Optometry and laser lasik

[knguye12]

how come Optometrists aren't allowed to perform laser lasik? Does anyone think that O.D. will be allowed to perform this procedure in the future?

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[gochi]

how come Optometrists aren't allowed to perform laser lasik? Does anyone think that O.D. will be allowed to perform this procedure in the future?

😱

Really, unless you are mentally ******ed, I don't see why you cant use the search function. Let me know if you need help with that.

 

[hello07]

knguye12- are you trying to raise my blood pressure so I can stroke out ot have a MI? You gotta be kidding me with that question.
I don't know who you are or what you do BUT please go on with your life and seek professiona help if you need it.
Thanks

 

[Penguin2012]

Aren't pre- and post-opt people so friendly?

The reason is because only surgeons can perform lasik. Optometrists aren't surgeons.

Trying to keep it simple and friendly, no need to open pandora's box.

 

[KHE]

how come Optometrists aren't allowed to perform laser lasik? Does anyone think that O.D. will be allowed to perform this procedure in the future?

This issue has been discussed ad nauseum, often times quite heatedly for many years now. A simple search of the archives will reveal numerous threads and postings on this topic.

 

[IndianaOD]

ODs should be allowed to perform PRK, but that's just an opinion.

There are already tons of ophthalmologists constantly begging for LASIK patients on the TV, Radio, and through fliers. They are pretty annoying actually.

 

[opt]

ODs should be allowed to perform PRK, but that's just an opinion.

There are already tons of ophthalmologists constantly begging for LASIK patients on the TV, Radio, and through fliers. They are pretty annoying actually.

They do. It is advertised like a new tv, video game, or car. It's simply unethical and misleading people into thinking the surgery is "perfect," per se. The FDA recently announced that it is reviewing lasik because of all the complaints with the surgery.

http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/news/20080425/experts-advise-new-warnings-for-lasik

Seems the new surgery is implantable contact lenses, which is nice because the contacts can be removed. You can't "de-laser" your cornea!

 

[Ben Chudner]

ODs should be allowed to perform PRK, but that's just an opinion.

The real question is not whether we should be allowed to, but rather why would we want to. PRK had its day, but with the newer LASIK procedures and ICL's for example, there is really very little demand for it. I don't think many OD's in Oklahoma are performing PRK anymore. As for LASIK, the answer to the OP's question is that LASIK is a surgical procedure that is outside our scope of practice. Should it be? That's for others to fight about. I would prefer not to waste my energy on fighting for a procedure that I will never perform basically because of the lack of demand in my practice.

 

[IndianaOD]

The real question is not whether we should be allowed to, but rather why would we want to. PRK had its day, but with the newer LASIK procedures and ICL's for example, there is really very little demand for it. I don't think many OD's in Oklahoma are performing PRK anymore. As for LASIK, the answer to the OP's question is that LASIK is a surgical procedure that is outside our scope of practice. Should it be? That's for others to fight about. I would prefer not to waste my energy on fighting for a procedure that I will never perform basically because of the lack of demand in my practice.

I'd never fight for it either, but many corneal OMDs are choosing PRK over Lasik again. I think that many agree that PRK is actually better than Lasik and has less serious complications.

I don't think there is enough long term data to prove the safety of implantable lenses like the Visian ICL and others.

 

[Ben Chudner]

I'd never fight for it either, but many corneal OMDs are choosing PRK over Lasik again. I think that many agree that PRK is actually better than Lasik and has less serious complications.

I haven't seen this in my area, but I am not surprised.

I don't think there is enough long term data to prove the safety of implantable lenses like the Visian ICL and others.

Since when has that stopped a surgeon?

 

[IndianaOD]

I haven't seen this in my area, but I am not surprised.Since when has that stopped a surgeon?

You mean like how awesome RK turned out to be?

 

[eyestrain]

ARGH!!!! 24 hrs without a post! Have we nothing left to complain about? Say it isn't so!!

 

[alalani3]

I interested in eye care and till now I was sure I wanted to be an optometrist because I do not wish to perform surgeries, but recently, while i was researching the topic and demand of optometry, i read a few places that lasik surgery will eventually not require the need for optometrists anymore. On the other hand i read that people who get lasik need to see an optometrist regularly to get their eyes checked, but my sister got lasik and did not go to an optometrist to get her eyes check. instead she goes to the ophthalmologist that performed her surgery. Not only that but after a few months, it was no longer necessary. She just uses eye drops for dry eyes prescribed by her ophthalmologist. Also i read that places like walmart and stuff will also lessen the need for more optometrists. I really wanted to be an optometrist, but i am worried about going through all that studying and then not get anywhere in the end. Do you think that optometrists will eventually not be needed (not only cuz of competition between other optometrists, but because of lasik, ophthalmologists, and places like wal mart)?

 

[eyestrain]

Do you think that optometrists will eventually not be needed (not only cuz of competition between other optometrists, but because of lasik, ophthalmologists, and places like wal mart)?

Optometry will be around for a long time, for better or worse. My advice would be to go to dental school.

 

[gochi]

Optometry will be around for a long time, for better or worse. My advice would be to go to dental school.

You haven't justified your reasoning.

What if you grossly hate looking at mouths all day ?

 

[eyestrain]

You haven't justified your reasoning.

What if you grossly hate looking at mouths all day ?

I'd get over it when I realized my future was bright and filled with 4 day work weeks.

 

[VA Hopeful Dr]

I interested in eye care and till now I was sure I wanted to be an optometrist because I do not wish to perform surgeries, but recently, while i was researching the topic and demand of optometry, i read a few places that lasik surgery will eventually not require the need for optometrists anymore. On the other hand i read that people who get lasik need to see an optometrist regularly to get their eyes checked, but my sister got lasik and did not go to an optometrist to get her eyes check. instead she goes to the ophthalmologist that performed her surgery. Not only that but after a few months, it was no longer necessary. She just uses eye drops for dry eyes prescribed by her ophthalmologist. Also i read that places like walmart and stuff will also lessen the need for more optometrists. I really wanted to be an optometrist, but i am worried about going through all that studying and then not get anywhere in the end. Do you think that optometrists will eventually not be needed (not only cuz of competition between other optometrists, but because of lasik, ophthalmologists, and places like wal mart)?

Most of the reputable LASIK places have a warranty that is based on a yearly eye exam, OD or MD doesn't matter. Even if every single good candidate for LASIK got it done tomorrow, you'd still have to see those people - pre/post-op and said yearly exams.

 

[gochi]

I'd get over it when I realized my future was bright and filled with 4 day work weeks.

Some ppl say oh "its easier said then done" when its not. But in this case, if u grossly hate teeth and standing up all the time (anecdote) i really think getting over it would be easier said then done. With dentistry out of the mix, what would you suggest ? Optometry ? Now, im not saying optometry is any easier then dentistry.

 

[r_salis]

I'd get over it when I realized my future was bright and filled with 4 day work weeks.

And filled with suitcases of money.

If I didn't mind being in people's mouths all day (and didn't mind the occasional screams of my patients), dentistry would have been the perfect profession for me.

 

[jefguth]

Some ppl say oh "its easier said then done" when its not. But in this case, if u grossly hate teeth and standing up all the time (anecdote) i really think getting over it would be easier said then done. With dentistry out of the mix, what would you suggest ? Optometry ? Now, im not saying optometry is any easier then dentistry.

Dentists don't really do their work standing...like us they squat on an exam stool all day long. That's not much better though, I just did that for 10hr yesterday and my hips are killing me.

 

[gochi]

Dentists don't really do their work standing...like us they squat on an exam stool all day long. That's not much better though, I just did that for 10hr yesterday and my hips are killing me.

I wasnt referring to hip pain but back pain.

I read something about dentists having back problems due to minor squatting and unstable body postures during examinations over at the pre-dental forum awhile ago.

Nice try though 😛

 

[eyestrain]

I'd spend my three or four day weekends getting messages from scantily-clad women to cure my back pain.

 

[IndianaOD]

I see about 12-14 full exams per day. My back hurts at times and my shoulders get tired from refracting. I think being an OD puts about as much stress on the body as a dentist.

The dentist usually looks around my mouth for 2 minutes or less and leaves.

 

[gochi]

I'd spend my three or four day weekends getting messages from scantily-clad women to cure my back pain.

Well expect to do that everyday, even after you retire. Meanwhile, I'll go do something else with those scantily-clad women.

 

[aphistis]

The dentist usually looks around my mouth for 2 minutes or less and leaves.

Well, that's only because you're one of those patients who actually does that brushing & flossing stuff we're always harping about. 😛

There's a mixture of standing and sitting in dentistry, and a number of procedures could as be done as easily one way as the other. Being a dentist can certainly predispose you to posture-related medical problems, so it's important to develop good ergonomic habits early on to prevent them from developing.

Dentistry is a great profession, but it's got warts just like any other. As for four-day workweeks, suitcases of money, and scantily-clad masseuses, if you find any, let me know. As a VA resident I'm still looking for all three. 😉

 

[IndianaOD]

Well, that's only because you're one of those patients who actually does that brushing & flossing stuff we're always harping about. 😛

There's a mixture of standing and sitting in dentistry, and a number of procedures could as be done as easily one way as the other. Being a dentist can certainly predispose you to posture-related medical problems, so it's important to develop good ergonomic habits early on to prevent them from developing.

Dentistry is a great profession, but it's got warts just like any other. As for four-day workweeks, suitcases of money, and scantily-clad masseuses, if you find any, let me know. As a VA resident I'm still looking for all three. 😉

Congrats on choosing a great career. I and many other ODs think that dentistry is currently the hottest medical field to pursue. No MDs fighting you tooth and nail and amazing fee structures.

The dentist that owns our building is a solo practitioner, works 4 days a week, and makes probably 3x what I do. Took the entire office and spouses on a week long cruise and owns at least 6 vehicles including 3 corvettes.

 

[aphistis]

Congrats on choosing a great career. I and many other ODs think that dentistry is currently the hottest medical field to pursue. No MDs fighting you tooth and nail and amazing fee structures.

The dentist that owns our building is a solo practitioner, works 4 days a week, and makes probably 3x what I do. Took the entire office and spouses on a week long cruise and owns at least 6 vehicles including 3 corvettes.

Get me his phone number, would you? I wonder if he needs an associate. 😉

 

[eyestrain]

Get me his phone number, would you? I wonder if he needs an associate. 😉

It's been a while since you've posted here. Weren't you a regular poster a few years back?

 

[drbizzaro]

Congrats on choosing a great career. I and many other ODs think that dentistry is currently the hottest medical field to pursue. No MDs fighting you tooth and nail and amazing fee structures.

The dentist that owns our building is a solo practitioner, works 4 days a week, and makes probably 3x what I do. Took the entire office and spouses on a week long cruise and owns at least 6 vehicles including 3 corvettes.

my preceptor who taught me during one of my 4th year rotations has an equivalent collection of cars, buildings, etc (he is very successful but doesn't want to be posted on an online forum)

 

[gochi]

Congrats on choosing a great career. I and many other ODs think that dentistry is currently the hottest medical field to pursue. No MDs fighting you tooth and nail and amazing fee structures.

The dentist that owns our building is a solo practitioner, works 4 days a week, and makes probably 3x what I do. Took the entire office and spouses on a week long cruise and owns at least 6 vehicles including 3 corvettes.

Why the hell would one buy 6 vehicles ?

Also, Corvettes = 👎.

 

[aphistis]

Because one can, I suppose. Some folks collect yarn, others collect domestic sports cars.

 

[aphistis]

It's been a while since you've posted here. Weren't you a regular poster a few years back?

I used to post to some of the OD surgery discussions, yeah. A lot of people were citing dentistry & oral/maxillofacial surgery as part of the argument, so I'd chime in now and again. I have to behave myself now that I'm a mod, though, so I'm not as active as I used to be. 😛

 

[IndianaOD]

Get me his phone number, would you? I wonder if he needs an associate. 😉

Sorry,

He already has someone chosen. 😀