Health- LASIK Surgeon
Choosing The Best Lasik Eye Surgeon
Once the decision to have Lasik eye surgery is made, the next,
and most important step is to decide who will be your LASIK
SURGEON. This is not something to be taken lightly as there are
many doctors who have opened up shop that do not possess the
range of experience or knowledge to be considered well qualified
in Laser eye surgery. The reason for this is that government
certifications are typically very broad. Once a physician has
been certified, they are free to practice medicine. This means
general practitioners can not only open a practice but also
perform plastic surgery and Lasik which is not a bad thing if
the additional training is completed.
Let's not forget that doctors as a rule are very aware of their
limitations and talents. Some however, may not be so responsible
and seeing "easy money," may be willing to perform operations
they aren't completely qualified to do.
Another issue is the cost factor. You and I are responsible for
the desire to obtain the lowest price possible. The reason for
this is that Lasik or laser eye surgery is considered elective
and not covered by insurance companies. This sometimes creates a
situation where cost is the sole basis for the decision instead
of quality of care. Understand that I'm not suggesting that
price shouldn't be a consideration, only that it is often the
ONLY consideration. We get the advertising for $299.00 per eye
or $500 dollars per eye and think we're getting a "good deal."
The answer though is maybe it's a good deal or possibly a
disaster waiting to happen.
Remember it's not good to pay too much but it's also not good to
pay too little. Doctor offices and health care facilities have
overhead expenses to cover. Like anything else, if you want high
quality care, it's going to cost somewhat more than average
care. Low pricing many times brings an assembly line attitude.
More work or surgical procedures need to be done on any given
day to cover the expenses of the business. This means the
possibility of lower quality care due to the speed with which
things need to happen for the lower pricing. This isn't always
the case, but be aware that a good deal is one where you get
good value and service for the price. Although a low price
shouldn't automatically be considered lower quality care,
caution is advised.
When selecting a LASIK SURGEON, do not use price alone!
The following is a quick checklist of potential considerations.
In the end, only you can decide if the doctor is right for you.
First, Facilities. Lasik Surgeons and eye surgical centers that
do this business typically have the best equipment. Check out
the services offered and the type of equipment used. Do they use
the newer wavefront 3D mapping technology? The newer technology
is more precise and delivers a greater opportunity for long term
better vision without complications.
Second. EXPERIENCE. How many surgeries has the physician
completed. If it is a surgical center, ask who exactly will be
doing the procedure?
Third: Reputation. Ask around and get recommendations. This is
important as the most successful doctors will have a number of
satisfied patients who would be happy to share their experience.
Fourth: Professional Reputation. Check the various medical and
surgical boards for membership. Ask about specific professional
Lasik, surgeon, or eyecare memberships. Membership in these
organizations suggests someone who is committed to their craft.
Fifth: At the consultation appointment, do you have confidence
in the doctor? If not, do not continue as this is a critical
part of getting the desired result. You must have confidence in
the doctor so you can stay positive mentally and follow the
after procedure instructions.
Bottom line is that many of us look for the cheapest price when
what we really want is good value. We want a Lasik Surgeon with
the experience, talent and ability to deliver the best possible
care at a fair price. This is also what quality physicians want
to deliver so check around and don't let price make the decision
for you.