20 Questions

Questions to Ask During LASIK Consultation

Essential questions to evaluate LASIK surgery options, understand the procedure, and determine if it's the right choice for your vision correction needs.

1

Am I a good candidate for LASIK surgery?

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Why this works

This question reveals their assessment of your suitability for the procedure, helping you understand if LASIK is appropriate for your specific vision and eye health.

2

What are the potential risks and complications of LASIK?

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Why this works

Understanding the risks is crucial for making an informed decision. This question reveals their transparency about potential problems and how they address patient concerns.

3

What's your experience with LASIK surgery and how many procedures have you performed?

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Why this works

This question reveals their expertise and track record, helping you evaluate their qualifications and experience with the procedure.

4

What's the expected recovery time and what can I expect during healing?

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Why this works

Understanding the recovery process helps you plan and know what to expect. This question reveals their approach to post-operative care and patient guidance.

5

What's the success rate for patients with my specific vision prescription?

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Why this works

This question provides personalized information about your chances of success, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific situation.

6

What are the alternatives to LASIK and how do they compare?

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Why this works

This question reveals their knowledge of other options and helps you understand all available choices for vision correction.

7

What's the cost of the procedure and what does it include?

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Why this works

Understanding the financial aspects is crucial for planning. This question reveals their pricing structure and what services are included in the cost.

8

What's your approach to patient care and follow-up after surgery?

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Why this works

This question reveals their commitment to ongoing care and how they support patients throughout the recovery process.

9

What are the long-term effects and potential complications years after surgery?

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Why this works

This question reveals their knowledge of long-term outcomes and helps you understand the potential for future problems or benefits.

10

How do you handle patients who are not satisfied with their results?

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Why this works

This question reveals their approach to patient satisfaction and what options they provide if the results don't meet expectations.

11

What's your approach to pain management during and after the procedure?

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Why this works

Understanding their approach to comfort and pain management helps you know what to expect during the procedure and recovery.

12

What are the restrictions and limitations after LASIK surgery?

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Why this works

This question reveals what activities and behaviors you'll need to avoid or modify after surgery, helping you plan for lifestyle changes.

13

How do you determine if a patient is ready for LASIK surgery?

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Why this works

This question reveals their criteria for patient selection and how they evaluate readiness for the procedure.

14

What's your approach to patient education and informed consent?

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Why this works

This question reveals their commitment to patient understanding and how they ensure patients are fully informed about the procedure.

15

How do you handle patients with specific medical conditions or medications?

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Why this works

This question reveals their approach to patients with complex medical histories and how they manage potential complications.

16

What's your approach to technology and equipment used in the procedure?

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Why this works

This question reveals their commitment to using modern technology and how they stay current with advances in LASIK surgery.

17

How do you handle patients who are anxious or nervous about the procedure?

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Why this works

This question reveals their approach to patient comfort and how they help patients feel calm and confident about the surgery.

18

What's your approach to patient communication and keeping patients informed?

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Why this works

This question reveals their communication style and how they keep patients informed throughout the process.

19

How do you handle patients who have had previous eye surgeries or procedures?

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Why this works

This question reveals their experience with complex cases and how they manage patients with previous eye procedures.

20

What questions do you have for me about my vision goals and expectations?

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Why this works

A good surgeon should be interested in understanding your vision goals and expectations to determine if LASIK is the right choice for you.

Best Practices for LASIK Consultations

Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.

Best Practices

Research Thoroughly

Investigate the surgeon's credentials, experience, and reputation. Check reviews, verify their qualifications, and ask about their success rates.

Ask About Both Benefits and Risks

Balance questions about potential benefits with questions about risks and complications. A good surgeon will be transparent about both.

Consider Your Long-term Goals

Think about your vision goals and how LASIK fits into your long-term plans. Ask questions that help you evaluate the fit for your lifestyle.

Question Sequences

The Candidacy Assessment

1
Am I a good candidate for LASIK surgery?
2
What are the potential risks and complications?
3
What's the success rate for patients with my specific vision prescription?
4
What are the alternatives to LASIK and how do they compare?

The Experience Explorer

1
What's your experience with LASIK surgery and how many procedures have you performed?
2
What's your approach to patient care and follow-up after surgery?
3
How do you handle patients who are not satisfied with their results?
4
What's your approach to technology and equipment used in the procedure?

Common Pitfalls

Don't Focus Only on Cost

While cost is important, don't choose a surgeon based solely on price. Consider experience, qualifications, and the quality of care you'll receive.

Avoid Making Assumptions

Don't assume all LASIK procedures are the same. Ask specific questions about their approach, technology, and what makes them different.

Don't Ignore Red Flags

Be wary of surgeons who make unrealistic promises, don't provide clear answers about risks, or pressure you into quick decisions.

Question Templates

The Candidacy Evaluator

1
Step 1: Start with: "Am I a good candidate for LASIK surgery?"
2
Step 2: Follow with: "What are the potential risks and complications?"
3
Step 3: Explore with: "What's the success rate for patients with my specific vision prescription?"
4
Step 4: Assess with: "What are the alternatives to LASIK and how do they compare?"

The Experience Investigator

1
Step 1: Start with: "What's your experience with LASIK surgery and how many procedures have you performed?"
2
Step 2: Follow with: "What's your approach to patient care and follow-up after surgery?"
3
Step 3: Explore with: "How do you handle patients who are not satisfied with their results?"
4
Step 4: Assess with: "What questions do you have for me?"

Further Reading

The LASIK Handbook by Dr. Robert K. Maloney
LASIK: A Guide to Laser Vision Correction by Dr. Stephen G. Slade
The Complete Guide to LASIK by Dr. Andrew I. Caster

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