EXHIBIT 99

                         PREMIER LASER SYSTEMS ADOPTS
                            SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN

     IRVINE, CA (April 2, 1998) . . .. . . . The Board of Directors of Premier
Laser Systems, Inc. (NasdaqNM:PLSIA) today announced a dividend distribution of
one Preferred Share Purchase Right on each outstanding share of Premier Laser
Systems common stock payable on April 14, 1998 to stockholders of record on that
date. Colette Cozean, Ph.D., Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of
Premier Laser Systems, stated, "These moves have become commonplace and are
designed to assure that all of Premier's shareholders receive fair and equal
treatment and to guard against partial tender offers, squeeze-outs, open market
accumulations and other abusive tactics to gain control of Premier without
negotiating a fair price with Premier's Board."

     Premier Laser Systems develops, manufactures and markets several lines of
proprietary medical lasers, fiber optic delivery systems, corneal topography
systems and associated products and services for a variety of dental, ophthalmic
and surgical applications.