subject: Selecting A Refractive Surgeon Tips For Selecting A Lasik Surgeon [print this page] A popular and highly successful treatment intended to decrease or eliminate your dependence on glasses or contact lenses, refractive surgery carries with it some risks. Many of these risks rely on the quality of surgeon who performs the procedure. Selecting a LASIK, PRK, or refractive surgeon can be an intimidating experience. But, never fear, here are some key factors to focus on during your search.
Training and Experience
LASIK, PRK, and other vision correction treatments are surgeries; therefore, you want to be sure that the person performing the surgery has the training and experience to do a proper job of it. How long have they been practicing ophthalmology? How long have they been performing refractive surgeries? How many surgeries have they performed? What is the rate of complications? Do they participate in training workshops to learn about new techniques and technology? Have they played a role in any clinical trials, research, or other medical or technological advancements in the field of vision correction? These are all vital questions to have answered before you go under the laser.
Licensing and Board Certification
States license doctors to practice medicine in their state. You want a LASIK, PRK, or other refractive surgeon to be licensed in your state. Additionally, physicians must be certified by the board responsible for their specialty, which verifies their credentials and ensures that they continue to train in their field. Ophthalmologists are certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology.
Additionally, look for a surgeon who is a member of the American College of Surgeons, another governing body that lends credibility to a physicians portfolio. Members of this organization are known as Fellows of the ACS (FACS).
Speak to Your Eye Doctor
When in doubt, ask your regular optometrist. Your regular optometrist probably works closely with an ophthalmologist who focuses on refractive surgeries. If not, then ask them for advice on any LASIK/PRK/refractive surgeons you may find in your search. All you have to do is ask.
