Holder for dual optic IOL

Abstract

The present invention provides a holder/package for supporting a two optic accommodating intraocular lens device. The holder/package is capable of holding the device, for example while taking measurements or performing manufacturing process steps on the device and/or for packaging and shipping of the device. In a preferred embodiment, the holder/package supports the device along first and second haptics thereof with the optics substantially untouched by the holder/package.

1 . A holder/package for an intraocular lens device having first and second optics interconnected by one or more haptics, said holder/package comprising: 
 a) a base;    b) first and second supports attached to said base;    whereby said intraocular lens device may be removably mounted to said holder/package by engaging said one or more haptics with said first and second supports, respectively, with said first and second optics lying spaced from each other and substantially perpendicular to said base.    
     
     
         2 . The holder/package of  claim 1  wherein first and second haptics interconnect said first and second optics, and wherein said first and second haptics engage said first and second supports, respectively.  
     
     
         3 . The holder/package of  claim 2  wherein said supports are separated a distance permitting said intraocular lens device to be engaged therewith in a substantially unstressed condition.  
     
     
         4 . The holder/package of  claim 1  and further comprising a removable cover for attaching to said base in covering relation to said supports and said intraocular lens device.  
     
     
         5 . The holder/package of  claim 4  wherein said cover, when attached to said base, acts as a stop to prevent said intraocular lens from releasing from said supports.  
     
     
         6 . The holder/package of  claim 4  wherein said cover and base are attached to each other with a bayonette-type coupling.  
     
     
         7 . The holder/package of  claim 1  wherein said first and second supports each include a lower and upper segment having a shoulder formed at the juncture of the lower and upper segment.  
     
     
         8 . The holder/package of  claim 5  wherein said one or more haptics extend around said supports and rest on said shoulders when said intraocular lens device is mounted to said supports, respectively.  
     
     
         9 . A method for holding an intraocular lens device having first and second optics interconnected by one or more haptics, said method comprising the steps of: 
 a) providing a base;    b) providing first and second supports attached to said base;    c) removably mounting said one or more haptics of said intraocular lens device to said first and second supports, respectively, whereby said first and second optics are spaced from each other.    
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein first and second haptics are removably mounted to said first and second supports, respectively.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein a third haptic extends between said first and second supports when said intraocular lens device is mounted to said first and second supports, respectively.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9  and further comprising the step of providing a cover for removable attachment to said base in covering relation to said support and said intraocular device.