Light emitting panel assemblies include a light emitting panel member
having a uniform or variable pattern of light extracting deformities of
well defined shapes in or on one or more surface areas of the light
emitting panel member. The size and shape as well as the depth and
angular orientation and position or location of the light extracting
deformities may vary along the length and/or width of a panel surface
area to obtain a desired light output distribution from the panel surface
area. Also, at least some of the deformities may have planar surfaces in
parallel spaced relation to a panel surface area. A focused light source
may be insert molded or cast within a light transition area of the light
emitting panel member to focus the light on an input surface of the light
transition area with predetermined ray angles to fit a particular
application. Molded supports may be provided on the panel member for
supporting other parts or components in spaced relation therefrom. In
another embodiment of the invention, an array of light sources may be
mounted on a printed circuit board for directing light through a diffuser
or lens mounted in spaced relation to the light sources for use in
phototherapy treatment or the like.