Doctor's interest vs. patients interest

[zog160]

I expect that I will need cataract surgery in the near future. I have had bad experiences where the doctor has placed his own interest, financial or otherwise, above the patients interest. How can I guard against this? Are some lens implants more profitable then others? Do some manufacturers provide incentives for doctors to use their products?

[JodieJ]

This site is one of the few places where patients can get honest, direct professional feedback, which will certainly help them make better decisions about their eye care.  This is indeed very valuable.

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

Welcome
JCH MD

[zog160]

Thank you for your opinions. You perform a very valuable function on this site.

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

In my opinion nothing. It is suppose to help you function without glasses but a quick look at the archives shows there are many many more unhappy patients with "premium" IOLs than aspheric monofocal IOLs.

JCH IIIMD

[zog160]

What characteristics does a "premium IOL" have that would make it worth more then a  regular IOL?

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

You would likely go on reputation.  It usually gets around if a surgeon is rude or not a good surgeon or too agressive.

Most insurance companies and medicare pay a certain amount towards the IOL and the Eye MD writes off the rest. There is an incentive to use a so called premium IOL since the patient pays an extra $1000 dollars.

JCH III MD