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Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
on Forms S-8 pertaining to certain shares of KeraVision, Inc. common stock
issuable to the holders of Series B convertible preferred stock, the 1997
Employee Stock Option Plan, the 1995 Directors' Stock Option Plan, the 1995
Employee Stock Purchase Plan, the 1995 Stock Plan and the 1987 Stock Option Plan
of KeraVision, Inc. of our report dated February 4, 2000 (except for the third
paragraph of Note 1, as to which the date is October 10, 2000), with respect to
the consolidated financial statements and schedule of KeraVision, Inc. included
in the Annual Report (Form 10-K/A) for the year ended December 31, 1999.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
San Jose, California
October 10, 2000