It s not for everyone, but is a valid option for those who don t want to wear contacts or glasses. Refractive procedures have been around since the 1970's, but advances in instrumentation and techniques have only recently brought them to the forefront of modern care. There have been enormous improvements in the procedures in the last year. Your family optometrist an objective source of information about which procedure is or isn't best for you. Your family optometrist knows you and your needs much better than the surgeon.
Optometric participation is beneficial for the patient, the optometrist and the surgeon.
For the patient, continuity of care is maintained and eye care becomes more convenient and accessible. Co-management affords Dr. Steensma the opportunity to maintain his role as primary eye care provider during and after the procedure. He will do the pre-op exam, observe the surgical procedure and then provide follow you care for a year after the surgery. The surgeon is allowed to work at his highest skill level doing surgery, not follow up visits. It was originally developed for those patients with extreme amounts of nearsightedness, but has now become the preferred procedure for most people.