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EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the references to our firm under the captions "Selected Financial
Data" and "Experts" and to the use of our reports dated March 29, 2000, with
respect to the financial statements of ISTA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and March 8,
2000, with respect to the financial statements of Visionex Pte. Ltd., in
Amendment No. 5 to Registration Statement (Form S-1) and related Prospectus of
ISTA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for the registration of shares of its common stock.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
San Diego, California
August 9, 2000
