Laser refractive surgery has come a long way since PRK was first performed in 1987, but it has had its fair share of controversy and misinformation over the years. Practices specializing in LASIK know that techniques, technologies, and better co-management have evolved tremendously to vastly improve patient outcomes. Now more than ever, laser refractive surgery is a great option for many. But do your patients know this?
Just as LASIK has changed over time, the best way to reach the target market has also shifted. According to Review of Ophthalmology, people are doing their research online, and millennials are more influenced by educational information than discounts. If you want to show patients you’re on top of technology, share pre- and post-op instructions electronically instead of the paper handout that gets thrown out.
We scoured patient forums and interviewed surgical counselors, doctors, and staff to identify what they wish their patients knew about LASIK. Then, we refreshed our laser refractive surgery content to convey the most important messages at each point along the patient’s journey.
Take a look at how our content can complement your practice’s LASIK specialty today.
Promote LASIK to potential candidates
The purpose of “LASIK: Introduction” is to get potential candidates excited about the possibilities of laser refractive surgery. This is ideal for your website or looping in your waiting room so that patients can bring it up during their appointment. Also, by posting on social media, you can take advantage of word of mouth referrals by encouraging your happy LASIK patients to share.
Highlight the differences between LASIK and PRK
Once a patient expresses interest in learning more about LASIK, it’s time to see if they are a good candidate. This is the perfect opportunity to show your patients, “Difference between LASIK and PRK” to compare the two major laser refractive surgery options, or even promote alternatives like ICLs or different contact lenses. By sending videos home with your patient, they can go back and reference what you said when deciding whether to go forward with the procedure.
Explaining how laser surgery works
Nothing compares to an animated video to really demonstrate how the laser works with “LASIK: During the Procedure” or “PRK: During the Procedure”. Each piece walks patients through the steps of the procedure and helps put them at ease. Feel free to show these animations chairside and then send home with patients via email or patient portal.
Of course, it’s essential for patients to understand the risks of the surgery. That’s why we revamped our “LASIK: Complications” video.
Prepare patients for surgery
Once your patient has decided to proceed with laser vision correction, it’s time to meet with your surgical counselor and prepare for surgery. “Laser Vision Correction: Pre-Op Instructions” covers the basics, designed to reiterate the messages your staff will instruct, like arranging a ride home after surgery. There’s so much to remember before a procedure, it’s easy for patients to forget something – having this visual reminder will make the key points resonate.
Be there following the procedure
By telling your patients what to expect after surgery, you can help them prepare adequately for the days that follow, and set them on a care plan that keeps their healthy vision in check. Since the two procedures have different recovery instructions, we’ve separated out “LASIK: Post Op Instructions” from “PRK: Post Op Instructions” for each of your patient types.
You can start using these new laser refractive surgery videos right now. They’re available in all Rendia accounts as part of your subscription.