LASIK & Refractive Surgery Co-Management
For anyone who suffers with poor eyesight, LASIK & refractive surgery has been incredibly beneficial. Not only does this revolutionary surgery improve eyesight, but it often frees a person from the encumbrances of wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses.
The Process of LASIK & Refractive Surgery
In the vast majority of cases, a person seeking LASIK & refractive surgery in Reynoldsburg, OH does not get the actual surgery from their optometrist. Instead, an ophthalmologist will perform the surgery. Since there is important information to be relayed between the two professionals, it’s extremely helpful to work with an optometrist that offers LASIK & refractive surgery co-management, like Eye Care Associates. Co-management between the optometrist and the ophthalmologist greatly helps in ensuring a seamless patient experience, as well as improving the overall level of care, from the initial consultation all the way through post-operative care after the surgery.
What is Co-Management in LASIK and Refractive Surgery?
Co-management in LASIK & refractive surgery is a relatively new concept, conceived by eyecare professionals who are highly dedicated to customer care and experience. At Eye Care Associates, we place the eye health of our patients above all else, even when part of that eye health is taken care of by another kind of eyecare professional, an ophthalmologist.
The term co-management refers to the cooperation and shared knowledge and responsibility of caring for the patient who has chosen LASIK or another kind of refractive surgery. This cooperation is especially important during both preoperative evaluations and postoperative follow-ups.
How Co-Management in LASIK and Refractive Surgery Works
When a patient expresses interest in having LASIK or another type of refractive surgery to correct vision problems, a comprehensive eye exam is done by the optometrist. This determines whether the person is a good candidate for refractive surgery. If the person is deemed to be a good candidate, then a consultation will be done, where the optometrist will educate the patient about the pros and cons, what takes place during the surgery, and what to expect in terms of recovery time and results. If the patient decides to proceed, they will be referred to an ophthalmologist, who will ultimately be doing the surgery.
After surgery, the patient returns to the optometrist for regular follow-up visits. These checkups are crucial for monitoring healing, ensuring that there are no complications, and verifying the stability of vision improvements. The optometrist also provides ongoing eye care and manages any minor post-surgical issues, such as dry eyes or slight fluctuations in vision.
Benefits of Co-Management for Patients
For patients, co-management provides several advantages. First, it ensures continuity of care. Patients can rely on their optometrist for pre-surgical consultations, and they can return to a familiar, trusted provider for follow-ups. This seamless integration between surgical and non-surgical care reduces the risk of communication gaps and ensures that the patient’s vision health is consistently monitored.
Contact Eye Care Associates for the highest standard in LASIK & refractive surgery co-management. As your Reynoldsburg, OH optometrist, your eye health is our main priority.
