pre-op exam

Ok, now I am really freaked out. I was just told that a technican will be doing the pre-op eye measurements and be discussing my implant options with me rather than the surgeon who I had my initial appointment with. Is this acceptable practice, or should I go to another doctor? I thought the measurements are crucial to the outcome as well as determining the powers on the lenses to achieve mini-monovision. Help!

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

1. The measurements are almost always done by a technician. Truth to tell because of that the tech can probably do it better than the surgeon. Second truth to tell, there are not enough physicians to take care of all the baby boomers that are now in their 60's. Expect much more contact with "physician extenders" technicians, physicians assistants, nurse practitioners, etc.
2. You can use the search feature and archives to read the many extended discussions on all your decisions: monofocal IOL vs multifocal IOL, setting IOL power for distance, near, intermedicate, monovision, mini-mono with distance or near bias.
3. you should go to a physician-surgeon you feel comfortable with.

JCH MD