Eye Surgery – An Essential Checklist

08 Dec Eye Surgery – An Essential Checklist

Having eye surgery is a serious undertaking. Your vision is precious, and you don’t want to entrust it to just anyone. But what should you look for when deciding which clinic and surgeon to choose? Here are some factors to keep in mind to help you make an informed decision.

Surgeon Experience

With experience comes knowledge and expertise, which are two qualities your surgeon should possess. Consider how many and what kind of eye surgeries the surgeon has performed, as well as his credentials. Choosing a surgeon who performs many types of surgery means that he’s more likely to recommend the treatment that’s best for your situation.

Does he also train other surgeons, lecture, or write for academic journals? This suggests that he is keeping abreast of current research and trends and is considered an expert in the field by his peers.

Accreditation

Does the clinic specialize in vision care, and does it have AAAHC accreditation or similar accreditation? Choosing a certified clinic means that many aspects of its practice, such as surgical services, facilities, administration, and quality of care, have been independently evaluated and found to meet or exceed national standards in health care.

Equipment and Technology

It’s challenging for a layperson to determine how up-to-date a clinic’s surgical equipment is, but a little research can go a long way. Does the clinic offer recent ophthalmic surgery innovations? Is the equipment that they use the latest and most advanced equipment for the surgery? Check also that the equipment has been maintained and serviced per recommendations.

Results

Ask for the clinic’s statistics on surgical outcomes and successes. Have they had any incidents of infections or complications? Are there any outstanding lawsuits against the organization for malpractice or poor results? Read patient testimonials. Visit both the clinic’s website and independent review sites to see what customers are saying.

Postoperative Care

What type of postoperative care is offered by the clinic after the surgery? Is there an emergency number you can call or a way to contact them if you have concerns? It’s important to know if you’ll have reliable access to assistance during your recovery.

Surgeon Demeanor

Even the most impressive CV cannot make up for a poor bedside manner, so try to assess if you feel comfortable with your potential surgeon. How responsive is he to your questions? Does he seem empathetic or arrogant? Make sure that you feel respected and heard, and be sure trust your instincts.

Clinic Environment

What kind of vibe do you get when you visit the clinic? Are you made to feel welcome? Does the staff seem professional, patient, and understanding? Do you feel rushed through the process, ignored, or uneasy? Pay attention to how the clinic visit makes you feel.

It’s vital that you feel supported, understood, and cared for by the clinic and surgeon you choose for your eye surgery, so trust your instincts. This decision can affect you and your vision for the rest of your life.