Attention to quality, not speed, improves glaucoma surgery

SAN FRANCISCO — Concentrating on efficiency, rather than speed, is most important in performing glaucoma surgery, according to Bradford J. Shingleton, MD.

Here at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery’s Glaucoma Day, Dr. Shingleton detailed the “11 habits of highly effective surgeons.”

His tips included not rushing surgery to avoid reduction in quality. He suggested that surgeons should “go slow to be fast,” resulting in improved, more efficient surgeries.

“The goal is not to be fast, the goal is to be effective,” he said. “Speed is a part of that.”

The other habits that Dr. Shingleton outlined included safety, standardization of practice, purposeful action, effecting positive change, compassion, personal best, and enthusiasm and positive attitude. By enacting these habits in practice, surgeries will proceed more smoothly and safely, he said.

He also recommended surgeons use a template for equipment placement in their operating rooms, with the microscope stand, scrub table, phacoemulsification and anesthesia units in the same position, reducing set-up time by establishing a time-saving routine. He said when he enters the operating room, he does not touch any equipment until he begins surgery.

“I'm only thinking about the surgery,” Dr. Shingleton said. “It makes me a much better surgeon as a result.”