Laser eye surgeon
Whether you have been diagnosed as a candidate for laser eye surgery or would simply like more information, it is important to choose the right laser eye surgeon. There are several things you need to consider when choosing a surgeon, which are detailed below.
Criteria for choosing a laser eye surgeon
Reputation is one of the top factors when choosing a laser eye surgeon. If you have a surgeon in mind, try to get an idea of their reputation from others in the industry, such as your normal eye doctor or those with experience in the eyeglass and contact lens industry. In addition, ask friends who have undergone LASIK surgery or other procedures about what their experience was like with their own surgeon. Research further by seeking out reviews online.
Once you have identified several laser eye surgeons you like, compare them by looking at a few key pieces of information. Surgery is never a decision to take lightly, so they will understand that you want to ask questions. Most doctors keep statistics, so ask them what their complication rates and outcome statistics are, and how close those are to average rates.
Also ask about the laser surgery procedure, such as where the operation will take place, and what happens during recovery after laser eye surgery. Price should be a consideration, but you should never feel as though you are compromising on quality. Shop around to get the best price from a reputable surgeon that you feel comfortable with.
It is also important that you personally feel comfortable with the laser eye surgeon you choose.
Qualifications of laser eye surgeons
Most places where laser eye surgeons practice will have a basic licensing structure as well as additional certifications that you can look for to distinguish between doctors. Consider the following whether you are looking for a laser eye surgeon in the USA or in the United Kingdom.
In the United States, state licensing boards grant and monitor the licenses of laser eye surgeons practicing in that state. The National Practitioner Data Bank can also give up to date information on a doctor’s license. A surgeon can also be board certified to practice a specialty by the American Board of Ophthalmology.
The General Medical Council (GMC) in the UK grants licenses to practice medicine and can be consulted to find the current status of a doctor. Eye doctors further specialize with exams, and can gain the titles of FRCOphth (Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmology) and FRCS (Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons).
Taking into account these factors as well as common sense and your level of rapport with a doctor, you can simplify the process of choosing a laser eye surgeon. It is worth doing your homework, getting it right, and getting a great result.
