-- Is This Doctor Qualified? --
There are all kinds of doctors offering all kinds of deals on lasik eye surgery. It′s understandable if you are concerned when it seems that so many people are doing lasik. You have every right to see that a doctor is qualified before get treatment.
If your doctor works in a teaching hospital, you′re probably safe. This type of clinic generally uses only well-qualified surgeons. However, it′s always wise to ask the doctor for credentials. Then you can be sure, and more at ease.
If your doctor works for an independent clinic, your job of finding out qualifications may be more difficult. Be especially wary of doctors whose clinics offer bargain basement prices on lasik eye surgery. There may be other reasons that the prices are low, but it could mean that the doctor lacks experience.
Even in a high-priced clinic, you can come up against surgeons and other doctors who don′t have good qualifications. Don′t assume that you always get what you pay for. Occasionally, a doctor with limited experience will join the team. Do you want that doctor to get his/her first experience on you? Of course you don′t.
So, make sure your surgeon has performed at least 500 eye surgeries over at least three years. Find out how many of your surgeon′s patients ended up with uncorrected vision of 20/40 or better. You can expect an answer of about 90% if the doctor is being truthful.
Always ask how many eyes your surgeon has performed your particular operation on with the same equipment. This will give you an idea of how well they know their equipment and procedures. If your doctor has used the current set-up many times, he/she will be more comfortable with it, and can concentrate more on your surgery.
Find out if the surgeon has any special certifications or belongs to any national surgeons′ groups. Certification by the Council for Refractive Surgery Quality Assurance means you doctor has met high standards. If your surgeon is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, it means that he/she has shown proficiency as a surgeon. Such recognition can be important.
Knowing whether a surgeon has a good reputation can be very helpful. Ask for any references the doctor can give you. Pay attention to any source of news you have on malpractice by eye surgeons. If you have a question, ask your doctor to explain.
There are so many well-qualified lasik surgeons out there that there is no reason to settle for less. Any reputable surgeon will understand your desire to have a doctor who can perform your operation well. Expect such a surgeon to answer your questions without hesitation.