6 questions to ask when choosing a LASIK surgeon

Laser-assisted in-situ keratomeileusis (LASIK) is a mouthful to say for a reason—it’s corneal surgery, after all. Check the credentials and track record of your surgeon and his or her ophthalmology practice with these eight questions. The answers will help you decide if this the place—and the person—that should be performing your procedure.

#1 WHO WILL DO MY PRE-OPERATIVE ASSESSMENT?

The pre-operative assessment is critical to the outcome of your LASIK surgery. It’s an opportunity to find any hidden, pre-existing eye conditions that could affect your vision or lead to complications after the surgery. Ask if your surgeon will be doing the assessment. If the person doing the assessment isn’t a surgeon, what are his or her qualifications?

#2 WHO WILL DO THE SURGERY?

Consistency is important. If an ophthalmologist did your assessment, is this the same person who will do your surgery? Will you have met your surgeon before you arrive the day of your procedure?

#3 WHAT IS YOUR POLICY FOR FOLLOW-UP?

Ask how often you’ll be seen post-op and who will do your post-op assessments. Will it be your surgeon or someone else? Changes can happen post-surgery and it’s important that the most qualified person does your follow-up. Ask specifically who will provide your follow-up if there are complications with your laser eye correction. Will it be handled by the person who did your surgery or will you be referred to a corneal specialist?

#4 WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE THAT’S ADVERTISED?

In our experience, rarely does anyone get the lowest price per eye for LASIK procedures under the classic “from $X99 per eye” advertising model. If you want  the best technology available at the clinic and the most experienced surgeon, you’ll be paying for a more expensive package. Do you have to pay for follow-up with your own optometrist? Ask questions about what you’ll be billed for so you know exactly what you’re getting for the price you’re quoted.

#5 WHAT TECHNOLOGY DOES THE CLINIC USE?

How will your surgery be performed? Will custom wavefront technology be used for your surgery? Will your surgeon be performing LASIK or PRK? If it's LASIK, will they be using a mechanical keratome or a femtosecond laser to create the LASIK flap? Know which technology will be used for your procedure.

#6 IF I NEED AN ADDITIONAL PROCEDURE TO GET A GOOD RESULT, WILL I BE CHARGED EXTRA?

These additional procedures are called “LASIK enhancements.” Ask how often your surgeon’s patients require an enhancement, and who pays for it. If it’s included in the price, ask if there’s a cutoff date for addressing issues with the original procedure.

Ask these questions and you’ll feel more confident that your choice of both practitioner and clinic is the right one for you…and your eyes.