Patient satisfaction with LASIK surgery in New York State

The purpose of this paper is to provide a descriptive analysis of patients who have recently undergone laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery in New York State and record the level of patient satisfaction with perceived visual outcome. A survey was mailed to 230 members of a vision care benefits plan. The questionnaire focused on five specific areas: (I) motivation, (2) satisfaction, (3) functional outcome, (4) postsurgical experience, and (5) out-of-pocket expenditures. Patients were at least three months postsurgery and had undergone surgery between September 2002 and August 2003. One hundred sixty-five (72%) surveys were received. An average overall "experience" score of 8.9 out of 10 ten was recorded. Average out-of-pocket expenses exceeded 1600 dollars despite an insurance coverage of 200 dollars per eye plus a 25% discount for using network ophthalmic surgeons. With growing competition among physicians performing LASIK surgery, the effort to find more patients intensifies. However, as the majority of those surveyed selected their surgeon based on reputation or referral, it is essential that physicians be vigilant in choosing their cases and cognizant of the importance of patient satisfaction.