Santa Clara Optometric Society Meeting

Optometrists (eye doctors specializing in vision measurement and correction) from Santa Clara and San Jose invited Dr. Stephen Turner to provide an information seminar regarding other forms of vision correction surgery in addition to LASIK eye surgery. Dr. Turner, a corneal specialist who provide not only LASIK surgery but a variety of new surgeries, spoke about the newest successful eye treatments that are offering new vision to people who were often not considered to be LASIK candidates.

In the past, it was believed that a surgeon that exclusively performs LASIK eye surgery would be the best choice for LASIK. With newer treatments, it is becoming obvious that a surgeon who performs LASIK exclusively will no longer be able to provide patients with the best possible options in every case. For example, Visian and Verisyse are offering a better treatment than LASIK for patients with thin or irregular corneas, higher prescriptions, and possibly even patients with dry eyes. Crystalens, ReStor, and ReZoom are often a better choice for patients wanting a greater range of vision distances.

Some practice are finding that as many as 25-50% of patients would be happier if they are provided with a treatment option other than LASIK eye surgery. While this might be discouraging for someone who is hoping to have LASIK, it is especially comforting for anyone who wishes to decrease their dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

In Santa Clara, Dr. Turner’s presentation was met with a wide variety of questions from visiting optometrists who are eager to provide their patients with the best possible eye care. As many as 70 eye doctors were in attendance from locations such as Palo Alto, San Jose, San Leandro, San Francisco, Oakland, Santa Clara, and other locations throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. The Majority of eye doctors were from the South Bay and East Bay.