Full Service Care

Created on 26th January 2012

Laser eye surgery is becoming increasingly popular but it is important to know what to look out for when planning this procedure

Vision correction procedures including laser eye surgery, lens exchange and lens implants are an increasingly popular option for individuals looking to reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses. Indeed there are more than 100 clinics throughout the UK offering a variety of surgical treatments to improve unaided vision. With such a choice of different providers what are the key considerations to make before even walking across the threshold of a clinic or hospital?

Sight, like most of the senses, is often taken for granted, and it's only when eye problems occur that the precious gift of sight is fully appreciated. It is therefore of paramount importance to understand the processes involved in correcting vision and expert opinion of internationally recognised consultant ophthalmic surgeons.

The normal pathway includes the assessment of a patient's vision through a series of diagnostic tests using specialist equipment by an optometrist and then full consultation. The surgeon will counsel and advise an individual on three important aspects connected to the surgery: safety, benefits and risks. It is very important to understand what is involved in the procedure and what the realistic expectations for post-operative vision are.

The surgeon will look at all the diagnostic test results before discussing with the patient what the most appropriate procedure is for the patient. This is a customised approach and is important in re-assuring and confirming that the right treatment will be given.

Secondly, the surgeon will speak about the risks associated with the surgery. There are risks involved in any surgical procedure and it is a duty of care for the clinician to properly communicate these with the patient. For laser eye surgery severe problems are very rare and these need to be put into context by the surgeon. Minor problems will sometimes occur but there are generally quick solutions available to deal with these. Finally, the consultant will discuss the benefits and the sort of outcome the patient can realistically expect from the surgery.

Supporting the surgeon throughout the pathway are the clinical staff. The optometrist is vital in properly assessing the vision and making all the appropriate measurements of the eye. For laser eye surgery this will include looking at the front of the eye, the cornea, and using a special diagnostic instrument to assess the shape. Precise and accurate measurements are essential as these are used to prepare a tailored treatment plan for each eye treated. The surgeon and optometrist will work closely together using all information gained to prepare the treatment plan.

The nursing team who work with the surgeon both in the pre-operative clinics and also in theatre play a vital role in the process. This includes the preparation of the patient before treatment as well as proper nursing care in theatre and post-operatively. All nursing staff must hold appropriate qualifications as well as appropriate ophthalmic experience.

The best treatment centres will use full grade operating theatres with modern and reliable instrumentation. They will be accredited and passed as fit for purpose by the Care Quality Commission which is the body that overseas and accredits healthcare providers in England and Wales. This is essential as standards in healthcare must meet the most stringent examination to re-assure and give confidence to the ‘customer'. The Care Quality Commission looks at the policies and procedures and makes sure that the standards required are met.

The whole treatment pathway includes all the post-operative assessments and care of the patient. The best providers will continue to monitor a patient's vision and eyes up to 12 months after surgery. This whole process should involve the optometrist and surgeon.

Many clinics do not have the same surgeon associated with the patient from pre-operative assessment to final discharge and this is probably the most important consideration that a person should make. An experienced consultant ophthalmologist with a duty of care for each patient from their first appointment to discharge undoubtedly wants to deliver the best possible visual outcome for their patients.

Surgeon reputation based on consistently good outcomes and the highly valued recommendations of patients are the two best adverts for any vision correction centre.
CS&AM