Every patient must give informed consent prior to having a medical procedure or treatment performed. The process of consent involves many steps and our surgeons, optometrists and certified ophthalmic assistants are available to answer any of your questions that may arise. The following information will help to guide you through this process.
The Consent Process
- Optometric Counseling: To determine your candidacy for laser eye surgery, an optometrist will perform a pre-operative uation. During this examination, you will receive counseling regarding the procedure for which you are a candidate. This counseling will include the nature of the surgery, potential benefits of the surgery, and potential risks and complications of the surgery.
- Surgical Counseling: On the day of your surgery a surgical counselor will review the surgical information package and consent form with you. He or she will also provide you with post operative instructions regarding follow up visits and activity restrictions to which you will need to consent. The surgical counselor will answer any questions that you may have regarding the surgical information package and consent form. We recommend that you have reviewed these prior to the day of surgery so that we can address any questions that you may have.
- Surgeon: Before your surgery, your surgeon will discuss any concerns of potential risks or complications for which you have a greater risk. Your surgeon will discuss and answer any questions that you may have regarding the procedure, surgical information package, consent form, and post operative care prior to surgery. You will be provided with information that is required for a reasonable person in your position to make an informed decision. Your surgeon will discuss and review any and all questions you may have regarding the surgical information package and consent form prior to surgery.
- Patient Consent Form: Prior to having your laser eye surgery you will need to sign the patient consent form. This indicates that you are making an informed decision to undergo the procedure and that you have been counseled regarding the procedure, its benefits, risks and alternatives.
A copy of your consent form is available to you at your request.
