Eye surgeons can improve your eye health and overall quality of life in so many more ways than you can imagine. On the reverse, too, a bad one can cause irreversible damage to your life. Imagine going a day, no longer able to do your daily tasks, because you lost your vision. As small as the eyes may be as far as body parts go, it plays a significant role in your life. When you need the help of one, you should always put the care of your eyes in the hands of an expert. This isn’t the right place for you to take any chances. To help you find a good one, here are some of the common characteristics that all good cataract surgeons and eye surgeons universally have:
- Skills
Cataract surgeons are people with a heart, just like everyone does. That means they each have their respective personalities and interests as well. But, despite these personalities that divide them, they have a set of skills and interests that are common among good cataract surgeons. These skills include the following:
- Excellent communication skills. Not only should your surgeon have the ability to talk well. They should also be able to empathize well. This means that they understand what you’re going through, and they can communicate with you with so much care and understanding. Vision problems can cause significant stress on the patient. A good doctor should talk to you emphatically, and not one with a hint of arrogance and impatience.
- Great problem-solving skills. The eyes are positioned in a delicate part of the face. Some of its nerves may be so close to the brain. And this fact can make your surgery even more difficult than usual. A good cataract surgeon should be able to pay great attention to detail and have excellent problem-solving skills.
- Good hand-eye coordination and vision. Apart from paying attention to detail, the surgeon should also be able to put into action properly the work that has to be done in your eyes. With poor hand-eye coordination, this can also cause significant damage to your eyes during the surgery. That can be very difficult to undo.
- Access To Latest Technology
Surgeons have spent years in medical school, furthering their knowledge and their skills. These days, they’re also working to their advantage through the help of advancements in technology. Great cataract surgeons should be using the latest technology, as well. And, apart from that, they should also know how to use these machines. The surgeon must’ve undergone the right training necessary to operate the tools effectively and to avoid even the smallest mistakes.
- Experience
“Practice makes perfect,” and indeed, there’s truth to this. Experience is the only way that a surgeon can say they’ve had a lot of practice. The more patients they’ve handled, it means the more experience they’ve had through the eyes. When you’re torn between two cataract surgeons that have the same or similar credentials, weight it out through their experience. Don’t be afraid to ask your potential surgeon these two questions:
- How long have you been in practice?
- How many patients with the same or similar condition as mine have you treated?
- Humility
When a patient tells a doctor that they want to ask for a second opinion, what should a good doctor’s response be? A humble cataract surgeon should be open enough about this. And, should be more than willing to refer a colleague for a referral. In most instances, after a patient asks for a second opinion, they go back to their first surgeon anyway. A good doctor should be one that’s open-minded to this. As, in the end, the goal always is for the overall benefit and well-being of the patient.
- Qualifications
Universally, good cataract surgeons will have the same set of educational qualifications. Most of these qualifications are requirements before they can even be admitted to the field of cataract surgery. While others are already special educational attainments. Don’t be shy to ask about qualifications, like the following:
- Membership in the American College of Surgeons (ACS), as proof that they’re board-certified
- Licenses and permits to operate as a cataract surgeon
- School diplomas
- Other certifications from additional training obtained
- Amicable Office Staff
The staff of your cataract surgeon, such as those from Quigley Eye, speaks and acts on their behalf. Before you even get to meet with the surgeon himself, you will have already dealt with the secretary and assistants, for instance. These staff members are the ones in charge of creating your patient chart, taking your history, weight, height, and other patient details. More often too, it’s with the secretary that you’ll be making a lot of contact and communication with. A right cataract surgeon should also have friendly and amicable office staff. If their staff aren’t pleasant, or if anything raises a red flag for your preference, then you might be better off looking for another doctor. Because you’ll be seeing them regularly, it’s important also that you’re comfortable during your check-ups. Conclusion With these tips, you’re bringing yourself one step closer to finding the best cataract surgeon for your needs. When it comes to a matter as important as your health, it’s paramount that you don’t take any second-chances. You have to put your eyes in the hands of a cataract surgeon that always strives to deliver the best results. Soon enough, you’ll be on your way towards seeing the world with a brand new, better set of eyes.
