LASIK Surgeon

It may seem paradoxical, but there are many LASIK surgeons available at present, combined with the huge amount of information available on the LASIK surgery procedure, combined with the many enticing claims, offers and testimonials for LASIK surgeons, which has made it difficult to select a right LASIK surgeon.

While wading through all this information that enables you to make a wise decision, it might be wise to consider a much smaller body of information: two tips on how NOT to choose your LASIK surgeon.

LASIK Surgery Cost

LASIK is costly, not as costly as it once was but it has not reached the point where it’s affordable for most people. LASIK surgery cost will not be covered by most insurance companies because it is considered an elective procedure.

Considering these two factors, the financing offers now being made by the biggest LASIK clinics and the low-ball prices many others are offering are no doubt attractive; but you need to take a pledge NOT to give into that temptation, not until you've considered many other factors.

Advertising

Unfortunately some percentage of LASIK surgeons will make promises in their advertisements that are, to put it kindly, deceptive. The claims, images, and testimonials used in LASIK advertising, can make a LASIK surgeon seem like the best LASIK surgeon in the world and can make the LASIK eye surgery procedure itself seem as simple as trimming your toenails.

The LASIK surgeon in question very well might be among the best of the best, but then again, the claims may just be hype; and while the LASIK procedure is amazing, it's barely simple.

LASIK eye surgery is a very complex surgical procedure requiring accurate manipulation of two pieces of very complex equipment by a skilled operator. So ask yourself: do you really want to put your eyesight on the line based on the word of a paid spokesman, a slick ad copywriter or a possibly unethical LASIK surgeon?

There IS A Better Way To Find LASIK Surgeon

Once you realize that you cannot rely on LASIK advertising and that cost is one of the last considerations in choosing a LASIK surgeon you're ready to be armed with the following tips that will help you choose a LASIK surgeon the right way:

Local Ophthalmologists

The American Academy of Ophthalmology has an informative, dependable web site (http://www.aao.org/) that is mostly devoted to the Ophthalmologists among their membership but it also has informative links that will help you know eye health and search for a member of the Academy who is situated in your area.

Research:

You can find straight information about the LASIK procedure itself, the risks of the procedure, the complications you may expect and the results that may be expected from a successful procedure through many books, pamphlets and reliable Internet sites.

Read as much of this information as possible as it will not only educate you but also it will be invaluable knowledge that you can use during your initial consultations.

Internet Research

LASIK eye surgery has only been a FDA approved procedure since 1998 and since then there have been many developments in the procedure, in the equipment and in the criteria for patient selection

Make sure you are reading latest material in order to have most current information about LASIK eye surgery. Much of the material on the Internet is hard to date.

Ask Your Optometrist

It's a good bet you have an optometrist in your past if you are considering LASIK. Talk to your optometrist and see if he or she has a recommendation for a LASIK surgeon.

Consultations (plural intended):

After your research you should have a list of qualified LASIK surgeons in your area, it may be a short list or a long one. Prepare a list of questions and concerns and arrange for appointments with all the LASIK surgeons on your list.

You will have some definite impressions of the surgeon, the facility and the staff after each consultation, after you've asked your questions, heard what the doctor had to say, looked around the facility and observed the clinic's operation.

Don't trust your memory, write your impressions down so you can go back later, after all your consultations, and compare your experiences in each clinic. Eventually you will narrow down your list to one LASIK surgeon that you feel you can trust, talk to and work with.

Look for the FACS Accreditation

The letters FACS after a surgeon's name means that the surgeon is a 'Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.' Any surgeon who has earned that FACS designation has passed a thorough evaluation in the areas of education, qualifications, training, conduct, and competence. Clearly, the best option for a LASIK surgeon is one who proudly displays the FACS designation.