Alcon For immediate release Alcon s First Quarter EarningsRise 46.7 Percent on19.4 Percent Sales Growth

HUNENBERG, Switzerland April 20, 2004 Alcon,

Inc. (NYSE: ACL) reported global sales of $963.6 million for the first quarter of 2004, an increase

of 19.4 percent over global sales in the first quarter of 2003, or 13.0 percent excluding the impact

of foreign exchange fluctuations. Net earnings for the first quarter of 2004 increased 46.7 percent

to $191.0 million, or $0.61 per share on a diluted basis, compared to $130.2 million, or $0.42 per share,

for the first quarter of 2003.

Sear, Alcon s chairman, president and chief executive officer commented, This was a phenomenal quarter

where virtually all factors worked in our favor. The new products we introduced last year continued

to build momentum and gain share, while most existing lines added to their already strong market shares.

Currency was very positive for us, which not only boosted sales, but also enabled us to leverage sales

growth into faster operating income and net profit growth. Geographically, we had strong performances

from all our regions, but it was especially encouraging to see that Japan showed good growth once again,

after a couple of difficult years of dealing with reimbursement declines and local competitive pressures.

of sales for the first quarter of 2004 are provided below. Unless otherwise noted, all comparisons are

versus the first quarter of 2003.

of earnings for the first quarter of 2004 are provided below. Unless otherwise noted, all comparisons

are versus the first quarter of 2003.

below are updates on key research and development activities.

guidance for 2004 is provided below.

Inc. (NYSE:ACL) is the world s leading eye care company. Alcon, which has been dedicated to the ophthalmic

industry for more than 50 years, develops, manufactures and markets pharmaceuticals, surgical equipment

and devices, contact lens care solutions and other vision care products that treat diseases, disorders

and other conditions of the eye. Alcon s majority shareholder is Nestle, S.A., the world s largest food

trademarks noted in this release are the property of Alcon, Inc., with the exception of Ciprodex

and Cipro HC , which are the property of Bayer, AG and licensed to Alcon.

(a) Constant currency sales

growth calculates sales growth without the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations. Management believes

constant currency sales growth is an important measure of the Company s operations because it provides

investors with a clearer picture of the core rate of sales growth attributable to changes in unit volumes

and local currency prices.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation

Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements principally relate to statements regarding the

expectations of our management with respect to the future performance of various aspects of our business.

These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our

actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performances

or achievements expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements. Words such as may, will,

should, could, would, expect, plan, anticipate, believe, hope, intend, estimate,

project, predict, potential and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

These statements reflect the views of our management as of the date of this press release with respect

to future events and are based on assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties and are not intended

to give any assurance as to future results. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance

on these forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause future results to differ include, but

are not limited to, the following: the development of commercially viable products may take longer and

cost more than expected; changes in reimbursement procedures by third party payers; competition may

lead to worse than expected financial condition and results of operations; currency exchange rate fluctuations

may negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations; pending or future litigation

may negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations; litigation settlements may

adversely impact our financial condition; product recalls or withdrawals may negatively impact our financial

condition or results of operations; government regulation or legislation may negatively impact our financial

condition or results of operations; changes in tax laws or regulations in the jurisdictions in which

we and our subsidiaries are subject to taxation may adversely impact our financial performance; supply

and manufacturing disruptions could negatively impact our financial condition or results of operations.

You should read this press release with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially

different from what we expect. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary

statements. Except to the extent required under the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations

promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, we undertake no obligation to publicly update

or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether to reflect new information or future events

or circumstances or otherwise.

Doug MacHatton, 800-400-8599

News media and other inquiries

Mary Dulle, 817-551-8058