Associated Ophthalmologists - laser vision correction

laser vision correction

Associated Ophthalmologists P.C. laser vision correction

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by VISX

The Truth about Discount / Value Lasik

“Where you have your eye surgery will be one of the most important decisions you will ever make …”

Dr. Husain is a board certified and fellowship trained corneal refractive surgeon. He will provide your complete eye care from the initial consultation through all your post op visits. He will determine your prescription, assess the health of your eyes, and discuss directly with you different procedures available to you, as well as the risks and benefits of the surgery.

Dr. Husain uses state of the art technology that has been rigorously tried and tested in millions of eyes. Newest generation FDA approved customvue wavefront lasers will be used. Both Lasik and flap-free bladeless laser vision correction (advanced surface ablation) will be offered and discussed with the you. Fortunately, many patients realize that it is not the technology alone but in fact the experience, judgment and ethics of the surgeon behind the technology that really make a difference in their visual outcome.

At the discount-value corporate chains, the surgeon will meet you on the day of surgery for a few minutes and sometimes when the patient is lying under the laser. The surgeon is a “hired gun” usually from a different city or state and visits the center only on the day of surgery. Your pre-op care and all follow up visits will be co-managed and delegated to technicians or optometrists. These personnel are not medical doctors since they have not attended a medical school. In the discount-value and co-managed model, the surgeon is not accessible for questions, complications and follow-up patient visits. These centers typically function by doing a high volume of cases at lower costs and patients move through an “assembly line.”

The discount-value centers rely heavily on overly sensational and deceptive advertisements on TV, radio and newspapers. Since this model minimizes the role of the surgeon in the care of your eyes, they try to attract you with unsubstantiated claims of superior technology and safety. They use catch phrases such as “bladeless lasik”, “safer lasik”, or “all laser lasik” to appeal to you. They repeatedly remind you that their lower price does not compromise quality. They always have extra fees for “better technology” and “nickel and dime” you as their prices often depend on the level of your prescription. In short, by utilizing “bait and switch” and “up selling” sales pressure tactics these centers clearly demonstrate a money over medicine philosophy. If these chains are really interested in your safety and well being, then one should question why the surgeon is not involved in the pre and post operative care of your eyes. Laser vision correction is not a thirty minute miracle but a three to six month treatment process best managed by your surgeon.

Have you ever heard about discount heart surgery or budget plastic surgery? Keep in mind that you cannot purchase a new set of eyes for the amount of money you save by going to corporate discount-value centers. Do not bargain shop for a surgeon or look for cheaper surgery. You should look for a surgeon who is well established and respected in your area. Find patients that the surgeon has treated and talk to them about their experience. Best outcomes can only be achieved through customized care and high quality personalized service. Customization and planning requires time, experience, ethics and direct patient surgeon interaction throughout the surgical management process.

When it comes to your eyes there should be no compromise.

Associated Ophthalmologists, P.C.
1212 Pleasant Street Suite 202
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
E-mail: eyes@dmeyemd.com
Telephone: (515) 244-EYES (3937)
Fax: (515) 243-1442