How are ODs coping with Lasik?

[fedor]

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Ignoring the entire issue of whether or not OD should be allowed to perform Lasik, how are they coping with it?

From what I gather, Lasik is performed by an OMD and afterwards the 5 or 6 followups are with the OMD who performed the surgery.

Where is the incentive for OD to refer their patients to an OMD for Lasik surgery? It seems that the patient is bringing in a steady stream of income for the OD with check ups and lens sale, and after Lasik, all that would be gone. At most an OD could hope for is an annual or semiannual checkup with the OD.

However, walking by OD offices I see plenty of advertisements for Lasik surgery. You would think that the last thing they would want is their patients having Lasik performed. Do they receive normally a commission from the OMD surgeon for sending the patient his way?

 

[jefguth]

Typically the referring/co-managing OD does a pre-opt evaluation, and post-opt evaluations at day one, week one, week two, month one, month three, month six and month 12. The OD's I worked with (in Canada) charged more than $800 canadian for post-opt care and ~$200 for pre-opt consult. Its a pretty good way to generate revenue I'd say.

 

[VA Hopeful Dr]

Pre-op and post-op for Lasik pays well (better than cataracts). Also, I don't know about every LASIK company, but TLC requires a dilated exam every year as part of the warantee that goes with the surgery. So even after all the pre- and post-op exams, you are guaranteed a yearly exam.

 

[file014]

I am on rotation at a Lasik place. Its an OMD and two OD's (sometimes a resident OD also). We have tons of referring OD's that do the pre op and post ops. They have no hesitation about referring to us. The vast majority of people that are coming in for Lasik take great care of their visual health and still return to have full dilated exams yearly at either their OD or to our clinic. Even if more and more people are having lasik, I think most OMDs would be overwhelmed with trying to do all of the pre and post op care as well as doing all of the surgeries. Also, you have to remember that not everyone can afford lasik and there will be millions of folks who dont have it done. You see the ads for $299 lasik, but that doesnt include pre and post op care, enhancements, etc.

 

[drmhyde]

Ignoring the entire issue of whether or not OD should be allowed to perform Lasik, how are they coping with it?

From what I gather, Lasik is performed by an OMD and afterwards the 5 or 6 followups are with the OMD who performed the surgery.

Where is the incentive for OD to refer their patients to an OMD for Lasik surgery? It seems that the patient is bringing in a steady stream of income for the OD with check ups and lens sale, and after Lasik, all that would be gone. At most an OD could hope for is an annual or semiannual checkup with the OD.

However, walking by OD offices I see plenty of advertisements for Lasik surgery. You would think that the last thing they would want is their patients having Lasik performed. Do they receive normally a commission from the OMD surgeon for sending the patient his way?

we cope JUST FINE..don't worry..they'll be back when presbyopia hits..or when the doc who cut them didn't really explain what monovision is, they now HATE IT..and I fix it for them and now I'm the hero. GOD..I just LOVE THAT!