5
Change the
entire surgical
approach. To maxi-
mize the benefits of
laser cataracts, I've
changed the non-laser
parts of my surgery to
reflect what the laser
accomplishes. In
other words, I don't
use the laser but then
perform the same
inside-the-eye proce-
dure that I always had in the OR. For example, I no longer use tra-
ditional longitudinal phaco. Instead I use torsional phaco with lin-
ear control and different settings (more vacuum, less ultrasound).
Patients recover quicker with more predictable refractive out-
comes. They have fewer restrictions post-op, as they can bend and
lift after 2 days rather than a week. They can have surgery on
Wednesday and golf on Saturday instead of waiting 7 days. It's a
better overall experience for patients, and referring doctors take
note.
6
Market within your comfort zone. When I purchased my first
laser, I also spent money on a radio ad and a local cable TV
commercial. While they paid off somewhat, I chose not to repeat
them. I didn't want to be "the guy on TV." I also worked with a local
marketing professional to create laser cataracts handouts and to
update the practice website with video and patient testimonials, both
of which were beneficial (select-eyecare.com). However, ultimately
J U N E 2 0 1 8 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y. N E T • 7 1
• DON'T OVERPROMISE Best not to tell patients they'll be glasses-free after laser
cataract surgery.
