How Do I Find The Right LASIK Surgeon?

LASIK is an increasingly common procedure, and finding a LASIK surgeon is perhaps one of the most important parts of your decision-making process. To ensure a safe and effective procedure, it is important to choose a surgeon who is well trained and highly experienced. To choose the best LASIK surgeon, you can use a number of resources including articles All About LASIK, and board sites such as www.abop.org (American Board of Ophthalmology), patient reviews, and the experiences of your friends and family.

What Should I Look For In A LASIK Surgeon?

Walk into your eye doctor’s office with a list of questions to make sure you get the information you need to make an informed decision. Here are some possible questions to ask:

• Ask for details about his experience. You should ask your provider how many procedures he has performed, how many years he has practiced and whether the doctor tracks the outcomes of his patients. If the surgeon benchmarks his work, it means the doctor is committed to quality and continuous improvement, according to the Eye Surgery Education Council.

• Ask about training, education, associations, awards and certifications. These are all good indicators of the level of experience he or she has.

• Ask about the equipment that will be used for the surgery. LASIK technology has improved over the years — make sure your doctor is using the best equipment for your needs.
• Ask the doctor how she manages her practice. Will the doctor who performs your surgery be available for postoperative care? How many prospective LASIK patients are turned away each year? LASIK isn’t for everyone, and responsible doctors often decline the procedure for up to a quarter of their prospective patients.

Helpful Reminders To Think About When Searching For A LASIK Surgeon

Don’t bank entirely on the cost of LASIK
Some consumers may be enticed to visit a LASIK surgeon based solely on who advertises discounts or lower prices than other surgeons. While the price of the procedure can be a factor when choosing a LASIK surgeon, other important factors should be considered. LASIK is a serious medical procedure that must be performed by a highly skilled surgeon with exceptional training and experience. Choosing a surgeon based only on price alone is gambling with one’s vision. The decision should incorporate the cost of LASIK eye surgery and financing options together with the reputation of the practice, the technology used and the surgeon’s skill and experience.

Review and research the technology
You should pay attention to the technology used by a LASIK surgeon. As new technologies and techniques emerge, LASIK also evolves, providing patients with better results and less discomfort. A surgeon should offer customized lasers and technology for optimal results. Many of these new LASIK technologies provide highly accurate measurements and laser technology for optimum outcomes. To learn more about our customized technology, you can visit websites that specialize in providing consumers useful information about LASIK and the newest and safest laser technology such as www.FDA.gov.

Ask around
One of the best ways to choose a LASIK eye surgeon is through word-of-mouth. Your friends and family who have had the procedure are often more than happy to recommend a surgeon. These sources may also provide detailed information about a doctor’s personality, the cost of LASIK eye surgery and quality of patient care that a website or advertisement may not offer.

You can also ask your ophthalmologist, optometrist, or eye care professional for a referral to a LASIK surgeon. Doctors who are familiar with their patient’s unique vision correction needs can assist in the process of finding a qualified LASIK surgeon who specializes in a variety of special vision conditions.

To learn more about a specific LASIK surgeon, you can ask the LASIK surgeon for references or ask to consult with their previous patients. References can help you learn more about how well a LASIK surgeon treats patients both medically and personally.

Surf the Web
The Web is a useful and convenient tool that allows consumers to easily research LASIK surgeons. Many doctors have websites that highlight specific details about their practices, including the technology and lasers they use and surgical fees. A LASIK surgeon’s Web page may also outline the surgeon’s education and certifications.

The Web can also be useful for verifying a surgeon’s credentials. Many official ophthalmology organizations, such as the American Academy of Ophthalmology (www.aao.org) and the American Board of Ophthalmology (www.abop.org)have websites that allow consumers to search for officially accredited surgeons in their area.

Consumers can also visit consumer advocacy organizations’ websites. For example, the National Consumers League offers tips on choosing a physician. These groups also specialize in providing public warnings about untrained or unofficially certified LASIK surgeons to prevent medical malpractice.