Pilots and LASEK
You want to get rid of glasses because it doesn't fit with your lifestyle. Maybe you're a commercial pilot and have developed thin corneas as well as myopia. Can you have LASEK to save your career?
Lasik University
All aviation professionals would argue that, LASEK vs. LASIK debates aside, you need to fully heal before you can fly. Also, if you're hoping for 20/20 vision, aim higher: Pilots need 20/16 or 20/10 vision. Fortunately, with custom LASIK, LASEK and the new Wavefront-guided lasers, you have a good chance of achieving 20/16 or even 20/10 vision.
Some LASEK eye surgery patients, or pilots who have had PRK, complain of reduced vision in low light conditions. Still, if you hope to pilot an F-16, you're better off having LASEK eye surgery than LASIK, since Uncle Sam won't allow LASIK patients to fly--the exception is Wavefront LASIK.
Remember, healing takes longer with LASEK and PRK than LASIK. The military and the airlines won't let you fly until you've been fully healed, so you may just have to watch "Top Gun" while your eyes are healing for several months--you have to submit an FAA form after three months. For more information, contact your recruiter or the FAA, www.faa.gov.
Lasik University
Lasik eye surgery is growing more popular on a daily basis!
LASIK eye surgery is growing more popular on a daily basis as the cost for improving your eyesight through laser vision correction surgery continues to drop. However many people are still not sure how much LASIK costs and exactly what procedures are covered by your payments. As you will soon see the cost for LASIK is dependant on a variety of different factors to include the state and city that you currently reside or seek treatment in and how extensive your surgery becomes or is required. Perhaps the single biggest cost could be associated with which LASIK specialist you choose to perform the vision correction surgery on your eyes.
<Lasik University
Before deciding on whether or not you want to pay the cost of LASIK surgery you should determine what benefits you seek and just how important improved vision is to your current lifestyle. Only then will you be able to comfortably plan on paying the fees associated with laser eye surgery. LASIK is an amazing surgery that has the ability to dramatically improve your eyesight with one operation. For many people with poor vision that promise alone is worth the cost of the surgery. One thing you should look into is whether or not you have any type of insurance plan that will cover the cost of vision correction surgery. Currently there aren't many (if any) insurance companies that cover the operating costs associated with LASIK but due to its growing popularity it can't hurt to see if your current insurance provider will in fact pay some or all of your LASIK surgery costs.
The cost for LASIK will be discussed during your initial counseling session with the Doctor or specialist who will be performing the surgery on your eyes. It is then that you will find out the procedures involved in the surgery, the fees associated with those procedures and if there are any payment options that will help you meet the cost of the surgery to be performed. You want to make sure that the price that is quoted covers follow up appointments or treatments that will be needed after surgery is performed. Generally the base price will not cover any type of optional but recommended procedures. These procedures are usually not needed so you can avoid paying for them unless you just want the full package.
Procedures that are covered in your payment include a pre-surgical evaluation where the doctor will perform an eye exam to determine if your eyes are healthy and isolate the degree of vision obstruction such as nearsightedness or farsightedness. There may be some additional test run on the cornea of your eye to determine its current condition.
The actual LASIK surgery is a simple and fast process (sometimes done in under 2 minutes) and is of course covered under the cost that was discussed during your initial counseling session. Follow-up exams which are also generally covered under your payment for surgery usually start within 24 hours of surgery and go on for several weeks to a month or two.
As with any hospital procedure you can expect to have the following factored into your bill for laser eye surgery. The payroll of the staff in the doctor's office will be covered by a portion of your bill as will any supplies used during the operation. These include gloves, surgical masks and if any gauze was used. Hospitals are usually pretty good about identifying anything used and then charging you for it so make sure to check your final bill in case anything new accidentally pops on, adding to your final cost.
There are many factors that go into the cost of laser eye surgery as you can tell from reading this article. Fortunately LASIK has come down in price so that even when all associated factors are included laser eye surgery is a viable option for anyone desiring to improve their vision.
Lasik University
<Lasik University
Before deciding on whether or not you want to pay the cost of LASIK surgery you should determine what benefits you seek and just how important improved vision is to your current lifestyle. Only then will you be able to comfortably plan on paying the fees associated with laser eye surgery. LASIK is an amazing surgery that has the ability to dramatically improve your eyesight with one operation. For many people with poor vision that promise alone is worth the cost of the surgery. One thing you should look into is whether or not you have any type of insurance plan that will cover the cost of vision correction surgery. Currently there aren't many (if any) insurance companies that cover the operating costs associated with LASIK but due to its growing popularity it can't hurt to see if your current insurance provider will in fact pay some or all of your LASIK surgery costs.
The cost for LASIK will be discussed during your initial counseling session with the Doctor or specialist who will be performing the surgery on your eyes. It is then that you will find out the procedures involved in the surgery, the fees associated with those procedures and if there are any payment options that will help you meet the cost of the surgery to be performed. You want to make sure that the price that is quoted covers follow up appointments or treatments that will be needed after surgery is performed. Generally the base price will not cover any type of optional but recommended procedures. These procedures are usually not needed so you can avoid paying for them unless you just want the full package.
Procedures that are covered in your payment include a pre-surgical evaluation where the doctor will perform an eye exam to determine if your eyes are healthy and isolate the degree of vision obstruction such as nearsightedness or farsightedness. There may be some additional test run on the cornea of your eye to determine its current condition.
The actual LASIK surgery is a simple and fast process (sometimes done in under 2 minutes) and is of course covered under the cost that was discussed during your initial counseling session. Follow-up exams which are also generally covered under your payment for surgery usually start within 24 hours of surgery and go on for several weeks to a month or two.
As with any hospital procedure you can expect to have the following factored into your bill for laser eye surgery. The payroll of the staff in the doctor's office will be covered by a portion of your bill as will any supplies used during the operation. These include gloves, surgical masks and if any gauze was used. Hospitals are usually pretty good about identifying anything used and then charging you for it so make sure to check your final bill in case anything new accidentally pops on, adding to your final cost.
There are many factors that go into the cost of laser eye surgery as you can tell from reading this article. Fortunately LASIK has come down in price so that even when all associated factors are included laser eye surgery is a viable option for anyone desiring to improve their vision.
Lasik University
NIDEK Gains FDA Approval for Hyperopia and Hyperopic Astigmatism Module on EC-5000 Excimer Laser
Nidek is finally approved for Hyperopic treatment. Go to http://www.nideklaser.com to research the Nidek Laser.
Lasik University
Here is the press release:
FREMONT, Calif., Oct. 17, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- NIDEK, Inc. a global leader in laser and diagnostic instrumentation for the optical and eye care industry, announced today that the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has approved its EC-5000 Excimer Laser for the treatment of hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism for use in LASIK.
With this approval, ophthalmic surgeons are able to treat hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism (+0.50D to +5.00D sphere and up to 2.00D cylinder) in addition to the current approved range for myopia and myopic astigmatism. Hyperopia or farsightedness may be surgically treated by laser vision correction or LASIK.
Mr. Motoki Ozawa, Vice President, NIDEK Co., Ltd stated, "This is a historic event for NIDEK and we are especially pleased to have this long-awaited approval. The excellent and outstanding results from 291 eyes demonstrate NIDEK's commitment to providing an innovative, technologically superior excimer platform for laser vision correction surgery. Furthermore, NIDEK is actively developing its own custom ablation and wavefront technology platform. The EC-5000 Excimer Laser System is a perfect pairing to NIDEK's strong, world-class product portfolio in unsurpassed diagnostic and surgical instrumentation, optical finishing and dispensing products in vision care."
The following chart demonstrates six month follow up results of the safety and effectiveness of the EC-5000 Hyperopia clinical results:
Six Month Follow Up Results (291 eyes)
69% within +/- 0.5 D
93% within +/- 1.0 D
60% 20/20 or better (UCVA)
86% 20/25 or better (UCVA)
99% 20/40 or better (UCVA)
About NIDEK
NIDEK is a global leader in diagnostic and surgical eye care products for ophthalmology and optometry focused on developing and delivering innovative technologies that enhance the quality of human life. With diversified clinical research and continual innovative development, an array of laser and optical scanning products offered that lead the way for improved diagnosis and treatments. The relentless commitment to customer satisfaction means NIDEK will diligently strive to continually exceed expectations. For more information, visit www.nideklaser.com.
Lasik University
Lasik University
Here is the press release:
FREMONT, Calif., Oct. 17, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- NIDEK, Inc. a global leader in laser and diagnostic instrumentation for the optical and eye care industry, announced today that the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has approved its EC-5000 Excimer Laser for the treatment of hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism for use in LASIK.
With this approval, ophthalmic surgeons are able to treat hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism (+0.50D to +5.00D sphere and up to 2.00D cylinder) in addition to the current approved range for myopia and myopic astigmatism. Hyperopia or farsightedness may be surgically treated by laser vision correction or LASIK.
Mr. Motoki Ozawa, Vice President, NIDEK Co., Ltd stated, "This is a historic event for NIDEK and we are especially pleased to have this long-awaited approval. The excellent and outstanding results from 291 eyes demonstrate NIDEK's commitment to providing an innovative, technologically superior excimer platform for laser vision correction surgery. Furthermore, NIDEK is actively developing its own custom ablation and wavefront technology platform. The EC-5000 Excimer Laser System is a perfect pairing to NIDEK's strong, world-class product portfolio in unsurpassed diagnostic and surgical instrumentation, optical finishing and dispensing products in vision care."
The following chart demonstrates six month follow up results of the safety and effectiveness of the EC-5000 Hyperopia clinical results:
Six Month Follow Up Results (291 eyes)
69% within +/- 0.5 D
93% within +/- 1.0 D
60% 20/20 or better (UCVA)
86% 20/25 or better (UCVA)
99% 20/40 or better (UCVA)
About NIDEK
NIDEK is a global leader in diagnostic and surgical eye care products for ophthalmology and optometry focused on developing and delivering innovative technologies that enhance the quality of human life. With diversified clinical research and continual innovative development, an array of laser and optical scanning products offered that lead the way for improved diagnosis and treatments. The relentless commitment to customer satisfaction means NIDEK will diligently strive to continually exceed expectations. For more information, visit www.nideklaser.com.
Lasik University
MEL 80™ Excimer Laser "See Better Perfomance!"
Here is information on The Mel 80 Excimer Laser System,
Lasik University
Just what your clinic's
looking for
The MEL 80 is a top quality Carl Zeiss Meditec product, designed to make the correction of vision defects even safer, more patient-friendly and individual. All the parameters of this ultramodern work platform are oriented towards increasing efficiency, achieving optimum treatment results and the rapid recovery of vision. Key factors here are the extremely fast ablation, customized treatment planning with the optional CRS-Master, the high-performance eyetracker system and the "Eye Registration" torsion compensation system.
Better for the Eye
With the tiniest spot size and its Gaussian beam profile the MEL 80 produces matchless quality in corneal ablation - exact, even and protective of the surrounding tissue. Even in complex ablation procedures, the large overlap of the laser spot zones yields very smooth surfaces.
Two specially optimized ablation profiles help you produce excellent results:
ASA (Aberration Smart Ablation) – tried and tested strongly aspherical profiles, optimized for "mesopic vision"
TSA (Tissue Saving Algorithm) – the conservative tissue-saving alternative with lower asphericity for re-treatment and thin corneas
Safe use
The MEL 80 helps you significantly reduce the duration of treatment. This has the following benefits:
The stromal bed is only open for a short period; this prevents dehydration and speeds up the regeneration process
The thermally-optimized distribution of the laser firing pattern protects the stroma - despite the high ablation speed
Patients' stress is relieved; they only need to concentrate for a few seconds on the fixation light
Increased efficiency levels and number of patients you see
Everything's under control!
An active eyetracker with excellent feedback times and an ultrarapid IR camera provides exact positioning during the laser treatment. Thanks to automatic pupil recognition you can adjust the desired centering point within seconds. This also includes the limbus. If the center of the pupil shifts with relation to the limbus during ablation - through asymmetrical contraction, for instance - the eyetracker compensates for this. And what's more - no pupil-dilating medication (with its attendant waiting times) is necessary prior to this treatment
Greater customization
for your patients
Carl Zeiss has dedicated itself to constantly improving the customized ablation procedure. One successful result of this development is the CRS-Master. This system integrates the data from the wavefront diagnosis and the cornea topography in the MEL 80 and gives you full control over all treatment parameters at a glance.
*Not for sale in the United States or Japan.
Lasik University
For more research please visit http://www.lasik.fm
Lasik University
Just what your clinic's
looking for
The MEL 80 is a top quality Carl Zeiss Meditec product, designed to make the correction of vision defects even safer, more patient-friendly and individual. All the parameters of this ultramodern work platform are oriented towards increasing efficiency, achieving optimum treatment results and the rapid recovery of vision. Key factors here are the extremely fast ablation, customized treatment planning with the optional CRS-Master, the high-performance eyetracker system and the "Eye Registration" torsion compensation system.
Better for the Eye
With the tiniest spot size and its Gaussian beam profile the MEL 80 produces matchless quality in corneal ablation - exact, even and protective of the surrounding tissue. Even in complex ablation procedures, the large overlap of the laser spot zones yields very smooth surfaces.
Two specially optimized ablation profiles help you produce excellent results:
ASA (Aberration Smart Ablation) – tried and tested strongly aspherical profiles, optimized for "mesopic vision"
TSA (Tissue Saving Algorithm) – the conservative tissue-saving alternative with lower asphericity for re-treatment and thin corneas
Safe use
The MEL 80 helps you significantly reduce the duration of treatment. This has the following benefits:
The stromal bed is only open for a short period; this prevents dehydration and speeds up the regeneration process
The thermally-optimized distribution of the laser firing pattern protects the stroma - despite the high ablation speed
Patients' stress is relieved; they only need to concentrate for a few seconds on the fixation light
Increased efficiency levels and number of patients you see
Everything's under control!
An active eyetracker with excellent feedback times and an ultrarapid IR camera provides exact positioning during the laser treatment. Thanks to automatic pupil recognition you can adjust the desired centering point within seconds. This also includes the limbus. If the center of the pupil shifts with relation to the limbus during ablation - through asymmetrical contraction, for instance - the eyetracker compensates for this. And what's more - no pupil-dilating medication (with its attendant waiting times) is necessary prior to this treatment
Greater customization
for your patients
Carl Zeiss has dedicated itself to constantly improving the customized ablation procedure. One successful result of this development is the CRS-Master. This system integrates the data from the wavefront diagnosis and the cornea topography in the MEL 80 and gives you full control over all treatment parameters at a glance.
*Not for sale in the United States or Japan.
Lasik University
For more research please visit http://www.lasik.fm
Be Wary of the Lasik Vision Institute (This article is ancient history)
If you see this article it is ancient history. This is the old ancient regime of The Lasik Vision Institute. They have been owned and run by a reputable company for many years now.
Lasik University
Be Wary of the Lasik Vision Institute
Stephen Barrett, M.D.
The Lasik Vision Institute (LVI), which operates facilities in in many states, advertises $299-per-eye and $499-per-eye rates for Lasik surgery. But regulatory actions and media investigations suggest that this number is intended to lure patients into consultations at which much higher prices are quoted. LVI is subsidiary of Musa Holdings, Inc., of Lake Worth, Florida, which also operates Eyeglass World and has real estate investments [1]. The company is owned by three brothers: Max Musa (chief executive), Marco Musa (president); and Marc Andrea Musa (vice president). [2]
Eyeglass World operates a chain of retail outlets where customers can have their eyes examined by an allegedly independent, licensed optometrist and purchase eyeglasses and corrective lenses. The optometrists lease space in the company's outlets. In 2001, Eyeglass World's Web site stated that it operated 58 outlets in 22 states and that its affiliate company, the Lasik Vision Institute (LVI), operated 31 outpatient laser vision correction centers in 18 states [3]. At that time, LVI was called the Laser Vision Institute and the centers were serviced by a total of 11 ophthalmologists (eye surgeons). Most of the centers had same address as an Eyeglass World store. Today the Web sites list 59 Eyeglass World outlets in 24 states and more than 100 LVI centers.
In 2001, the Florida Attorney General announced that Eyeglass World would pay $500,000 and adopt an arms-length relationship with its affiliated optometrists to settle allegations of unlawful marketing practices [4]. According to the Attorney General's complaint:
Optometrists leasing space in Eyeglass World outlets were pressured by the company to issue unnecessary prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses and limit time spent with each patient.
The company's goal was to maximize the number of patients seen and ensure that every person who had an eye exam bought corrective lenses.
State law prohibits a corporation that leases office space to an optometrist from interfering with their medical practice. In addition to violating that statute, Eyeglass World also:
Engaged in the sale of outdated, used and non-sterile contact lenses.
Sold diagnostic lenses and solution starter kits provided free of charge by the manufacturer.
Misrepresented itself as an approved provider for a certain health insurance plan.
Intentionally misquoted prices over the telephone, engaged in bait and switch advertising and failed to post its no-refund policy at the point of sale.
Failed to have a licensed optician on premises at all times and failed to have proper optical equipment or perform tests required by the FDA to determine product safety.
While admitting no wrongdoing, Eyeglass World agreed to:
Provide for consumer restitution and pay the costs of the state's investigation.
Revise its leases with optometrists to ensure that it does not exert improper influence over their medical practices.
Implement a corporate ethics program that will include live instruction and creation of a corporate ethics manual.
In March 2003, LVI signed an FTC consent agreement to settle charges that the company failed to substantiate claims that its Lasik surgery services eliminate the need for glasses and contacts for life, eliminate the need for reading glasses, and eliminate the need for bifocals. The FTC's complaint also charged that LVI had falsely claimed that consumers would receive a free consultation to determine their candidacy for Lasik. Instead, after an initial meeting with an LVI representative during which the representative quoted a price for the procedure based on their preferred treatment, LVI required consumers to pay a $300 deposit before they were told of the risks associated with the surgery, or if they were eligible candidates for the Lasik procedure. According to the FTC, the $300 deposit was nonrefundable if, after the initial consultation, the consumers elected not to have the surgery. The FTC alleges that only $200 of the deposit was returned to consumers who elected to undergo the surgery but subsequently were rejected for medical reasons. The consent order prohibits unsubstantiated claims that Lasik surgery services or any other refractive surgery services: (a) eliminate the need for glasses and contacts for life; (b) eliminate the need for reading glasses; or c) eliminate the need for bifocals. The order also prohibits LVI from misrepresenting: (a) that consumers will receive a free consultation that determines their candidacy for Lasik or any other refractive surgery services; (b) the cost to consumers to have their candidacy for such refractive surgery services determined; or (c) the information consumers will receive during a consultation for refractive surgery services [5].
There is good reason to believe that the low fees advertised by LVI are difficult or impossible to get and that misrepresentations are common during LVI's "evaluation" process.
In February 2002, KVBC-TV (Las Vegas) reported that (a) the commissions earned by LVI "patient counselors" depended on how many patients they signed up per week; (b) prospective patients were told that they are basically good candidates for the operation; (c) a nonrefundable $100 deposit was required to see an ophthalmologist for definitive advice; (d) a reporter with a degenerative eye disease (who did not meet standard criteria for lasik surgery) paid $300 for further evaluation by an optometrist who said she was suitable; and (e) a reporter who was an ideal candidate for lasik was told that if she paid more than $299 she would get better follow-up care [6].
In October 2002, according to a South Florida Business Journal report, LVI's national operations director said that the $299 price included three months of postoperative care, but the average LVI customer paid close to $1,800 an eye, depending on his or her prescription and if any additional services are added [7].
In July 2003, ABC Action News aired a three-part investigation during which they interviewed former patients and sent an investigator with a hidden camera to see what price is actually quoted. The reporter was told that had special problems and quoted $1,799 per eye by a "counselor" who had no medical background and did not examine his eyes. The reporter was also told he could not see the surgeon for a consultation unless he paid a $100 deposit. Neither the office manager nor Marco Musa would state how many people qualify for the $299 rate. The report included the story of six patients who developed serious eye infections after operations at the LVI in Tampa. Each of the patients had paid "thousands of dollars" for the procedure [8-9].
In September 2003, an investigative team in Cincinnati aired a report describing how a producer visited a local LVI clinic with a hidden camera to see whether the $299 price was quoted. The report described how the producer was told that (a) the surgeon was out-of-town, (b) the price would be $899 per eye, and (c) a $100 deposit was required or the price would go away [10].
Quackwatch has received a complaint from a man who was quoted $299 per eye at a Florida Eyeglass World store. He described how he paid a $100 deposit but was unable to get an appointment for the surgery as promised. When he asked for a refund, he was told that the deposit was nonrefundable because it paid for the eye exam [11].
In August 2003, ABC Action News reported that a class action suit on behalf of patients who were injured or subjected to a bait-and-switch sales process. The lawyer handling the case says he has been unable to find anyone who was offered the $299 rate [12,13].
In November 2003, ABC Action News reported that a former LVI national medical director has left in disgust because LVI was pushing its counselors to recommend punctal plugs to everyone who underwent the surgery. Such plugs, which prevent tears from being drained from the corner of the eye, should only be prescribed to patients who develop dry eyes after surgery, but LVI offered $500 bonuses to counselors who persuaded 50% or more of all patients having surgery to buy them. The report stated that the former medical director was so concerned that warned LVI officials last year that "the pre-operative insertion of punctal plugs in persons with normal eyes is fraudulent" and that operating on patients who have the plugs could cause a serious infection [14].
In November 2003, WGAL-TV, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, broadcast a 2-part series that included comments by eye surgeon Steven Vale, M.D., who said he had performed about 15,000 procedures for LVI and knew of only one that was done for $299 [15,16].
The Better Business Bureau of West Florida reports that the Lasik Vision Institute of Tampa, Florida, has an "unsatisfactory record . . . due to unanswered complaints." [16] A small Yahoo group exists to share thoughts about Eyeglass World.
When done appropriately, refractive surgey can be very helpful. For further information on this topic, click here.
References
Action News exposes Lasik Institute president's lavish lifestyle. ABC Action News, July 23, 2003.
Borbely M. Lasik surgery sales tactics raise eyebrows. Washington Post, Sept 4, 2001.
Careers. Laser Institute Web site, accessed, Feb 12, 2001.
Butterworth B. Eyeglass World to pay $500,000, revise practices under agreement. Florida Attorney General news release, Feb 10, 2001.
Federal Trade Commission stops allegedly misleading representations for lasik eye surgery: Future claims of benefits, performance, efficacy, and safety must be substantiated. FTC news release, March 26, 2003.
Sight for sale. KVBC-TV, Feb 27-29, March 1, 2003.
Robertson K. Low-cost eye surgery back in town. American City Business Journals, Oct 21, 2002.
Action News investigates Lasik Vision Institute after complaints. ABC Action News, July 21, 2003.
Trying to get LVI's advertised rates for Lasik? Good luck. ABC Action News, July 22, 2003.
Target 5 finds flaws in ads for LASIK surgery: Few Customers appear to receive. WLWT-TV, Cincinnati, Sept 25, 2003.
Newberry A. Email to Stephen Barrett, M.D. Oct 16, 2003.
Class action lawsuit filed by injured Lasik eye surgery patients. ABC Action News, Aug 5, 2003
Majka et al v. The Laser Vision Institute, Case No: 03 7210 Div. H, Thirteenth Circuit, in and for Hillsborough County, Florida Civil Division.
Doctor blows the whistle on Lasik eye surgery chain. ABC Action News, Nov 10, 2003.
Low-cost LASIK surgery: Part I, Nov 6, 2003.
Low-cost LASIK surgery: Part II, Nov 10, 2003.
Better Business Bureau of West Florida. Accessed October 19, 2003.
Lasik University
Research more at http://www.lasik.fm
Lasik University
Be Wary of the Lasik Vision Institute
Stephen Barrett, M.D.
The Lasik Vision Institute (LVI), which operates facilities in in many states, advertises $299-per-eye and $499-per-eye rates for Lasik surgery. But regulatory actions and media investigations suggest that this number is intended to lure patients into consultations at which much higher prices are quoted. LVI is subsidiary of Musa Holdings, Inc., of Lake Worth, Florida, which also operates Eyeglass World and has real estate investments [1]. The company is owned by three brothers: Max Musa (chief executive), Marco Musa (president); and Marc Andrea Musa (vice president). [2]
Eyeglass World operates a chain of retail outlets where customers can have their eyes examined by an allegedly independent, licensed optometrist and purchase eyeglasses and corrective lenses. The optometrists lease space in the company's outlets. In 2001, Eyeglass World's Web site stated that it operated 58 outlets in 22 states and that its affiliate company, the Lasik Vision Institute (LVI), operated 31 outpatient laser vision correction centers in 18 states [3]. At that time, LVI was called the Laser Vision Institute and the centers were serviced by a total of 11 ophthalmologists (eye surgeons). Most of the centers had same address as an Eyeglass World store. Today the Web sites list 59 Eyeglass World outlets in 24 states and more than 100 LVI centers.
In 2001, the Florida Attorney General announced that Eyeglass World would pay $500,000 and adopt an arms-length relationship with its affiliated optometrists to settle allegations of unlawful marketing practices [4]. According to the Attorney General's complaint:
Optometrists leasing space in Eyeglass World outlets were pressured by the company to issue unnecessary prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses and limit time spent with each patient.
The company's goal was to maximize the number of patients seen and ensure that every person who had an eye exam bought corrective lenses.
State law prohibits a corporation that leases office space to an optometrist from interfering with their medical practice. In addition to violating that statute, Eyeglass World also:
Engaged in the sale of outdated, used and non-sterile contact lenses.
Sold diagnostic lenses and solution starter kits provided free of charge by the manufacturer.
Misrepresented itself as an approved provider for a certain health insurance plan.
Intentionally misquoted prices over the telephone, engaged in bait and switch advertising and failed to post its no-refund policy at the point of sale.
Failed to have a licensed optician on premises at all times and failed to have proper optical equipment or perform tests required by the FDA to determine product safety.
While admitting no wrongdoing, Eyeglass World agreed to:
Provide for consumer restitution and pay the costs of the state's investigation.
Revise its leases with optometrists to ensure that it does not exert improper influence over their medical practices.
Implement a corporate ethics program that will include live instruction and creation of a corporate ethics manual.
In March 2003, LVI signed an FTC consent agreement to settle charges that the company failed to substantiate claims that its Lasik surgery services eliminate the need for glasses and contacts for life, eliminate the need for reading glasses, and eliminate the need for bifocals. The FTC's complaint also charged that LVI had falsely claimed that consumers would receive a free consultation to determine their candidacy for Lasik. Instead, after an initial meeting with an LVI representative during which the representative quoted a price for the procedure based on their preferred treatment, LVI required consumers to pay a $300 deposit before they were told of the risks associated with the surgery, or if they were eligible candidates for the Lasik procedure. According to the FTC, the $300 deposit was nonrefundable if, after the initial consultation, the consumers elected not to have the surgery. The FTC alleges that only $200 of the deposit was returned to consumers who elected to undergo the surgery but subsequently were rejected for medical reasons. The consent order prohibits unsubstantiated claims that Lasik surgery services or any other refractive surgery services: (a) eliminate the need for glasses and contacts for life; (b) eliminate the need for reading glasses; or c) eliminate the need for bifocals. The order also prohibits LVI from misrepresenting: (a) that consumers will receive a free consultation that determines their candidacy for Lasik or any other refractive surgery services; (b) the cost to consumers to have their candidacy for such refractive surgery services determined; or (c) the information consumers will receive during a consultation for refractive surgery services [5].
There is good reason to believe that the low fees advertised by LVI are difficult or impossible to get and that misrepresentations are common during LVI's "evaluation" process.
In February 2002, KVBC-TV (Las Vegas) reported that (a) the commissions earned by LVI "patient counselors" depended on how many patients they signed up per week; (b) prospective patients were told that they are basically good candidates for the operation; (c) a nonrefundable $100 deposit was required to see an ophthalmologist for definitive advice; (d) a reporter with a degenerative eye disease (who did not meet standard criteria for lasik surgery) paid $300 for further evaluation by an optometrist who said she was suitable; and (e) a reporter who was an ideal candidate for lasik was told that if she paid more than $299 she would get better follow-up care [6].
In October 2002, according to a South Florida Business Journal report, LVI's national operations director said that the $299 price included three months of postoperative care, but the average LVI customer paid close to $1,800 an eye, depending on his or her prescription and if any additional services are added [7].
In July 2003, ABC Action News aired a three-part investigation during which they interviewed former patients and sent an investigator with a hidden camera to see what price is actually quoted. The reporter was told that had special problems and quoted $1,799 per eye by a "counselor" who had no medical background and did not examine his eyes. The reporter was also told he could not see the surgeon for a consultation unless he paid a $100 deposit. Neither the office manager nor Marco Musa would state how many people qualify for the $299 rate. The report included the story of six patients who developed serious eye infections after operations at the LVI in Tampa. Each of the patients had paid "thousands of dollars" for the procedure [8-9].
In September 2003, an investigative team in Cincinnati aired a report describing how a producer visited a local LVI clinic with a hidden camera to see whether the $299 price was quoted. The report described how the producer was told that (a) the surgeon was out-of-town, (b) the price would be $899 per eye, and (c) a $100 deposit was required or the price would go away [10].
Quackwatch has received a complaint from a man who was quoted $299 per eye at a Florida Eyeglass World store. He described how he paid a $100 deposit but was unable to get an appointment for the surgery as promised. When he asked for a refund, he was told that the deposit was nonrefundable because it paid for the eye exam [11].
In August 2003, ABC Action News reported that a class action suit on behalf of patients who were injured or subjected to a bait-and-switch sales process. The lawyer handling the case says he has been unable to find anyone who was offered the $299 rate [12,13].
In November 2003, ABC Action News reported that a former LVI national medical director has left in disgust because LVI was pushing its counselors to recommend punctal plugs to everyone who underwent the surgery. Such plugs, which prevent tears from being drained from the corner of the eye, should only be prescribed to patients who develop dry eyes after surgery, but LVI offered $500 bonuses to counselors who persuaded 50% or more of all patients having surgery to buy them. The report stated that the former medical director was so concerned that warned LVI officials last year that "the pre-operative insertion of punctal plugs in persons with normal eyes is fraudulent" and that operating on patients who have the plugs could cause a serious infection [14].
In November 2003, WGAL-TV, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, broadcast a 2-part series that included comments by eye surgeon Steven Vale, M.D., who said he had performed about 15,000 procedures for LVI and knew of only one that was done for $299 [15,16].
The Better Business Bureau of West Florida reports that the Lasik Vision Institute of Tampa, Florida, has an "unsatisfactory record . . . due to unanswered complaints." [16] A small Yahoo group exists to share thoughts about Eyeglass World.
When done appropriately, refractive surgey can be very helpful. For further information on this topic, click here.
References
Action News exposes Lasik Institute president's lavish lifestyle. ABC Action News, July 23, 2003.
Borbely M. Lasik surgery sales tactics raise eyebrows. Washington Post, Sept 4, 2001.
Careers. Laser Institute Web site, accessed, Feb 12, 2001.
Butterworth B. Eyeglass World to pay $500,000, revise practices under agreement. Florida Attorney General news release, Feb 10, 2001.
Federal Trade Commission stops allegedly misleading representations for lasik eye surgery: Future claims of benefits, performance, efficacy, and safety must be substantiated. FTC news release, March 26, 2003.
Sight for sale. KVBC-TV, Feb 27-29, March 1, 2003.
Robertson K. Low-cost eye surgery back in town. American City Business Journals, Oct 21, 2002.
Action News investigates Lasik Vision Institute after complaints. ABC Action News, July 21, 2003.
Trying to get LVI's advertised rates for Lasik? Good luck. ABC Action News, July 22, 2003.
Target 5 finds flaws in ads for LASIK surgery: Few Customers appear to receive. WLWT-TV, Cincinnati, Sept 25, 2003.
Newberry A. Email to Stephen Barrett, M.D. Oct 16, 2003.
Class action lawsuit filed by injured Lasik eye surgery patients. ABC Action News, Aug 5, 2003
Majka et al v. The Laser Vision Institute, Case No: 03 7210 Div. H, Thirteenth Circuit, in and for Hillsborough County, Florida Civil Division.
Doctor blows the whistle on Lasik eye surgery chain. ABC Action News, Nov 10, 2003.
Low-cost LASIK surgery: Part I, Nov 6, 2003.
Low-cost LASIK surgery: Part II, Nov 10, 2003.
Better Business Bureau of West Florida. Accessed October 19, 2003.
Lasik University
Research more at http://www.lasik.fm
Meet the Lasik Surgeons of The Lasik Vision Institute Surgery Centers
Dr. Thomas Campen, M.D.
Dr. Thomas Campen is a Board Certified ophthalmologist that specializes in cataract and refractive surgery. He received his bachelor's degree from Davidson College and his medical degree from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He completed his internship in internal medicine at the University of Kentucky and St. Agnes Hospital in Baltimore, MD. Dr. Campen completed his residency in ophthalmology at the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI. He received additional training as a corneal fellow at the Louisiana State University Medical Center under the guidance of Dr. Herbert Kaufman.
<Lasik University
He remained on staff as an assistant professor of ophthalmology where his duties included not only performing surgery but also teaching other doctors how to perform microsurgery and refractive surgery.
Dr. Campen was a postdoctoral research fellow in nephrology, immunology, and pathology with the latter completed at the world-renowned Harvard Medical School.
Dr. Campen is a member of the national Board of Medical Examiners, the American Board of Internal Medicine, and the American Board of Ophthalmology and has served as the Medical Director for ICON Laser Center in New Orleans and Schaeffer Laser Vision in Birmingham, AL.
.
Dr. Dean Ellis, M.D.
Dr. Ellis specializes in refractive surgery and he has performed over 33,000 LASIK procedures. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Missouri and completed his residency in ophthalmology at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. He received additional training in LASIK surgery at the Emory Vision Correction Center in Atlanta. His research includes publications on corneal surgery and computerized corneal mapping and he has lectured on LASIK surgery at training programs.
Dr. Ellis is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is board-certified in LASIK surgery by the American Board of Eye Surgery. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Missouri Society of Eye Physicians, and the Kansas City Society of Ophthalmology. He has been certified by the Council for Refractive Surgery Quality Assurance (2004) and was listed in the Guide to America's Top Ophthalmologists (2003). He has received the Physician's Recognition Award from the American Medical Association (2005) and the Distinguished Service Award from the Academy of Ophthalmology (2002).
Dr. Michael Insler, M.D.
Dr. Michael Insler is a graduate of the University of Miami Medical School and is an experienced and well-respected refractive surgeon.
Dr. Insler has performed over 20,000 surgeries. He is a professor of ophthalmology at Louisiana State University Eye Center and guest lecturer on LASIK and ophthalmology both nationally and internationally.
Residency: Tulane Medical School Dept. of Ophthalmology
Fellowship in Cornea at Emory University
Professor of Ophthalmology LSU Eye Center
Director of Refractive Surgery, LSU
Board Certified American Academy of Ophthalmology
Honor Award, American Academy of Ophthalmology
Published over 100 papers in Ophthalmology Journals, edited and author of several books and chapters in Ophthalmology
Dr. Bruce January, M.D.
Dr. January has dedicated his career to refractive surgery. His PRK and LASIK
experience dates back to 1996. Dr. January is a board certified ophthalmic
surgeon with memberships in the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. After receiving his medical degree from the University of Tennessee and completing his ophthalmology residency at Emory University. Dr. January helped found refractive surgery centers throughout the southeast (Orlando, Atlanta, Greenville, Nashville, Biloxi, Houston, San Antonio and El Paso).
As a superlative doctor, he was voted by his medical school faculty as the graduate "most likely to make a significant contribution to the field of medicine." His research as been published in various veterinary and medical publications. The American Academy of Ophthalmology has honored him with the Lifelong Education Award.
He is a member of an elite group of scholarly physicians known as Alpha Omega Medical Honor Society. Having performed more than 35,000 refractive surgery procedures and currently performing nearly 500 LASIK surgeries per month, he is considered by his peers to be one of the most prolific and experienced refractive surgeons in the world.
As medical director of The LASIK Vision Institute™ Houston, his quest is to make state of the art LASIK surgery affordable and safe for consumers.
Dr. George Joseph, M.D.
Dr. George Joseph is a Board Certified, fellowship-trained ophthalmologist and has performed over 30,000 LASIK surgeries and nearly 9,000 cataract procedures. He earned his degree from Georgetown University Medical School in Washington D.C., where he was at the top of his class and the youngest graduating physician. After completing his internship at the Washington Hospital Center, he received his ophthalmology training through Harvard University's Lancaster course in ophthalmology and then at the University of New York at Stonybrook.
Dr. Joseph also completed additional fellowship training in cornea and refractive surgery, becoming one of the first fully fellowship trained LASIK surgeons in the world. He feels privileged to have trained with many of the physicians who helped to develop the Excimer laser used in the LASIK procedure today. This knowledge has provided Dr. Joseph with the expertise to be among the nations leading LASIK surgeons.
Dr. Herbert Kaufman
Dr. Herbert Kaufman is a leader in the development of refractive eye surgery in the United States and has performed over 30,000 surgeries. He is an experienced Board Certified surgeon, has been director of the prestigious Louisiana State University Eye Center, and head of the Department of Ophthalmology.
Dr. Kaufman graduated from Princeton University and received his medical degree from Harvard University. He has received over 20 honors including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Society of Refractive Surgery. Dr. Kaufman has over 700 publications and is a member of over 30 associations, and received the Innovator's award from the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.
Dr. Babur B. Lateef, M.D.
Dr. Babur Lateef is a Board Certified ophthalmologist who specializes in laser vision correction, cataract surgery, diabetes, glaucoma, and comprehensive eye care. Over the past six years, Dr. Lateef has performed over 8,000 refractive procedures, including LASIK, PRK, and LASEK.
Dr. Lateef's level of experience and commitment to patient care place him amongst some of the most highly respected and most sought after surgeons in the country.
Dr. Lateef graduated from Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine, completed residency at the University of Rochester, Strong Memorial Hospital, and completed an internship at Western Reserve Healthcare. Dr. Lateef is an Assistant Clinical Professor at George Washington University.
Dr. Stewart Shofner, M.D.
A cum laude graduate of Harvard University, Dr. Stewart Shofner attended medical school at the University of Virginia, served his residency at Yale University, and was a corneal fellow at Louisiana State University (one of the world's premiere schools of ophthalmology). While at LSU, Dr. Shofner assisted in the treatment of the first fully-sighted laser surgery patients in the United States.
As a cornea specialist, Dr. Shofner has performed over 35,000 LASIK surgeries and other refractive procedures, as well as cataract extractions and cornea transplants. He also provides general and emergency eye care and is experienced in Surgical Reversal of Presbyopia (SRP).
Dr. Shofner is Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, is a member of Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Ophthalmology, the Catroviejo Society, the Nashville Academy of Medicine, Tennessee Medical Association, and the American Medical Association.
Dr. Steven Stetson, M.D.
Dr. Stetson brings top-notch skills and results to The LASIK Vision Institute, drawing from his tradition of excellence as Medical Director and Chief of the Air Force's prestigious Air Force Academy Laser Eye Clinic. His impressive results were published in EyeWorld Magazine in April 2003, with 97% of patients with 20/20 or better and 100% 20/25 or better. Dr. Stetson has performed refractive surgery on some of the nation's best pilots and highest ranked generals, and was the first surgeon to perform LASIK in the Air Force on Air Force members. Dr. Stetson has performed over 10,000 procedures, and after providing award-winning skills to the sight of our Airmen over four years—Dr. Stetson brings that same standard of excellence to you.
Dr. Will Horsley, M.D.
Dr. Will Horsley specializes in refractive surgery and has been studying and practicing refractive procedures since 1978. Dr. Horsley was the first ophthalmologist in New England to be Board Certified in LASIK surgery by the American Board of Eye Surgery.
Dr. Horsley is a graduate of Loma Linda School of Medicine, completed his internship at White Memorial Hospital, and completed his residency training at Tulane University. Dr. Horsley has expertise in both LASIK and Photorefractive Keratotomy and has served on the laser staff at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary.
Dr. Jeffrey S. Karlik, M.D.
Jeffrey S. Karlik M.D. is a Certified Diplomat of the American Board of Ophthalmology. After graduating Summa Cum Laude from the Duquesne University School of Pharmacy, he completed medical school at the University of Pittsburgh.
While enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, he served as an officer in the distinguished Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. Following this he completed his medical internship at Mercy Hospital and ophthalmology residency at Saint Francis Hospital in Pittsburgh, serving as Chief Resident his final year. Dr. Karlik's LASIK expertise was built on his post-residency training.
Dr. Karlik is on the teaching faculty of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He also serves as an instructor in the internal medicine residency program at West Penn Hospital.
Dr. Anthony Roberts, M.D.
Dr. Anthony Roberts is a highly respected and skilled LASIK surgeon who has performed over 20,000 refractive procedures. His refractive procedure experience began with Radial Keratometry and precursors to LASIK. He is highly skilled in no-stitch cataract surgery, as well as treatment of diseases of the cornea.
Dr. Roberts received his undergraduate degree from Howard University and earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine where he received honors in ophthalmology research. Dr. Roberts served as chief resident at Nassau County Medical Center and went on to complete fellowship training at the Armed Forces Institute of Eye Pathology. Dr. Roberts is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Dr. Nilesh M. Sheth, M.D.
Nilesh M. Sheth, M.D. is an ophthalmologist as well as a cornea and refractive surgery specialist. Dr. Sheth is a native of the Detroit Metropolitan area. He received both his Bachelors and Masters degrees from the University of Michigan, where he graduated with honors and earned a merit scholarship. He graduated from Wayne State Medical School with honors for all four years.
He completed his internship at the Detroit Medical Center and finished his ophthalmology residency at Summa Health System, an affiliate of the Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Sheth went on to complete a two-year fellowship in cornea and refractive surgery at Louisiana State University, the center where refractive surgery first began in the United States.
Dr. Sheth's areas of specialization are: refractive surgery including LASIK, LASEK, CUSTOM LASIK, and CK (Conductive Keratoplasty), cornea and external disease including corneal transplants, advanced pterygium surgery, and clear cornea cataract surgery. Dr. Sheth's professional memberships include: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, International Society of Refractive Surgery, American Medical Association, and Michigan Ophthalmologic Society.
Dr. Thomas Campen, M.D.
Dr. Thomas Campen is a Board Certified ophthalmologist that specializes in cataract and refractive surgery. He received his bachelor's degree from Davidson College and his medical degree from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He completed his internship in internal medicine at the University of Kentucky and St. Agnes Hospital in Baltimore, MD. Dr. Campen completed his residency in ophthalmology at the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI. He received additional training as a corneal fellow at the Louisiana State University Medical Center under the guidance of Dr. Herbert Kaufman.
He remained on staff as an assistant professor of ophthalmology where his duties included not only performing surgery but also teaching other doctors how to perform microsurgery and refractive surgery.
Dr. Campen was a postdoctoral research fellow in nephrology, immunology, and pathology with the latter completed at the world-renowned Harvard Medical School.
Dr. Campen is a member of the national Board of Medical Examiners, the American Board of Internal Medicine, and the American Board of Ophthalmology and has served as the Medical Director for ICON Laser Center in New Orleans and Schaeffer Laser Vision in Birmingham, AL.
Dr. Mel J. Clark, M.D.
A native of Kansas City, Dr. Clark attended medical school directly out of high school. In 1981, he attended the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine. There he received a B. A. in Biology and his medical degree.
In 1987-88, Dr. Clark completed his medical internship at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan.
From 1988-91, Dr. Clark completed his ophthalmology residency at the Eye Foundation of Kansas City at the University of Missouri, where he also served as chief resident. It was during this time that Dr. Clark had his first exposure to refractive surgery. The Eye Foundation participated in the initial clinical trials for the Excimer laser in the United States (1989-91).
Dr. Clark was in private practice in Kansas City for 10 years. During that time he was a clinical assistant professor of ophthalmology at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. he was also the Director of Eye Care Services for Kaiser-Permanente of Kansas City.
Dr. Clark was board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology in 1994. He started doing LASIK surgery in Kansas City in 2000.
Dr. Clark is a former Lieutenant Commander in the US Public Health Service. He served for two years with the Indian Health Service in Arizona.
Dr. CLark and family moved to Minnesota four years ago. He has been in private practice there and has performed thousands of refractive procedures in St. Cloud, Plymouth, and Minneapolis.
Dr. Dean Ellis, M.D.
Dr. Ellis specializes in refractive surgery and he has performed over 33,000 LASIK procedures. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Missouri and completed his residency in ophthalmology at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. He received additional training in LASIK surgery at the Emory Vision Correction Center in Atlanta. His research includes publications on corneal surgery and computerized corneal mapping and he has lectured on LASIK surgery at training programs.
Dr. Ellis is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is board-certified in LASIK surgery by the American Board of Eye Surgery. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Missouri Society of Eye Physicians, and the Kansas City Society of Ophthalmology. He has been certified by the Council for Refractive Surgery Quality Assurance (2004) and was listed in the Guide to America's Top Ophthalmologists (2003). He has received the Physician's Recognition Award from the American Medical Association (2005) and the Distinguished Service Award from the Academy of Ophthalmology (2002).
Dr. Michael Insler, M.D.
Dr. Michael Insler is a graduate of the University of Miami Medical School and is an experienced and well-respected refractive surgeon.
Dr. Insler has performed over 20,000 surgeries. He is a professor of ophthalmology at Louisiana State University Eye Center and guest lecturer on LASIK and ophthalmology both nationally and internationally.
Residency: Tulane Medical School Dept. of Ophthalmology
Fellowship in Cornea at Emory University
Professor of Ophthalmology LSU Eye Center
Director of Refractive Surgery, LSU
Board Certified American Academy of Ophthalmology
Honor Award, American Academy of Ophthalmology
Published over 100 papers in Ophthalmology Journals, edited and author of several books and chapters in Ophthalmology
Dr. Ivan Ireland, M.D.
Dr. Ivan A. Ireland is an experienced LASIK surgeon, Board Certified ophthalmologist, and corneal specialist who has performed over 40,000 surgeries. He has completed a fellowship specific to refractive surgery at the Lions Institute in New York, has lectured nationally, and has participated in numerous studies on refractive surgery. Dr. Ireland has held the respected position of clinical instructor at the Medical University of South Carolina and is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine.
Dr. K. Anne Jacobs, M.D.
Dr. K. Anne Jacobs received her medical degree from West Virginia University, obtaining status of Medical Doctor in 1982. She then completed her internship at Alton Oscsner Medical Foundation in New Orleans, Louisiana, and her residency at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.
As Chief Resident at Case Western, she received Board Certification from the American Academy of Ophthalmology on October 30th, 1987. Dr. Jacobs established her membership in the Fellow American College of Surgeons in 1989, and retains licensure by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners, the Ohio State Medical Board and the State of Florida Board of Medicine. Dr. Jacobs completed credentialing in the VISX Excimer Laser system course and a fellowship program in LASIK, for both myopia and hyperopia.
As an innovative practitioner, she continually completes credentialing in other systems as well. As new devices attain their FDA approval, Dr. Jacobs attains the skill and approval to make manifest their promises of success. She is a member of many professional societies:
American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Medical Association, ARVO, ASCRS, International Society of Refractive Surgeons, to name a few. She has also, proudly, held offices in many local societies and organizations.
Dr. Thomas John, M.D.
Thomas John MD received his Cornea Fellowship in Boston, MA at the Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, and Department of Ophthalmology. He also received his Ophthalmology Residency at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Scheie Eye Institute in Philadelphia, PA.
Dr. John is a former Director of Cornea Service, University of Chicago, The Pritzker School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Chicago, Illinois. Dr. John has many awards such as "America's Top Doctor 2004", "Chicago's Top Doctor 2004" and last but not least "America's Top Ophthalmologist, 2004."
Dr. John has also published a surgical video and has been an invited speaker to many prestigious ophthalmology conferences. He has also published numerous scientific articles in ophthalmology journals, presented papers at national and international meetings. He has taught surgical techniques to other ophthalmic surgeons, taught medical students and residents in ophthalmology training.
Dr. Anthony Roberts, M.D.
Dr. Anthony Roberts is a highly respected and skilled LASIK surgeon who has performed over 20,000 refractive procedures. His refractive procedure experience began with Radial Keratometry and precursors to LASIK. He is highly skilled in no-stitch cataract surgery, as well as treatment of diseases of the cornea.
Dr. Roberts received his undergraduate degree from Howard University and earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine where he received honors in ophthalmology research. Dr. Roberts served as chief resident at Nassau County Medical Center and went on to complete fellowship training at the Armed Forces Institute of Eye Pathology. Dr. Roberts is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Dr. Patrick L. Spencer, D.O.
A graduate of Northeast Missouri State University where he earned his B.S. in Biology, Dr. Spencer went on to Philadelphia College of Osteopathi Medicine to earn his Doctor of Osteopathy. He is licensed and board certified by the following organizations:
American Osteopathic Association, American Academy of Ophthalmology, Dayton Area Society of Ophthalmologist, National Medical Society, and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons.
He is associated with Grandview Hospital & Medical Center. His academic and administrative appointments include:
Clinical Associate Ophthalmology Dept. OUCOM, Clinical Associate Wright State University School of Medicine, Team Ophthalmologist-Dayton Dragons AAA Baseball team, Consulting Ophthalmologist University of Dayton Athletic Department.
Dr. Spencer has been performing LASIK surgery for the past seven years.
Dr. Jerome Swale, M.D.
Dr. Jerome Swale received his medical degree from The Chicago Medical School. After completing a surgical internship at Naval Hospital, San Diego and additional training at The Naval Aerospace Medical Institute, Dr. Swale served as Flight Surgeon and General Medical Officer at Alameda Naval Air Station in California, He then completed an ophthalmology residency at The University of Missouri in Kansas City.
Dr. Swale returned home to the Chicago land area in 1991 where he practices comprehensive ophthalmology with an emphasis on cataract and laser eye surgery. He has received extensive training in Laser Vision Correction/LASIK and has performed thousands of eye surgeries throughout his career.
Dr. Swale is a diplomat of the National Board of Medical Examiners as well as Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. He is a member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, the International Society of Refractive Surgery, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
He has served as Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery at both St. Mary's Hospital and Riverside Medical Center.
Dr. Matthew Bushley, M.D.
Dr. Bushley graduated cum laude with a degree in chemistry from Dartmouth College and received his medical degree, with distinction, from the George Washington University School of Medicine. Following his internship and residency in Ophthalmology at Madigan Army Medical Center, he spent three years as a general ophthalmologist and Director of Refractive Eye Surgery at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu. Dr. Bushley completed a fellowship in Cornea, External Diseases and Refractive Surgery at Duke University where he gained advanced training in all modalities of vision correction surgery as well as in the medical and surgical management of complicated corneal disease and cataracts.
Dr. Bushley has received numerous honors and awards, including election into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, and has been recognized for his teaching by the Duke University Eye Center and American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.
Having performed over 2500 LASIK and PRK cases to date, Dr. Bushley is experienced and certified on all of the major refractive surgery laser platforms to include the Bausch and Lomb Technolas, Nidek, Alcon LadarVision, VISX and Allegretto Wavelight.
Dr. Bushley is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and has written several book chapters and published multiple papers in peer-reviewed journals. In addition, he is an active committee member for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and a reviewer for the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. He is a member of the Cornea Society, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Dr. Paul E. Cutarelli, M.D.
Dr. Paul E. Cutarelli is one of the most experienced Nidek LASIK surgeon at The Lasik Vision Institute™ and has performed over 45,000 surgeries. He graduated magna cum laude and completed his residency at the world-renowned Johns Hopkins Hospital. As a Board Certified Ophthalmologist, Dr. Cutarelli has held numerous professional appointments and acted as a laser treatment consultant worldwide.
He is only one of a handful of surgeons who has completed a one-year refractive surgery fellowship and is a cornea specialist. Dr. Cutarelli is abreast of all the latest developments in eye surgery and has remained involved with ophthalmology resident teaching and medical student teaching since 1995.
Dr. Cutarelli was the co-investigator for the FDA Clinical Trials for multiple excimer lasers. He has completed award-winning research in various areas of ophthalmology and has published numerous articles involving laser treatments.
Dr. Michael E. Granberry, M.D.
Dr. Michael E. Granberry is a highly-skilled and well-respected LASIK surgeon who has performed over 50,000 surgeries. Dr. Granberry is a graduate of the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson and completed his internship in general surgery at the renown Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, where he was recognized for excellence in surgical teaching. He remained at the Mayo Clinic and completed a residency in ophthalmology.
Dr. Granberry was involved in biomedical research at the Arizona Cancer Center in Tucson and The National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD. He has several publications and presentations to his credit and has received several research awards.
He is a member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and is a diplomat of the National Board of Medical Examiners.
Dr. John Kownacki, M.D.
John J. Kownacki, M.D. is a highly skilled and experienced eye surgeon. Dr. Kownacki received his M.D. degree and performed his ophthalmology residency at St. Louis University. He is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and was the Chief Ophthalmologist for the Air Force at Davis- Monthan AFB. He has performed studies in the field of refractive surgery and practices the latest technologies using the most up-to-date equipment.
He was certified on the first excimer laser approved in the U.S. in 1995, is now certified on the latest wavefront excimer lasers, and has performed more than 6,000 LASIK procedures. He was the first surgeon in California to perform the newest FDA approved Custom Ablation treatment. He is so confident in the LASIK procedure that he has had LASIK himself, and performed LASIK on his wife, father, mother, brothers and father-in-law. You will not find another surgeon more committed to providing his patients the best that modern medicine has to offer.
Licensure and Board Certification:
Licensed in California, Arizona, and Missouri
1994, Certified Diplomat of the American Board of Ophthalmology
1990, National Board of Medical Examiners
Other Professional Positions & Major Appointments:
1990-1993 Chief Ophthalmologist, USAF
Awards & Honors:
1997, Air Force Commendation Medal
1995, Air Force Achievement Medal
1993, F. Jerald Harrison Award: faculty award for most outstanding ophthalmology resident, St. Louis University
Dr. Angus MacDonald, M.D.
Dr. Angus MacDonald is an ophthalmologist specializing in cataract and refractive surgery. He has an extensive educational and surgical background with over 25 years of clinical experience, and has performed over 18,000 refractive procedures. He earned his medical degree at the University of Western Ontario.
His residency training in ophthalmology was obtained at the Vancouver General Hospital and the University of British Colombia.
Dr. MacDonald was an associate professor of ophthalmology at the University of British Colombia where he was involved in teaching residents pediatric ophthalmology.
He has several publications to his name in the fields of strabismus and cataract surgery. He has also lectured internationally at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive surgery. Dr. MacDonald's goal is to maintain an old fashion, personal, one-on-one relationship with each and every patient, while using only the very latest technology and most advanced surgical techniques.
Professional Memberships:
Fellow of Royal College of Surgeons of Canada
American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
Dr. Mark L. Nelson, M.D.
Dr. Nelson received his undergraduate degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY. and earned his medical degree from F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine at Bethesda, MD.
He is board certified in ophthalmology and had one of the highest scores on the board exam. Dr. Nelson did his fellowship training at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, one of the top institutions in the country as rated by U.S. News and World Report. He has published articles on refractive surgery and other topics in our most prestigious ophthalmology journals and has presented presented lectures at national meetings on refractive surgery. Dr. Nelson was chosen as a Heed Fellow during his fellowship, which is awarded annually to 20 ophthalmologists in the country with the most outstanding academic and research potential.
Dr. Nelson has extensive experience in refractive surgery and has performed over 3,500 refractive surgeries while he continues to maintain a very high level of skills and keeps up with the current technology.
He is licensed in Oregon, Washington State, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. He was board certification from the American Board of Ophthalmology in November 2000.
Dr. Leonard Newman, M.D.
Dr. Leonard Newman is a cornea/refractive surgery specialist trained at Yale University School of Medicine. He attended Georgetown Medical School and has mentored numerous physicians on the intricacies of laser eye surgery. Since then, he has performed thousands of laser vision correction procedures. The laser manufacturer VISX has selected him to perform investigational studies on a new refractive surgery technology called Wavefront Analysis, which will be used for the next generation laser. Dr. Newman is certified on several lasers, including tracking lasers by VISX, the Nidek scanning laser, and the Summit Apex Plus.
Dr. Newman graduated from Georgetown University. He completed internships at Alameda County Medical Center and the Department of Medicine. His ophthalmology residency was completed at Yale University School of Medicine. Dr. Newman completed several fellowships at Cornea / Refractive Surgery, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, and Yale School Of Medicine.
Dr. Mark F. Torres, M.D.
Dr. Mark F. Torres is a Board-Certified ophthalmologist who has performed over 2,000 LASIK refractive procedures. He received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Notre Dame and his medical degree from the University of New Mexico. He completed an internship at William Beaumont Army Medical Center, completed his residency in ophthalmology at Madigan Army Medical Center, and received fellowship training in cornea / external disease / refractive surgery at the Jules Stein Eye Institute of UCLA.
Dr. Torres currently serves as chief of Cornea and External Disease Service, chief of Refractive Surgery Service, and director of the U.S. Army Refractive Surgery and Research Center at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, WA. His memberships include the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.
<Lasik University
Dr. Thomas Campen is a Board Certified ophthalmologist that specializes in cataract and refractive surgery. He received his bachelor's degree from Davidson College and his medical degree from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He completed his internship in internal medicine at the University of Kentucky and St. Agnes Hospital in Baltimore, MD. Dr. Campen completed his residency in ophthalmology at the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI. He received additional training as a corneal fellow at the Louisiana State University Medical Center under the guidance of Dr. Herbert Kaufman.
<Lasik University
He remained on staff as an assistant professor of ophthalmology where his duties included not only performing surgery but also teaching other doctors how to perform microsurgery and refractive surgery.
Dr. Campen was a postdoctoral research fellow in nephrology, immunology, and pathology with the latter completed at the world-renowned Harvard Medical School.
Dr. Campen is a member of the national Board of Medical Examiners, the American Board of Internal Medicine, and the American Board of Ophthalmology and has served as the Medical Director for ICON Laser Center in New Orleans and Schaeffer Laser Vision in Birmingham, AL.
.
Dr. Dean Ellis, M.D.
Dr. Ellis specializes in refractive surgery and he has performed over 33,000 LASIK procedures. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Missouri and completed his residency in ophthalmology at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. He received additional training in LASIK surgery at the Emory Vision Correction Center in Atlanta. His research includes publications on corneal surgery and computerized corneal mapping and he has lectured on LASIK surgery at training programs.
Dr. Ellis is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is board-certified in LASIK surgery by the American Board of Eye Surgery. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Missouri Society of Eye Physicians, and the Kansas City Society of Ophthalmology. He has been certified by the Council for Refractive Surgery Quality Assurance (2004) and was listed in the Guide to America's Top Ophthalmologists (2003). He has received the Physician's Recognition Award from the American Medical Association (2005) and the Distinguished Service Award from the Academy of Ophthalmology (2002).
Dr. Michael Insler, M.D.
Dr. Michael Insler is a graduate of the University of Miami Medical School and is an experienced and well-respected refractive surgeon.
Dr. Insler has performed over 20,000 surgeries. He is a professor of ophthalmology at Louisiana State University Eye Center and guest lecturer on LASIK and ophthalmology both nationally and internationally.
Residency: Tulane Medical School Dept. of Ophthalmology
Fellowship in Cornea at Emory University
Professor of Ophthalmology LSU Eye Center
Director of Refractive Surgery, LSU
Board Certified American Academy of Ophthalmology
Honor Award, American Academy of Ophthalmology
Published over 100 papers in Ophthalmology Journals, edited and author of several books and chapters in Ophthalmology
Dr. Bruce January, M.D.
Dr. January has dedicated his career to refractive surgery. His PRK and LASIK
experience dates back to 1996. Dr. January is a board certified ophthalmic
surgeon with memberships in the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. After receiving his medical degree from the University of Tennessee and completing his ophthalmology residency at Emory University. Dr. January helped found refractive surgery centers throughout the southeast (Orlando, Atlanta, Greenville, Nashville, Biloxi, Houston, San Antonio and El Paso).
As a superlative doctor, he was voted by his medical school faculty as the graduate "most likely to make a significant contribution to the field of medicine." His research as been published in various veterinary and medical publications. The American Academy of Ophthalmology has honored him with the Lifelong Education Award.
He is a member of an elite group of scholarly physicians known as Alpha Omega Medical Honor Society. Having performed more than 35,000 refractive surgery procedures and currently performing nearly 500 LASIK surgeries per month, he is considered by his peers to be one of the most prolific and experienced refractive surgeons in the world.
As medical director of The LASIK Vision Institute™ Houston, his quest is to make state of the art LASIK surgery affordable and safe for consumers.
Dr. George Joseph, M.D.
Dr. George Joseph is a Board Certified, fellowship-trained ophthalmologist and has performed over 30,000 LASIK surgeries and nearly 9,000 cataract procedures. He earned his degree from Georgetown University Medical School in Washington D.C., where he was at the top of his class and the youngest graduating physician. After completing his internship at the Washington Hospital Center, he received his ophthalmology training through Harvard University's Lancaster course in ophthalmology and then at the University of New York at Stonybrook.
Dr. Joseph also completed additional fellowship training in cornea and refractive surgery, becoming one of the first fully fellowship trained LASIK surgeons in the world. He feels privileged to have trained with many of the physicians who helped to develop the Excimer laser used in the LASIK procedure today. This knowledge has provided Dr. Joseph with the expertise to be among the nations leading LASIK surgeons.
Dr. Herbert Kaufman
Dr. Herbert Kaufman is a leader in the development of refractive eye surgery in the United States and has performed over 30,000 surgeries. He is an experienced Board Certified surgeon, has been director of the prestigious Louisiana State University Eye Center, and head of the Department of Ophthalmology.
Dr. Kaufman graduated from Princeton University and received his medical degree from Harvard University. He has received over 20 honors including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Society of Refractive Surgery. Dr. Kaufman has over 700 publications and is a member of over 30 associations, and received the Innovator's award from the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.
Dr. Babur B. Lateef, M.D.
Dr. Babur Lateef is a Board Certified ophthalmologist who specializes in laser vision correction, cataract surgery, diabetes, glaucoma, and comprehensive eye care. Over the past six years, Dr. Lateef has performed over 8,000 refractive procedures, including LASIK, PRK, and LASEK.
Dr. Lateef's level of experience and commitment to patient care place him amongst some of the most highly respected and most sought after surgeons in the country.
Dr. Lateef graduated from Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine, completed residency at the University of Rochester, Strong Memorial Hospital, and completed an internship at Western Reserve Healthcare. Dr. Lateef is an Assistant Clinical Professor at George Washington University.
Dr. Stewart Shofner, M.D.
A cum laude graduate of Harvard University, Dr. Stewart Shofner attended medical school at the University of Virginia, served his residency at Yale University, and was a corneal fellow at Louisiana State University (one of the world's premiere schools of ophthalmology). While at LSU, Dr. Shofner assisted in the treatment of the first fully-sighted laser surgery patients in the United States.
As a cornea specialist, Dr. Shofner has performed over 35,000 LASIK surgeries and other refractive procedures, as well as cataract extractions and cornea transplants. He also provides general and emergency eye care and is experienced in Surgical Reversal of Presbyopia (SRP).
Dr. Shofner is Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, is a member of Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Ophthalmology, the Catroviejo Society, the Nashville Academy of Medicine, Tennessee Medical Association, and the American Medical Association.
Dr. Steven Stetson, M.D.
Dr. Stetson brings top-notch skills and results to The LASIK Vision Institute, drawing from his tradition of excellence as Medical Director and Chief of the Air Force's prestigious Air Force Academy Laser Eye Clinic. His impressive results were published in EyeWorld Magazine in April 2003, with 97% of patients with 20/20 or better and 100% 20/25 or better. Dr. Stetson has performed refractive surgery on some of the nation's best pilots and highest ranked generals, and was the first surgeon to perform LASIK in the Air Force on Air Force members. Dr. Stetson has performed over 10,000 procedures, and after providing award-winning skills to the sight of our Airmen over four years—Dr. Stetson brings that same standard of excellence to you.
Dr. Will Horsley, M.D.
Dr. Will Horsley specializes in refractive surgery and has been studying and practicing refractive procedures since 1978. Dr. Horsley was the first ophthalmologist in New England to be Board Certified in LASIK surgery by the American Board of Eye Surgery.
Dr. Horsley is a graduate of Loma Linda School of Medicine, completed his internship at White Memorial Hospital, and completed his residency training at Tulane University. Dr. Horsley has expertise in both LASIK and Photorefractive Keratotomy and has served on the laser staff at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary.
Dr. Jeffrey S. Karlik, M.D.
Jeffrey S. Karlik M.D. is a Certified Diplomat of the American Board of Ophthalmology. After graduating Summa Cum Laude from the Duquesne University School of Pharmacy, he completed medical school at the University of Pittsburgh.
While enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, he served as an officer in the distinguished Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. Following this he completed his medical internship at Mercy Hospital and ophthalmology residency at Saint Francis Hospital in Pittsburgh, serving as Chief Resident his final year. Dr. Karlik's LASIK expertise was built on his post-residency training.
Dr. Karlik is on the teaching faculty of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He also serves as an instructor in the internal medicine residency program at West Penn Hospital.
Dr. Anthony Roberts, M.D.
Dr. Anthony Roberts is a highly respected and skilled LASIK surgeon who has performed over 20,000 refractive procedures. His refractive procedure experience began with Radial Keratometry and precursors to LASIK. He is highly skilled in no-stitch cataract surgery, as well as treatment of diseases of the cornea.
Dr. Roberts received his undergraduate degree from Howard University and earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine where he received honors in ophthalmology research. Dr. Roberts served as chief resident at Nassau County Medical Center and went on to complete fellowship training at the Armed Forces Institute of Eye Pathology. Dr. Roberts is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Dr. Nilesh M. Sheth, M.D.
Nilesh M. Sheth, M.D. is an ophthalmologist as well as a cornea and refractive surgery specialist. Dr. Sheth is a native of the Detroit Metropolitan area. He received both his Bachelors and Masters degrees from the University of Michigan, where he graduated with honors and earned a merit scholarship. He graduated from Wayne State Medical School with honors for all four years.
He completed his internship at the Detroit Medical Center and finished his ophthalmology residency at Summa Health System, an affiliate of the Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Sheth went on to complete a two-year fellowship in cornea and refractive surgery at Louisiana State University, the center where refractive surgery first began in the United States.
Dr. Sheth's areas of specialization are: refractive surgery including LASIK, LASEK, CUSTOM LASIK, and CK (Conductive Keratoplasty), cornea and external disease including corneal transplants, advanced pterygium surgery, and clear cornea cataract surgery. Dr. Sheth's professional memberships include: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, International Society of Refractive Surgery, American Medical Association, and Michigan Ophthalmologic Society.
Dr. Thomas Campen, M.D.
Dr. Thomas Campen is a Board Certified ophthalmologist that specializes in cataract and refractive surgery. He received his bachelor's degree from Davidson College and his medical degree from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He completed his internship in internal medicine at the University of Kentucky and St. Agnes Hospital in Baltimore, MD. Dr. Campen completed his residency in ophthalmology at the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI. He received additional training as a corneal fellow at the Louisiana State University Medical Center under the guidance of Dr. Herbert Kaufman.
He remained on staff as an assistant professor of ophthalmology where his duties included not only performing surgery but also teaching other doctors how to perform microsurgery and refractive surgery.
Dr. Campen was a postdoctoral research fellow in nephrology, immunology, and pathology with the latter completed at the world-renowned Harvard Medical School.
Dr. Campen is a member of the national Board of Medical Examiners, the American Board of Internal Medicine, and the American Board of Ophthalmology and has served as the Medical Director for ICON Laser Center in New Orleans and Schaeffer Laser Vision in Birmingham, AL.
Dr. Mel J. Clark, M.D.
A native of Kansas City, Dr. Clark attended medical school directly out of high school. In 1981, he attended the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine. There he received a B. A. in Biology and his medical degree.
In 1987-88, Dr. Clark completed his medical internship at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan.
From 1988-91, Dr. Clark completed his ophthalmology residency at the Eye Foundation of Kansas City at the University of Missouri, where he also served as chief resident. It was during this time that Dr. Clark had his first exposure to refractive surgery. The Eye Foundation participated in the initial clinical trials for the Excimer laser in the United States (1989-91).
Dr. Clark was in private practice in Kansas City for 10 years. During that time he was a clinical assistant professor of ophthalmology at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. he was also the Director of Eye Care Services for Kaiser-Permanente of Kansas City.
Dr. Clark was board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology in 1994. He started doing LASIK surgery in Kansas City in 2000.
Dr. Clark is a former Lieutenant Commander in the US Public Health Service. He served for two years with the Indian Health Service in Arizona.
Dr. CLark and family moved to Minnesota four years ago. He has been in private practice there and has performed thousands of refractive procedures in St. Cloud, Plymouth, and Minneapolis.
Dr. Dean Ellis, M.D.
Dr. Ellis specializes in refractive surgery and he has performed over 33,000 LASIK procedures. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Missouri and completed his residency in ophthalmology at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. He received additional training in LASIK surgery at the Emory Vision Correction Center in Atlanta. His research includes publications on corneal surgery and computerized corneal mapping and he has lectured on LASIK surgery at training programs.
Dr. Ellis is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is board-certified in LASIK surgery by the American Board of Eye Surgery. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Missouri Society of Eye Physicians, and the Kansas City Society of Ophthalmology. He has been certified by the Council for Refractive Surgery Quality Assurance (2004) and was listed in the Guide to America's Top Ophthalmologists (2003). He has received the Physician's Recognition Award from the American Medical Association (2005) and the Distinguished Service Award from the Academy of Ophthalmology (2002).
Dr. Michael Insler, M.D.
Dr. Michael Insler is a graduate of the University of Miami Medical School and is an experienced and well-respected refractive surgeon.
Dr. Insler has performed over 20,000 surgeries. He is a professor of ophthalmology at Louisiana State University Eye Center and guest lecturer on LASIK and ophthalmology both nationally and internationally.
Residency: Tulane Medical School Dept. of Ophthalmology
Fellowship in Cornea at Emory University
Professor of Ophthalmology LSU Eye Center
Director of Refractive Surgery, LSU
Board Certified American Academy of Ophthalmology
Honor Award, American Academy of Ophthalmology
Published over 100 papers in Ophthalmology Journals, edited and author of several books and chapters in Ophthalmology
Dr. Ivan Ireland, M.D.
Dr. Ivan A. Ireland is an experienced LASIK surgeon, Board Certified ophthalmologist, and corneal specialist who has performed over 40,000 surgeries. He has completed a fellowship specific to refractive surgery at the Lions Institute in New York, has lectured nationally, and has participated in numerous studies on refractive surgery. Dr. Ireland has held the respected position of clinical instructor at the Medical University of South Carolina and is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine.
Dr. K. Anne Jacobs, M.D.
Dr. K. Anne Jacobs received her medical degree from West Virginia University, obtaining status of Medical Doctor in 1982. She then completed her internship at Alton Oscsner Medical Foundation in New Orleans, Louisiana, and her residency at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.
As Chief Resident at Case Western, she received Board Certification from the American Academy of Ophthalmology on October 30th, 1987. Dr. Jacobs established her membership in the Fellow American College of Surgeons in 1989, and retains licensure by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners, the Ohio State Medical Board and the State of Florida Board of Medicine. Dr. Jacobs completed credentialing in the VISX Excimer Laser system course and a fellowship program in LASIK, for both myopia and hyperopia.
As an innovative practitioner, she continually completes credentialing in other systems as well. As new devices attain their FDA approval, Dr. Jacobs attains the skill and approval to make manifest their promises of success. She is a member of many professional societies:
American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Medical Association, ARVO, ASCRS, International Society of Refractive Surgeons, to name a few. She has also, proudly, held offices in many local societies and organizations.
Dr. Thomas John, M.D.
Thomas John MD received his Cornea Fellowship in Boston, MA at the Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, and Department of Ophthalmology. He also received his Ophthalmology Residency at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Scheie Eye Institute in Philadelphia, PA.
Dr. John is a former Director of Cornea Service, University of Chicago, The Pritzker School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Chicago, Illinois. Dr. John has many awards such as "America's Top Doctor 2004", "Chicago's Top Doctor 2004" and last but not least "America's Top Ophthalmologist, 2004."
Dr. John has also published a surgical video and has been an invited speaker to many prestigious ophthalmology conferences. He has also published numerous scientific articles in ophthalmology journals, presented papers at national and international meetings. He has taught surgical techniques to other ophthalmic surgeons, taught medical students and residents in ophthalmology training.
Dr. Anthony Roberts, M.D.
Dr. Anthony Roberts is a highly respected and skilled LASIK surgeon who has performed over 20,000 refractive procedures. His refractive procedure experience began with Radial Keratometry and precursors to LASIK. He is highly skilled in no-stitch cataract surgery, as well as treatment of diseases of the cornea.
Dr. Roberts received his undergraduate degree from Howard University and earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine where he received honors in ophthalmology research. Dr. Roberts served as chief resident at Nassau County Medical Center and went on to complete fellowship training at the Armed Forces Institute of Eye Pathology. Dr. Roberts is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Dr. Patrick L. Spencer, D.O.
A graduate of Northeast Missouri State University where he earned his B.S. in Biology, Dr. Spencer went on to Philadelphia College of Osteopathi Medicine to earn his Doctor of Osteopathy. He is licensed and board certified by the following organizations:
American Osteopathic Association, American Academy of Ophthalmology, Dayton Area Society of Ophthalmologist, National Medical Society, and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons.
He is associated with Grandview Hospital & Medical Center. His academic and administrative appointments include:
Clinical Associate Ophthalmology Dept. OUCOM, Clinical Associate Wright State University School of Medicine, Team Ophthalmologist-Dayton Dragons AAA Baseball team, Consulting Ophthalmologist University of Dayton Athletic Department.
Dr. Spencer has been performing LASIK surgery for the past seven years.
Dr. Jerome Swale, M.D.
Dr. Jerome Swale received his medical degree from The Chicago Medical School. After completing a surgical internship at Naval Hospital, San Diego and additional training at The Naval Aerospace Medical Institute, Dr. Swale served as Flight Surgeon and General Medical Officer at Alameda Naval Air Station in California, He then completed an ophthalmology residency at The University of Missouri in Kansas City.
Dr. Swale returned home to the Chicago land area in 1991 where he practices comprehensive ophthalmology with an emphasis on cataract and laser eye surgery. He has received extensive training in Laser Vision Correction/LASIK and has performed thousands of eye surgeries throughout his career.
Dr. Swale is a diplomat of the National Board of Medical Examiners as well as Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. He is a member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, the International Society of Refractive Surgery, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
He has served as Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery at both St. Mary's Hospital and Riverside Medical Center.
Dr. Matthew Bushley, M.D.
Dr. Bushley graduated cum laude with a degree in chemistry from Dartmouth College and received his medical degree, with distinction, from the George Washington University School of Medicine. Following his internship and residency in Ophthalmology at Madigan Army Medical Center, he spent three years as a general ophthalmologist and Director of Refractive Eye Surgery at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu. Dr. Bushley completed a fellowship in Cornea, External Diseases and Refractive Surgery at Duke University where he gained advanced training in all modalities of vision correction surgery as well as in the medical and surgical management of complicated corneal disease and cataracts.
Dr. Bushley has received numerous honors and awards, including election into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, and has been recognized for his teaching by the Duke University Eye Center and American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.
Having performed over 2500 LASIK and PRK cases to date, Dr. Bushley is experienced and certified on all of the major refractive surgery laser platforms to include the Bausch and Lomb Technolas, Nidek, Alcon LadarVision, VISX and Allegretto Wavelight.
Dr. Bushley is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and has written several book chapters and published multiple papers in peer-reviewed journals. In addition, he is an active committee member for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and a reviewer for the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. He is a member of the Cornea Society, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Dr. Paul E. Cutarelli, M.D.
Dr. Paul E. Cutarelli is one of the most experienced Nidek LASIK surgeon at The Lasik Vision Institute™ and has performed over 45,000 surgeries. He graduated magna cum laude and completed his residency at the world-renowned Johns Hopkins Hospital. As a Board Certified Ophthalmologist, Dr. Cutarelli has held numerous professional appointments and acted as a laser treatment consultant worldwide.
He is only one of a handful of surgeons who has completed a one-year refractive surgery fellowship and is a cornea specialist. Dr. Cutarelli is abreast of all the latest developments in eye surgery and has remained involved with ophthalmology resident teaching and medical student teaching since 1995.
Dr. Cutarelli was the co-investigator for the FDA Clinical Trials for multiple excimer lasers. He has completed award-winning research in various areas of ophthalmology and has published numerous articles involving laser treatments.
Dr. Michael E. Granberry, M.D.
Dr. Michael E. Granberry is a highly-skilled and well-respected LASIK surgeon who has performed over 50,000 surgeries. Dr. Granberry is a graduate of the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson and completed his internship in general surgery at the renown Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, where he was recognized for excellence in surgical teaching. He remained at the Mayo Clinic and completed a residency in ophthalmology.
Dr. Granberry was involved in biomedical research at the Arizona Cancer Center in Tucson and The National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD. He has several publications and presentations to his credit and has received several research awards.
He is a member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and is a diplomat of the National Board of Medical Examiners.
Dr. John Kownacki, M.D.
John J. Kownacki, M.D. is a highly skilled and experienced eye surgeon. Dr. Kownacki received his M.D. degree and performed his ophthalmology residency at St. Louis University. He is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and was the Chief Ophthalmologist for the Air Force at Davis- Monthan AFB. He has performed studies in the field of refractive surgery and practices the latest technologies using the most up-to-date equipment.
He was certified on the first excimer laser approved in the U.S. in 1995, is now certified on the latest wavefront excimer lasers, and has performed more than 6,000 LASIK procedures. He was the first surgeon in California to perform the newest FDA approved Custom Ablation treatment. He is so confident in the LASIK procedure that he has had LASIK himself, and performed LASIK on his wife, father, mother, brothers and father-in-law. You will not find another surgeon more committed to providing his patients the best that modern medicine has to offer.
Licensure and Board Certification:
Licensed in California, Arizona, and Missouri
1994, Certified Diplomat of the American Board of Ophthalmology
1990, National Board of Medical Examiners
Other Professional Positions & Major Appointments:
1990-1993 Chief Ophthalmologist, USAF
Awards & Honors:
1997, Air Force Commendation Medal
1995, Air Force Achievement Medal
1993, F. Jerald Harrison Award: faculty award for most outstanding ophthalmology resident, St. Louis University
Dr. Angus MacDonald, M.D.
Dr. Angus MacDonald is an ophthalmologist specializing in cataract and refractive surgery. He has an extensive educational and surgical background with over 25 years of clinical experience, and has performed over 18,000 refractive procedures. He earned his medical degree at the University of Western Ontario.
His residency training in ophthalmology was obtained at the Vancouver General Hospital and the University of British Colombia.
Dr. MacDonald was an associate professor of ophthalmology at the University of British Colombia where he was involved in teaching residents pediatric ophthalmology.
He has several publications to his name in the fields of strabismus and cataract surgery. He has also lectured internationally at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive surgery. Dr. MacDonald's goal is to maintain an old fashion, personal, one-on-one relationship with each and every patient, while using only the very latest technology and most advanced surgical techniques.
Professional Memberships:
Fellow of Royal College of Surgeons of Canada
American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
Dr. Mark L. Nelson, M.D.
Dr. Nelson received his undergraduate degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY. and earned his medical degree from F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine at Bethesda, MD.
He is board certified in ophthalmology and had one of the highest scores on the board exam. Dr. Nelson did his fellowship training at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, one of the top institutions in the country as rated by U.S. News and World Report. He has published articles on refractive surgery and other topics in our most prestigious ophthalmology journals and has presented presented lectures at national meetings on refractive surgery. Dr. Nelson was chosen as a Heed Fellow during his fellowship, which is awarded annually to 20 ophthalmologists in the country with the most outstanding academic and research potential.
Dr. Nelson has extensive experience in refractive surgery and has performed over 3,500 refractive surgeries while he continues to maintain a very high level of skills and keeps up with the current technology.
He is licensed in Oregon, Washington State, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. He was board certification from the American Board of Ophthalmology in November 2000.
Dr. Leonard Newman, M.D.
Dr. Leonard Newman is a cornea/refractive surgery specialist trained at Yale University School of Medicine. He attended Georgetown Medical School and has mentored numerous physicians on the intricacies of laser eye surgery. Since then, he has performed thousands of laser vision correction procedures. The laser manufacturer VISX has selected him to perform investigational studies on a new refractive surgery technology called Wavefront Analysis, which will be used for the next generation laser. Dr. Newman is certified on several lasers, including tracking lasers by VISX, the Nidek scanning laser, and the Summit Apex Plus.
Dr. Newman graduated from Georgetown University. He completed internships at Alameda County Medical Center and the Department of Medicine. His ophthalmology residency was completed at Yale University School of Medicine. Dr. Newman completed several fellowships at Cornea / Refractive Surgery, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, and Yale School Of Medicine.
Dr. Mark F. Torres, M.D.
Dr. Mark F. Torres is a Board-Certified ophthalmologist who has performed over 2,000 LASIK refractive procedures. He received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Notre Dame and his medical degree from the University of New Mexico. He completed an internship at William Beaumont Army Medical Center, completed his residency in ophthalmology at Madigan Army Medical Center, and received fellowship training in cornea / external disease / refractive surgery at the Jules Stein Eye Institute of UCLA.
Dr. Torres currently serves as chief of Cornea and External Disease Service, chief of Refractive Surgery Service, and director of the U.S. Army Refractive Surgery and Research Center at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, WA. His memberships include the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.
<Lasik University
Meet Doctor Bruce January of The Lasik Vision Institute Lasik Eye Centers
Dear Lasik Researchers here is some information compiled regarding Lasik Eye Doctor Bruce January. I have heard great things about him. I worked for a Lasik Counselor for 4 years and I only heard great things about him from all of the patients I sent into Lasik Vision Institute. I don't work for LVI anymore so I am non-biased.
<<Lasik University
Dr. Bruce January was born in Los Angeles, California. A graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Dr. January served his ophthalmology residency at Emory University in Atlanta. He received postgraduate training in laser skin resurfacing and skin care at the University of South Alabama and University of California at Los Angeles. In addition to cataract surgery, Dr. January specializes in eyelid plastic surgery for rejuvenation of facial appearance, skin resurfacing to remove wrinkles, and refractive surgery to decrease dependence on glasses or contact lenses. Dedicated to bringing the latest technology to his patients, Dr. January stays abreast of laser techniques and utilizes them in cosmetic and refractive surgery. He believes LASIK surgery for correction of nearsightedness is the greatest advancement that ophthalmology has seen in the past decade. Dr. January enjoys growing orchids and surfing the Internet. His wife, Theresa, and his son, Justin, keep him laughing when he is not at work. Dr. Bruce January, M.D.
Dr. January has dedicated his career to refractive surgery. His PRK and LASIK
experience dates back to 1996. Dr. January is a board certified ophthalmic
surgeon with memberships in the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. After receiving his medical degree from the University of Tennessee and completing his ophthalmology residency at Emory University. Dr. January helped found refractive surgery centers throughout the southeast (Orlando, Atlanta, Greenville, Nashville, Biloxi, Houston, San Antonio and El Paso).
As a superlative doctor, he was voted by his medical school faculty as the graduate "most likely to make a significant contribution to the field of medicine." His research as been published in various veterinary and medical publications. The American Academy of Ophthalmology has honored him with the Lifelong Education Award.
He is a member of an elite group of scholarly physicians known as Alpha Omega Medical Honor Society. Having performed more than 35,000 refractive surgery procedures and currently performing nearly 500 LASIK surgeries per month, he is considered by his peers to be one of the most prolific and experienced refractive surgeons in the world.
As medical director of The LASIK Vision Institute™ Houston, his quest is to make state of the art LASIK surgery affordable and safe for consumers.
To Research more please go to http://www.lasik.fm
<Lasik University
Thank you all
<<Lasik University
Dr. Bruce January was born in Los Angeles, California. A graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Dr. January served his ophthalmology residency at Emory University in Atlanta. He received postgraduate training in laser skin resurfacing and skin care at the University of South Alabama and University of California at Los Angeles. In addition to cataract surgery, Dr. January specializes in eyelid plastic surgery for rejuvenation of facial appearance, skin resurfacing to remove wrinkles, and refractive surgery to decrease dependence on glasses or contact lenses. Dedicated to bringing the latest technology to his patients, Dr. January stays abreast of laser techniques and utilizes them in cosmetic and refractive surgery. He believes LASIK surgery for correction of nearsightedness is the greatest advancement that ophthalmology has seen in the past decade. Dr. January enjoys growing orchids and surfing the Internet. His wife, Theresa, and his son, Justin, keep him laughing when he is not at work. Dr. Bruce January, M.D.
Dr. January has dedicated his career to refractive surgery. His PRK and LASIK
experience dates back to 1996. Dr. January is a board certified ophthalmic
surgeon with memberships in the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. After receiving his medical degree from the University of Tennessee and completing his ophthalmology residency at Emory University. Dr. January helped found refractive surgery centers throughout the southeast (Orlando, Atlanta, Greenville, Nashville, Biloxi, Houston, San Antonio and El Paso).
As a superlative doctor, he was voted by his medical school faculty as the graduate "most likely to make a significant contribution to the field of medicine." His research as been published in various veterinary and medical publications. The American Academy of Ophthalmology has honored him with the Lifelong Education Award.
He is a member of an elite group of scholarly physicians known as Alpha Omega Medical Honor Society. Having performed more than 35,000 refractive surgery procedures and currently performing nearly 500 LASIK surgeries per month, he is considered by his peers to be one of the most prolific and experienced refractive surgeons in the world.
As medical director of The LASIK Vision Institute™ Houston, his quest is to make state of the art LASIK surgery affordable and safe for consumers.
To Research more please go to http://www.lasik.fm
<Lasik University
Thank you all
Meet Lasik Vision Correction Doctor Will Horsley
Meet Lasik Doctor Will Horsley,
Dr. Will Horsley, M.D.
Dr. Will Horsley specializes in refractive surgery and has been studying and practicing refractive procedures since 1978. Dr. Horsley was the first ophthalmologist in New England to be Board Certified in LASIK surgery by the American Board of Eye Surgery.
<Lasik University
Dr. Horsley is a graduate of Loma Linda School of Medicine, completed his internship at White Memorial Hospital, and completed his residency training at Tulane University. Dr. Horsley has expertise in both LASIK and Photorefractive Keratotomy and has served on the laser staff at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary.
You can research different Lasik Eximer lasers at lasik.fm
<Lasik University
Dr. Will Horsley, M.D.
Dr. Will Horsley specializes in refractive surgery and has been studying and practicing refractive procedures since 1978. Dr. Horsley was the first ophthalmologist in New England to be Board Certified in LASIK surgery by the American Board of Eye Surgery.
<Lasik University
Dr. Horsley is a graduate of Loma Linda School of Medicine, completed his internship at White Memorial Hospital, and completed his residency training at Tulane University. Dr. Horsley has expertise in both LASIK and Photorefractive Keratotomy and has served on the laser staff at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary.
You can research different Lasik Eximer lasers at lasik.fm
<Lasik University
FDA-Approved lasers for LASIK
FDA-Approved lasers for LASIK
Approval Number for a particular laser will connect you to another FDA page with links to the Approval Order, Indications for Use, the Summary of Safety and Effectiveness (SSE) and the Labeling for Physician and Patient (labeling is often combined into one document with the patient labeling following the physician labeling). Company and model
Approval number and date
Approved indications
(D = diopters)
<Lasik University
Alcon
- LADARVision P970043/S5
5/9/00 Myopia less than -9.0D with or without astigmatism from -0.5 to -3.0D
Alcon
- LADARVision P970043/S7
9/22/00 Hyperopia less than 6.0D with or without astigmatism less than -6.0D
Alcon
- LADARVision P970043/S10
10/18/02 Wavefront-guided LASIK: Myopia up to -7.0D with or without astigmatism less than 0.5D
Alcon
- LADARVision P970043/S15
6/29/04 Wavefront-guided LASIK: Myopic astigmatism from -0.5D to -4.0D
Alcon
- Apex Plus P930034/S13
10/21/99 Myopia less than -14.0D with or without astigmatism from 0.5 to 5.0D
Bausch & Lomb Surgical
- Technolas 217a P990027
2/23/00 Myopia from -1.0 to -7.0D with or without astigmatism less than -3.0D
Bausch & Lomb Surgical
- Technolas 217a P990027/S2
5/15/02 Myopia less than -11D with or without astigmatism less than -3.0D
Bausch & Lomb Surgical
- Technolas 217a P990027/S4
2/25/03 Hyperopia between 1.0 and 4.0D with or without astigmatism up to 2.0D
Bausch & Lomb Surgical
- Technolas 217z P990027/S6
10/10/03 Wavefront-guided LASIK: Myopia up to -7.0D with or without astigmatism up to -3.0D
Dishler P970049
12/16/99 Myopia from -0.5 to -13.0D with or without astigmatism between -0.5 to -4.0D
Kremer P970005
7/30/98 Myopia from -1.0 to -15.0D with or without astigmatism up to -5.0D
LaserSight
- LaserScan LSX P980008/S5
9/28/01 Myopia from -0.5 to -6.0D with or without astigmatism up to 4.5D
Nidek
- EC5000 P970053/S2
4/14/00 Myopia from -1.0 to -14.0D with or without astigmatism less than 4.0D
VISX
- Star S2 & S3 P930016/S12
4/27/01 Hyperopia between +0.5 and +5.0D with or without astigmatism up to +3.0D
VISX
- Star S2 & S3 P930016/S14
11/16/01 Mixed astigmatism up to 6.0D; cylinder is greater than sphere and of opposite sign
VISX
- Star S2 P990010
11/19/99 Myopia less than -14.0D with or without astigmatism between -0.5 and -5.0D
VISX
- Star S3 (EyeTracker) P990010/S1
4/20/00 Same as S2, except with eye tracker
VISX
- Star S4 & WaveScan WaveFront System P930016/S16
5/23/03 Wavefront-guided LASIK: Myopia up to -6.0D with or without astigmatism up to -3.0D
VISX
- Star S4 & WaveScan WaveFront System P930016/S17
12/14/04 Wavefront-guided LASIK: Hyperopia up to +3.00D with or without astigmatism up to +2.00D
WaveLight
- ALLEGRETTO WAVE P020050
10/07/03 Myopia up to -12.0D with or without astigmatism up to -6.0D.
WaveLight
- ALLEGRETTO WAVE P030008
10/10/03 Hyperopia up to +6.0D with or without astigmatism up to +5.0D.
FDA-Approved lasers for PRK and other refractive surgeries Company and model
Approval number and date
Approved indications
(D = diopters)
Alcon
- LADARVision P970043
11/2/98 PRK; Myopia from -1.0 to -10.0D with or without astigmatism less than -4.0D
Alcon
- Apex & Apex Plus P930034
10/25/95 PRK; Myopia from -1.5 to -7.0D
Alcon
- Apex Plus P930034/S9
3/11/98 PRK; Myopia from -1.0 to -6.0D with or without astigmatism from -1.0 to -4.0D
Alcon
- Apex Plus P930034/S12
10/21/99 PRK; Hyperopia from +1.5 to +4.0D with or without astigmatism less than -1.0D
Bausch & Lomb Surgical
- KERACOR 116 P970056
9/28/99 PRK; Myopia from -1.5 to -7.0D with or without astigmatism less than -4.5D
LaserSight
- LaserScan LSX P980008
11/12/99 PRK; Myopia from -1.0 to -6.0D with or without astigmatism less than 1.0D
Nidek
- EC5000 P970053
12/17/98 PRK; Myopia from -0.75 to -13.0D
Nidek
- EC5000 P970053/S1
9/29/99 PRK; Myopia from -1.0 to -8.0D with or without astigmatism from -0.5 to -4.0D
Refractec
- ViewPoint CK System P010018
4 /11/02 Conductive keratoplasty; Hyperopia from +0.75 to +3.25D with or without astigmatism up to 0.75D
Refractec
- ViewPoint CK System P010018/S5
03/16/2004 Conductive keratoplasty; Monovision in patients with presbyopia with or without hyperopia
Sunrise
- Hyperion P990078
6/30/00 Laser Thermokeratoplasty (LTK); Hyperopia from +0.75 to +2.5D with or without astigmatism less than 0.75D
VISX
- Model B & C (Star & Star S2) P930016
3/27/96 PRK; Myopia from 0 to -6.0D
VISX
- Model B & C (Star & Star S2) P930016/S3
4/24/97 PRK; Myopia from 0 to -6.0D with or without astigmatism from -0.75 to -4.0D
VISX
- Model B & C (Star & Star S2) P930016/S5
1/29/98 PRK; Myopia from 0 to -12.0D with or without astigmatism from 0 to -4.0D
VISX
- Star S2 P930016/S7
11/2/98 PRK; Hyperopia from +1.0 to +6.0D
VISX
- Star S2 & S3 P930016/S10
10/18/00 PRK; Hyperopia from +0.5 to +5.0D with or without astigmatism +0.5 to +4.0D
VISX
- Star S2 & S3 P930016/S13
3/19/01 Add myopia blend zone; increase overall ablation zone from 6.5 to 8.0mm
<Lasik University
Approval Number for a particular laser will connect you to another FDA page with links to the Approval Order, Indications for Use, the Summary of Safety and Effectiveness (SSE) and the Labeling for Physician and Patient (labeling is often combined into one document with the patient labeling following the physician labeling). Company and model
Approval number and date
Approved indications
(D = diopters)
<Lasik University
Alcon
- LADARVision P970043/S5
5/9/00 Myopia less than -9.0D with or without astigmatism from -0.5 to -3.0D
Alcon
- LADARVision P970043/S7
9/22/00 Hyperopia less than 6.0D with or without astigmatism less than -6.0D
Alcon
- LADARVision P970043/S10
10/18/02 Wavefront-guided LASIK: Myopia up to -7.0D with or without astigmatism less than 0.5D
Alcon
- LADARVision P970043/S15
6/29/04 Wavefront-guided LASIK: Myopic astigmatism from -0.5D to -4.0D
Alcon
- Apex Plus P930034/S13
10/21/99 Myopia less than -14.0D with or without astigmatism from 0.5 to 5.0D
Bausch & Lomb Surgical
- Technolas 217a P990027
2/23/00 Myopia from -1.0 to -7.0D with or without astigmatism less than -3.0D
Bausch & Lomb Surgical
- Technolas 217a P990027/S2
5/15/02 Myopia less than -11D with or without astigmatism less than -3.0D
Bausch & Lomb Surgical
- Technolas 217a P990027/S4
2/25/03 Hyperopia between 1.0 and 4.0D with or without astigmatism up to 2.0D
Bausch & Lomb Surgical
- Technolas 217z P990027/S6
10/10/03 Wavefront-guided LASIK: Myopia up to -7.0D with or without astigmatism up to -3.0D
Dishler P970049
12/16/99 Myopia from -0.5 to -13.0D with or without astigmatism between -0.5 to -4.0D
Kremer P970005
7/30/98 Myopia from -1.0 to -15.0D with or without astigmatism up to -5.0D
LaserSight
- LaserScan LSX P980008/S5
9/28/01 Myopia from -0.5 to -6.0D with or without astigmatism up to 4.5D
Nidek
- EC5000 P970053/S2
4/14/00 Myopia from -1.0 to -14.0D with or without astigmatism less than 4.0D
VISX
- Star S2 & S3 P930016/S12
4/27/01 Hyperopia between +0.5 and +5.0D with or without astigmatism up to +3.0D
VISX
- Star S2 & S3 P930016/S14
11/16/01 Mixed astigmatism up to 6.0D; cylinder is greater than sphere and of opposite sign
VISX
- Star S2 P990010
11/19/99 Myopia less than -14.0D with or without astigmatism between -0.5 and -5.0D
VISX
- Star S3 (EyeTracker) P990010/S1
4/20/00 Same as S2, except with eye tracker
VISX
- Star S4 & WaveScan WaveFront System P930016/S16
5/23/03 Wavefront-guided LASIK: Myopia up to -6.0D with or without astigmatism up to -3.0D
VISX
- Star S4 & WaveScan WaveFront System P930016/S17
12/14/04 Wavefront-guided LASIK: Hyperopia up to +3.00D with or without astigmatism up to +2.00D
WaveLight
- ALLEGRETTO WAVE P020050
10/07/03 Myopia up to -12.0D with or without astigmatism up to -6.0D.
WaveLight
- ALLEGRETTO WAVE P030008
10/10/03 Hyperopia up to +6.0D with or without astigmatism up to +5.0D.
FDA-Approved lasers for PRK and other refractive surgeries Company and model
Approval number and date
Approved indications
(D = diopters)
Alcon
- LADARVision P970043
11/2/98 PRK; Myopia from -1.0 to -10.0D with or without astigmatism less than -4.0D
Alcon
- Apex & Apex Plus P930034
10/25/95 PRK; Myopia from -1.5 to -7.0D
Alcon
- Apex Plus P930034/S9
3/11/98 PRK; Myopia from -1.0 to -6.0D with or without astigmatism from -1.0 to -4.0D
Alcon
- Apex Plus P930034/S12
10/21/99 PRK; Hyperopia from +1.5 to +4.0D with or without astigmatism less than -1.0D
Bausch & Lomb Surgical
- KERACOR 116 P970056
9/28/99 PRK; Myopia from -1.5 to -7.0D with or without astigmatism less than -4.5D
LaserSight
- LaserScan LSX P980008
11/12/99 PRK; Myopia from -1.0 to -6.0D with or without astigmatism less than 1.0D
Nidek
- EC5000 P970053
12/17/98 PRK; Myopia from -0.75 to -13.0D
Nidek
- EC5000 P970053/S1
9/29/99 PRK; Myopia from -1.0 to -8.0D with or without astigmatism from -0.5 to -4.0D
Refractec
- ViewPoint CK System P010018
4 /11/02 Conductive keratoplasty; Hyperopia from +0.75 to +3.25D with or without astigmatism up to 0.75D
Refractec
- ViewPoint CK System P010018/S5
03/16/2004 Conductive keratoplasty; Monovision in patients with presbyopia with or without hyperopia
Sunrise
- Hyperion P990078
6/30/00 Laser Thermokeratoplasty (LTK); Hyperopia from +0.75 to +2.5D with or without astigmatism less than 0.75D
VISX
- Model B & C (Star & Star S2) P930016
3/27/96 PRK; Myopia from 0 to -6.0D
VISX
- Model B & C (Star & Star S2) P930016/S3
4/24/97 PRK; Myopia from 0 to -6.0D with or without astigmatism from -0.75 to -4.0D
VISX
- Model B & C (Star & Star S2) P930016/S5
1/29/98 PRK; Myopia from 0 to -12.0D with or without astigmatism from 0 to -4.0D
VISX
- Star S2 P930016/S7
11/2/98 PRK; Hyperopia from +1.0 to +6.0D
VISX
- Star S2 & S3 P930016/S10
10/18/00 PRK; Hyperopia from +0.5 to +5.0D with or without astigmatism +0.5 to +4.0D
VISX
- Star S2 & S3 P930016/S13
3/19/01 Add myopia blend zone; increase overall ablation zone from 6.5 to 8.0mm
<Lasik University
Bausch & Lomb Hansetome™ Zero Compression Microkeratome
Bausch & Lomb Hansetome™ Zero Compression Microkeratome
<Lasik University
The microkeratome is the instrument that creates the corneal flap during the lasik surgery. Early on, microkeratomes were a complicated machine with many small components that required significant maintenance and assembly. These difficulties resulted in higher rates of lasik flap complications rarely seen today.
These complications includes poorly centered flaps, free flaps disconnected from the hinge, flaps that were to thin and too short. Also, the size of the flap was limited to 7-7.5mm.
The Bausch & Lomb Hansetome™ Zero Compression microkeratome allows the ability to create larger, thinner flaps- saving corneal tissue, creating less swelling and smoother flaps for quicker visual rehabilitation. The Zero Compression upgrade has been a significant step forward in preventing corneal abrasions (scratches on the surface of flap). In the past, the abrasion rate was high as 25%. With the Zero compression head it now less than 1%.
<Lasik University
<Lasik University
The microkeratome is the instrument that creates the corneal flap during the lasik surgery. Early on, microkeratomes were a complicated machine with many small components that required significant maintenance and assembly. These difficulties resulted in higher rates of lasik flap complications rarely seen today.
These complications includes poorly centered flaps, free flaps disconnected from the hinge, flaps that were to thin and too short. Also, the size of the flap was limited to 7-7.5mm.
The Bausch & Lomb Hansetome™ Zero Compression microkeratome allows the ability to create larger, thinner flaps- saving corneal tissue, creating less swelling and smoother flaps for quicker visual rehabilitation. The Zero Compression upgrade has been a significant step forward in preventing corneal abrasions (scratches on the surface of flap). In the past, the abrasion rate was high as 25%. With the Zero compression head it now less than 1%.
<Lasik University
Proof Lasik Researchers are Few, Know Lasik before Surgery!
Dear Lasik Researchers this new Gallup Poll proves not many people really are doing there Lasik Research before having Lasik. Please read this article.
Lasik University
New Gallup Poll Shows Most People Know Little About LASIK
ANAHEIM, Calif., Nov. 17 -- Results of a new Gallup poll being reported here this week at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology point to current misperceptions about LASIK surgery, and demonstrate that the public's understanding of laser vision correction is not keeping pace with technological advances in the field.
This survey, involving 1,000 men and women who wear eyeglasses or contact lenses and who have never had laser eye surgery, shows that:
The majority (85 percent) of all survey respondents who have considered LASIK say that it is somewhat important or very important to alleviate their dependency on eyeglasses or contact lenses.
The majority (86 percent) of all survey respondents who have considered LASIK appear to be waiting for a safer laser eye surgery procedure, and roughly one in five are actually fearful of the potential side effects or pain that they believe can be associated with laser vision correction.
More than half (56 percent) of all people polled who have considered LASIK admit that they actually have never spoken with a doctor about the procedure.
Most people (73 percent) participating in this Gallup poll admit that they know nothing at all about new advances in the field, and more than 67 percent actually say that they know little or nothing at all about LASIK in general.
"These survey results are important because they show that people are not taking the right steps to stay informed, or to make informed decisions about laser eye surgery," explains Andrew Caster, MD, clinical instructor of ophthalmology, UCLA Jules Stein Eye Institute and medical director, Caster Eye Center. "LASIK is a virtually painless procedure, but fears about side effects, such as glare, halos and night vision problems, were significant concerns in the past. Today the potential for these unwanted side effects is significantly reduced because new wavefront-guided LASIK makes visual outcomes more predictable than with traditional LASIK."
The majority (73 percent) of both eye glass and contact lens wearers surveyed by Gallup say that they are unaware of this new wavefront technology -- a technology that eye surgeons have been using for more than a year to improve both the quantity and quality of a person's vision, and to reduce long-standing concerns about glare, halos and night vision problems.
According to Dr. Caster, he has performed the new wavefront-guided LASIK procedure on more than 400 patients, and, following surgery, these patients report that they are satisfied or very satisfied with their vision, and most report that their overall vision is far better now than they ever expected it could be.
"Roughly 50 million people in this country are potential candidates for laser vision correction, and the number of people who will undergo this procedure is expected to increase significantly in the future," Dr. Caster explains. "Anyone who might be considering LASIK needs to learn about the new technologies now available to them, and how these technologies can improve outcomes.
"Most importantly, people need to keep in mind that, as with any surgery, there can be risks involved with LASIK. A qualified eye surgeon can address their questions and determine if they are a good candidate for the procedure. Most often, people who have had problems with LASIK were not good candidates for the surgery in the first place."
Other Survey Findings
In this Gallup poll -- the first nationally representative, major public opinion poll to evaluate perceptions about laser eye surgery among potential candidates for the procedure -- respondents also were asked to identify some of the primary obstacles associated with their eye glasses and contact lenses. Additional findings revealed by this survey, which was commissioned by Alcon, Inc. included:
Nearly 40 percent of eye glass wearers who have considered LASIK say that they lost their glasses at least once in the preceding year, with more than half (56.4 percent) of all eye glass wearers saying that they just set their glasses down wherever they are when they remove them.
Forty-four percent of all eyeglass wearers who have considered laser eye surgery say that their glasses broke or required repair within the past 12 months.
Among eyeglass wearers who have considered laser eye surgery, about half (48 percent) say that they had pain at the bridge of their nose or the back of their ears in the past year due to their glasses, and 21 percent say that they suffered headaches as a result of their glasses.
Contact lens wearers report that, within the past year, they most frequently lost their contacts down the drain (28 percent) and in the shower (12 percent).
Forty four percent of all contact lens wearers say that dry eyes or irritated eyes caused by their contacts are the worst things associated with contact lens use.
One-quarter (26 percent) of all contact lens wearers who have considered LASIK say that they have suffered an eye infection in the past year due to their contacts.
"Eye glasses and contact lenses can really interfere with a person's daily routines, and when they cause problems, such as headaches, irritated eyes, or eye infections, people really should talk to an eye doctor about their options for vision correction," says Mark Speaker, MD, says Mark Speaker, MD, PhD, associate clinical professor of ophthalmology, New York Medical College. "Given the tremendous impact of new wavefront technology, people no longer need to put up with the hassles that can go hand-in-hand with corrective eye wear."
The Gallup Organization conducted this public opinion poll in September and October 2003. The 1,000 men and women who participated in this eight- minute telephone survey were screened to include only eyeglass and contact lens wearers, between the ages of 18 and 60, who had never had laser eye surgery. For results based on samples of this size, at the 95 percent confidence level, the error attributable to sampling and other random effects could be plus or minus three percentage points. Copies of the full Gallup poll findings can be obtained by contacting Erin Boyd, at 602.618.7938.
Thank you and check back for more Lasik Information.
Lasik University
Lasik Counselor
Lasik University
New Gallup Poll Shows Most People Know Little About LASIK
ANAHEIM, Calif., Nov. 17 -- Results of a new Gallup poll being reported here this week at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology point to current misperceptions about LASIK surgery, and demonstrate that the public's understanding of laser vision correction is not keeping pace with technological advances in the field.
This survey, involving 1,000 men and women who wear eyeglasses or contact lenses and who have never had laser eye surgery, shows that:
The majority (85 percent) of all survey respondents who have considered LASIK say that it is somewhat important or very important to alleviate their dependency on eyeglasses or contact lenses.
The majority (86 percent) of all survey respondents who have considered LASIK appear to be waiting for a safer laser eye surgery procedure, and roughly one in five are actually fearful of the potential side effects or pain that they believe can be associated with laser vision correction.
More than half (56 percent) of all people polled who have considered LASIK admit that they actually have never spoken with a doctor about the procedure.
Most people (73 percent) participating in this Gallup poll admit that they know nothing at all about new advances in the field, and more than 67 percent actually say that they know little or nothing at all about LASIK in general.
"These survey results are important because they show that people are not taking the right steps to stay informed, or to make informed decisions about laser eye surgery," explains Andrew Caster, MD, clinical instructor of ophthalmology, UCLA Jules Stein Eye Institute and medical director, Caster Eye Center. "LASIK is a virtually painless procedure, but fears about side effects, such as glare, halos and night vision problems, were significant concerns in the past. Today the potential for these unwanted side effects is significantly reduced because new wavefront-guided LASIK makes visual outcomes more predictable than with traditional LASIK."
The majority (73 percent) of both eye glass and contact lens wearers surveyed by Gallup say that they are unaware of this new wavefront technology -- a technology that eye surgeons have been using for more than a year to improve both the quantity and quality of a person's vision, and to reduce long-standing concerns about glare, halos and night vision problems.
According to Dr. Caster, he has performed the new wavefront-guided LASIK procedure on more than 400 patients, and, following surgery, these patients report that they are satisfied or very satisfied with their vision, and most report that their overall vision is far better now than they ever expected it could be.
"Roughly 50 million people in this country are potential candidates for laser vision correction, and the number of people who will undergo this procedure is expected to increase significantly in the future," Dr. Caster explains. "Anyone who might be considering LASIK needs to learn about the new technologies now available to them, and how these technologies can improve outcomes.
"Most importantly, people need to keep in mind that, as with any surgery, there can be risks involved with LASIK. A qualified eye surgeon can address their questions and determine if they are a good candidate for the procedure. Most often, people who have had problems with LASIK were not good candidates for the surgery in the first place."
Other Survey Findings
In this Gallup poll -- the first nationally representative, major public opinion poll to evaluate perceptions about laser eye surgery among potential candidates for the procedure -- respondents also were asked to identify some of the primary obstacles associated with their eye glasses and contact lenses. Additional findings revealed by this survey, which was commissioned by Alcon, Inc. included:
Nearly 40 percent of eye glass wearers who have considered LASIK say that they lost their glasses at least once in the preceding year, with more than half (56.4 percent) of all eye glass wearers saying that they just set their glasses down wherever they are when they remove them.
Forty-four percent of all eyeglass wearers who have considered laser eye surgery say that their glasses broke or required repair within the past 12 months.
Among eyeglass wearers who have considered laser eye surgery, about half (48 percent) say that they had pain at the bridge of their nose or the back of their ears in the past year due to their glasses, and 21 percent say that they suffered headaches as a result of their glasses.
Contact lens wearers report that, within the past year, they most frequently lost their contacts down the drain (28 percent) and in the shower (12 percent).
Forty four percent of all contact lens wearers say that dry eyes or irritated eyes caused by their contacts are the worst things associated with contact lens use.
One-quarter (26 percent) of all contact lens wearers who have considered LASIK say that they have suffered an eye infection in the past year due to their contacts.
"Eye glasses and contact lenses can really interfere with a person's daily routines, and when they cause problems, such as headaches, irritated eyes, or eye infections, people really should talk to an eye doctor about their options for vision correction," says Mark Speaker, MD, says Mark Speaker, MD, PhD, associate clinical professor of ophthalmology, New York Medical College. "Given the tremendous impact of new wavefront technology, people no longer need to put up with the hassles that can go hand-in-hand with corrective eye wear."
The Gallup Organization conducted this public opinion poll in September and October 2003. The 1,000 men and women who participated in this eight- minute telephone survey were screened to include only eyeglass and contact lens wearers, between the ages of 18 and 60, who had never had laser eye surgery. For results based on samples of this size, at the 95 percent confidence level, the error attributable to sampling and other random effects could be plus or minus three percentage points. Copies of the full Gallup poll findings can be obtained by contacting Erin Boyd, at 602.618.7938.
Thank you and check back for more Lasik Information.
Lasik University
Lasik Counselor
Lasik Mobile Units Caution Warning!
Dear Lasik Mobile Unit Researchers, please read this article from the Medical Society And Pennsylvania Academy Of Ophthalmology Regarding On-The-Road Laser Eye Surgery
<Lasik University
Statement attributable to Michael J. Azar, MD, President, Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology
Patient safety is the highest concern for members of the Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology, and today, we join the efforts of the Pennsylvania Medical Society to raise awareness of a hole in the safety net for eye care.
In recent months, mobile truck units have traveled across Pennsylvania to perform laser eye surgery. This new development has the potential of serving the needs of patients. However, we are concerned that the current regulations regarding surgical facilities need to be updated to reflect the development of these on-the-road units. Unfortunately, when the regulations were written, the state had no way of knowing that someday laser eye surgery could be performed out of the back of a truck. As a result, these units roam freely in Pennsylvania without any oversight by the state's department of health.
Both, the Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology and the Pennsylvania Medical Society are encouraging the state department of health to review existing regulations and update them to reflect the changing medical environment with respect to ambulatory surgical facilities.
Statement attributable to Dr. Jitendra M. Desai, President, Pennsylvania Medical Society
Laser surgery to correct vision problems is a remarkable advancement in medicine that many patients have enjoyed in recent years. Traditionally, these procedures occur in a dedicated ambulatory surgical facility regulated by the state department of health. Historically, all regulations are intended to protect patients.
But, medicine is changing. And, sometimes it changes so fast that regulations become outdated and need to be reviewed. One such development is mobile laser surgery units. These units are beginning to travel throughout Pennsylvania, setting up shop in parking lots and other off-street locations to perform surgery out of the back of a truck.
While they provide a service that's in demand, members of the Pennsylvania Medical Society and the Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology want to ensure the highest standards of patient safety. And, because these mobile units fall through the cracks in regulatory oversight, both organizations are alerting the Pennsylvania State Department of Health of the situation, and encouraging the state to explore regulation clarity and, if needed, seek modifications to ensure continued patient safety.
Once again please use caution and do your research before having Lasik Eye Surgery in a Lasik Mobile Surgery Unit.
Lasik University
Thank You
Lasik Counselor
<Lasik University
Statement attributable to Michael J. Azar, MD, President, Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology
Patient safety is the highest concern for members of the Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology, and today, we join the efforts of the Pennsylvania Medical Society to raise awareness of a hole in the safety net for eye care.
In recent months, mobile truck units have traveled across Pennsylvania to perform laser eye surgery. This new development has the potential of serving the needs of patients. However, we are concerned that the current regulations regarding surgical facilities need to be updated to reflect the development of these on-the-road units. Unfortunately, when the regulations were written, the state had no way of knowing that someday laser eye surgery could be performed out of the back of a truck. As a result, these units roam freely in Pennsylvania without any oversight by the state's department of health.
Both, the Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology and the Pennsylvania Medical Society are encouraging the state department of health to review existing regulations and update them to reflect the changing medical environment with respect to ambulatory surgical facilities.
Statement attributable to Dr. Jitendra M. Desai, President, Pennsylvania Medical Society
Laser surgery to correct vision problems is a remarkable advancement in medicine that many patients have enjoyed in recent years. Traditionally, these procedures occur in a dedicated ambulatory surgical facility regulated by the state department of health. Historically, all regulations are intended to protect patients.
But, medicine is changing. And, sometimes it changes so fast that regulations become outdated and need to be reviewed. One such development is mobile laser surgery units. These units are beginning to travel throughout Pennsylvania, setting up shop in parking lots and other off-street locations to perform surgery out of the back of a truck.
While they provide a service that's in demand, members of the Pennsylvania Medical Society and the Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology want to ensure the highest standards of patient safety. And, because these mobile units fall through the cracks in regulatory oversight, both organizations are alerting the Pennsylvania State Department of Health of the situation, and encouraging the state to explore regulation clarity and, if needed, seek modifications to ensure continued patient safety.
Once again please use caution and do your research before having Lasik Eye Surgery in a Lasik Mobile Surgery Unit.
Lasik University
Thank You
Lasik Counselor
Lasik Article from a Lasik Insider
When it comes to researching Lasik it’s often hard to know where to begin.
Lasik University
This article will give you a brief outline on what to look for in a Lasik Doctor, what to look for in Lasik Technology and what to look for in a Lasik Pre and Post-Operative Care. I have been a Lasik Counselor for almost 4 years at one of the world’s largest Lasik Providers. I have had the opportunity to facilitate several thousand Lasik Eye Surgeries. I have talked with people across this nation and even some people overseas about their particular situations with their vision. What people need to know is that they need to research the actual Ophthalmologist who will be performing their Lasik Procedure very thoroughly. Many times the doctor you see for your pre-operative exam is not the doctor who will be operating on your precious eyes. You first need to find out how many Lasik procedures have actually been performed by the Doctor. You also need to find out how many of these procedures where conventional or traditional Lasik. You need to find out how many of these procedures where custom Lasik. You need to find out how many where alternative methods of Laser Vision Correction such as PRK, LTK, CK, epi-lasik, Lasek and others. Please make sure you research the educational credentials of the Doctor such as are they board certified? Is your Doctor certified by the Laser Manufacturer to operate the particular laser they want to use to correct your vision? You will also want to know what method the Doctor is going to use to create the corneal flap, which is the first step of the Lasik Procedure? Even Intra-Lasik or No-touch Lasik uses an Intralase Laser to create the corneal flap and then uses a spatula to scrap up the epithelia layer of cells. Please ask your Doctor if their medical license was issued in the same state where they are practicing? There are many doctors who will fly to many different states and perform lasik and they are not even licensed in that state. Make sure you have Lasik with a Doctor who resides at least a respectable distance from your home in case of emergencies or if Lasik Complications arise where you need to see the doctor immediately. Many patients find out the hard way that they may have to wait a couple of months to see the actual doctor who performed their Lasik Procedure. Do not make this mistake please.
The first questions I ask a potential Lasik patient would clear them from going any further into the Lasik inquiry process. I would ask are you pregnant or breast-feeding. If a woman were pregnant she would have to wait approximately 90 days before coming in for a Lasik Exam. If a woman is breastfeeding she will have to unfortunately wait 90 days after she stops the breastfeeding to come in for a Lasik Evaluation. The reason behind this is that hormone levels are changing in a pregnant woman’s body, which can cause vision fluctuations to occur giving unstable prescription readings to the doctor. If Lasik was performed on this type of patient they would probably end up having to come back in for an enhancement due to the fact their vision will probably change resulting in the need for a second Lasik Treatment. After clearing a potential patient of that issue I would inquire if the patient has had any previous eye surgery. If you have had previous eye procedures please inquire with your own doctor to see if he or she recommends pursuing Lasik Vision Correction. Usually Cataracts, Keratoconus and Keloid scarring will deem a patient a non-candidate for Lasik. Some patients with the early stages of cataracts may still be a Lasik candidate. If a patient has amblyopic which is also known as lazy eye there is a high chance they will be a non-candidate. However there are some Lasik Surgeons who will conduct Lasik on an Amblyopic patient. Once again please consult your own personal eye doctor for the best guidance for your particular vision situation. After clearing a patient of the most common vision disorders that would deem them a non-candidate I then try to pinpoint with the patient as to what there main vision problem actually is. I ask whether they have difficulty seeing distance where the are considered nearsighted or if they have problems seeing up close where they are considered either farsighted or presbyopic. If the patient answers back that yes they have a problem seeing up close I then know I need to determine whether or not they are either farsighted which is known as Hyperopic or if they have Presbyopia. The way I roughly determine is to whether or not is a problem with hyperopia or presbyopia is done in the following manner: First I ask the patient if the up close reading problem has been that way all of there life or if the up close problem had progressed over time. I ask the patient if they once had perfect vision. If the patient states that they once had perfect eyesight then most likely the patient may have presbyopia. Presbyopia is the natural wearing down of the muscle that focuses the cornea. As we all get older there is a chance we may need readers or cheaters to read up close. Lasik can correct for your distance vision and any astigmatism that you may have as long as your prescription falls within the range of what is approved by the FDA. There are really only a couple of options that can be done to correct the up close reading problem of presbyopia. Mono-Vision can be conducted where one eye is corrected for distance and the other eye for up-close. The two are melded together to form Mono-Vision. Some older people love Mono-Vision and some people can never become acclimated to this scenario. You will lose some depth perception with this procedure. The other is CK or Conductive Keratoplasty. This is just a more updated modernized version of Mono-Vision. CK uses RF Frequency witch are radio waves, which actually shrink or tighten the muscles that focus the cornea. This procedure will wear off or diminish over an average period of 5 to 7 years. Over time CK will have to be repeated to duplicate the original correction. There are also other alternative methods of correcting this old-age condition of presbyopia. There are certain lens implant procedures that can be done. Please check back to learn more on these methods of vision correction. After identifying one of these problems I then will inquire whether or not the patient may have astigmatism. There are different levels of astigmatism ranging from slight to a real high astigmatism. If a patient is myopic or nearsighted with no astigmatism this is usually the best type of Lasik Candidate and should achieve the best results after the Lasik Procedure. If the patient has a low to moderate astigmatism this also should be corrected with no major problems. If a person has a higher-level astigmatism they may be a candidate as long as their prescription falls within the level of FDA approval for treatment with the particular laser that will be used. It is also up to the Doctor whether or not he or she feels comfortable treating such a high level of astigmatism. There are many FDA approved excimer lasers out there. There are lasers that are specifically designed to treat high levels of astigmatism. The VISX Star 4 Eye tracker Laser, The Bausch and Lomb Technolas 217 A, The LadarVision Laser and The Allegretto Wavelight Laser are some of the powerful excimer lasers that can treat a high-complicated prescription. Sometimes a patient’s astigmatism is actually higher than the actual power of the prescription. This particular scenario would require one of these lasers. If patient is nearsighted with a positive astigmatism this is commonly known as a mixed astigmatism and would require a more advanced laser. Please visit www.LaserChoice.com to research Lasik Excimer Lasers approved by the FDA and other lasers used around the world for Laser Vision Correction.
The price for Lasik has been a hot topic over the past few years. There are many National Lasik Providers that advertise Lasik pricing from as low as $299 per eye. I can tell you that if you prescription is a nearsighted one and you do not have an astigmatism you have a great chance of getting a super price for the Lasik Procedure. Keep in mind Traditional or Conventional Lasik will be a lower costing procedure than the more advanced Custom Lasik Procedure. If you have a high prescription with astigmatism your price will probably be a little higher. If your prescription is hyperopic with astigmatism it will definitely be higher. The most expensive procedure is Custom Lasik and it’s even more expensive if you get the Intra-Lasik Custom Lasik done. This is the newest method of creating the corneal flap instead of your traditional Micro-keratome method. The microkeratome or Bausch and Lomb hansetome are hand held devices used to create the corneal flap in the first step of the Lasik Procedure. I will be going over the flap creation process with you. Many private single office Lasik providers will have much higher pricing due to the fact you will be receiving much more individual personalized care from the actual Lasik Doctor who will conducting your procedure. The cost of the laser will also come into play as well. Some National Lasik Chains will have great agreements with Laser Providers keeping the cost of the Lasik Key Cards Down. These are cards purchased for each eye or procedure from the Laser Manufacturer. This is how some Laser Companies get paid royalty fees for each patient. Nidek is a Japanese Laser provider which has FDA approved lasers that do not operate on this royalty key card system. Nidek sells their lasers outright with no royalty fees. This is why The Nidek EC 5000 is probably the world’s most poplular excimer laser. I would say the VISX laser is The United States most popular laser company. Please check back for the continuation of this article, it will be well worth it.
Lasik University
Lasik University
This article will give you a brief outline on what to look for in a Lasik Doctor, what to look for in Lasik Technology and what to look for in a Lasik Pre and Post-Operative Care. I have been a Lasik Counselor for almost 4 years at one of the world’s largest Lasik Providers. I have had the opportunity to facilitate several thousand Lasik Eye Surgeries. I have talked with people across this nation and even some people overseas about their particular situations with their vision. What people need to know is that they need to research the actual Ophthalmologist who will be performing their Lasik Procedure very thoroughly. Many times the doctor you see for your pre-operative exam is not the doctor who will be operating on your precious eyes. You first need to find out how many Lasik procedures have actually been performed by the Doctor. You also need to find out how many of these procedures where conventional or traditional Lasik. You need to find out how many of these procedures where custom Lasik. You need to find out how many where alternative methods of Laser Vision Correction such as PRK, LTK, CK, epi-lasik, Lasek and others. Please make sure you research the educational credentials of the Doctor such as are they board certified? Is your Doctor certified by the Laser Manufacturer to operate the particular laser they want to use to correct your vision? You will also want to know what method the Doctor is going to use to create the corneal flap, which is the first step of the Lasik Procedure? Even Intra-Lasik or No-touch Lasik uses an Intralase Laser to create the corneal flap and then uses a spatula to scrap up the epithelia layer of cells. Please ask your Doctor if their medical license was issued in the same state where they are practicing? There are many doctors who will fly to many different states and perform lasik and they are not even licensed in that state. Make sure you have Lasik with a Doctor who resides at least a respectable distance from your home in case of emergencies or if Lasik Complications arise where you need to see the doctor immediately. Many patients find out the hard way that they may have to wait a couple of months to see the actual doctor who performed their Lasik Procedure. Do not make this mistake please.
The first questions I ask a potential Lasik patient would clear them from going any further into the Lasik inquiry process. I would ask are you pregnant or breast-feeding. If a woman were pregnant she would have to wait approximately 90 days before coming in for a Lasik Exam. If a woman is breastfeeding she will have to unfortunately wait 90 days after she stops the breastfeeding to come in for a Lasik Evaluation. The reason behind this is that hormone levels are changing in a pregnant woman’s body, which can cause vision fluctuations to occur giving unstable prescription readings to the doctor. If Lasik was performed on this type of patient they would probably end up having to come back in for an enhancement due to the fact their vision will probably change resulting in the need for a second Lasik Treatment. After clearing a potential patient of that issue I would inquire if the patient has had any previous eye surgery. If you have had previous eye procedures please inquire with your own doctor to see if he or she recommends pursuing Lasik Vision Correction. Usually Cataracts, Keratoconus and Keloid scarring will deem a patient a non-candidate for Lasik. Some patients with the early stages of cataracts may still be a Lasik candidate. If a patient has amblyopic which is also known as lazy eye there is a high chance they will be a non-candidate. However there are some Lasik Surgeons who will conduct Lasik on an Amblyopic patient. Once again please consult your own personal eye doctor for the best guidance for your particular vision situation. After clearing a patient of the most common vision disorders that would deem them a non-candidate I then try to pinpoint with the patient as to what there main vision problem actually is. I ask whether they have difficulty seeing distance where the are considered nearsighted or if they have problems seeing up close where they are considered either farsighted or presbyopic. If the patient answers back that yes they have a problem seeing up close I then know I need to determine whether or not they are either farsighted which is known as Hyperopic or if they have Presbyopia. The way I roughly determine is to whether or not is a problem with hyperopia or presbyopia is done in the following manner: First I ask the patient if the up close reading problem has been that way all of there life or if the up close problem had progressed over time. I ask the patient if they once had perfect vision. If the patient states that they once had perfect eyesight then most likely the patient may have presbyopia. Presbyopia is the natural wearing down of the muscle that focuses the cornea. As we all get older there is a chance we may need readers or cheaters to read up close. Lasik can correct for your distance vision and any astigmatism that you may have as long as your prescription falls within the range of what is approved by the FDA. There are really only a couple of options that can be done to correct the up close reading problem of presbyopia. Mono-Vision can be conducted where one eye is corrected for distance and the other eye for up-close. The two are melded together to form Mono-Vision. Some older people love Mono-Vision and some people can never become acclimated to this scenario. You will lose some depth perception with this procedure. The other is CK or Conductive Keratoplasty. This is just a more updated modernized version of Mono-Vision. CK uses RF Frequency witch are radio waves, which actually shrink or tighten the muscles that focus the cornea. This procedure will wear off or diminish over an average period of 5 to 7 years. Over time CK will have to be repeated to duplicate the original correction. There are also other alternative methods of correcting this old-age condition of presbyopia. There are certain lens implant procedures that can be done. Please check back to learn more on these methods of vision correction. After identifying one of these problems I then will inquire whether or not the patient may have astigmatism. There are different levels of astigmatism ranging from slight to a real high astigmatism. If a patient is myopic or nearsighted with no astigmatism this is usually the best type of Lasik Candidate and should achieve the best results after the Lasik Procedure. If the patient has a low to moderate astigmatism this also should be corrected with no major problems. If a person has a higher-level astigmatism they may be a candidate as long as their prescription falls within the level of FDA approval for treatment with the particular laser that will be used. It is also up to the Doctor whether or not he or she feels comfortable treating such a high level of astigmatism. There are many FDA approved excimer lasers out there. There are lasers that are specifically designed to treat high levels of astigmatism. The VISX Star 4 Eye tracker Laser, The Bausch and Lomb Technolas 217 A, The LadarVision Laser and The Allegretto Wavelight Laser are some of the powerful excimer lasers that can treat a high-complicated prescription. Sometimes a patient’s astigmatism is actually higher than the actual power of the prescription. This particular scenario would require one of these lasers. If patient is nearsighted with a positive astigmatism this is commonly known as a mixed astigmatism and would require a more advanced laser. Please visit www.LaserChoice.com to research Lasik Excimer Lasers approved by the FDA and other lasers used around the world for Laser Vision Correction.
The price for Lasik has been a hot topic over the past few years. There are many National Lasik Providers that advertise Lasik pricing from as low as $299 per eye. I can tell you that if you prescription is a nearsighted one and you do not have an astigmatism you have a great chance of getting a super price for the Lasik Procedure. Keep in mind Traditional or Conventional Lasik will be a lower costing procedure than the more advanced Custom Lasik Procedure. If you have a high prescription with astigmatism your price will probably be a little higher. If your prescription is hyperopic with astigmatism it will definitely be higher. The most expensive procedure is Custom Lasik and it’s even more expensive if you get the Intra-Lasik Custom Lasik done. This is the newest method of creating the corneal flap instead of your traditional Micro-keratome method. The microkeratome or Bausch and Lomb hansetome are hand held devices used to create the corneal flap in the first step of the Lasik Procedure. I will be going over the flap creation process with you. Many private single office Lasik providers will have much higher pricing due to the fact you will be receiving much more individual personalized care from the actual Lasik Doctor who will conducting your procedure. The cost of the laser will also come into play as well. Some National Lasik Chains will have great agreements with Laser Providers keeping the cost of the Lasik Key Cards Down. These are cards purchased for each eye or procedure from the Laser Manufacturer. This is how some Laser Companies get paid royalty fees for each patient. Nidek is a Japanese Laser provider which has FDA approved lasers that do not operate on this royalty key card system. Nidek sells their lasers outright with no royalty fees. This is why The Nidek EC 5000 is probably the world’s most poplular excimer laser. I would say the VISX laser is The United States most popular laser company. Please check back for the continuation of this article, it will be well worth it.
Lasik University
What should you expect from a Lasik Consultation?
What happens at a Lasik Consultation?
Lasik University
Hi Folks, let me give you a brief overview of what actually will take place as you arrive for a free lasik consultation. Really the Lasik consultation is a chance for you the potential lasik patient to get a feel for the center you are visiting. The appointment usually lasts from 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy that particular center is that day. Some centers will keep to an organized spaced out schedule where each potential lasik patient is seen on time while other centers will have a waiting room jam packed full of people who will sometimes wait up to over 1 hour to be seen by a patient counselor. It is not uncommon to also have customers walk out due to really long wait times.
When your name is called you will meet with a Patient Counselor who really is a salesperson. On your first visit you will almost never meet with a Doctor so don't be fooled into thinking a patient counselor is a doctor. Patient Counselors have almost no medical training. They are trained by Center Managers who train them to sell the Lasik Procedure to any candidate. (not yet complete, please check back
soon)
Lasik University
Lasik University
Hi Folks, let me give you a brief overview of what actually will take place as you arrive for a free lasik consultation. Really the Lasik consultation is a chance for you the potential lasik patient to get a feel for the center you are visiting. The appointment usually lasts from 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy that particular center is that day. Some centers will keep to an organized spaced out schedule where each potential lasik patient is seen on time while other centers will have a waiting room jam packed full of people who will sometimes wait up to over 1 hour to be seen by a patient counselor. It is not uncommon to also have customers walk out due to really long wait times.
When your name is called you will meet with a Patient Counselor who really is a salesperson. On your first visit you will almost never meet with a Doctor so don't be fooled into thinking a patient counselor is a doctor. Patient Counselors have almost no medical training. They are trained by Center Managers who train them to sell the Lasik Procedure to any candidate. (not yet complete, please check back
soon)
Lasik University
Lumenis Announces that the ALLEGRETTO WAVE Excimer Laser Receives FDA Clearance
Hi Allegretto Wavelight Excimer Laser System Researchers. Here is an Article from the Lumenis Company who is the sole distributor of The Allegretto Wavelight Excimer Laser System in the United States of America. It is an old article from 2003 but will be helpful in your research of what Excimer Laser will be the best for you. If I ever had to have lasik it would be with The Allegretto Wavelight Excimer Laser. I bought stock in Lumenis as soon as I read this and it has been going up ever since.
Lasik University
Enjoy the news release and happy researching!
First refractive laser to be granted concurrent approvals for myopia and hyperopia in the United States
<Lasik University
October 21, 2003 - YOKNEAM, Israel
LumenisTM Ltd. (Nasdaq: LUME) announced today that their strategic partner WaveLight Laser Technologie AG of Erlangen, Germany received marketing clearance for the ALLEGRETTO WAVETM Excimer Laser which provides treatment of myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness) from the United States Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”). The ALLEGRETTO WAVE is the first refractive laser to receive clearance for both indications with treatment ranges for myopia of up to –12 diopters and with astigmatism of up to –6 diopters. The approval for hyperopia was granted for up to +6 diopters and with astigmatism of up to +5 diopters, not exceeding a mean spherical equivalent of +6 diopters.
“Lumenis is pleased to extend its 30-year track record of pioneering groundbreaking laser systems to the ophthalmic industry by delivering the next generation of refractive technology to the U.S. market,” said Avner Raz, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lumenis. “The excellent performance and results demonstrated in FDA clinical studies we attribute to the laser’s unique ablation profile, which has the capability to achieve unparalleled clinical results in standard LASIK procedures. We believe that the ALLEGRETTO WAVE system will set a new benchmark for standard LASIK treatment in the United States and meets our goal of providing physicians with the highest quality laser products in the marketplace.”
“The FDA approval for the ALLEGRETTO WAVE is the most important milestone that we have reached this year and one of the most important ones in our overall company history. The entire team at WaveLight has devoted tremendous time and effort to make this happen,” stated Max Reindl, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of WaveLight Laser Technologie AG, in an earlier press release.
Lumenis will be the exclusive sales agent in the U.S. responsible for all sales, marketing and field service efforts required to support the ALLEGRETTO WAVE in the U.S. market, in accordance with an exclusive representative agreement with WaveLight Laser Technologie AG. Discussions are continuing regarding licensing arrangements covering the sale of the ALLEGRETTO WAVE in the United States
The existing partnership between Lumenis and WaveLight Laser Technologie AG has successfully captured significant market share of global refractive sales outside the U.S. over the last two years. FDA clearance will allow ophthalmologists to access the German-engineered laser for the first time in the United States, the world’s largest refractive surgery market.
Clinical studies evaluated by the FDA involved treating over 800 eyes with myopia and 290 eyes with hyperopia for refractive vision correction with the ALLEGRETTO WAVE at 11 U.S. clinical sites. The laser will be officially launched at this year’s annual American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) meeting, the largest professional conference for ophthalmologists and medical doctors for eye treatments, in Anaheim, California next month.
About WaveLight Laser Technologie AG
WaveLight Laser Technologie AG, noted since January 2003 in the Prime Standard of the German Stock Exchange, develops, produces and distributes laser systems in the field of ophthalmology, aesthetic and urology as well as industrial processing. The innovative and technologically advanced laser systems in conjunction with a broad network of distribution channels and partners are the foundation of the market success of WaveLight. Just five years after entering the market in 1996, WaveLight managed to achieve a positive business result. In the fiscal year 2002/2003 WaveLight reached revenues of 47.8 Million Euros and an EBIT of 4.4. Million Euros.
Further information about WaveLight can be found at www.wavelight-laser.com
About Lumenis
Lumenis develops, manufactures, and markets state-of-the-art proprietary laser and intense pulsed light devices. Its systems are used in a variety of aesthetic, ophthalmic, surgical and dental applications, including skin treatments, hair removal, non-invasive treatment of vascular lesions and pigmented lesions, acne, psoriasis, ENT, gynecology, urinary lithotripsy, benign prostatic hyperplasia, open angle glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, secondary cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, vision correction, neurosurgery, dentistry and veterinary. For more information about the Company and its products log on to www.lumenis.com
If you would like to conduct more research on The Allegretto Wavelight Laser then please visit Laser Choice
Lasik University
Lasik University
Enjoy the news release and happy researching!
First refractive laser to be granted concurrent approvals for myopia and hyperopia in the United States
<Lasik University
October 21, 2003 - YOKNEAM, Israel
LumenisTM Ltd. (Nasdaq: LUME) announced today that their strategic partner WaveLight Laser Technologie AG of Erlangen, Germany received marketing clearance for the ALLEGRETTO WAVETM Excimer Laser which provides treatment of myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness) from the United States Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”). The ALLEGRETTO WAVE is the first refractive laser to receive clearance for both indications with treatment ranges for myopia of up to –12 diopters and with astigmatism of up to –6 diopters. The approval for hyperopia was granted for up to +6 diopters and with astigmatism of up to +5 diopters, not exceeding a mean spherical equivalent of +6 diopters.
“Lumenis is pleased to extend its 30-year track record of pioneering groundbreaking laser systems to the ophthalmic industry by delivering the next generation of refractive technology to the U.S. market,” said Avner Raz, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lumenis. “The excellent performance and results demonstrated in FDA clinical studies we attribute to the laser’s unique ablation profile, which has the capability to achieve unparalleled clinical results in standard LASIK procedures. We believe that the ALLEGRETTO WAVE system will set a new benchmark for standard LASIK treatment in the United States and meets our goal of providing physicians with the highest quality laser products in the marketplace.”
“The FDA approval for the ALLEGRETTO WAVE is the most important milestone that we have reached this year and one of the most important ones in our overall company history. The entire team at WaveLight has devoted tremendous time and effort to make this happen,” stated Max Reindl, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of WaveLight Laser Technologie AG, in an earlier press release.
Lumenis will be the exclusive sales agent in the U.S. responsible for all sales, marketing and field service efforts required to support the ALLEGRETTO WAVE in the U.S. market, in accordance with an exclusive representative agreement with WaveLight Laser Technologie AG. Discussions are continuing regarding licensing arrangements covering the sale of the ALLEGRETTO WAVE in the United States
The existing partnership between Lumenis and WaveLight Laser Technologie AG has successfully captured significant market share of global refractive sales outside the U.S. over the last two years. FDA clearance will allow ophthalmologists to access the German-engineered laser for the first time in the United States, the world’s largest refractive surgery market.
Clinical studies evaluated by the FDA involved treating over 800 eyes with myopia and 290 eyes with hyperopia for refractive vision correction with the ALLEGRETTO WAVE at 11 U.S. clinical sites. The laser will be officially launched at this year’s annual American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) meeting, the largest professional conference for ophthalmologists and medical doctors for eye treatments, in Anaheim, California next month.
About WaveLight Laser Technologie AG
WaveLight Laser Technologie AG, noted since January 2003 in the Prime Standard of the German Stock Exchange, develops, produces and distributes laser systems in the field of ophthalmology, aesthetic and urology as well as industrial processing. The innovative and technologically advanced laser systems in conjunction with a broad network of distribution channels and partners are the foundation of the market success of WaveLight. Just five years after entering the market in 1996, WaveLight managed to achieve a positive business result. In the fiscal year 2002/2003 WaveLight reached revenues of 47.8 Million Euros and an EBIT of 4.4. Million Euros.
Further information about WaveLight can be found at www.wavelight-laser.com
About Lumenis
Lumenis develops, manufactures, and markets state-of-the-art proprietary laser and intense pulsed light devices. Its systems are used in a variety of aesthetic, ophthalmic, surgical and dental applications, including skin treatments, hair removal, non-invasive treatment of vascular lesions and pigmented lesions, acne, psoriasis, ENT, gynecology, urinary lithotripsy, benign prostatic hyperplasia, open angle glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, secondary cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, vision correction, neurosurgery, dentistry and veterinary. For more information about the Company and its products log on to www.lumenis.com
If you would like to conduct more research on The Allegretto Wavelight Laser then please visit Laser Choice
Lasik University
The FDA approved correction parameters for The Allegretto Wavelight Excimer Laser System!
Hi potential Lasik patients, Here are the FDA approved correction parameters for The Allegretto Wavelight Excimer Laser System. I recommend The Allegretto Wavelight Excimer Laser System.
<Lasik University
WaveLight
- ALLEGRETTO WAVE P020050
10/07/03 Myopia up to -12.0D with or without astigmatism up to -6.0D.
WaveLight
- ALLEGRETTO WAVE P030008
10/10/03 Hyperopia up to +6.0D with or without astigmatism up to +5.0D.
Thank You,
The Lasik Counselor
Lasik University
<Lasik University
WaveLight
- ALLEGRETTO WAVE P020050
10/07/03 Myopia up to -12.0D with or without astigmatism up to -6.0D.
WaveLight
- ALLEGRETTO WAVE P030008
10/10/03 Hyperopia up to +6.0D with or without astigmatism up to +5.0D.
Thank You,
The Lasik Counselor
Lasik University
New Allegretto Wavelight Excimer Laser shows good results for hyperopia, myopia, and astigmatism!
Dear folks, if you are interested in Lasik please research the Allegretto Wavelight Excimer Laser. It is super fast and compensates for periphial vision.
Lasik University
The Allegretto excimer laser (WaveLight Laser Technologie, Erlangen, Germany) improves refractive predictability and enhances the outcome of LASIK, based on the results of a recently completed trial of the laser system in patients with myopia and myopic astigmatism, said Karl G. Stonecipher, MD.
Dr. Stonecipher
The laser received FDA approval in early October and is being marketed in the United States by Lumenis. It is approved for myopic LASIK up to 12 D of spheroequivalent (SE) and up to 6 D of cylinder as well as for hyperopic LASIK up to 6 D SE and 5 D of cylinder.
"If you end up at -1 D, it doesn't matter how many higher-order aberrations you get rid of, the patient is still seeing 20/40 and is not happy. Refractive spherocylinder outcomes must be correct," said Dr. Stonecipher, director, Southeastern Laser and Refractive Surgery Center, Greensboro, NC.
He noted that most higher-order aberrations exist in the peripheral cornea, an area that some aberrometer systems cannot image and therefore cannot treat, and that most lasers are inaccurate in the periphery. However, higher-order aberrations contribute little to most preoperative refractive errors, and attention should be directed instead to induced aberrations, particularly spherical aberrations.
"Minimizing induced spherical aberration will accomplish more than chasing small higher-order errors," said Dr. Stonecipher, a member of the WaveLight investigative group. "If we can develop a laser that will eliminate certain postoperative problems such as spherical aberration, then maybe wavefront-optimized LASIK is as good as custom LASIK."
Designed for custom ablationThe Allegretto is a flying-spot laser designed specifically for custom ablation. It has a Gaussian beam with a diameter of 0.95 mm and a tracker with a 6-ms response time. This wavefront-optimized system addresses the problem of iatrogenically induced spherical aberrations by changing the ablation profile to minimize these aberrations and adding more spots to the peripheral ablation, Dr. Stonecipher said. The laser also compensates for beam ovalization and beam reflection.
Final, 1-year myopia results of the FDA trial of the Allegretto showed that the manifest refractive predictability of all eyes ²-7 D of correction was 86% within ±0.5 D of intended correction. One-year results for 602 eyes out of 700 with ²-7 D, from an original cohort of 813, also showed a statistically significant decrease in glare and an improvement in night-driving scores when results of postoperative questionnaires were compared with responses from preoperative interviews.
Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) results showed that 88.6% of eyes achieved 20/20 vision, while 61.7% had reached 20/16, and 25% were at 20/12. For best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), three of 700 eyes (0.43%) had lost 2 lines, although no eyes lost more than that. A gain of one line or more was noted in 437 eyes.
"The high rate of improved BSCVA is a really important statistic because other lasers, even with wavefront, don't show as much gain in BSCVA," said Guy Kezirian, MD, FACS, president of SurgiVision Consultants Inc., Westlake Village, CA, which was the sponsor of WaveLight's FDA trials. "One of the things that really distinguishes this laser is the fact that eyes improved their best-corrected acuity after surgery."
Results of patient surveys also suggest that patients experienced a significant reduction in glare and fewer night-vision problems following surgery with the Allegretto laser.
On a scale of 1 to 10, patients rated their level of glare at 3.2 when measured 6 months after surgery, compared with 4.1 preoperatively and 3.4 at 3 months postoperatively (p < 0.001).
Fewer night-driving problemsThere was also a statistically significant reduction in problems reported with night-driving vision. On a scale of 1 to 10, with one being no glare and 10 being significant glare, the mean dropped from 3.7 preoperatively to 3.1 at both 3 and 6 months postoperatively (p <0.001).
"Overall, improved glare and night-vision scores were seen with the WaveLight Allegretto laser, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.01). However, not all eyes improved, especially those that experienced residual refractive error after surgery (p < 0.01). Pupil size correlated with worsened glare and night vision if there was residual refractive error," Dr. Kezirian said. "In eyes with a plano outcome, however, pupil size did not correlate with glare or night-driving scores. These data suggest that correction of residual refractive errors, even when the amounts are small, may result in improved glare and night vision in symptomatic patients."
Dr. Stonecipher presented results from the trial at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery meeting earlier this year; he and Dr. Kezirian subsequently provided final results to Ophthalmology Times.
Drs. Stonecipher and Kezirian also compared standard or classic LASIK, based on manifest refraction; wavefront-optimized LASIK, featuring Allegretto optimized profiles with treatment based on manifest refraction; and custom or aberrometer-based LASIK, as performed by the LADARVision excimer laser (Alcon) and the Star S4 excimer laser system (VISX). They used FDA studies of the same design to perform the comparison and limited comparisons with eyes in the same range, using 3-month data.
"Allegretto's wavefront-optimized results compared favorably with custom treatments with LADARVision and VISX for visual acuity, refractive results, and improvement in BSCVA," Dr. Stonecipher said. Comparison of aberrations could not be made since the WaveLight studies did not include these measurements.
"BSCVA results showed that 55% of eyes treated with phoropter-based wavefront-optimized ablations with the Allegretto laser gained 1 or more lines of visual acuity. With the VISX laser, 53% treated based on aberrometry (wavefront) gained 1 letter or more-a rate that is lower than the Allegretto rate for 1 line or more," Dr. Kezirian said. "With the LADARVision laser wavefront treatments, the rate for 1 line or more improvement was 31%."
Among eyes that stayed the same or gained BSCVA, Allegretto (93%) was better than VISX (89%) and LADARVision (84%). No patients treated with the VISX laser lost 2 or more lines; 0.9% of eyes treated with Allegretto lost 2 or more lines, as did 1.4% treated with the LADARVision laser.
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Lasik Counselor
Lasik University
Lasik University
The Allegretto excimer laser (WaveLight Laser Technologie, Erlangen, Germany) improves refractive predictability and enhances the outcome of LASIK, based on the results of a recently completed trial of the laser system in patients with myopia and myopic astigmatism, said Karl G. Stonecipher, MD.
Dr. Stonecipher
The laser received FDA approval in early October and is being marketed in the United States by Lumenis. It is approved for myopic LASIK up to 12 D of spheroequivalent (SE) and up to 6 D of cylinder as well as for hyperopic LASIK up to 6 D SE and 5 D of cylinder.
"If you end up at -1 D, it doesn't matter how many higher-order aberrations you get rid of, the patient is still seeing 20/40 and is not happy. Refractive spherocylinder outcomes must be correct," said Dr. Stonecipher, director, Southeastern Laser and Refractive Surgery Center, Greensboro, NC.
He noted that most higher-order aberrations exist in the peripheral cornea, an area that some aberrometer systems cannot image and therefore cannot treat, and that most lasers are inaccurate in the periphery. However, higher-order aberrations contribute little to most preoperative refractive errors, and attention should be directed instead to induced aberrations, particularly spherical aberrations.
"Minimizing induced spherical aberration will accomplish more than chasing small higher-order errors," said Dr. Stonecipher, a member of the WaveLight investigative group. "If we can develop a laser that will eliminate certain postoperative problems such as spherical aberration, then maybe wavefront-optimized LASIK is as good as custom LASIK."
Designed for custom ablationThe Allegretto is a flying-spot laser designed specifically for custom ablation. It has a Gaussian beam with a diameter of 0.95 mm and a tracker with a 6-ms response time. This wavefront-optimized system addresses the problem of iatrogenically induced spherical aberrations by changing the ablation profile to minimize these aberrations and adding more spots to the peripheral ablation, Dr. Stonecipher said. The laser also compensates for beam ovalization and beam reflection.
Final, 1-year myopia results of the FDA trial of the Allegretto showed that the manifest refractive predictability of all eyes ²-7 D of correction was 86% within ±0.5 D of intended correction. One-year results for 602 eyes out of 700 with ²-7 D, from an original cohort of 813, also showed a statistically significant decrease in glare and an improvement in night-driving scores when results of postoperative questionnaires were compared with responses from preoperative interviews.
Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) results showed that 88.6% of eyes achieved 20/20 vision, while 61.7% had reached 20/16, and 25% were at 20/12. For best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), three of 700 eyes (0.43%) had lost 2 lines, although no eyes lost more than that. A gain of one line or more was noted in 437 eyes.
"The high rate of improved BSCVA is a really important statistic because other lasers, even with wavefront, don't show as much gain in BSCVA," said Guy Kezirian, MD, FACS, president of SurgiVision Consultants Inc., Westlake Village, CA, which was the sponsor of WaveLight's FDA trials. "One of the things that really distinguishes this laser is the fact that eyes improved their best-corrected acuity after surgery."
Results of patient surveys also suggest that patients experienced a significant reduction in glare and fewer night-vision problems following surgery with the Allegretto laser.
On a scale of 1 to 10, patients rated their level of glare at 3.2 when measured 6 months after surgery, compared with 4.1 preoperatively and 3.4 at 3 months postoperatively (p < 0.001).
Fewer night-driving problemsThere was also a statistically significant reduction in problems reported with night-driving vision. On a scale of 1 to 10, with one being no glare and 10 being significant glare, the mean dropped from 3.7 preoperatively to 3.1 at both 3 and 6 months postoperatively (p <0.001).
"Overall, improved glare and night-vision scores were seen with the WaveLight Allegretto laser, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.01). However, not all eyes improved, especially those that experienced residual refractive error after surgery (p < 0.01). Pupil size correlated with worsened glare and night vision if there was residual refractive error," Dr. Kezirian said. "In eyes with a plano outcome, however, pupil size did not correlate with glare or night-driving scores. These data suggest that correction of residual refractive errors, even when the amounts are small, may result in improved glare and night vision in symptomatic patients."
Dr. Stonecipher presented results from the trial at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery meeting earlier this year; he and Dr. Kezirian subsequently provided final results to Ophthalmology Times.
Drs. Stonecipher and Kezirian also compared standard or classic LASIK, based on manifest refraction; wavefront-optimized LASIK, featuring Allegretto optimized profiles with treatment based on manifest refraction; and custom or aberrometer-based LASIK, as performed by the LADARVision excimer laser (Alcon) and the Star S4 excimer laser system (VISX). They used FDA studies of the same design to perform the comparison and limited comparisons with eyes in the same range, using 3-month data.
"Allegretto's wavefront-optimized results compared favorably with custom treatments with LADARVision and VISX for visual acuity, refractive results, and improvement in BSCVA," Dr. Stonecipher said. Comparison of aberrations could not be made since the WaveLight studies did not include these measurements.
"BSCVA results showed that 55% of eyes treated with phoropter-based wavefront-optimized ablations with the Allegretto laser gained 1 or more lines of visual acuity. With the VISX laser, 53% treated based on aberrometry (wavefront) gained 1 letter or more-a rate that is lower than the Allegretto rate for 1 line or more," Dr. Kezirian said. "With the LADARVision laser wavefront treatments, the rate for 1 line or more improvement was 31%."
Among eyes that stayed the same or gained BSCVA, Allegretto (93%) was better than VISX (89%) and LADARVision (84%). No patients treated with the VISX laser lost 2 or more lines; 0.9% of eyes treated with Allegretto lost 2 or more lines, as did 1.4% treated with the LADARVision laser.
Thank you for reading this article, We hope you enjoyed it.
Lasik Counselor
Lasik University
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