An evidence-based approach to patient selection for laser vision correction

To describe the process used by Optical Express, a large corporate refractive surgery provider, to develop evidence-based patient selection guidelines for laser vision correction.

The evaluation of patient selection criteria for laser vision correction is part of a larger corporate process of continuous quality improvement and clinical due diligence. The procedures used to evaluate patient selection criteria are described in detail and the benefits of this process are explained. The criterion review process involves the company's International Medical Advisory Board (IMAB) and includes an evaluation of the published literature and analyses generated from the large Optical Express clinical outcomes database. This article offers a case study in which the IMAB used the criterion review process to examine the upper limit for estimated postoperative keratometry in hyperopic laser vision correction.

The patient selection criteria undergo continuous scrutiny and are modified whenever medical evidence indicates that change is appropriate.

Using an established protocol for reviewing patient selection criteria, Optical Express continuously measures its patient selection criteria against both external (published) and internal data sources. This process ensures that decisions about patients' suitability for surgery are based on the best-available current medical evidence.