Tips For Selecting a LASIK Doctor

Your choice of a LASIK doctor should not be based on the cost, the location of the doctor's office, or the type of LASIK technology used. Simply as a starting point, you could ask friends, family, and co-workers who've had LASIK about their experiences. A good LASIK surgeon typically has a solid reputation in his or her community. Someone whose ad you noticed in a magazine may or may not be reputable - anybody can buy ad space. You should also keep in mind that everyone's vision is unique; the LASIK doctor who your co-worker raves about may not have all of the qualifications that you need. Find the LASIK surgeon who is right for you, based on your own research and concerns.

Although there are no rules set in stone for choosing a LASIK surgeon, here are a few guidelines to help you in your search:

• Your LASIK doctor should be a part of the LASIK surgery process from beginning to end. This means that he or she should perform most of the preoperative exam in addition to the LASIK surgery, and should monitor your eyes in the months following surgery.
• You may want to consider choosing a surgeon who makes LASIK a major part of his or her practice.
• Although there is disagreement on the issue, many experts believe that an experienced LASIK eye surgeon is one who has performed more than 1,000 LASIK procedures.
• Make sure your LASIK surgeon thoroughly explains LASIK risks and complications to you, and is willing to patiently and thoroughly answer all of your questions.
• You may want to avoid LASIK centers with aggressive advertising campaigns and discounted prices.
• If you've attended a "LASIK seminar" hosted by a particular ophthalmologist's practice, don't feel that you are obligated to have your LASIK done there. In fact, if you have any concerns about what you're being told (or not told) at a seminar or consultation, or if you're uncomfortable about any aspect of someone's LASIK practice, look elsewhere!
• Do not let price be the determining factor when choosing a LASIK eye surgeon. There are LASIK financing options available to help you cover the cost of LASIK.

This information is intended to provide a brief overview of how to choose a LASIK surgeon. For medical information specific to your case, please consult a qualified LASIK doctor by contacting one of the services below.