I'm sure you've seen the LASIK ads promising "20/20 or free" or "lifetime commitment". These offers sound amazing, the obvious way to go, but they do have limitations, and also some surprises.
Outcome Can Not Be Guaranteed
No matter how good your surgeon is, no one can guarantee what your results will be. How well you see after LASIK can be very different than expected, or it can be exactly what the doctor predicted. LASIK centers that offer a financial commitment to a certain outcome are simply gambling. Odds are in favor of most patients having a great result. Surgeons that bet on that are merely willing to pay out the few times the outcome is not ideal in order to get business in the first place. And if you don't have an ideal LASIK result, will giving you a refund really be the response you want from your surgeon?
Guarentees Cost More
Most clinics that offer these money back guarantees in their ads don't mention that you have to pay more. I've seen clinics charge as much as $1000 more per eye for "Worry Free LASIK". Does this mean your surgeon only promises good results if you pay more?
What is the definition of LASIK success?
The Snellen 20/20 chart is a valuable measurement system, but it is not the only consideration for quality of vision. A patient may see 20/20 yet have debilitating halos at night, for example. Perhaps you see 20/20 but are still not happy with your results. Does this mean that your procedure was a success?
Who's lifetime?
While it may be admirable for a clinic to want to provide this level of care to its patients, the reality is that what constitutes a lifetime may be a matter of contention. What happens if the doctor dies? What happens if the company for which the doctor worked goes bankrupt? What happens if the publicly held corporation by whom the doctor was employed is merged into another company that does not have a "lifetime commitment" program? What if the doctor didn't have a "lifetime commitment" program, but then started working for a company that does? What if the patient moves out of the area?
When Dr. Drucker began performing LASIK, he peformed his surgeries at Clear Vision Laser Centers which offered lifetime "free retreats". Eventually, TLC bought out Clear Vision and TLC did not offer the lifetime "free retreats". Though Dr. Drucker still honored his commitment to free retreats, the laser center now requires a facility fee after 2 years. Very few patients have returned for retreats after 2 years (most needed retreatments can be determined within 2 years), but a few patients have had to pay this facility fee directly to TLC. Though these patients paid for a lifetime of free retreats, they no have no legal recourse since their contract was with Clear Vision iand they are no longer in business.
New Technology & Techniques
And then there is the issue of what is included in the "commitment"? Does this mean that no matter what new technology or technique comes along the patient will receive this for free for as long as the patient (and the doctor/clinic/corporation) lives? It is reasonable to assume that advancements will make whatever the patient had seem obsolete. One can hardly expect a medical procedure to be exactly the same after 10-20-30 years. Does the patient get the new procedure for free? Most clinics will charge an "upgrade" fee. For instance, patients who had Traditional LASIK 5 years ago who now want a retreat will often be offered Intralase to receive the optimum results but they will be charged for the technology upgrade.
These are just a few of the issues related to LASIK Lifetime Warranties. The bottom line is that patients need to be aware. Each patient is unique and individual. Your surgeon should be willing to give you personalized care and treatment whatever your results. If you are unhappy with your LASIK outcome, the ideal surgeon will listen to your concerns and address them, trying his or her best to correct them. This kind of service should be expected without a financial commitment.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
More Than 95 Percent Satisfaction Rate Worldwide Reported By LASIK Patients
Worldwide, an average 95.4 percent of LASIK patients are satisfied with their new vision, according to the first review of the world body of scientific literature, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS).
With 16.3 million patients having had LASIK worldwide, and more than a decade of clinical study and technological innovation behind it, LASIK is considered among the most successful elective procedures available today.
"We find that there is solid evidence in the world's scientific literature to affirm that there is an exceptionally high level of satisfaction in patients who have had LASIK surgery. While no surgery is perfect, certainly the 19 peer-reviewed studies of 2,199 patients show extremely high satisfaction rates," said Richard L. Lindstrom, M.D., president of the ASCRS. "While patient satisfaction is extremely high, we recognize that there are patients who have unsatisfactory outcomes. As surgeons, we have taken the Hippocratic Oath. The well being of all of our patients is central to what we do and what we are. As such, and as the history of medicine has shown, we are committed to advancing our technology, patient selection, and surgical techniques so that we can continue to enhance the quality of our patient's lives," Lindstrom added.
The meta-analysis, led by Kerry Solomon, M.D. at the Storm Eye Institute of the Medical Center of South Carolina, examines nearly 3,000 peer-reviewed articles published over the past 10 years in clinical journals from North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. The research employed the Ovid and PubMed data bases using the term "LASIK" and similar search terms. A total of 2,915 articles were identified. "We wanted every article we could find, up to and including our last search, which was done on January 8, 2008," Dr. Solomon said.
"This survey goes back to literature published 10 years ago. In that time, there have been major technological advances, such as wavefront-guided LASIK and the introduction of special lasers to form a flap on the surface of the eye in preparation for the laser treatment. Coupled with better surgical techniques, and improved patient selection, we can say that modern LASIK is a mature procedure. It is important to note that its reliability and effectiveness have led to its adoption by the armed forces, in particular the US Navy, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for improving the vision of its front-line pilots and astronauts," Dr. Solomon said.
Key Findings from "LASIK: A Global Perspective on Patient Satisfaction"
* 95.4 percent of LASIK patients worldwide report satisfaction with the outcome of their procedure.
* Approximately the same percentage would recommend LASIK to a friend or would elect to undergo the procedure again.
* More than 95.2 percent of LASIK patients in the U.S. are satisfied with the outcome of their procedure.
* Outside the U.S., studies from France, India, Iran, Ireland, The Netherlands, Scotland, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and The United Kingdom, report very similar patient satisfaction rates of about 95.6 percent.
* The total range of satisfaction rates in individual studies was from 87.2 percent to 100 percent.
The first goal of the literature review is to assist in quantifying and qualifying aspects of LASIK patient satisfaction for a joint task force formed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and including the ASCRS, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), National Eye Institute (NEI), and other members of the health community. "
Not everyone is a good candidate for LASIK. As ophthalmologists, historically the determining factor for candidacy has been the health of the eye and the refractive correction," said Dr. Solomon. "Along with continued technology advances, exploring a more holistic approach to patient screening, with considerations for both physical and psychodynamic factors, may be the answer to further increasing patient satisfaction."
"Once a technology matures to this point, a profession committed to continual improvement will naturally focus on improving patient satisfaction," said Dr. Lindstrom. "As the number-one elective procedure in the world, with one of the highest safety profiles, LASIK has shown its appeal to patients, and, as a profession, we look forward to continuing its advancement."
There has never been a better time to have laser vision correction. Call us today to schedule a free consultation!
With 16.3 million patients having had LASIK worldwide, and more than a decade of clinical study and technological innovation behind it, LASIK is considered among the most successful elective procedures available today.
"We find that there is solid evidence in the world's scientific literature to affirm that there is an exceptionally high level of satisfaction in patients who have had LASIK surgery. While no surgery is perfect, certainly the 19 peer-reviewed studies of 2,199 patients show extremely high satisfaction rates," said Richard L. Lindstrom, M.D., president of the ASCRS. "While patient satisfaction is extremely high, we recognize that there are patients who have unsatisfactory outcomes. As surgeons, we have taken the Hippocratic Oath. The well being of all of our patients is central to what we do and what we are. As such, and as the history of medicine has shown, we are committed to advancing our technology, patient selection, and surgical techniques so that we can continue to enhance the quality of our patient's lives," Lindstrom added.
The meta-analysis, led by Kerry Solomon, M.D. at the Storm Eye Institute of the Medical Center of South Carolina, examines nearly 3,000 peer-reviewed articles published over the past 10 years in clinical journals from North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. The research employed the Ovid and PubMed data bases using the term "LASIK" and similar search terms. A total of 2,915 articles were identified. "We wanted every article we could find, up to and including our last search, which was done on January 8, 2008," Dr. Solomon said.
"This survey goes back to literature published 10 years ago. In that time, there have been major technological advances, such as wavefront-guided LASIK and the introduction of special lasers to form a flap on the surface of the eye in preparation for the laser treatment. Coupled with better surgical techniques, and improved patient selection, we can say that modern LASIK is a mature procedure. It is important to note that its reliability and effectiveness have led to its adoption by the armed forces, in particular the US Navy, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for improving the vision of its front-line pilots and astronauts," Dr. Solomon said.
Key Findings from "LASIK: A Global Perspective on Patient Satisfaction"
* 95.4 percent of LASIK patients worldwide report satisfaction with the outcome of their procedure.
* Approximately the same percentage would recommend LASIK to a friend or would elect to undergo the procedure again.
* More than 95.2 percent of LASIK patients in the U.S. are satisfied with the outcome of their procedure.
* Outside the U.S., studies from France, India, Iran, Ireland, The Netherlands, Scotland, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and The United Kingdom, report very similar patient satisfaction rates of about 95.6 percent.
* The total range of satisfaction rates in individual studies was from 87.2 percent to 100 percent.
The first goal of the literature review is to assist in quantifying and qualifying aspects of LASIK patient satisfaction for a joint task force formed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and including the ASCRS, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), National Eye Institute (NEI), and other members of the health community. "
Not everyone is a good candidate for LASIK. As ophthalmologists, historically the determining factor for candidacy has been the health of the eye and the refractive correction," said Dr. Solomon. "Along with continued technology advances, exploring a more holistic approach to patient screening, with considerations for both physical and psychodynamic factors, may be the answer to further increasing patient satisfaction."
"Once a technology matures to this point, a profession committed to continual improvement will naturally focus on improving patient satisfaction," said Dr. Lindstrom. "As the number-one elective procedure in the world, with one of the highest safety profiles, LASIK has shown its appeal to patients, and, as a profession, we look forward to continuing its advancement."
There has never been a better time to have laser vision correction. Call us today to schedule a free consultation!
Friday, March 14, 2008
Another Reason to Choose Dr. Drucker
Have you heard about our latest services? We now offer State-Of-The-Art Cosmetic Laser Services including wrinkle reduction, skin tightening, skin rejuvenation, acne treatments, cellulite reduction (as seen on Rachel Ray) and laser hair removal. We have very competitive prices and excellent service. For the month of March, we are featuring 30% off any treatment or package!
"People always want to change how they see and how they look," Dr. Drucker says. "I've spent years helping people see better. Helping people look better is just the finishing touch."
As an added benefit to our LASIK/PRK patients, we give One Free Cosmetic Treatment. They also receive a 20% lifetime discount on Cosmetic Packages. Just another reason to choose Dr. Drucker for LASIK or PRK!
"People always want to change how they see and how they look," Dr. Drucker says. "I've spent years helping people see better. Helping people look better is just the finishing touch."
As an added benefit to our LASIK/PRK patients, we give One Free Cosmetic Treatment. They also receive a 20% lifetime discount on Cosmetic Packages. Just another reason to choose Dr. Drucker for LASIK or PRK!
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