Informed consent process for cataract surgery has become more complex, presenter says

Charles M. Zacks

MIAMI — The advent of premium IOLs has complicated the informed consent process, presenting new challenges for surgeons in recommending the appropriate lens for a given patient, according to a presentation here.

At the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute 50th Anniversary Scientific Meeting, Charles M. Zacks, MD, refreshed colleagues on the ethical guidelines of cataract surgery in light of expanding IOL choices. He emphasized that surgeons should adhere to their role as medical practitioners and not accept inducements for referrals or kickbacks.

"When it comes to using special purpose implants, the patients' needs come first. Special purpose implants are not for every patient," Dr. Zacks said. "We need to avoid 'spin' to convert patients who might otherwise appropriately use a conventional implant."

According to Dr. Zacks, management should include careful preoperative assessment, patient education and informed consent with absence of bias. He stressed the significance of distinguishing between side effects and potential complications when explaining IOL options, advocating that advertisement remains fair and not economically motivated.

"If you are practicing with these lenses or in a cataract practice in general, you should clearly understand the delegation of services and co-management, because this is very likely to come up in the next year. Appropriate fee arrangements, in particular, should be tracked," Dr. Zacks said.

Disclosure: Dr. Zacks has no relevant financial disclosures.