How Your Practice Benefits From Discussing LASIK With Your Patients

I don’t think my patients are interested. You won’t know if you don’t ask. You should always bring this option up to them if they are potential candidates, be their helpful expert. They will appreciate knowing all of their options and in most cases thank you later.

My patients can’t afford LASIK surgery. Don’t prejudge your patient’s ability to afford refractive surgery. Have you ever been surprised when a patient buys an expensive pair of glasses? Refractive surgery can be very affordable with financing plans. Did you know that patients can get LASIK surgery for less than a latte a day, $3.90? Give patients the information they need to make a value determination. You do not need to discuss price with them. Provide our contact information and let our qualified team discuss the details.

I don’t feel confident in the most up to date information and technology. Some doctors who are not confident in their knowledge of refractive surgery or the most up to date technology will tell patients they don’t recommend it. But there is a way to gain this knowledge. Our Regional Relationship Directors are happy to set-up a lunch and learn with you and your staff. We also host several Continuing Education lectures on refractive topics throughout the year. Also the Center Directors in each office are always happy to speak with you and answer any questions. Your knowledge about this popular surgery is a value-added service for your patients.

I’m concerned about loss of optical and contact lens sales. Long term, you will benefit more from retaining a happy refractive surgery patient who appreciates you for making him or her aware of all refractive options. Providing pre and post-surgical care of your refractive surgery patients adds an important revenue stream to your practice. Patients who seek refractive surgery on their own are likely lost to your practice for routine medical care. Finally, we encourage patients who undergo refractive surgery to continue with their annual eye exams with you.

Some of my patients had a bad experience with refractive surgery. Many doctors saw poor results from radial keratotomy (RK) and old excimer laser technology. However, techniques have improved dramatically with custom IntraLase. Also, please realize that the patients with less-than-perfect results after refractive surgery are most likely to seek your care, thus skewing your patient population to those with imperfect results.

I don’t have time to answer patients’ questions about LASIK surgery. Most patients don’t initially have a lot of questions. You can always refer the patient for a free consultation to one of our many offices if you don’t have time to give detailed information. We will then review the patient’s information with you and the patient to make a final determination whether that person is a candidate.

I don’t want the risk of co-managing these patients. You determine your role in the post-surgical care of these patients. If you don’t want to co-manage, the patients are returned for your ongoing care when they have recovered. There is no risk to you in referring a patient for a consultation.