You should always take the following steps if you are looking for an eye surgeon to perform your refractive surgery:

• Check the Surgeon's Credentials:
  1. Is the surgeon a diplomate of the American Board of Ophthamology (Is he board certified?)
  2. Are they committed to the field of refractive surgery? (Do they have teaching experience - Do they publish regular papers or books?)
  3. What level of training have they completed? (For example: A two-year fellowship in refractive surgery after residency, internship, and medical school?)
  4. Has the surgeon been acknowledged for his excellence? (What awards has the surgeon won?)
  5. Does the surgeon volunteer in field? (Does the surgeon's compassion extend beyond his office?)
     
     

• "As an ophthalmologist who performs LASIK myself, I was very selective regarding with whom I decided to have my surgery. I knew Dr. Smith to be well trained and an expert in this procedure. Of course, the most important reason I would recommend Dr. Smith is that my vision was 20/20 plus, one day after surgery." James Kevin Belville, MD Ophthalmologist

  Choose the surgeon. The single most important factor in a successful surgery is the skill of your surgeon. However, the center from which your surgeon operates is also important. Ask how many procedures the surgeon has performed and what his complication rate is. Is he certified (accredited?) in the procedures he is performing? Does he have access to multiple qualified surgery centers. Do the centers offer state-of-the-art equipment and techniques? Are the centers well-established?
  
  
• Compare. The levels of risk and benefit vary slightly not only from procedure to procedure, but from surgeon to surgeon depending on their level of experience with a particular procedure.
  
  
• Don't base your decision simply on cost and don't settle for the first eye center, doctor, or procedure you investigate. Remember that the decisions you make about your eyes and refractive surgery will affect you for the rest of your life. Be wary of eye centers that advertise, "20/20 vision or your money back" or "package deals." There are never any guarantees in medicine.
  
  
• Read. It is important for you to read the patient handbook provided to your doctor by the manufacturer of the device used to perform the refractive procedure. Your doctor should provide you with this handbook and be willing to discuss his/her outcomes (successes as well as complications) compared to the results of studies outlined in the handbook.

A Word About Advertising

Be cautious about "slick" advertising and/or deals that sound "too good to be true." Remember, they usually are. There is a lot of competition among practitioners that has resulted in increased advertising and bidding for your business. Do your homework.