Which Lasik Surgeon
The choice of the right Lasik surgeon can be a difficult choice, but
not if the right information is involved. Many worry about which Lasik
surgeon to choose because having a poor eye procedure performed can end
in a lifetime of disability. The basic questions to ask when looking
for surgeons include his or her credentials, his or her experience, and
his or her willingness to work with his or her patients following
surgery and with potential problems.
Credentials
It is important to check a surgeon's licensing before agreeing to a
procedure. He or she should be licensed through the state licensing
boards and with surgeon credentials. Another way to check on a
surgeon's licensing is through the National Practitioner Date Bank. If
a surgeon is not properly licensed, he or she may not be qualified to
perform such a delicate surgery.
Also when checking a surgeon's licensing, it is also advisable to check
his or her board certification. This can be as simple as asking if he
or she has board certification outside of medical practice licensing.
Why is board certification important? Board certification is the
recognition that the American Board of Medical Specialties grants to
those who are qualified to perform surgeries in varying specialties --
in this case Lasik surgery. The American Board of Ophthalmology is
another certifiable entity that requires physicians to complete precise
training prior to certification as well as further training while
practicing that specialty.
The AC and Advertisements
It is also advisable to confirm whether or not a surgeon is a member of
the American College of Surgeons, which requires certain ethical codes
and standards of all their members. Depending on how a surgeon is
found, it is always good to see how he or she advertises his or her
practice.
Whether advertisements are found in newspapers, on television, or on
the radio, it is important to see how much information is provided and
if the advertisement is a hoax. Lower price advertisements may actually
be a great offer, but the surgeon may not be as qualified as another.
Doctor Referrals and Resources
When looking for a Lasik surgeon, checking with a normal eye care
practitioner may be the best place to begin. He or she will be able to
give a personal recommendation on quality, certification, personality,
and more. Surgeons who have good reputations are not always the best
surgeons, but asking a professional ophthalmologist or optometrist can
be highly effective. Other ways of researching qualified Lasik surgeons
includes the Internet. Several websites are currently available for
exactly this purpose. The phonebook and Yellow Pages can also be
beneficial.
Meeting
When meeting a refractive surgeon it is important to ask the proper
questions. Feeling comfortable with a surgeon is necessary as well as
feeling that he or she is able to perform the surgery in a proper
manner. Some questions to ask may include how the practice handles
complication rates, the number of surgeries performed, where the
surgery is performed, extra enhancement possibilities, any history of
infection in the practice, and billing information as well as follow-up
appointments.