How many LASIK treatments has the surgeon performed?

Try to choose a surgeon who has done at least 300 LASIK treatments - studies indicated that complications decrease and overall outcomes improve once a surgeon has performed at least 300 treatments.

Does the surgeon perform LASIK in a multi-physician center or in his/her own office?

LASIK Surgeons who can control their treatment environment, staff, technology and can maintain the laser and instrumentation in their own facility may be preferred.

What is the surgeon's enhancement rate?

Enhancement is "fine tuning" of the final refraction. In general, patients requiring higher degrees of correction should expect the possibility of an enhancement being necessary. A very rough rule of thumb is a 1% chance of enhancement needed per diopter of correction necessary. (An example is if a patient has a -7.00 diopter correction needed; there would be a 7% chance that they would need an enhancement).

What percentage of the patients who seek consultation from the surgeon are turned away as being unsuitable for LASIK?

LASIK Surgeons that represent that they can treat all patients should be carefully evaluated, as not all patients are suitable candidates.

What is the surgeon's complication rate for the LASIK treatment?

LASIK Surgeons who represent that they have no complications should be viewed cautiously. The surgeon under consideration should be willing to freely discuss their complications and their experience in handling them.

Who will be your main contact in charge of coordinating your care in the practice?

Continuity of care, scheduling of visits, answering of questions, and having a primary person with whom you are comfortable discussing all aspects of your care with is an extremely important part of your experience. It is wise to consider this as part of the surgeon/practice evaluation process.

Who will perform your pre-treatment diagnostic testing?

Even though a skilled team that may consist of Optometrists, Technicians, and Counselors may assist the treating surgeon, it is important that the treating surgeon is involved with the analysis and diagnosis/recommendations as a result of your pre-treatment examination.

Who will perform your post-treatment examinations and follow-up?

Again, although a skilled team may directly perform elements of your post-treatment examinations, it is important that the treating surgeon maintains involvement throughout your total care process - including post-treatment examinations and follow-up.