
<PAGE>   1
                                                                       EXHIBIT 1


                             JOINT FILING AGREEMENT


                 In accordance with Rule 13d-1(f) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended, the undersigned agree to the joint filing on behalf of
each of them a Statement on Schedule 13D (including any and all amendments
thereto) with respect to the Common Stock of Quest Medical, Inc. and further
agree that this Agreement shall be included as an Exhibit to such joint
filings.

                 The undersigned further agree that each party hereto is
responsible for timely filing of such Statement on Schedule 13D and any
amendments thereto, and for the completeness and accuracy of the information
concerning such party contained therein; provided that no party is responsible
for the completeness or accuracy of the information concerning the other party,
unless such party knows or has reason to believe that such information is
inaccurate.

                 This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts,
each of which shall be deemed to be an original instrument, but all of such
counterparts together shall constitute but one agreement.

                 In evidence thereof the undersigned, being duly authorized,
hereby execute this Agreement this 21st day of August, 1996.


                                        CYPRESS ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.


                                        By:   /s/ A. Ronald Lerner
                                           --------------------------------
                                           A. Ronald Lerner
                                           President



                                        /s/ A. Ronald Lerner
                                        -----------------------------------
                                        A. Ronald Lerner



                                        /s/ William L. Garwood, Jr.
                                        -----------------------------------
                                        William L. Garwood, Jr.





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                                        /s/ David E. Jorden
                                        -----------------------------------
                                        David E. Jorden



                                        /s/ Frank P. Lee
                                        -----------------------------------
                                        Frank P. Lee



                                        /s/ Dan R. Japhet, Sr.
                                        -----------------------------------
                                        Dan R. Japhet, Sr.





