Choosing Your LASIK Doctor

    SAN FRANCISCO, CA, October 02, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The skill and experience of your LASIK surgeon plays a major role in the outcome of your procedure. Therefore, in order to ensure the best possible results, it is important to conduct a thorough search before choosing a LASIK surgeon.

The following tips will help you as you begin your research. Remember, do not just settle for the first doctor you talk to. Make sure you are completely comfortable with the surgeon's skills, background, and experience before making your decision.

Referrals

Referrals can be a great way to narrow down your search. Asking your regular eye care practitioner for recommendations is a great way to find out which LASIK surgeons are considered the best in the area.

You should also talk with friends, coworkers, and family members who have undergone LASIK in the past. Their narrative can give you a good idea what to expect from your procedure, and it can be a great way to find a top-notch surgeon. If you receive a rave review from someone you trust, you may want to schedule an initial consultation with that surgeon.

Credentials

Take the time to thoroughly research the credentials of any surgeon you consider working with. While basic licensure is a must, it is a good idea to look for someone who has credentials that extend far beyond the minimum acceptable requirements.

Whenever possible, you should work with a board certified ophthalmologist. Board certification with the American Board of Ophthalmology indicates that a surgeon has distinguished himself in the field. In order to achieve board certification, a surgeon must undergo extensive training and pass rigorous examinations.

Memberships in professional organizations can also indicate that a doctor has the necessary credentials to properly perform your procedure. Look for a surgeon who is a member of the American College of Surgeons (ACS). All ACS members must be board certified, and the organization upholds ethical standards of conduct for all of its members.

Your Initial Consultation

Your initial consultation is an important opportunity to get a better feel for a LASIK surgeon's skills, background, and experience. Evaluate the office environment. Are the staff members warm and friendly? Is the office clean and well organized?

Be prepared to ask your potential LASIK surgeon a variety of questions about his abilities during the consultation. Some important questions to ask include:

- How many refractive procedures have you performed?
- Do you have your own surgical center or will my procedure be performed somewhere else?
- How often do your patients experience LASIK complications? How does your complication rate compare with that of other surgeons?
- What LASIK technology do you use on your procedures?
- Do you charge extra if an enhancement procedure is required?
- Can you provide me with the names and contact information of former patients who can serve as a reference?

Remember that you are not committed to working with a LASIK surgeon simply because he provides you with a consultation. If you are not comfortable with the surgeon for any reason following your consultation, continue your search until you find a doctor you trust.

For more information about how to choose a LASIK doctor, please visit the website of San Francisco, California LASIK surgeon Dr. Gary Kawesch today at www.lasikdocs.com.

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