How to choose between Lasik eye surgeons

In many areas there are a number of Lasik eye surgeons available.  

Choosing the right one is probably the most important decision you can make when you consider Lasik vision correction.

There is no right or wrong way to choose, but the following points are worth some thought.

Probably the most important factor to consider is experience.

There is a lot of evidence that the more experienced Lasik eye surgeons have a lower  “problem” rate. Reports put the problem rate for new surgeons at 5%; with experience this figure normally drops to less than 1%.

Some people believe that the magic number is 1000 - the number of procedures a surgeon must have performed to be considered experienced.

Ask around. Try to find friends or acquaintances who can talk from personal experience, or who can introduce you to someone who can. Word or mouth can be misleading, but it can also be very accurate.

Talk to the doctor and/or optician who normally look after your eyes; they will have a good idea of who is available in your area, and who is to be trusted.

Read and compare lasik eye surgeons

Read a lot. Read the information the eye clinic will give you. Read about the techniques and equipment.

Compare the risks and benefits offered not only by the various procedures, but also the differences between various types of equipment.

Try to find a surgeon who will deal with you from start to the finish. Some Lasik eye centers have a sort of assembly-line approach and move patients through quickly, one right after another.

In such eye clinics the surgeon may not see you until the actual procedure.   Someone else may well have recorded your health history and carried out the initial examination.

Common sense would suggest that your Lasik doctor should be the only one involved in your eye care. One person should be responsible the initial examination, the actual surgery and should handle the follow up visits. This  personal approach should ensure a more customized procedure and will likely result in a better outcome.

Choose a Lasik specialist. Read up on the latest equipment and techniques, and find out how knowledgeable your potential surgeon is about the latest technology.

Don’t buy on price

Don’t buy only on price. The FDA’s own website warns: “Be wary of eye centers that advertise ‘20/20 vision or your money back’ or ‘package deals’. There are never any guarantees in medicine.

“Be cautious about ’slick’ advertising and/or deals that sound ‘too good to be true’. Remember, they usually are.”

(See the separate articles dealing with the cost of Lasik eye surgery).

That same FDA site warns that “you should carefully weigh the risks and benefits of….refractive surgery”.  Look for a doctor who takes the time to explain the risks and complications associated with Lasik.

Don’t expect perfect vision and don’t use a Lasik eye surgeon who tells you otherwise.

Try to find someone in your area. You’ll probably need to see your Lasik doctor at least five times.  You'll meet for an initial appointment, for the surgery, a check up after the procedure, and then further checks at three and six months.

Immediately after your surgery, you will certainly need someone to drive you to and from the clinic, so choosing one of the local Lasik eye surgeons can be very convenient.