, 1998;  (c) the  Minimum Pretax Income
amounts to at least  $20,475,000 during the fiscal  year ending March 31,  1999;
(d)  the Minimum Pretax Income amounts to at least $26,750,000 during the fiscal
year ending March 31,  2000; or (e)  the Closing Price  of the Company's  Common
Stock  for any 30  consecutive business days  shall average in  excess of $24.00
during the period commencing June 1996  and ending November 1997. To the  extent
any  additional shares are issued, including  the shares issued in the Offering,
all of the  Minimum Pretax  Income amounts  referenced above  will be  increased
proportionately.
    
 
    Any  money, securities,  rights or  property distributed  in respect  of the
Escrow Shares, including any  property distributed as  dividends or pursuant  to
any  stock  split, merger,  recapitalization,  dissolution or  total  or partial
liquidation of  the  Company, shall  be  held by  the  Company in  escrow  until
conversion  of the Escrow  Shares. If none  of the foregoing  earnings or market
price levels are attained, the Escrow Shares, as well as any dividends or  other
distributions  made with  respect thereto, will  be cancelled.  The earnings and
market price levels set forth above  were determined by negotiation between  the
Company  and  the representative  of the  underwriter  in the  Company's initial
public offering  and should  not be  construed to  imply or  predict any  future
earnings  by the Company or any increase  in the market price of its securities.
There can be no  assurance that such  earnings and market  price levels will  be
attained  or that any or all of the Escrow Shares will be converted into Class A
Common Stock. However,  the conversion to  Class A  Common Stock of  all or  any
portion  of the Escrow Shares  may result in a charge  to earnings to the extent
that such  shares  are  held  by  management  or  employees.  See  "Management's
Discussion  and Analysis  of Financial  Condition and  Results of  Operations --
Potential Future Charge to Income."
 
PREFERRED STOCK
 
    The Company's authorized preferred stock  consists of 20,000,000 shares,  no
par  value  (the  "Preferred  Stock"),  of  which  11,150,000  shares  have been
cancelled or  already designated.  The  Board of  Directors has  the  authority,
without  further action by  the shareholders, to  issue from time  to time up to
8,850,000 shares  of Preferred  Stock  in one  or more  series  and to  fix  the
dividend  rights and terms, conversion rights,  voting rights (whole, limited or
none), redemption rights and terms,  liquidation preferences, sinking funds  and
any  other rights, preferences,  privileges and restrictions  applicable to each
such series  of  Preferred  Stock.  The purpose  of  authorizing  the  Board  of
Directors  to  determine  such rights  and  preferences is  to  eliminate delays
associated with a shareholder  vote on specific issuances.  The issuance of  the
Preferred  Stock,  while  providing  flexibility  in  connection  with  possible
acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could, among other things,  adversely
affect  the  voting power  of the  holders of  Class A  Common Stock  and, under
certain circumstances, could make  it more difficult for  a third party to  gain
control  of the Company.  Such issuance of Preferred  Stock could also adversely
affect the distributions  on and liquidation  preference of the  Class A  Common
Stock   by  creating  more  series  of  Preferred  Stock  with  distribution  or
liquidation preferences senior to the Class  A Common Stock. The Company has  no
present plan to issue any shares of Preferred Stock.
 
                                       52
<PAGE>
REDEEMABLE WARRANTS
 
    The Company has outstanding redeemable Class A Warrants and Class B Warrants
(collectively, the "Warrants") which are currently listed on the Nasdaq National
Market.  These Warrants  were or will  be issued pursuant  to Warrant Agreements
(the "Warrant Agreements") among the Company, the Underwriter and American Stock
Transfer and Trust Company  as warrant agent,  and are or  will be evidenced  by
warrant  certificates in  registered form. The  exercise prices  of the Warrants
were determined by negotiation  between the Company and  the Underwriter at  the
time  of the IPO and should not be  construed to predict or imply that any price
increases will occur in any of the Company's securities.
 
    The Warrants may be exercised upon  surrender of the Warrant certificate  on
or  prior  to the  respective expiration  dates  (or earlier  redemption dates),
accompanied by payment of  the full exercise price  (by certified or bank  check
payable  to the order of  the Company) for the number  of shares with respect to
which the Warrants are being exercised. Holders of the Warrants do not have  any
voting  or other  rights of  a shareholder  of the  Company. Upon  notice to the
holders of the Warrants,  the Company has the  right to unilaterally reduce  the
exercise  price  or extend  the expiration  date of  the Warrants.  The Warrants
provide for the adjustment of the exercise price and for a change in the  number
of  shares issuable upon exercise to protect the holders of the Warrants against
dilution in  the  event  of  a  stock  dividend,  stock  split,  combination  or
reclassification  of the  Class A  Common Stock  or upon  issuance of additional
shares of Class A  Common Stock at  prices lower than the  market price then  in
effect  other  than issuances  upon exercise  of  options granted  to employees,
directors and consultants to the Company.
 
    CLASS A WARRANTS
 
    Each Class A Warrant entitles the registered holder to purchase one share of
Common Stock and one redeemable Class B Warrant at an exercise price of $6.50 at
any time prior to  November 30, 1999.  As of October 14,  1996, the Company  has
outstanding  4,120,149 Class A Warrants. The Company has the right to redeem all
of the Class A Warrants at  a price of $0.05 per  Class A Warrant upon not  less
than 30 days' prior written notice at any time after November 30, 1997, provided
that  before any  such redemption  can take  place, the  last sale  price of the
Company's Class  A  Common  Stock  in the  over-the-counter  market  shall  have
averaged  in excess of $9.10  per share for 30  consecutive business days ending
within 15 days of the date of the notice of redemption. During the 30-day notice
period, a holder shall have  the option to exercise  his Class A Warrants.  This
right  of redemption shall not apply to the Class A Warrants that are components
of the IPO Unit Purchase Options.
 
    CLASS B WARRANTS
 
    Each Class B Warrant entitles the registered holder to purchase one share of
Common Stock  at an  exercise price  of $8.00  per share  at any  time prior  to
November 30, 1999. As of October 14, 1996, the Company had outstanding 3,127,049
Class  B Warrants. The Company has a right to redeem all of the Class B Warrants
at a price of $.05 per Class B Warrant upon not less than 30 days' prior written
notice at  any time  after November  30,  1997, provided  that before  any  such
redemption  can take place, the last sale  price of the Company's Class A Common
Stock in the over-the-counter market shall have averaged in excess of $11.20 per
share for 30 consecutive business days ending  within 15 days prior to the  date
of  the notice of  redemption. During the  30-day notice period,  a holder shall
have the option to exercise his Class B Warrants. This right of redemption shall
not apply to the Class B Warrants  that are components of the IPO Unit  Purchase
Options  or  the Unit  Purchase Option  to  be granted  in connection  with this
Offering.
 
IPO UNITS
 
    The Company also has outstanding IPO Units which are currently listed on the
Nasdaq SmallCap Market.  Each IPO  Unit consists  of (i)  one share  of Class  A
Common  Stock, (ii) one Class A Warrant and (iii) one Class B Warrant. The Class
A  Common  Stock,  Class  A  Warrants  and  Class  B  Warrants  were  separately
transferable immediately upon issuance.
 
                                       53
<PAGE>
IPO UNIT PURCHASE OPTIONS
 
    In connection with the Company's IPO, the Company granted to the Underwriter
and  three finders IPO Unit  Purchase Options to purchase  up to an aggregate of
240,000 units.  These units  issuable upon  exercise of  the IPO  Unit  Purchase
Options will be identical to the publicly traded IPO Units except that the Class
A  Warrants and the Class  B Warrants included in  the IPO Unit Purchase Options
will not be  subject to redemption  by the Company,  except if at  the time  the
Warrants  are called  for redemption,  the IPO  Unit Purchase  Options have been
exercised and the  underlying warrants  are outstanding. The  IPO Unit  Purchase
Options  are exercisable at any  time prior to November  30, 1999 at an exercise
price of $7.00 per IPO Unit subject  to adjustment in certain events to  protect
against  dilution. The  IPO Unit Purchase  Options cannot  be transferred, sold,
assigned or  hypothecated until  November 30,  1997,  except in  the case  of  a
transfer  to any  officer of  the underwriter for  the IPO  or a  member of that
selling group.
 
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS AND INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND
OFFICERS
 
    The Company's Bylaws provide that  the Company will indemnify its  directors
and  officers to the fullest extent permitted  by California law. The Company is
also empowered under its Bylaws to enter into indemnification contracts with its
directors and officers and certain others and to purchase insurance on behalf of
any person it is required or permitted to indemnify. Pursuant to this provision,
the Company has entered into indemnity agreements with each of its directors and
executive officers and certain key consultants.
 
    In addition, the Company's Articles  of Incorporation provides that, to  the
fullest  extent permitted by California law, the Company's directors will not be
liable for monetary damages for breach of the directors' fiduciary duty of  care
to  the  Company  or  its  shareholders.  This  provision  in  the  Articles  of
Incorporation  does  not  eliminate  the  duty  of  care,  and  in   appropriate
circumstances  equitable  remedies  such  as an  injunction  or  other  forms of
nonmonetary relief would  remain available under  California law. Each  director
will  continue to be subject  to liability for breach  of the director's duty of
loyalty to the Company, for  acts or omissions involving intentional  misconduct
or  knowing and culpable violations  of law, for acts  or omissions that involve
the absence of good faith on the part of the director, for any transaction  from
which  the director derived an improper  personal benefit, for acts or omissions
involving a reckless  disregard for the  director's duty to  the Company or  its
shareholders  when the director was aware or should have been aware of a risk of
serious injury to the  Company or its shareholders,  for acts or omissions  that
constitute  an unexcused pattern of inattention that amounts to an abdication of
the  director's  duty  to  the   Company  or  its  shareholders,  for   improper
transactions between the director and the Company, for improper distributions to
shareholders and loans to directors and officers or for acts or omissions by the
director  as  an  officer. This  provision  also  does not  affect  a director's
responsibilities under any other  laws, such as the  federal securities laws  or
state or federal environmental laws.
 
    There is no pending litigation or proceeding involving a director or officer
of  the Company  concerning which  indemnification is  being sought,  nor is the
Company aware of any pending or threatened litigation that may result in  claims
for indemnification by any director or officer.
 
    The  Company believes the foregoing provisions  are necessary to attract and
retain qualified persons as directors and officers.
 
    Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities  Act
may  be permitted to directors, officers  and controlling persons of the Company
pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Company has been advised
that in the  opinion of the  Commission such indemnification  is against  public
policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.
 
TRANSFER AND WARRANT AGENT
 
    The  Company's transfer agent for  the IPO Units, Class  A Common Stock, the
Class A Warrants and  the Class B  Warrants is American  Stock Transfer &  Trust
Company, New York, New York.
 
                                       54
<PAGE>
                        SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
    Upon   completion  of  the  Offering,  the  Company  will  have  outstanding
(excluding outstanding options and warrants) an aggregate of 6,840,554 shares of
Class A Common Stock. Of these shares, all of the shares issued in the  Offering
and  3,708,997  shares outstanding  immediately prior  to  the Offering  will be
freely transferable  without restriction  under  the Securities  Act.  1,041,557
shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the Offering are
"restricted securities" (the "Restricted Shares") within the meaning of Rule 144
promulgated  under the Securities  Act and may not  be sold in  the absence of a
registration under the Securities Act  unless an exemption from registration  is
available, including an exemption contained in Rule 144.
 
    In  general, under Rule 144  as currently in effect,  any person (or persons
whose shares are aggregated for purposes of Rule 144) who has beneficially owned
"restricted securities," as that term is defined  in Rule 144, for at least  two
years  (including, in the case of a nonaffiliate holder, any period of ownership
of preceding nonaffiliate holders) is  entitled to sell, within any  three-month
period,  a number of  shares that does not  exceed the greater of  (i) 1% of the
then outstanding shares  of Class A  Common Stock  of the Company,  or (ii)  the
average  weekly trading volume in Class A  Common Stock during the four calendar
weeks preceding such sale,  provided that certain  public information about  the
Company, as required by Rule 144, is then available and the seller complies with
the  manner of sale and  notification requirements of the  rule. A person who is
not an affiliate and has not been an affiliate within three months prior to  the
sale  and  has,  together with  any  previous  owners who  were  not affiliates,
beneficially owned restricted securities for at least three years is entitled to
sell such  shares  under  Rule  144(k)  without regard  to  any  of  the  volume
limitations  described above. Approximately 861,932 of the Restricted Shares are
presently eligible for sale upon compliance with Rule 144(k).
 
    As of  October 14,  1996, 11,367,347  shares of  Class A  Common Stock  were
issuable  upon exercise in full of the outstanding Warrants and their underlying
securities, all of which have been registered under the Securities Act and  will
be  freely tradeable  upon issuance. An  additional 2,380,336 shares  of Class A
Common Stock are  issuable upon  exercise of  other stock  options and  warrants
outstanding  as of October 14, 1996. Of these shares, 1,147,006 shares have been
registered under the Act  (or carry registration rights)  and 718,680 shares  of
Class  A Common Stock  are issuable upon  exercise of the  remaining options and
warrants and may be resold pursuant to  Rule 701 under the Securities Act.  Rule
701  under  the  Securities  Act provides  an  exemption  from  the registration
requirements of the  Securities Act for  offers and sales  of securities  issued
pursuant to certain compensatory benefit plans or written contracts of a company
not  subject, at the time of issuance,  to the reporting requirements of Section
13 or 15(d)  of the Exchange  Act. Securities  issued pursuant to  Rule 701  are
defined  as restricted  securities for  purposes of  Rule 144.  However, 90 days
after the issuer  becomes subject to  the reporting provisions  of the  Exchange
Act,  the  Rule 144  resale restrictions,  except  for the  broker's transaction
requirements, are inapplicable for nonaffiliates. Affiliates are subject to  all
Rule 144 restrictions after this 90-day period, but without the Rule 144 holding
period  requirement.  The officers  and directors  of the  Company (who  hold an
aggregate of 161,352 shares of Class A Common Stock) have agreed not to sell  or
otherwise  transfer  any  shares of  Class  A  Common Stock,  or  any securities
convertible into or exercisable for shares of Class A Common Stock, for at least
13 months following the  effective date of the  Registration Statement of  which
this Prospectus forms a part without the consent of the Underwriter.
 
    The  Company is unable to  predict the effect, if  any, that future sales of
shares of Class A Common  Stock, or the availability  of shares for future  sale
will  have on the market price of the  Class A Common Stock prevailing from time
to time. Sales  of substantial amounts  of Class  A Common Stock  in the  public
market,  or the perception  that such sales could  occur, could adversely affect
the prevailing  market  prices of  the  Class  A Common  Stock.  See  "Principal
Shareholders," "Description of Securities" and "Underwriting."
 
                                       55
<PAGE>
                                  UNDERWRITING
 
    D.H. Blair Investment Banking Corp., the Underwriter, has agreed, subject to
the  terms and conditions of the  Underwriting Agreement, to purchase the 11,000
Units offered hereby from the Company on  a "firm commitment" basis, if any  are
purchased.  It is expected that Blair &  Co. will distribute, as a selling group
member, substantially all of the Units offered hereby. It is also expected  that
Blair & Co. will continue to make a market in the Company's securities following
the  Offering. Blair & Co. is substantially owned by family members of J. Morton
Davis. Mr. Davis is the sole stockholder of the Underwriter.
 
   
    The Underwriter has advised the Company that it proposes to offer the  Units
to  the public at the public offering price  set forth on the cover page of this
Prospectus and to certain  dealers who are  members of the  NASD at such  prices
less  concessions of not  in excess of $34.00  per Unit, of  which not more than
$17.00 per Unit may be reallowed to  other dealers who are members of the  NASD.
After  commencement of the  Offering, the public  offering price, the concession
and reallowance may be changed by the Underwriter.
    
 
    The Company has  granted to the  Underwriter an option,  exercisable for  45
days  from the  date of  this Prospectus,  to purchase  from the  Company at the
public offering price, less underwriting discounts, up to 1,650 additional Units
solely for the purpose of covering over-allotments, if any.
 
    The  Company  has  agreed  to  indemnify  the  Underwriter  against  certain
liabilities,  including liabilities  under the  Securities Act.  The Company has
also agreed to pay the Underwriter  a nonaccountable expense allowance of 3%  of
the  gross proceeds derived from the sale of the Units offered hereby, including
any Units purchased pursuant to the Over-Allotment Option.
 
    All of the  Company's current  officers and  directors, as  well as  certain
shareholders  of  the Company,  have  agreed not  to  sell, assign,  transfer or
otherwise dispose  of any  of their  shares of  the Company's  securities for  a
period of 13 months following the consummation of the Offering without the prior
written consent of the Underwriter. See "Shares Eligible for Future Sale."
 
    The  Company has  agreed, if requested  by the Underwriter,  to nominate two
designees of the Underwriter to the Company's Board of Directors for a period of
five years from the date of this  Prospectus. Such designees may be a  director,
officer,  partner, employee or affiliate of the Underwriter. The Underwriter has
designated Mr. Donald Shapiro,  a current director of  the Company, pursuant  to
this provision, but has not determined whether it will continue to exercise this
right  in the future or whether it  will nominate a second designee. Mr. Shapiro
is not affiliated with the Underwriter.
 
    Until the fifth  anniversary of the  closing of the  Offering, in the  event
that  the  Underwriter  originates  a  financing  or  a  merger,  acquisition or
transaction to which the Company is a party, the Underwriter will be entitled to
receive a finder's fee in consideration for the origination of such transaction.
The fee is based on a percentage  of the consideration paid in the  transaction,
ranging  from 7% of the first $1,000,000  to 2.5% of any consideration in excess
of $9,000,000.
 
    The Company has agreed not to  solicit Warrant exercises other than  through
the   Underwriter,  unless  the  Underwriter  refuses  or  fails  to  make  such
solicitation. Upon  any  exercise  of  the Class  B  Warrants  after  the  first
anniversary of the date of this Prospectus, the Company will pay the Underwriter
a  fee of  5% of the  aggregate exercise price  (the "Warrant Fee"),  if (i) the
market price of the Company's Class A Common Stock on the date the Warrants  are
exercised  is greater  than the  then exercise price  of the  Warrants; (ii) the
exercise of  the Warrants  was solicited  by a  member of  the NASD;  (iii)  the
warrant  holder  designates in  writing  that the  exercise  of the  Warrant was
solicited by  a  member of  the  NASD;  (iv) the  Warrants  are not  held  in  a
discretionary account; (v) disclosure of compensation arrangements was made both
at  the time of  the offering and at  the time of exercise  of the Warrants; and
(vi) the solicitation of exercise  of the Warrant was  not in violation of  Rule
10b-6  promulgated under the Exchange Act; provided, however, that to the extent
Warrants are  exercised prior  to the  first  anniversary of  the date  of  this
Prospectus, the Underwriter shall only be entitled to
 
                                       56
<PAGE>
receive  the Warrant Fee with respect to the  Warrants issued at the time of the
IPO. For purposes of determining which Warrants have been exercised, it will  be
assumed  that the first 6,605,000 Class  B Warrants (which include the 3,845,000
Class B Warrants  originally issuable  upon exercise  of the  Class A  Warrants)
exercised were those issued at the time of the IPO.
 
    Rule  10b-6 may  prohibit Blair  & Co.  from engaging  in any  market making
activities with regard  to the  Company's securities  for the  period from  nine
business  days (or such other applicable period as Rule 10b-6 may provide) prior
to any solicitation  by the Underwriter  of the exercise  of Warrants until  the
later  of the termination  of such solicitation activity  or the termination (by
waiver or otherwise) of any right that the Underwriter may have to receive a fee
for the exercise of Warrants following  such solicitation. As a result, Blair  &
Co.  may  be unable  to provide  a  market for  the Company's  securities during
certain periods while the Warrants are exercisable.
 
    The Company has  agreed to sell  to the Underwriter  and its designees,  for
nominal  consideration, the Unit  Purchase Option to purchase  up to 1,100 Units
(the "Option Units") substantially identical to the Units being offered  hereby,
except  that  the Warrants  included therein  are subject  to redemption  by the
Company at any time after  the Unit Purchase Option  has been exercised and  the
underlying  warrants  are  outstanding.  See  "Description  of  Securities--Unit
Purchase Options." The Unit Purchase Option is exercisable during the three year
period commencing two  years from  the date of  this Prospectus  at an  exercise
price  of $1,200 per Unit (120% of the initial public offering price) subject to
adjustment in certain events to  protect against dilution. After the  expiration
date  of the Warrants,  the Unit Purchase  Option will be  exercisable only with
respect to the  Class A Common  Stock component  of the Option  Units. The  Unit
Purchase  Option is not transferable for a period  of two years from the date of
this Prospectus, except  to officers  of the Underwriter  or to  members of  the
selling  group.  Subject  to  certain  procedural  requirements  and limitations
relating to  underwritten offerings,  the  Company has  agreed upon  request  to
register  under  the Securities  Act securities  issuable  upon exercise  of the
Underwriter's Unit Purchase  Option on  two separate occasions  during the  four
year  period commencing one year  from the date of  this Prospectus. The initial
such registration is to be at the Company's expense and the second  registration
is  to be  at the expense  of the holders.  The Unit Purchase  Option includes a
provision permitting the holders to elect  a cashless exercise. The Company  has
also  granted certain  "piggyback" registration  rights to  holders of  the Unit
Purchase Option.
 
    The Company  has  agreed to  pay  $35,000 to  a  former underwriter  of  the
Offering   as  reimbursement  for  expenses  incurred  by  such  underwriter  in
connection with the Offering.
 
    The public  offering price  of the  Units offered  hereby and  the  exercise
prices  and  other terms  of the  Warrants have  been determined  by negotiation
between the Company and the Underwriter  and are not necessarily related to  the
Company's  asset value, net worth, financial  condition or any other established
criteria of value. Among the factors  considered in determining such prices  and
terms,  in addition to prevailing market conditions,  are the history of and the
prospects for the industry in which  the Company competes, the present state  of
the  Company's  development  and  its future  prospects,  an  assessment  of the
Company's management and the Company's capital structure.
 
    The Underwriter has  informed the Company  that sales of  the Units  offered
hereby to discretionary accounts will not exceed 2% of the total number of Units
offered.
 
    The Underwriter acted as placement agent for the Company's private placement
in  August  1994 and  received a  10% commission  and 3%  nonaccountable expense
allowance aggregating $201,500. The Underwriter also acted as the underwriter of
the Company's  initial public  offering  in December  1994  and received  an  8%
commission  and 3%  nonaccountable expense  allowance, as  well as  the IPO Unit
Purchase Options, in connection with such offering. See "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of  Financial Condition  and Results  of Operations--Liquidity  and
Capital Resources."
 
    The  Commission is  conducting an investigation  concerning various business
activities of the Underwriter and Blair & Co., a selling group member which will
distribute substantially  all of  the Units  offered hereby.  The  investigation
appears    to   be   broad    in   scope,   involving    numerous   aspects   of
 
                                       57
<PAGE>
the Underwriter's and Blair & Co.'s compliance with the federal securities  laws
and compliance with the federal securities laws by issuers whose securities were
underwritten  by the Underwriter or Blair &  Co., or in which the Underwriter or
Blair  &  Co.  made  over-the-counter  markets,  persons  associated  with   the
Underwriter or Blair & Co., such issuers and other persons. The Company has been
advised  by the  Underwriter that  the investigation  has been  ongoing since at
least 1989 and that  it is cooperating with  the investigation. The  Underwriter
cannot predict whether this investigation will ever result in any type of formal
enforcement  action against the Underwriter  or Blair & Co.,  or, if so, whether
any such  action  might  have  an  adverse effect  on  the  Underwriter  or  the
securities  offered hereby. The Company  has been advised that  Blair & Co. will
make a  market  in  the  securities  following  this  offering.  An  unfavorable
resolution  of the Commission's investigation could  have the effect of limiting
such firm's ability to  make a market in  the Company's securities, which  could
affect the liquidity or price of such securities.
 
PRICING THE OFFERING
 
    The  number of shares of Class A  Common Stock and Class B Warrants included
in each Unit has been determined by the Underwriter based on the current  market
price  of  the  Class A  Common  Stock,  but also  reflecting  the Underwriter's
determination of the number of the shares per Unit needed to successfully market
the Units  in light  of the  size of  the Offering  relative to  the  previously
outstanding number of shares of Class A Common Stock.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
    The  validity of the issuance of the  shares of Common Stock offered by this
Prospectus will be passed  upon for the  Company by Rutan  & Tucker, LLP,  Costa
Mesa, California. Certain statements in this Prospectus under the captions "Risk
Factors  -- Dependence on  Patents and Proprietary  Technology" and "Business --
Patents," specifically  the second  sentence under  the former  caption and  the
fifth  sentence under the  latter caption, which relate  to United States patent
and proprietary rights have  been passed upon by  the Company's patent  counsel,
Knobbe,  Martens, Olson  & Bear, LLP,  Newport Beach,  California. Certain other
legal matters in connection with the sale of Common Stock offered hereby will be
passed upon for  the Underwriter by  Bachner, Tally, Polevoy  & Misher LLP,  New
York, New York.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
    The financial statements of the Company as of March 31, 1996 and for each of
the  two  fiscal years  in  the period  ended March  31,  1996 included  in this
Prospectus have been so  included in reliance on  the report (which contains  an
explanatory  paragraph relating to the Company's  ability to continue as a going
concern as described in Note 4 to the financial statements) of Price  Waterhouse
LLP,  independent accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in
auditing and accounting.
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
    The  Company  has  filed  with  the  Commission,  450  Fifth  Street,  N.W.,
Washington,  D.C.  20549,  a  Registration  Statement  on  Form  SB-2  under the
Securities Act  of 1933,  as amended,  with respect  to the  Common Stock  being
offered  pursuant to this  Prospectus. This Prospectus does  not contain all the
information set forth in  the Registration Statement  and the exhibits  thereto,
certain  parts of which are omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations
of the Commission.  For further  information, reference  is hereby  made to  the
Registration Statement and the exhibits and financial statements filed as a part
thereof.  Statements made in this Prospectus as to the contents of any contract,
agreement or  other document  referred  to are  not necessarily  complete.  With
respect  to each such contract, agreement or  other document filed as an exhibit
to the Registration Statement, reference is  made to the exhibit for a  complete
description  of the  matter involved,  and each  such statement  shall be deemed
qualified in  its entirety  by such  reference. All  of these  documents may  be
inspected  without  charge at  the Commission's  principal  office at  450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.  20549, and copies may  be obtained therefrom  at
prescribed rates.
 
                                       58
<PAGE>
    The  Company  is  subject  to  certain  informational  requirements  of  the
Securities Exchange  Act of  1934  and in  accordance therewith  files  periodic
reports,  proxy  statements  and  other information  with  the  Commission. Such
reports, proxy statements and other information  can be inspected and copied  at
the  public reference facilities maintained by  the Commission at Room 1024, 450
Fifth Street, N.W.,  Washington, D.C. 20549  or at the  Regional Offices of  the
Commission  at 210  South Dearborn Street,  Room 1204,  Chicago, Illinois 60604;
5670 Wilshire Boulevard, 11th Floor,  Los Angeles, California 90036-3648; and  7
World  Trade  Center, 13th  Floor,  New York,  New  York 10048.  Copies  of such
material can be obtained at prescribed  rates from the Public Reference  Section
of the Commission, Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. In
addition,  copies  of  such  reports,  proxy  statements  and  other information
concerning the Company may also  be inspected and copied  at the library of  the
Nasdaq  National Market, 1735 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006, upon which
the Common Stock of the Company is listed.
 
    The Company  intends to  furnish its  security holders  with annual  reports
containing audited financial statements and such interim unaudited reports as it
deems appropriate.
 
                                       59
<PAGE>
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                PAGE
                                                                                                                -----
<S>                                                                                                          <C>
Report of Independent Accountants..........................................................................         F-2
Balance Sheet at March 31, 1996 and June 30, 1996 (unaudited)..............................................         F-3
Statement of Operations for the Years Ended March 31, 1995 and 1996 and for the Three Months Ended June 30,
 1995 and 1996 (unaudited).................................................................................         F-4
Statement of Shareholders' Equity for the Years Ended March 31, 1995 and 1996 and for the Three Months
 Ended June 30, 1996 (unaudited)...........................................................................         F-5
Statement of Cash Flows for the Years Ended March 31, 1995 and 1996 and for the Three Months Ended June 30,
 1995 and 1996 (unaudited).................................................................................         F-6
Notes to Financial Statements..............................................................................         F-7
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Directors
 and Shareholders of
Premier Laser Systems, Inc.
 
In  our opinion,  the accompanying balance  sheet and the  related statements of
operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows present fairly, in all  material
respects,  the financial  position of Premier  Laser Systems, Inc.  at March 31,
1996, and the results of its operations and  its cash flows for each of the  two
years  in the period ended March 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles. 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  of  these
statements  in  accordance  with  generally  accepted  auditing  standards which
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,  assessing the  accounting principles
used and significant estimates  made by management,  and evaluating the  overall
financial   statement  presentation.  We  believe  that  our  audits  provide  a
reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
 
    The accompanying financial statements have  been prepared assuming that  the
Company  will  continue  as a  going  concern. As  discussed  in Note  4  to the
financial statements, the Company has suffered recurring losses from  operations
which raises substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern.
Management's  plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 4. The
financial statements do not include any  adjustments that might result from  the
outcome of this uncertainty.
 
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
 
Costa Mesa, California
May 17, 1996, except as to
Note 18, which is as
of June 25, 1996
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
                          PREMIER LASER SYSTEMS, INC.
 
                                 BALANCE SHEET
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    MARCH 31,
                                                                                      1996
                                                                                 ---------------     JUNE 30,
                                                                                                       1996
                                                                                                  ---------------
                                                                                                    (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                              <C>              <C>
                                             ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents....................................................  $        35,463  $       135,881
  Short-term investments (Note 6)..............................................        4,547,377        3,372,260
  Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $154,677 and
   $126,327....................................................................          508,315        1,114,200
  Inventories (Note 7).........................................................        2,185,355        2,466,839
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets....................................          419,504          807,365
                                                                                 ---------------  ---------------
      Total current assets.....................................................        7,696,014        7,896,545
  Property and equipment, net (Note 8).........................................          493,942          476,510
  Intangibles, net (Note 9)....................................................        7,353,462        7,211,072
  Other assets (Note 6)........................................................          131,150           86,150
                                                                                 ---------------  ---------------
                                                                                 $    15,674,568  $    15,670,277
                                                                                 ---------------  ---------------
                                                                                 ---------------  ---------------
                     LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable.............................................................  $     1,208,219  $     2,313,391
  Accrued liabilities (Note 10)................................................          188,108          252,147
  Notes payable to related party (Notes 11, 12 and 19).........................          481,195          481,195
  Notes payable other (Note 18)................................................               --          400,000
                                                                                 ---------------  ---------------
      Total current liabilities................................................        1,877,522        3,446,733
                                                                                 ---------------  ---------------
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)
Shareholders' equity (Notes 5 and 16):
  Preferred stock -- 8,850,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and
   outstanding
  Common stock -- Class A -- no par value, 35,600,000 shares authorized;
   4,702,808 and 4,748,758 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 1996 and
   June 30, 1996, respectively.................................................       16,317,376       16,565,250
  Common stock -- Class E-1 -- no par value, 2,200,000 shares authorized;
   1,256,818 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 1996 and June 30,
   1996........................................................................        4,769,878        4,769,878
  Common stock -- Class E-2 -- no par value, 2,200,000 shares authorized;
   1,256,818 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 1996 and June 30,
   1996........................................................................        4,769,878        4,769,878
  Class A warrants.............................................................        2,321,057        2,295,328
  Class B warrants.............................................................          376,774          453,304
  Warrants to purchase Class A common stock....................................          192,130          192,130
  Unrealized holding gain on short-term investments............................        3,666,367        2,491,250
  Accumulated deficit..........................................................      (18,616,414)     (19,313,474)
                                                                                 ---------------  ---------------
      Total shareholders' equity...............................................       13,797,046       12,223,544
                                                                                 ---------------  ---------------
                                                                                 $    15,674,568  $    15,670,277
                                                                                 ---------------  ---------------
                                                                                 ---------------  ---------------
</TABLE>
 
        The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
                          PREMIER LASER SYSTEMS, INC.
 
                            STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                          YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,                 JUNE 30,
                                                     ------------------------------  -----------------------------
                                                          1995            1996            1995           1996
                                                     --------------  --------------  --------------  -------------
<S>                                                  <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
Net sales..........................................  $    1,249,403  $    1,704,390  $      112,564  $   1,254,082
Cost of sales......................................       1,298,420       3,324,757         450,353      1,028,611
                                                     --------------  --------------  --------------  -------------
Gross profit (loss)................................         (49,017)     (1,620,367)       (337,789)       225,471
Selling and marketing expenses.....................       1,035,863       1,308,767         195,831        461,772
Research and development expenses..................       1,035,705       1,213,471         255,959        126,779
General and administrative expenses................       1,747,090       1,709,327         501,078        326,786
                                                     --------------  --------------  --------------  -------------
    Loss from operations...........................      (3,867,675)     (5,851,932)     (1,290,657)      (689,866)
 
Interest income (expense), net.....................        (322,540)         99,037          94,449         (7,194)
                                                     --------------  --------------  --------------  -------------
    Loss before extraordinary items................      (4,190,215)     (5,752,895)     (1,196,208)      (697,060)
Extraordinary gain from extinguishment of
 indebtedness......................................         381,730                                             --
                                                     --------------  --------------  --------------  -------------
    Net loss.......................................  $   (3,808,485) $   (5,752,895) $   (1,196,208) $    (697,060)
                                                     --------------  --------------  --------------  -------------
                                                     --------------  --------------  --------------  -------------
Loss per share:
  Net loss.........................................                  $        (1.26) $        (0.27) $       (0.15)
                                                                     --------------  --------------  -------------
                                                                     --------------  --------------  -------------
  Weighted average number of shares outstanding....                       4,556,959       4,501,899      4,719,923
                                                                     --------------  --------------  -------------
                                                                     --------------  --------------  -------------
Pro forma loss per share (unaudited):
  Loss before extraordinary items..................  $        (1.59)
  Extraordinary gain from extinguishment of
   indebtedness....................................             .15
                                                     --------------
  Net loss.........................................  $        (1.44)
                                                     --------------
                                                     --------------
  Weighted average number of shares outstanding....       2,584,722
                                                     --------------
                                                     --------------
</TABLE>
 
        The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 
                                      F-4
<PAGE>
                          PREMIER LASER SYSTEMS, INC.
 
                       STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                  FOR THE YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 1996 AND 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                COMMON STOCK             COMMON STOCK             COMMON STOCK
                                                  CLASS A                  CLASS E-1                CLASS E-2
                                          ------------------------  -----------------------  -----------------------    CLASS A
                                            SHARES       AMOUNT       SHARES      AMOUNT       SHARES      AMOUNT      WARRANTS
                                          ----------  ------------  ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                       <C>         <C>           <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>
Balance, March 31, 1994.................   1,432,636  $  5,372,022   1,268,488  $ 4,756,528   1,268,488  $ 4,756,528
  Exercise of common stock options......       4,936         2,848       3,011        1,081       3,011        1,081
  Common stock issued in lieu of cash
   payments.............................       1,635        13,046       1,447       11,552       1,447       11,552
  Common stock forfeited due to
   cessation of employment..............      (7,798)      (20,124)     (6,905)     (17,818)     (6,905)     (17,818)
  Warrants issued in connection with
   private placement units..............
  Repurchase of common stock............     (17,681)       (6,910)    (15,752)      (6,119)    (15,752)      (6,119)
  Initial public offering of units, net
   proceeds.............................   2,400,000     7,633,504                                                    $ 1,622,222
  Conversion of warrants................                                                                                  186,000
  Conversions of certain related party
   notes and associated accrued
   interest.............................       7,072        28,448       6,260       24,596       6,260       24,596
  Conversion of debentures and
   associated accrued interest..........     321,099     1,284,397                                                        272,934
  Exercise of over-allotment option.....     360,000     1,128,947                                                        239,901
  Net loss..............................
                                          ----------  ------------  ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  -----------
  Balance, March 31, 1995...............   4,501,899    15,436,178   1,256,549    4,769,820   1,256,549    4,769,820    2,321,057
  Common stock issued for investment in
   Mattan (Note 6)......................     200,000       881,010
  Exercise of stock options.............         909           188         269           58         269           58
  Unrealized holding gain on short-term
   investments..........................
  Net loss..............................
                                          ----------  ------------  ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  -----------
Balance, March 31, 1996.................   4,702,808    16,317,376   1,256,818    4,769,878   1,256,818    4,769,878    2,321,057
Unaudited information:
  Exercise of Class A Warrants..........      45,950       247,874                                                        (25,729)
  Change in unrealized holding gain.....
  Net loss..............................
                                          ----------  ------------  ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  -----------
Balance, June 30, 1996 (unaudited)......   4,748,758  $ 16,565,250   1,256,818  $ 4,769,878   1,256,818  $ 4,769,878  $ 2,295,328
                                          ----------  ------------  ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  -----------
                                          ----------  ------------  ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  -----------
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                       COMMON     UNREALIZED
                                           CLASS B     STOCK       HOLDING      ACCUMULATED
                                          WARRANTS    WARRANTS       GAIN         DEFICIT        TOTAL
                                          ---------  ----------  ------------  -------------  ------------
<S>                                       <C>        <C>         <C>           <C>            <C>
Balance, March 31, 1994.................             $  192,130                $  (9,055,034) $  6,022,174
  Exercise of common stock options......                                                             5,010
  Common stock issued in lieu of cash
   payments.............................                                                            36,150
  Common stock forfeited due to
   cessation of employment..............                                                           (55,760)
  Warrants issued in connection with
   private placement units..............                186,000                                    186,000
  Repurchase of common stock............                                                           (19,148)
  Initial public offering of units, net
   proceeds.............................  $ 286,274                                              9,542,000
  Conversion of warrants................               (186,000)
  Conversions of certain related party
   notes and associated accrued
   interest.............................                                                            77,640
  Conversion of debentures and
   associated accrued interest..........     48,165                                              1,605,496
  Exercise of over-allotment option.....     42,335                                              1,411,183
  Net loss..............................                                          (3,808,485)   (3,808,485)
                                          ---------  ----------  ------------  -------------  ------------
  Balance, March 31, 1995...............    376,774     192,130                  (12,863,519)   15,002,260
  Common stock issued for investment in
   Mattan (Note 6)......................                                                           881,010
  Exercise of stock options.............                                                               304
  Unrealized holding gain on short-term
   investments..........................                         $  3,666,367                    3,666,367
  Net loss..............................                                          (5,752,895)   (5,752,895)
                                          ---------  ----------  ------------  -------------  ------------
Balance, March 31, 1996.................    376,774     192,130     3,666,367    (18,616,414)   13,797,046
Unaudited information:
  Exercise of Class A Warrants..........     76,530                                                298,675
  Change in unrealized holding gain.....                           (1,175,117)                  (1,175,117)
  Net loss..............................                                            (697,060)     (697,060)
                                          ---------  ----------  ------------  -------------  ------------
Balance, June 30, 1996 (unaudited)......  $ 453,304  $  192,130  $  2,491,250  $ (19,313,474) $ 12,223,544
                                          ---------  ----------  ------------  -------------  ------------
                                          ---------  ----------  ------------  -------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
        The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 
                                      F-5
<PAGE>
                          PREMIER LASER SYSTEMS, INC.
 
                            STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                   YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,           JUNE 30,
                                                                 ------------------------  -----------------------
                                                                    1995         1996         1995         1996
                                                                 -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------
                                                                                                 (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                              <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net loss.....................................................  $(3,808,485) $(5,752,895) $(1,196,208) $ (697,060)
  Adjustment to reconcile net loss to net cash used in
   operating activities:
    Depreciation and amortization..............................      812,196      814,401      201,362     208,892
    Extraordinary gain from extinguishment of debt.............     (381,730)
    Amortization of debt discount..............................      119,230
    Exchange of product for clinical studies...................                  (158,250)                 (28,468)
    Amortization of clinical program expense...................      227,000       31,367        7,842      94,000
    Issuance of stock options and stock in lieu of consulting
     payments..................................................       36,150
    Common stock forfeited upon cessation of employment........      (55,760)
    Provision for doubtful accounts receivable.................                  (151,751)      (9,625)    (28,350)
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
      (Increase) decrease in accounts receivable...............      142,591      (92,716)      32,947    (577,535)
      Increase in inventories..................................      (21,880)     (14,665)    (403,185)   (281,484)
      Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other current
       assets..................................................     (320,569)      22,468       29,497    (453,393)
      (Increase) decrease in other assets......................      230,793       (6,150)                  45,000
      Increase (decrease) in accounts payable..................     (411,197)     594,654     (297,102)  1,104,649
      (Decrease) increase in accrued liabilities...............       28,907     (598,847)     (95,678)     64,039
                                                                 -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------
        Net cash used in operating activities..................   (3,402,754)  (5,312,384)  (1,730,150)   (549,710)
                                                                 -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Purchases of property and equipment..........................      (45,785)    (219,723)      (3,232)    (17,666)
  Note receivable pursuant to strategic alliance agreement
   (Note 6)....................................................                  (125,000)
  Patent expenditures..........................................     (204,838)    (195,971)     (54,348)    (31,404)
                                                                 -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------
    Net cash used in investing activities......................     (250,623)    (540,694)     (57,580)    (49,070)
                                                                 -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Proceeds from exercise of Class A Warrants...................                                            299,198
  Proceeds from exercise of common stock options...............                       304
  Proceeds from issuance of common stock prior to initial
   public offering.............................................        5,010
  Proceeds from issuance of common stock warrants..............      186,000
  Proceeds from initial public offering and exercise of over-
   allotment option............................................   10,953,183
  Cash paid for repurchase of common stock.....................      (19,148)
  Proceeds from issuance of notes payable......................    1,519,000                               400,000
  Cash paid for repurchase of mandatorily redeemable
   warrants....................................................     (285,000)
  Principal payments on notes payable..........................   (3,126,195)
                                                                 -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------
    Net cash provided by financing activities..................    9,232,850          304                  699,198
                                                                 -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------
Net (decrease) increase in cash................................    5,579,473   (5,852,774)  (1,787,730)    100,418
                                                                 -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period.................      308,764    5,888,237    5,888,237      35,463
                                                                 -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period.......................  $ 5,888,237  $    35,463  $ 4,100,507  $  135,881
                                                                 -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------
                                                                 -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
        The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 
                                      F-6
<PAGE>
                          PREMIER LASER SYSTEMS, INC.
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                    (INFORMATION AS OF JUNE 30, 1996 AND FOR
          THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995 AND 1996 IS UNAUDITED)
 
1.  ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS
    Premier  Laser Systems, Inc. (the Company) was incorporated in July 1991 and
commenced operations in  August 1991  after acquiring substantially  all of  the
assets  and certain liabilities of Pfizer  Laser Systems (Pfizer), a division of
Pfizer Hospital Products Group, Inc. The Company designs, develops, manufactures
and markets several  lines of lasers  for surgical and  other medical  purposes,
laser  waveguides and fiber optic  devices, disposables and associated accessory
products for the medical market.
 
    The financial statements as of March 31, 1996 and for each of the two  years
in the period ended March 31, 1996 give effect to the Company's recapitalization
and reverse stock splits discussed in Note 16.
 
2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
    REVENUE RECOGNITION
 
    The  Company recognizes revenue  upon shipment of  product to customers, and
when no significant contractual obligations remain outstanding.
 
    CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
    Cash equivalents represent short-term,  highly liquid investments that  have
original maturities of three months or less and are readily convertible to cash.
Such  investments consist primarily of U.S. Treasury Notes and commercial paper.
Cost of such investments is equal to the related fair value at March 31, 1996.
 
    SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
 
    In fiscal  1995,  the Company  adopted  SFAS 115,  "Accounting  for  Certain
Investments  in  Debt  and Equity  Securities."  Under SFAS  115,  the Company's
investments are classified as  "available-for-sale" securities and are  reported
at  fair market value. Any unrealized holding  gains or losses are reported as a
separate component  of  stockholders'  equity. Realized  gains  and  losses  are
reported on the specific identification method and are reported in the statement
of  operations. The Company's marketable securities  portfolio at March 31, 1996
consists of its investments in the common stock of Mattan Corporation (see  Note
6).
 
    INVENTORIES
 
    Inventories  are stated at the lower of cost or market and include material,
labor, and related manufacturing overhead. The Company determines cost using the
first-in, first-out (FIFO) method.
 
    PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
    Property and equipment are stated at cost. Expenditures for replacements and
improvements are  capitalized  and  expenditures for  repairs,  maintenance  and
routing  replacements are charged to operating  expense as incurred. When assets
are sold or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation
are eliminated from the accounts and any  resulting gain or loss is included  in
operations.
 
    Depreciation  of  furniture,  machinery  and equipment  is  calculated  on a
straight-line basis over the estimated useful  lives of the assets ranging  from
three to eight years.
 
    INTANGIBLES
 
    Intangible  assets  consists  primarily of  patents,  technology  rights and
license agreements. The costs assigned  to acquired intangible assets, based  in
part upon independent appraisals, are being
 
                                      F-7
<PAGE>
                          PREMIER LASER SYSTEMS, INC.
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                    (INFORMATION AS OF JUNE 30, 1996 AND FOR
          THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995 AND 1996 IS UNAUDITED)
 
2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets
ranging   from  2  to   15  years.  Periodically,   the  Company  evaluates  the
recoverability of intangibles based on estimated undiscounted future cash  flows
from operating activities compared with the carrying values of the intangibles.
 
    DEFERRED OFFERING COSTS
 
    Costs  incurred directly related to  the Company's proposed secondary public
offering totalling $444,910 at June 30, 1996 have been capitalized and  included
in  other current  assets. Upon  successful completion  of this  offering, these
costs will be offset against the proceeds received and charged to  shareholders'
equity.
 
    RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS
 
    Research  and  development costs  are  expensed as  incurred.  A substantial
portion of the  research and development  expense is related  to developing  new
products,  improving  existing  products  or  processes,  and  clinical research
programs.
 
    The Company  enters  into agreements  with  certain doctors  to  exchange  a
portion  of  a  product's sales  price  for  completion of  certain  portions of
clinical studies necessary for obtaining product  approval by the U.S. Food  and
Drug  Administration. Typically, the amounts consist of a portion of the product
sales price which is equal to the fair  value of the services to be rendered  by
the  doctor. Pursuant to  the agreements, in  the event the  doctor is unable to
complete the agreed upon  clinical study, the doctor  is required to remit  cash
payment  for the entire amount. The  amounts are capitalized as prepaid research
and development expense and amortized  upon completion of certain milestones  of
the  clinical  study. These  studies are  generally  completed within  one year.
Research and development expenses included in prepaid expenses totaled  $204,000
at March 31, 1996.
 
    INCOME TAXES
 
    The  Company  accounts  for income  taxes  in accordance  with  Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 109 (SFAS 109), ACCOUNTING FOR INCOME  TAXES.
SFAS  109 requires  the liability method  for accounting for  income taxes. This
method mandates  the recognition  of  deferred tax  liabilities and  assets  for
expected  future tax consequences of  temporary differences between the carrying
amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities.
 
    NET LOSS PER SHARE
 
    Net loss per share was computed based on the weighted average number of  the
Company's  common shares outstanding during fiscal  1996 and excludes all shares
of Class E-1 and Class E-2 Common  Stock, discussed in Note 16, outstanding,  or
subject  to option, because all  such shares of stock  are subject to escrow and
the conditions for the  release of shares from  escrow have not been  satisfied.
Common  stock  equivalents  were  not  considered  in  the  net  loss  per share
calculation because the effect on the net loss would be antidilutive.
 
    PRO FORMA NET LOSS PER SHARE (UNAUDITED)
 
    Net loss per common share was computed based on the weighted average  number
of  the Company's common  shares outstanding during the  fiscal year ended March
31, 1995 after giving retroactive adjustment for the recapitalization  discussed
in Note 16 and the conversion of the Company's debentures into units (as defined
in  Note  5) which  occurred  upon completion  of  the Company's  initial public
offering (see Note 5). The effect on net loss per common share of the conversion
of the Company's debentures was to reduce historical net loss by $67,995 and  to
increase weighted average
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
                          PREMIER LASER SYSTEMS, INC.
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                    (INFORMATION AS OF JUNE 30, 1996 AND FOR
          THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995 AND 1996 IS UNAUDITED)
 
2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
shares  outstanding by 321,099 shares for the  fiscal year ended March 31, 1995.
Class E-1 and E-2 common stock shares, discussed in Note 16, were excluded  from
the  net loss per share calculation because the conditions for release of shares
from escrow have  not been satisfied.  Other common stock  equivalents were  not
considered  in the net loss per share  calculation because the effect on the net
loss per  share  would be  antidilutive.  Pursuant to  Securities  and  Exchange
Commission  Staff Accounting  Bulletin No.  83, all  stock options  and warrants
granted and common shares issued within one year of the Company's initial public
offering and not in escrow have been included as outstanding for the six  months
ended  September  30, 1994  (the date  of the  most recent  financial statements
included in the Company's initial public offering prospectus) using the treasury
stock method.
 
    ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
 
    The Financial Accounting Standards Board  has issued Statement of  Financial
Accounting  Standards No. 123, "Accounting  for Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS
123"), effective for years beginning after December 15, 1995, which  establishes
a  fair value-based method of accounting for stock-based compensation plans. The
statement  allows  companies  to  continue  to  use  the  intrinsic  value-based
approach,  supplemented by footnote  disclosure of the pro  forma net income and
earnings per share  of the  fair value-based  approach. The  Company intends  to
follow this method allowed by SFAS 123.
 
    USE OF ESTIMATES BY MANAGEMENT
 
    The  preparation  of  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make certain estimates and
assumptions that  affect the  reported  amounts of  assets and  liabilities  and
disclosure  of contingent  assets and liabilities  at the date  of the financial
statements and  the  reported  amounts  of  revenues  and  expenses  during  the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
    Significant   estimates  and  assumptions  include  those  made  surrounding
inventory valuation  and the  realizability of  certain intangible  assets.  The
Company's  inventory and intangibles  largely relate to  technologies which have
yet to gain wide spread market  acceptance. Management believes no loss will  be
incurred  on the  disposition of its  inventory and that  the remaining economic
life of  the Company's  tangible assets  is reasonable.  If wide  spread  market
acceptance  of the  Company's products is  not achieved, the  carrying amount of
inventory and intangible assets could be materially reduced.
 
    INTERIM RESULTS (UNAUDITED)
 
    The accompanying  balance sheet  at June  30, 1996,  and the  statements  of
operations  and cash flows for  the three month periods  ended June 30, 1995 and
1996, and the statement of shareholders' equity for the three month period ended
June 30, 1996 are unaudited. In the opinion of management, these statements have
been prepared on the same basis as the audited financial statements and  include
all  adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for
the fair statement  of results  of the interim  periods. The  data disclosed  in
these notes to the financial statements for those periods are also unaudited.
 
                                      F-9
<PAGE>
                          PREMIER LASER SYSTEMS, INC.
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                    (INFORMATION AS OF JUNE 30, 1996 AND FOR
          THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995 AND 1996 IS UNAUDITED)
 
3.  SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
    Supplemental disclosures of cash flows information:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,
                                                             ----------------------
                                                                1995        1996
                                                             -----------  ---------
<S>                                                          <C>          <C>
Cash paid for:
  Interest.................................................  $   550,962  $  52,129
  Income taxes.............................................          800        800
</TABLE>
 
    SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
    In fiscal 1996, the Company issued 200,000 shares of Class A Common Stock in
connection  with  the acquisition  of 1,150,000  shares of  Mattan Corporation's
common stock.  The value  of  the Mattan  Corporation  common stock  shares  was
$881,010 on the date of the transaction (see Note 6).
 
    Concurrent  with the  completion of  the Company's  initial public offering,
certain  notes  payable  to   shareholders  totaling  $66,500  and   convertible
debentures  totaling $1,500,000,  plus related accrued  interest, were converted
into 7,072 shares of Class A Common Stock and 6,260 shares of each Class E-1 and
E-2 Common Stock, and 321,099 Units, respectively.
 
4.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION
    The Company has suffered recurring  losses from operations and may  continue
to  incur  losses  for  the  foreseeable future  due  to  the  significant costs
anticipated to  be  incurred in  connection  with manufacturing,  marketing  and
distributing  its laser  products. In addition,  the Company  intends to conduct
continuing research and development activities, including regulatory  submittals
and clinical trials to develop additional applications for its laser technology.
The  Company operates in a highly competitive  environment and is subject to all
of the risks  inherent in a  new business enterprise.  The Company is  presently
attempting to borrow funds and/or complete a public offering of its common stock
to  provide working capital for operations in the near term. The outcome of such
efforts to raise working  capital cannot be assured.  The ultimate timeframe  in
which  a sufficient  level of  product or market  acceptance can  be achieved is
uncertain. As such, there  is substantial doubt about  the Company's ability  to
continue as a going concern.
 
    The  Company's  financial  statements have  been  prepared on  the  basis of
accounting principles applicable to  a going concern.  Accordingly, they do  not
purport  to give effect to adjustments, if any, that may be necessary should the
Company be  required  to  realize  its assets  and  liquidate  its  liabilities,
contingent  liabilities  and  commitments in  other  than the  normal  course of
business at amounts different from those disclosed in the financial statements.
 
5.  INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING
    On December  7,  1994, the  Company  completed an  initial  public  offering
consisting  of 2,400,000 Units of the Company's securities, each unit consisting
of one share of  Class A Common  Stock, one redeemable Class  A Warrant and  one
redeemable  Class B Warrant (the "Units").  The Company realized net proceeds of
$9,542,000 from this  offering. Each Class  A Warrant consists  of the right  to
purchase  one share of Class A Common Stock  and one Class B Warrant at any time
through the fifth anniversary date of the initial public offering at an exercise
price of $6.50. Each Class B Warrant consists of the right to purchase one share
of Class A Common Stock from the date of issuance through the fifth  anniversary
date  of the initial  public offering's effective  date at an  exercise price of
$8.00.
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>
                          PREMIER LASER SYSTEMS, INC.
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                    (INFORMATION AS OF JUNE 30, 1996 AND FOR
          THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995 AND 1996 IS UNAUDITED)
 
5.  INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING (CONTINUED)
    On January  12,  1995,  the  underwriter  in  the  initial  public  offering
exercised  its over-allotment  option to purchase  360,000 Units  at the initial
public offering price, resulting in net proceeds of $1,411,183 to the Company.
 
6.  STRATEGIC ALLIANCES
    In December 1995, the  Company entered into  a strategic marketing  alliance
with Mattan Corporation (Mattan), a Canadian corporation whose stock is publicly
traded  on the Alberta Stock Exchange.  The purchasing agreement (the Agreement)
stipulates that  the Company  will  supply all  laser equipment  and  associated
disposables for all laser surgery centers to be designed and opened by Mattan in
Canada  and the United States. It is anticipated that these surgery centers will
be operated under the name of Medical Laser Institute of America. In  connection
with  this alliance,  the Company also  entered into a  share exchange agreement
pursuant to which  the Company issued  200,000 shares of  the Company's Class  A
Common Stock, to certain parties affiliated with Mattan, who purchased 1,150,000
shares  of  Mattan's common  stock, representing  approximately 12%  of Mattan's
common stock, for approximately $881,010 on the Company's behalf. Prior to March
31, 1996, the Mattan affiliates sold the 200,000 shares of the Company's Class A
Common Stock and released the shares of the Mattan common stock to the  Company.
The  Company  accounts for  this  investment as  an  available-for-sale security
pursuant to SFAS 115  (See Note 2). At  March 31, 1996, the  fair value of  this
investment  totaled approximately $4,547,377 and  the related unrealized holding
gain totaled approximately $3,666,367.
 
    In October 1995, the Company entered into a strategic business alliance with
International Biolaser  Corporation (IBC).  This  agreement specifies  that  the
Company  will manufacture  IBC's CO(2) and  argon lasers and  that such products
will be jointly marketed  by the two companies.  Pursuant to the agreement,  the
Company  advanced $125,000 to IBC in exchange for a convertible note payable due
in October 1997, bearing interest at 10% per annum and secured by  substantially
all  of  IBC's  intangible assets.  This  note  payable is  convertible,  at the
Company's sole option, into an 80% ownership interest in IBC only after IBC  has
repaid  certain pre-existing  indebtedness. See  Note 19  for further discussion
regarding amendments to the Company's agreement with IBC.
 
7.  INVENTORIES
    Inventories consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          MARCH 31, 1996  JUNE 30, 1996
                                                          --------------  --------------
<S>                                                       <C>             <C>
Raw materials...........................................   $    938,560   $      940,100
Work-in-progress........................................        276,998          211,099
Finished goods..........................................        969,797        1,315,640
                                                          --------------  --------------
                                                           $  2,185,355   $    2,466,839
                                                          --------------  --------------
                                                          --------------  --------------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>
                          PREMIER LASER SYSTEMS, INC.
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                    (INFORMATION AS OF JUNE 30, 1996 AND FOR
          THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995 AND 1996 IS UNAUDITED)
 
8.  PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
    Property and equipment consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          MARCH 31, 1996  JUNE 30, 1996
                                                          --------------  --------------
<S>                                                       <C>             <C>
Machinery, equipment, molds and tooling.................   $  1,032,188   $    1,049,854
Furniture, fixtures and office equipment................        433,286          433,286
                                                          --------------  --------------
                                                              1,465,474        1,483,140
  Less: accumulated depreciation........................        971,532        1,006,630
                                                          --------------  --------------
                                                           $    493,942   $      476,510
                                                          --------------  --------------
                                                          --------------  --------------
</TABLE>
 
9.  INTANGIBLES
    Intangibles consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          MARCH 31, 1996  JUNE 30, 1996
                                                          --------------  --------------
 
<S>                                                       <C>             <C>
Patents and technology rights...........................   $  9,413,088   $    9,444,492
License agreements......................................        255,000          255,000
Other...................................................        201,000          201,000
                                                          --------------  --------------
                                                              9,869,088        9,900,492
Less: accumulated amortization..........................      2,515,626        2,689,420
                                                          --------------  --------------
                                                           $  7,353,462   $    7,211,072
                                                          --------------  --------------
                                                          --------------  --------------
</TABLE>
 
10. ACCRUED LIABILITIES
    Accrued liabilities consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          MARCH 31, 1996  JUNE 30, 1996
                                                          --------------  --------------
<S>                                                       <C>             <C>
Accrued payroll, vacation and related taxes.............   $     96,132   $       92,358
Accrued other...........................................         91,976          159,789
                                                          --------------  --------------
                                                           $    188,108   $      252,147
                                                          --------------  --------------
                                                          --------------  --------------
</TABLE>
 
11. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
    As discussed in  Note 1,  the Company commenced  operations after  acquiring
substantially  all of  the assets  and certain  liabilities of  Pfizer in August
1991. At March 31, 1996, notes payable to Pfizer totaled $481,195 (see Note 12).
 
    Consulting fees aggregating $12,000 and  $26,000 for the fiscal years  ended
March 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, were paid to a consultant of the Company,
directly related to an officer of the Company.
 
12. NOTES PAYABLE TO RELATED PARTY AND EXTRAORDINARY GAIN
    Prior  to the completion of the initial public offering described in Note 5,
the Company's notes  payable to Pfizer  amounted to $2,517,390.  Pursuant to  an
agreement  between the  Company and Pfizer,  the Company paid  $1,386,195 of the
notes payable to  Pfizer immediately subsequent  to the closing  of the  initial
public  offering  and Pfizer  forgave $650,000  of  the total  indebtedness. The
remaining balance of $481,195,  bearing interest at 10%  per annum at March  31,
1996,  and  related  accrued  interest  are  payable  in  quarterly installments
commencing July 8, 1996 with the first principal payment totaling $240,598, plus
accrued interest, and  the remaining two  quarterly principal payments  totaling
$120,299,  plus accrued interest.  If the Company completes  a private or public
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>
                          PREMIER LASER SYSTEMS, INC.
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                    (INFORMATION AS OF JUNE 30, 1996 AND FOR
          THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995 AND 1996 IS UNAUDITED)
 
12. NOTES PAYABLE TO RELATED PARTY AND EXTRAORDINARY GAIN (CONTINUED)
equity offering  which raises  net proceeds  of at  least $3  million, the  note
payable balance outstanding at the time of that offering becomes immediately due
and  payable. The note payable  to Pfizer is secured  by certain of the tangible
and intangible assets  of the  Company. See further  discussion concerning  this
note payable under Note 19.
 
    In  June 1994, notes  payable to third parties  of $1,500,000 were converted
into convertible debentures. These debentures and related accrued interest  were
converted  into 321,099 Units concurrent with  the closing of the initial public
offering. Also  concurrent with  the close  of the  offering, notes  payable  to
shareholders  totaling $66,500 plus related accrued interest were converted into
7,072 shares of Class A Common Stock and 6,260 shares of each Class E-1 and  E-2
Common Stock.
 
    In  August 1994,  the Company completed  a private placement  of debt units,
whereby $1,550,000  of notes  payable bearing  interest at  10% per  annum  (the
"Bridge  Notes") and  warrants to  purchase 1,085,000  shares of  Class A common
stock were  issued.  In connection  with  this private  placement,  the  Company
incurred placement costs of $201,500 and issued the notes at a discount totaling
$186,000. These notes payable were also paid in full in December 1994.
 
    In connection with the debt forgiven by Pfizer and the extinguishment of the
bridge  notes, the Company recognized a net extraordinary gain on extinguishment
of debt totaling $381,730.
 
13. GRANTS
    In September,  1995,  the  Company  obtained  a  Small  Business  Innovative
Research   Grant  totaling  approximately  $750,000   for  the  study  of  laser
emulsification. Pursuant to the terms of  the grant, the Company is eligible  to
receive  reimbursement for research and development costs incurred in connection
with the  laser emulsification  study up  to $750,000  upon the  achievement  of
certain  deliverables,  as defined.  During  fiscal 1996,  the  Company received
approximately $250,000 under  the grant.  The amounts received  under the  grant
were offset against research and development costs incurred in the study.
 
14. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
    COMMITMENTS
 
    The Company leases its facilities and certain equipment under noncancellable
operating  leases. Total  rental expense for  operating leases  was $348,059 and
$387,055 for the fiscal  years ended March 31,  1996 and 1995, respectively.  At
March  31, 1996,  future minimum  lease payments  under noncancellable operating
leases are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDING MARCH 31,
- -----------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                          <C>
    1997...................................................  $     241,536
    1998...................................................        244,634
    1999...................................................        247,811
    2000...................................................        252,448
    2001...................................................        250,488
                                                             -------------
                                                             $   1,236,917
                                                             -------------
                                                             -------------
</TABLE>
 
    Pursuant to  the  Company's  facility lease,  effective  January  1997,  the
Company  becomes guarantor of a lease agreement between the Company's lessor and
a third party lessee. The guaranteed  future minimum lease payments relating  to
the  third party are $108,456,  $111,624, and $85,500 for  the years ended March
31, 1997, 1998 and 1999, respectively.
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>
                          PREMIER LASER SYSTEMS, INC.
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                    (INFORMATION AS OF JUNE 30, 1996 AND FOR
          THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995 AND 1996 IS UNAUDITED)
 
14. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
    The Company entered  into employment  agreements with three  members of  its
executive  management team. These  agreements provide for two  to four months of
severance benefits upon termination of  employment. Based upon salary levels  as
of  March 31, 1996, such severance  benefits range from approximately $15,000 to
$33,000 for each of the above members of management.
 
    CONTINGENCIES
 
    The Company  entered into  an agreement  with Infrared  Fiber Systems,  Inc.
(IFS),  as a  supplier of  certain fiberoptics that  expires in  the fiscal year
ending March  31, 2002  and requires  the supplier  to sell  exclusively to  the
Company  fiberoptics for medical and dental  applications as long as the Company
purchases defined minimum amounts.
 
    In March 1994, the Company  initiated litigation against IFS. The  Company's
complaint  alleges that IFS and two  of its officers misrepresented IFS' ability
to supply optical fibers, and that IFS breached its supply agreement and certain
warranties. In  April  1994, IFS  filed  a cross-complaint  alleging  breach  of
contract  and  intentional  interference  with  prospective  economic advantage,
seeking declaratory relief that the contract has been terminated and that IFS is
free to market  its fibers  to others.  In July  1994, Coherent,  Inc., a  major
shareholder of IFS and a manufacturer of medical lasers which employ IFS optical
fibers,  joined the lawsuit for the express purpose of defending their rights to
the  IFS  optical  fibers.  In  May  1995,  the  Company  instituted  litigation
concerning  this dispute in the Orange County, California Superior Court against
Coherent, Westinghouse Electric Corporation  ("Westinghouse") and an  individual
employee  of Westinghouse who was an officer of  IFS from 1986 to 1993, when the
events involved  in  the  federal  action  against  IFS  took  place  and  while
Westinghouse owned a substantial minority interest in IFS. The complaint charges
that Coherent conspired with IFS in the wrongful conduct which is the subject of
the  federal lawsuit and  interfered with the  Company's contracts and relations
with IFS and with prospective contracts and advantageous economic relations with
third parties.  The  complaint  asserts  that Westinghouse  is  liable  for  its
employee's  wrongful acts as an  IFS executive while acting  within the scope of
his  employment  at  Westinghouse.  The  lawsuit  seeks  injunctive  relief  and
compensatory  damages. In October 1995 the federal action was stayed by order of
the court in favor of the California state court action, in which the  pleadings
have  been amended to include all claims  asserted by the Company in the federal
action. No  trial  date has  been  set. The  Company  believes that  the  likely
liability  of the Company, if any, arising from this litigation would not have a
materially adverse impact upon the Company.
 
    The Company is involved in various disputes and other lawsuits from time  to
time  arising from its  normal operations. The  litigation process is inherently
uncertain and it is possible that the resolution of the IFS litigation, disputes
and other  lawsuits may  adversely affect  the  Company. It  is the  opinion  of
management,  that the outcome of  such matters will not  have a material adverse
impact on  the Company's  financial  position, results  of operations,  or  cash
flows.
 
15. INCOME TAXES
    The  Company incurred losses  totaling $5,752,895 and  $3,808,485 for fiscal
years ended March 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. As a result, no provision for
income taxes has been charged to continuing operations during these periods.
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>
                          PREMIER LASER SYSTEMS, INC.
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                    (INFORMATION AS OF JUNE 30, 1996 AND FOR
          THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995 AND 1996 IS UNAUDITED)
 
15. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
    Deferred tax assets at March 31, 1996 are comprised as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                      <C>
Accounts receivable reserves...........................  $    62,084
Research and development expenditures capitalized for
 tax purposes..........................................      410,247
Research and development federal tax credits...........      187,436
Depreciation of property and equipment.................       40,289
Net operating loss carryforwards.......................    6,033,150
Other..................................................      852,876
                                                         -----------
Gross deferred tax assets..............................    7,586,082
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance.................   (7,586,082)
                                                         -----------
                                                         $        --
                                                         -----------
                                                         -----------
</TABLE>
 
    The net change  in the valuation  allowance for deferred  tax assets was  an
increase  of approximately  $2,634,142 from the  balance at March  31, 1995. The
change  primarily  relates  to  additional  net  operating  loss   carryforwards
generated as well as changes in other deferred assets in fiscal 1996, which were
fully reserved for at March 31, 1996.
 
    At  March 31,  1996, the  Company had  net operating  loss carryforwards for
federal income tax  purposes totaling approximately  $16,319,249 which begin  to
expire  in  fiscal  2007.  Operating loss  carryforwards  for  state  income tax
purposes totaling approximately $7,895,167 at March 31, 1996 begin to expire  in
fiscal  1998. Pursuant  to provisions  in the  Tax Reform  Act of  1986, the net
operating loss carryforwards and research and development credits available  for
use  in any given year may be limited  as a result of the significant changes in
stock ownership attributable to the initial public offering.
 
16. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
    COMMON STOCK AND RECAPITALIZATION
 
    On June 11,  1994, the Company  effected a recapitalization  pursuant to  an
Amendment  of its Articles  of Incorporation. In  this recapitalization: (i) the
Company authorized for issuance three new classes of Common Stock, designated as
Class A Common  Stock, Class E-1  Common Stock  and Class E-2  Common Stock,  of
which  35,600,000  shares of  Class A  Common  Stock were  authorized, 2,200,000
shares of Class E-1 Common Stock  were authorized and 2,200,000 shares of  Class
E-2 Common Stock were authorized; (ii) the Company authorized for issuance a new
class  of  Preferred  Stock (having  rights,  preferences and  privileges  to be
determined in  the  future)  of  which  8,850,000  shares  were  authorized  for
issuance;   (iii)  the  Common  Stock   outstanding  immediately  prior  to  the
recapitalization was reclassified as Class A  Common Stock; and (iv) each  share
of  Common  Stock  outstanding  immediately prior  to  the  recapitalization was
converted, through a reverse stock split,  into 0.1292 shares of Class A  Common
Stock.
 
    Following  the above Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation, the Company
declared a stock split effected as a stock dividend to the holders of its Common
Stock, providing for the  issuance of approximately 0.1144  shares of Class  E-1
Common  Stock and  0.1144 shares  of Class  E-2 Common  Stock for  each share of
Common Stock held immediately prior to the recapitalization.
 
    As a result  of this  recapitalization and stock  split, each  share of  the
Company's  outstanding Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock was
converted into 0.1292 shares of Class A Common Stock, 0.1144 shares of Class E-1
Common Stock and 0.1144 shares of Class E-2 Common
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>
                          PREMIER LASER SYSTEMS, INC.
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                    (INFORMATION AS OF JUNE 30, 1996 AND FOR
          THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995 AND 1996 IS UNAUDITED)
 
16. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (CONTINUED)
Stock. Conversion of Series A and Series  B Preferred Stock into Class A  Common
Stock,  Class E-1 Common Stock and Class  E-2 Common Stock was effected upon the
closing of the Company's initial public offering.
 
    On October 20, 1994, the Company voted  to effect a 7:1 reverse stock  split
pursuant  to an amendment of its Articles of Incorporation. As a result thereof,
the shares of Series  A Common Stock,  E-1 Common Stock,  and E-2 Common  Stock,
discussed above, were reduced in number by a factor of 0.7.
 
    STOCK OPTION PLANS AND WARRANTS
 
    The  Company  has  adopted several  stock  option plans  that  authorize the
granting of options to employees, officers and/or consultants to purchase shares
of the Company's Class A Common  Stock. The stock option plans are  administered
by  the Board of Directors  or a committee appointed  by the Board of Directors,
which determines the  terms of the  options, including the  exercise price,  the
number  of shares subject  to option and  the exercisability of  the option. The
options are generally granted at the fair market value of the shares  underlying
the  options at the date of  the grant and expire within  ten years of the grant
date.
 
    In addition  to options  granted pursuant  to the  stock option  plans,  the
Company has issued to certain Board of Directors members, consultants and former
notes  payable  holders warrants  to purchase  shares of  the Company's  Class A
Common Stock.
 
    A summary of  the activity  related to stock  options and  warrants for  the
fiscal years ended March 31, 1995 and 1996 is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     WARRANT/OPTION
                                                                       PRICE PER
                                                          SHARES         SHARE
                                                        -----------  --------------
<S>                                                     <C>          <C>
Outstanding at March 31, 1994.........................      228,590   $ 1.00-17.69
Granted...............................................    1,733,650     5.00- 6.50
Exercised.............................................       (1,535)    1.00- 1.77
Cancelled.............................................      (50,872)    8.85
                                                        -----------  --------------
Outstanding and exercisable at March 31, 1995.........    1,909,833       1.00-17.69
Granted...............................................      706,305       4.63- 5.63
Exercised.............................................         (909)          1.00
Cancelled.............................................      (31,236)      1.00-11.06
                                                        -----------  --------------
Outstanding at March 31, 1996.........................    2,583,993  $    1.00-17.69
                                                        -----------  --------------
                                                        -----------  --------------
</TABLE>
 
    Warrants  to purchase 89,357 shares of  the Company's common stock issued in
connection with the acquisition of certain patents and technology rights  during
fiscal  1994 will expire by December 31, 1998 and the warrants to purchase 9,044
shares of common stock issued to a related party will expire by March 31, 1997.
 
    Effective December 30, 1993, the Company issued warrants to purchase  50,872
shares  of common stock, under  the 1993 Limited Warrant  Plan, with an exercise
price of $8.85 per share for services rendered by consultants in connection with
the acquisition  of technology  rights.  In January  1995, the  warrant  holders
exercised  their right to receive a cash payment of $285,000, an amount equal to
the liability owed to the  consultants on the date  of issuance in exchange  for
and cancellation of the warrants.
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>
                          PREMIER LASER SYSTEMS, INC.
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                    (INFORMATION AS OF JUNE 30, 1996 AND FOR
          THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995 AND 1996 IS UNAUDITED)
 
16. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (CONTINUED)
    In  connection  with  the  initial public  offering  in  December,  1994 and
exercise  of  the  underwriter's  over-allotment  option,  the  Company   issued
2,760,000 of each of Class A Warrants and Class B Warrants. Both the Class A and
Class B Warrants will expire in November 1999.
 
    The  Company has  the right,  commencing three  years from  the November 30,
1994, the effective date of the initial  public offering, to redeem the Class  A
and  Class  B  Warrants  at a  price  of  $.05 per  warrant  subject  to certain
conditions regarding the bid price of the Class A Common Stock.
 
    CLASS E-1 AND CLASS E-2 COMMON STOCK
 
    The Company's Class E-1 Common Stock and Class E-2 Common Stock are held  in
escrow,  are not transferable, can  be voted and will  be converted into Class A
Common Stock only  upon the occurrence  of specified events.  All the Class  E-1
Common  Stock shares will  be automatically converted into  Class A Common Stock
shares in the  event that:  (1) the Company's  net income  before provision  for
income  taxes, as defined, amounts  to at least $4,800,000  for the years ending
March 31,  1995  or  1996,  or  at  least  $5,500,000,  $6,850,000,  $8,425,000,
$9,900,000   for  the  fiscal   years  ending  March   31,  1997  through  2000,
respectively, provided  that  if  additional shares  are  issued  earnings  must
increase proportionately; or (2) the closing price, as defined, of the Company's
Class  A Common Stock shall  average in excess of  $15.00 for any 30 consecutive
trading days during the 18 months following the November 30, 1994 effective date
of the Company's initial public offering or average in excess of $19.25 for  any
30  consecutive trading  days during the  period commencing  with the nineteenth
month after November 30, 1994  and ending 36 months from  that date. If none  of
the  above events occur, the Class E-1  Common Stock shares will be cancelled by
the Company on June 30, 2000. All of  the Class E-2 Common Stock shares will  be
automatically  converted into Class A Common Stock shares in the event that: (1)
the Company's net income before provision for income taxes, as defined,  amounts
to  at least $8,625,000 for the years ending  March 31, 1995 or 1996 or at least
$11,800,000, $14,750,000, $20,475,000 or $26,750,000 for the years ending  March
31,  1997 through  2000, respectively,  provided that  if additional  shares are
issued earnings  must increase  proportionally;  or (2)  the closing  price,  as
defined, of the Company's Class A Common Stock shall average in excess of $19.75
for  any 30 consecutive trading days during the 18 months following the November
30, 1994 effective date of the  Company's initial public offering or average  in
excess  of  $24.00  for  any  30  consecutive  trading  days  during  the period
commencing with  the nineteenth  month after  November 30,  1994 and  ending  36
months  from November 30, 1994. If none of the above events occur, the Class E-2
Common Stock shares will be cancelled by the Company on June 30, 2000.
 
    The Company will, in the event of the release of the Class E-1 Common  Stock
and  Class E-2 Common Stock,  recognize during the period  in which the earnings
thresholds are  met or  such  minimum bid  prices  are achieved,  a  substantial
noncash charge to earnings equal to the fair value of such shares on the date of
their  release,  which would  have the  effect  of significantly  increasing the
Company's loss or reducing or eliminating earnings, if any, at such time.
 
17. CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK AND FOREIGN SALES
    The Company generates revenues principally from sales in the medical  field.
As  a result,  the Company's accounts  receivable are  concentrated primarily in
this industry.  In  addition, sales  to  one  customer represented  10%  of  the
Company's   sales  in   fiscal  1996  and   11%  to  a   different  customer  in
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>
                          PREMIER LASER SYSTEMS, INC.
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                    (INFORMATION AS OF JUNE 30, 1996 AND FOR
          THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995 AND 1996 IS UNAUDITED)
 
17. CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK AND FOREIGN SALES (CONTINUED)
fiscal 1995. Sales in foreign countries accounted for approximately 63% and  40%
of the Company's total sales in fiscal 1995 and 1996, respectively. A summary of
sales in geographic locations for the fiscal years ended March 31, 1995 and 1996
is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      1995           1996
                                                                  -------------  -------------
<S>                                                               <C>            <C>
United States...................................................  $     465,400  $   1,014,327
Europe..........................................................                       210,386
Asia............................................................        583,500        190,458
Other Foreign...................................................        200,503        289,219
                                                                  -------------  -------------
                                                                  $   1,249,403  $   1,704,390
                                                                  -------------  -------------
                                                                  -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
    The  Company  performs  ongoing  credit  evaluations  of  its  customers and
generally does not require collateral. Generally, letters of credit are obtained
on international  sales. The  Company maintains  reserves for  potential  credit
losses and such losses have been within management expectations.
 
18. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
    On  June  3, 1996,  the  Company entered  into  a loan  agreement  (the Loan
Agreement) with a  bank which  allows the  Company to  borrow the  lesser of  $1
million or 40% of the market value of the 1,150,000 shares of Mattan Corporation
common  stock (the  Mattan shares) held  by the  Company. Borrowings outstanding
under this loan agreement bear interest at the bank's prime rate (8.25% at  June
3,  1996) plus 1%, are secured  by the Mattan shares and  are due and payable in
November 1996 (see  Note 19  below). The Loan  Agreement also  provides for  the
issuance  of warrants to purchase  9,756 shares of the  Company's Class A Common
Stock at $10.25 per share to the bank.
 
19. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (UNAUDITED)
    The Company has not made the first installment payment under the Pfizer note
payable discussed  in  Note 12  which  was due  in  July 1996.  The  Company  is
attempting to negotiate with Pfizer for an extension of this payment date. There
can  be no assurance  that such extension will  be granted on  this note or that
Pfizer will not seek to enforce its rights on this note.
 
    Effective August 24, 1996, the Company and IBC amended their agreement (Note
6). Pursuant  to  the terms  of  this amendment  the  Company will  (i)  act  as
guarantor of approximately $201,000 of indebtedness owed by IBC to a third party
and  (ii) receive all  proprietary rights, intellectual  property and technology
from IBC used in the manufacturing of argon MOD lasers.
 
    On October 9,  1996, the Company  amended the Loan  Agreement extending  the
expiration date of the agreement to April 1997.
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>
INSIDE BACK COVER
CORPORATE COMMITMENTS
From Research and Development To Customer Satisfaction, Premier Laser Systems,
Inc. ...
Four photographs, including corporate headquarters
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  NO  DEALER, SALESPERSON OR  ANY OTHER PERSON  HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED  TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING OTHER
THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH  INFORMATION
OR  REPRESENTATION MUST  NOT BE  RELIED UPON  AS HAVING  BEEN AUTHORIZED  BY THE
COMPANY OR THE UNDERWRITER. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL
OR SOLICITATION OF ANY OFFER TO BUY BY ANYONE IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH  SUCH
OFFER  TO SELL OR SOLICITATION IS NOT  AUTHORIZED, OR IN WHICH THE PERSON MAKING
SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS NOT QUALIFIED TO  DO SO, OR TO ANY PERSON TO  WHOM
IT  IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES CREATE  ANY
IMPLICATION  THAT THE  INFORMATION CONTAINED  HEREIN IS  CORRECT AS  OF ANY TIME
SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE HEREOF.
 
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                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
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Prospectus Summary.............................           3
Risk Factors...................................           7
Use of Proceeds................................          14
Price Range of Securities......................          15
Dividend Policy................................          15
Capitalization.................................          16
Selected Financial Data........................          17
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
 Financial Condition and Results of
 Operations....................................          18
Business.......................................          24
Management.....................................          42
Principal Shareholders.........................          49
Certain Transactions...........................          50
Description of Securities......................          51
Shares Eligible for Future Sale................          55
Underwriting...................................          56
Legal Matters..................................          58
Experts........................................          58
Available Information..........................          58
Index to Financial Statements..................         F-1
</TABLE>
 
                                     [LOGO]
 
                                  11,000 UNITS
 
                            EACH UNIT CONSISTING OF
                       190 SHARES OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK
                       AND 95 REDEEMABLE CLASS B WARRANTS
 
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                                   PROSPECTUS
 
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                             D.H. BLAIR INVESTMENT
                                 BANKING CORP.
 
   
                                OCTOBER 15, 1996
    
 
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