How to Choose a Cataract Surgeon
- Posted on: Oct 2 2017
If you are one of the 3.6 million Americans who will undergo cataract surgery this year, chances are you’ve begun shopping around for a surgeon. Before making the big decision, you’ll need to do a little research to make sure you choose a highly qualified professional. In this blog post, Dr. Gregory Pamel, a LASIK surgeon in New York City, outlines what to keep an eye out for when deciding on a cataract surgeon.
Patient Reviews
One of the first steps to take when researching potential surgeons is to read reviews from previous patients. A cursory search online will show results from various review platforms such as the ones listed below:
- Yelp has been on people’s radar for over a decade, as a reliable website for crowd-sourced reviews on everything from restaurants to childcare to doctors. While not specifically geared towards the medical community, the site’s longevity ensures you can find thousands of reviews of cataract surgeons.
- Websites like realpatientratings.com, healthgrades.com, ratemds.com or other healthcare-specific sites contain millions of published patient reviews. These platforms make it quick and easy to find information based on location and type of service needed.
- Consumer Reports provides a more in-depth and research-based assessment of various hospitals and doctors. Rather than individual reviews, the data is broken down into rankings and scores, and even offers a tool to compare multiple institutions.
- Many practices feature testimonials on their websites; while they likely filter out the overtly negative comments, these first-hand accounts can still be very informative.
Board Certification and Advanced Training
One of the most important things to look for when finding a surgeon is board certification. Your doctor’s credentials should be easy to find on his/her website, and displayed prominently in the office. Not only should doctors’ certifications and degrees be visible, but any advanced training and membership to medical and academic societies should be listed in their profile.
New Technologies
Lastly, the surgeon you choose to operate on your eyes should be someone who is passionate about keeping up with the latest relevant technologies. Medical science is a dynamic field, with new findings and techniques established every day. One of the most innovative and exciting advances in cataract surgery is the addition of laser technology. Implementing a femtosecond laser in the cataract removal process heightens the precision, accuracy and safety of the procedure. Because cataract surgery involves replacing the eye’s cataract-diseased natural lens with an artificial one, it is a good idea to inquire about the IOL options your surgeon offers. Ask your doctor about the latest surgical options and how his/her practice implements these procedures and technologies.
To schedule your cataract surgery consultation with Dr. Gregory Pamel, email or call the Pamel Vision and Laser Group at (212) 355-2215.
Posted in: Cataract Surgery
