How to Find the Right LASIK Surgeon

Finding a LASIK surgeon is not difficult, however, finding a good one is. Most of us feel intimidated by doctors and are shy or hesitant to ask frank questions, afraid we might offend them. However, when it comes to your well-being and safety, everything else is secondary. As a patient you have every right to not only ask but demand information. In case a doctor is not willing to share information, you know he is not the right kind to share your eyes with.

Where to look

The obvious answers would be advertisements, yellow pages, internet, or asking friends. These however, leave much to imagination. More credible sources would be –

GP- Your general physician or even your eye doctor (ophthalmologist or optometrist) will give you referrals. Take his suggestions into considerations, since he is already aware of your medical history and what kind of refractive surgery you require.

Organizations- There will be many refractive surgery centers in your area. You will also come across many associations of medical surgeons on the internet. These will mostly provide you with credentials and ratings of eye surgeons. Try the American Association of Ophthalmologists or the Fellowship of American Surgeons.

What to ask

Once you have picked out at least 2-3 surgeons, you will set up a consultation visit with each. Before the visit, it is best if you think up as many questions as you can and even write them down if required. Then ask each and every question (without batting an eyelid). Some questions that you just cannot ignore are:

• Years of practice (at least 3)
• Number of surgeries (minimum 500)
• Number of refractive surgeries that are exactly like your requirements (minimum 100)
• Number of patients that achieved 20/20 vision (generally should be 65%)
• Contact numbers of past patients
• Affiliation to any medical society or association (note down the name and look them up)

Apart from asking questions you can also judge the surgeons competency by his demeanor. If he answers even tough questions politely, offers additional literature, or informs you about various procedures apart from LASIK then you know he’s versatile and competent.

Although we tend to trust a doctor’s credentials in most cases, LASIK is big business. It’s a very lucrative money making option for most surgeons, and you do not want to be treated as just a customer. Take as much time as required while deciding on a surgeon, lest you regret your choice later.

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