Jan 13 2010
According to Market Scope, a refractive industry research organization, the number of LASIK vision correction surgeries performed during the first quarter of the year is 124 percent of the average quarterly volume. With health-related New Year’s resolutions, the resetting of annual flexible health care spending accounts and summer just around the corner, it certainly stands to reason, according to Dr. Ayman Boutros of The Eye Center.
Dr. Boutros is the founder and medical director of The Eye Center, a Northern Virginia comprehensive eye care practice. With over 20,000 procedures performed throughout his 20-year career as an ophthalmologist, Dr. Boutros is often consulted about what to look for in a laser vision correction provider and has developed a Top 5 list of things to consider.
TOP FIVE LIST FOR PATIENTS CONSIDERING LASER VISION CORRECTION
1. Experience makes the difference.
The more procedures a surgeon has performed, the more prepared they are to handle any situation and the better visual outcomes their patients will achieve. You should look for a board certified doctor with no less than 5 years experience and who has performed no less than 3,000 procedures.
2. Not all LASIK technology is the same.
There is LASIK performed with a blade and LASIK performed only by lasers. You need to search out a practice offering Intralase or iLASIK, which has dramatically increased the safety and precision of LASIK. When it came to NASA, they choose iLASIK for the space program, which tells the whole story.
3. Look for more than just a LASIK center.
Some practices, especially corporate centers, typically only offer LASIK and cannot treat other eye conditions. A doctor that also offers comprehensive eye care can offer treatment for conditions as well as offer alternative options for helping you reduce or eliminate your dependence on contacts, glasses or even readers if you are not a LASIK candidate.
4. Choose a doctor that will be here for you tomorrow.
Stability is extremely important. You want to choose a doctor you can trust to be there for not only all of your follow-up care but if you need additional eye care services as well. So, look for a comprehensive, regional eye care facility and a surgeon who has been in the area for at least three to four years and has a strong reputation in the market.
5. Focus on value.
Your decision should not be based solely on price, but instead value. You only plan to have LASIK once and you get what you pay for. A low price typically results in lesser technology, poor patient care, and an inexperienced staff. Look closely at the practice and surgeon; scrutinize their credentials. You deserve an experienced surgeon, advanced technology, and a reputable practice all at a fair price.
Source: http://www.theeyecenter.com/