My roommate has just found out she has seriously bad cataracts and needs cataract surgery. Her consultation/evaluation is in three weeks. She is wondering what questions she can ask the surgeon to help her determine that he is a good eye surgeon. She is on State insurance so not really able to go where she wants, but still wants to be sure the surgeon knows his business before entrusting what's left of her eyesight to him. Any suggestions for a couple of good questions she can ask?
All user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service.
Add a Comment4 Comments
Well, I've had lots of help and support in my life with my physically disabled son, so this is my way of paying back all the support I've received, by paying it forward so to speak.
July 5, 2012 - 5:29pmThis Comment
Hi Lynda,
Great Question!
Questions to ask your cataract surgeon include:
How many procedures have you done?
Has your surgical center ever had an outbreak of eye infections affecting multiple patients? If so, how many times?
Who sees patients on the first postoperative day? Is it the surgeon, another ophthalmologist or an optometrist?
Your cataract surgeon or a member of his or her staff also should give you handouts and other information describing the procedure itself, potential cataract surgery complications and what you must do to prepare for surgery.
Even though your friend has state insurance, it may be a good idea to get recommendations through friends because you never know if that doctor may accept state insurance. A search on the Physician may also help find common information such as years in practice, schooling, organizations he belongs to, etc.
It is very important that your friend feels comfortable with her surgeon so that first meeting is crucial.
Wishing her the best!
Rosa
July 4, 2012 - 7:14amThis Comment
Thank you, Rosa. I will pass along the questions to her, and dig deeper on the web for more info on the surgeon. She can't even see enough to read anything, even enlarged.
July 4, 2012 - 8:44amThis Comment
I'm sorry to hear that! You're a great friend for helping.
July 5, 2012 - 6:45amThis Comment