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BLOG: Secrets of successful refractive cataract surgery practices
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The cover story in this issue of OSN focuses on succeeding with refractive cataract surgery. For many of us, this is critical to our professional success, and it has been the topic of a course at AAO and ASCRS that I have taught along with David Hardten and Kevin Corcoran for almost 10 years called “Secrets of Successful Refractive Cataract Surgery Practices” (yes, that was a shameless plug). In this first installment of a two-part blog on the topic, I will cover the first five of 10 “secrets” that have worked very well for many successful practices.
Secret No. 1: Believe in the technology. It takes commitment to refine refractive outcomes and feel confident in the results that can be obtained with refractive cataract lenses, and it’s essential for the surgeon to convey confidence and enthusiasm to patients. If you are new to refractive cataract surgery, consider adopting limbal relaxing incisions as a first step, and don’t charge patients for them, offering it as a free, value-added service until you feel confident that you are delivering valuable results. This will gain you confidence and skill that you can expand upon.
Secret No. 2: Understand the importance of the discussion. Make the time during cataract consults to have a meaningful discussion with each patient about refractive offerings that are appropriate to his/her needs. Don’t make assumptions about the patient’s interest based on his appearance. Everyone deserves a chance to hear about refractive options.
Secret No. 3: Let the doctor do the educating. The doctor has more credibility and knowledge to convey both positive attributes and limitations of any technology choice. It takes a surgical counselor hours to help a patient reach the same confident choice that a surgeon could help achieve in just a few minutes.
Secret No. 4: Match the technology to the patient. Consider evaluating patients’ lifestyles using a survey instrument like the one linked here to assess a patient’s visual needs and habits. Consider hobbies, frequency of driving after dark and current complaints of cataract glare when assessing what type of procedure might be the best match.
Secret No. 5: Keep it simple. Too often, we physicians try to teach patients like they are resident surgeons, giving far too much detail on surgery. Use fifth grade language, and focus on activities that are relevant to the patient like reading the newspaper or cell phone, seeing the dashboard and watching television. Mention more than one type of lens implant, but briefly explain why the one you have chosen is best for the patient.
In the next installment of this blog, we’ll cover the next five secrets to success with refractive cataract surgery. As you can tell, putting patients’ best interests first solves a lot of problems, but honing our communication style makes us better doctors.