Finding a good LASIK surgeon
You’re considering Laser Eye Surgery, so of course, you want to ensure your surgeon is the best. You wouldn’t trust your eyesight in the hands of anyone considered anything less than an expert. But what does it actually mean to be a good laser eye surgeon?
Is it as simple as having a name badge that says they are one so? Some experience would definitely help, right? What about having a special ‘this-week-only’ offer on treatment?
The reality is, that the criteria through which we measure an ‘expert’ can vary significantly from person to person. While this is true of any field, when it comes to Laser Eye Surgery ( or any kind of surgery, for that matter) it is important to ensure that you are dealing with an expert laser eye surgeon.
In our everyday lives, we have become accustomed to making judgements in a matter of seconds – whether that be based on factors such as cost, appearances, and other face-value information available at the time. We use this skill to pick the right place to eat, the right shops to buy our clothes and the right plumbers to fix our broken sinks.
It might be fair then to assume we are well-equipped to do just the same when it comes to a high-street Laser Eye Surgery provider. However, this isn’t the case – mainly due to the way in which the Laser Eye Surgery industry is regulated.
While Laser Eye Surgery is a specialist procedure, it is not necessary to have specialist training to perform the procedure. This can make it more difficult to ensure you are getting expert advice and service. For that reason, we’re going to take a look at what you need to know to find a good laser eye surgeon.
Check a surgeon’s experience and expertise
Regulation of the Laser Eye Surgery industry means that surgeons must be registered as a doctor with the General Medical Council (GMC). However, while there is a recommendation to undertake specialist training from the Royal College of Ophthalmologists before performing the procedure, this is not currently a legal requirement.
Checking the qualifications and experience of a laser eye surgeon is one of the most important things you can do. Here are a few questions to consider asking when assessing a surgeon’s credentials and expertise:
- Have you had formal refractive surgery training?
- Are you a trained corneal specialist?
- How many years of experience do you have and how often do you perform surgeries?
- Do you specialise in a particular type of surgery? (For example LASIK, ReLEx SMILE, PRESBYOND® Laser Blended Vision, etc.)
- What range of prescriptions do you treat? (Some clinics have newer technology which allows them to treat very high prescriptions).
- Can I see your results and safety record for patients with a similar prescription to mine?
Assessing their process and aftercare
The more time your surgeon can spend with you – before and after the procedure – the better. This means not only greater accuracy in diagnosis and better results, but an all-around more comfortable experience.
The time spent with patients in pre-operative checks can vary significantly from clinic to clinic. For example, it can be as little as a one-hour consultation in high-street clinics.
At an independent clinic, various eye and vision tests and exams can mean spending up to four hours with your surgeon and other staff before your procedure is carried out. This will also account for a dedicated consultation with your surgeon where you can ask them any questions you may have.
Here are a few questions to consider asking when you have your initial appointment at the clinic:
- Will I see the surgeon before the date of the surgery?
- Can I see the surgeon post-surgery?
- What does your aftercare regime include and how long does it last?
It’s also important to consider a surgeon’s aftercare regime and whether they’ll be on hand should you need them post-surgery.
Generally, for around a year afterwards, you should stay on the clinic’s radar. This can involve going for check-ups from time to time to ensure all is well with your vision and, if necessary, to discuss further options of treatment.
Equip yourself with these questions and a bit of knowledge about the Laser Eye Surgery industry, and it won’t take you long to find a clinic and surgeon that are perfect for you.
If you’d like to find out more about Laser Eye Surgery at London Vision Clinic – Book a Consultation today. Alternatively, give us a call on 020 7224 1005.
