How to Choose a Good LASIK Doctor
First and foremost: Do not choose your LASIK doctor on the basis of cost of the procedure, the location of the doctor’s office relative to your home or office, or the type of LASIK technology used (with a few exceptions, based on the type of correction you require). A good place to start is by asking your friends, co-workers and family who have had LASIK surgery if they could help you choose a good LASIK doctor based on their experiences.
Don’t base your decision on a flashy ad in a magazine, either. Just because a doctor can afford an impressive-looking ad does not mean he is qualified to perform a high-quality LASIK procedure. Remember: anyone can buy advertising space. Just as you wouldn’t trust a brains surgeon simply because he offered a coupon for a free massage with his ad, you shouldn’t trust a LASIK professional simply because his ad caught your eye.
To choose a LASIK doctor that is right for you, it is important to do your own research and ask around. To help you make your decision, here are a few things to consider prior to signing on the dotted line.
• Is you’re the doctor involved in the laser surgery process from the beginning to the end? You do not want someone who does not perform personally the preoperative exam, the surgery itself, and all of the post-operative care/
• Is LASIK a significant part of the doctor’s practice? If he or she only performs the procedure occasionally, you may want to look for someone with more experience. (In many circles, an experienced LASIK professional is someone who has performed at least 1,000 of the procedures).
• Ensure your doctor is one who is willing to thoroughly perform the LASIK procedure, including all potential risks and complications. If you feel rushed or as though your questions are becoming troublesome, he is not the right doctor for you.
• Aggressive of forceful ad campaigns could be regarded with suspicion. Similarly, be wary of those promising discounted prices. They may be trying to hide lesser-quality service by offering lower prices.