The selection of a LASIK surgeon

The selection of a surgeon for LASIK or PRK is quite critical because visual result after the procedure is a lifelong issue. Factors involved in choosing a great surgeon include experience, credentials and after-procedure remedies. All these aspects should be taken into consideration. In this article, we describe most of the possible information that needs to be evaluated before making a decision. Remember that a good surgeon determines largely an exciting visual outcome.

Surgeon credentials and affiliation

Patients should take several aspects into account while checking the surgeon’s qualifications and abilities. State licensing boards and the National Practitioner Data Band can both offer validation of a surgeon’s credentials. Board certification sometimes offers additional information of a surgeon in special surgical practice. Requiring professional training and continuing related education, the American Board of Ophthalmology is one of the organizations. Once certified by American College of Surgeons (ACS), surgeons must obey its ethical standards of conduct. The designation of “FACS” means fellows of the ACS.

Get believable recommendations

Advertisements aired by surgery centers in newspapers, on the radio and TV also provide some information of their surgeons. But patients should keep in mind that low prices should not be the first criterion in choosing a surgeon. Referrals from regular eye care practitioners or refractive surgeons in other states are also helpful while evaluating a suitable surgeon. Patients can also get a recommendation from the website of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. In addition, another direct way is to directly contact your target refractive surgery center. Patients can always get basic information of surgeons in the center at its website.

Check the surgeon’s surgical experience and history

The number of procedures that the surgeon has experienced is another important factor. Experienced surgeons mostly perform procedures from their own surgical centers. Currently, strains of antibiotic resistant bacteria are on the increase, so that patients should ask the target surgeon about potential infection outbreak in history, as well as sterilizing instruments and equipment. In addition, patients can feel free to contact more than one surgeon and make a comparison.

Factor in the position of the surgery

Refractive surgeries may cause potential complications and patients may be dissatisfied with the visual outcome. In this case, it is wiser to choose a competent surgeon in your area or even near your home. This allows you to receive convenient ongoing attention after the surgery. For instance, it is quite important to go back to home after the surgery with somebody’s help. And on the way any risky factors or elements must be avoided.

Choose a center offering warm customer services

In addition to the location of the surgical center, patients should also assess the presence of personal touch. The fact is that most terrific surgeons pay attention only to routine procedures, rather than those common questions and concerns from patients. As a result, a well-trained, friendly staff of a surgery center is quite helpful in serving and attracting customers.

Make a prior consultation with the surgeon about surgical details

Prior consultation of a specific surgeon is necessary. You should list interested questions before the meeting with the surgeon. Some questions towards surgeons are widely recommended, including complication rate and follow-up remedies, outcome statistics, serious eye infection history and so on. The surgeon’s versatility and competency in various refractive procedures including LASIK, PRK, LASEK, CK and clear lens replacement are also worth consideration. If the surgeon offers a clear explanation of these different procedures, he is surely more trustable.