Baby boomer patients have high expectations for cataract surgery

ROME — Baby boomer cataract surgery patients expect high performance, innovation and information on technique and technology, according to one speaker here.

"The days of patients saying 'Do whatever you think is best' or 'Whatever you say, I will do,' is over," Rolando Toyos, MD, said at the annual joint meeting of Ocular Surgery News and the Italian Society of Ophthalmology.

"Baby boomers grew up believing that they could change the world for the better," he said. "They are highly informed, up-to-date technology consumers who use computers, iPads and GPS. They Google maps, clinics and doctors and expect doctors to talk about their means and methods. They want to talk high tech."

Dr. Toyos suggested that rather than let baby boomer patients find out the information they want through the Internet, surgeons should talk to them using the language that they expect. To save time and give them the best and most complete information, he recorded a DVD in which he explains his technique and technology.

"I give it to them in advance, and when they see me the following time, there is very little I have to explain. We just discuss a few points, like IOL choice," he said.

Disclosure: Dr. Toyos is a consultant for DermaMed and Alcon and receives a research grant from Oculus.