Vance Thompson MD is a visionary in refractive surgery and he has truly perfected the patient experience starting with his … More
Category: patient experience
1783: resident week: Why the bleeding?
When you are in residency training, you must learn the knowledge of ophthalmology and the hands-on skills such as surgery, … More
1671: ‘verbal anesthesia’ works like magic
Many times patients are anxious and nervous about having cataract surgery. When you think about the description, “we enter the … More
1666: IOL exchange for glare, halos
Some patients just cannot tolerate a trifocal IOL design and that is compounded if the refractive target is missed and … More
1653: two cataract surgeons walk into…
It is truly an honor to perform cataract surgery on the eyes of fellow ophthalmologists and I have been blessed … More
1594: healing & anatomy affect outcomes
Patient anatomy and healing greatly affect outcomes. The visual results of surgery depend both on surgeon as well as patient … More
1593: this EDOF patient will be amazed
What are the factors for success with EDOF (extended depth of focus) IOLs? How can we ensure that the patient … More
1447: setting reasonable patient expectations
Ophthalmology is a highly specialized field of medicine, so much so that most other physicians have very little knowledge of … More
1434: the surgeon’s loyalty is critical
As a surgeon, you must be loyal — but where should this loyalty be directed? The number one priority for … More
1342: treat from the brain and heart
We have previously discussed the Golden Rule of patient care where we give every patient the same high level of … More
1335: behind the scenes: inside my OR
Surgeons from around the world frequently email me asking to come visit my operating room to watch surgery. In the … More
1328: learning to compartmentalize
No one has a perfect life: there are up and downs, easy parts and challenges, and good times and bad. … More
1318: trifocal IOL performance years later
In the USA we have had access to some trifocal IOLs for the last couple of years. During that time … More
1314: setting reasonable expectations
The happiest patients after cataract surgery are the ones who achieve results that meet or exceed their expectations. Of course, … More
1308: corneal tattoo for cosmetic benefit
Corneal tattooing is sometimes used to help block light that enters a peripheral iridotomy and causes dysphotopsias. That is usually … More
1286: biggest challenges after fellowship
I recently had an enlightening dinner with two former residents: Tripper Sauer MD (UCLA JSEI class of 2017) and David … More
1272: the Golden Rule for patient care
I only remember a few things about kindergarten: playing handball during recess, watching Matilda eat paste, and learning the golden … More
1257: OSN NY Challenges with Akinesia
This talk is one of my lectures from the OSN NY 2021 meeting. This is the Ocular Surgery News meeting … More
1209: Thank you to my fellow surgeons
I am honored and humbled to have the vote of confidence from so many fellow ophthalmologists. This ranking from Newsweek … More
1188: Three rules for patient discussions
Physicians need to understand importance of patient discussions regarding surgery Letting patients speak, making a specific recommendation, and explaining what … More
1182: the J&J Tecnis Eyhance IOL
I am thankful to the engineers who continually improve our surgical products through technical advances. These engineers are usually smarter … More
1138: my 100 year old cataract patient
This patient is 100 years old and she now has decided that she would like cataract surgery. Certainly we are … More
1112: surgical pearls for ocular asymmetry
While most patients have eyes that are very similar, there are a few patients where the eyes are remarkably different, … More
1104: Playlist: Post-Op Day 1
Modern day cataract surgery has a very high success and safety record, with the vast majority of patients having a … More
1090: Playlist: Patient Experience
The patient experience is a critical part of your surgical practice. The patient wants a pleasant experience with good communication … More
1063: Who is the ideal trifocal patient?
Of course, it goes without saying that you must have a normal cornea, retina, and optic nerve to even be … More
1003: Why did the patient go elsewhere?
This video shows two complete surgeries, both presented at high speed. The original cataract surgery was performed by me and … More
I wish I had this book in residency!
“What your medical school and ophthalmology textbooks can’t teach you, but what your mentors, colleagues, and patients will!” That really … More
Cataract Quiz: First eye predicts the next
This patient had cataract surgery in the first eye a few years ago and when we look at the undilated … More
Extended Depth of Focus: Alcon Vivity
We all want to be young again, at least when it comes to vision: visual quality, range of vision, and … More
Why be afraid of cataract surgery?
why are patients afraid of cataract surgery?
Patient moving during cataract surgery
Many patients ask us what will happen if they move during cataract surgery. What if they need to sneeze or … More
choosing refractive targets
Plano is not always the goal It would seem logical that emmetropia is the ideal refractive state of the eye. … More
Cataract Surgery with prior Amblyopia
The most common causes of amblyopia are related to either strabismus or an untreated refractive error, particularly in one eye … More
Bilateral brunescent cataract surgery
This patient has been functionally blind for 10 years and presents to us with bilateral, dense, brunescent cataracts. We must … More
Should you do surgery for this patient?
This is a complex patient who has many systemic medical issues and because her lab tests from this morning showed … More
Mentally Recovering from Complications
There are only two types of ophthalmologists who never, ever get surgical complications: (1) those who don’t operate, and (2) … More
Review: Optimizing Cycle Time Efficiency
Establishing a consistent routine in the operating room is the key for both increased efficiency as well as increased safety. … More
Artificial Iris Implants
Kevin M. Miller MD is a world-renowned cataract surgeon at UCLA’s Jules Stein Eye Institute and he was an instrumental … More
Cataract Surgery Lessons from Kyoto
I recently went to Kyoto, Japan for ophthalmology business development projects and I also had a chance to visit a … More
Clear Optic versus Yellow-Tinted
There has been much debate about the light transmission properties of various IOL optic designs. While most IOLs have a … More
Review: Achieving the State of “Flow”
The psychological state of Flow is described as “energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment” of the action being performed. Some call this … More
I am thankful for…
Today is Thanksgiving in the USA, which is a holiday in the USA when we give thanks to the people … More
Surgeon Ergonomics for Ocular Surgery
As an ophthalmic surgeon, you will spend a large part of your future in the operating room performing delicate ocular … More
Review: Cataract Surgery in Patients age 90+
Average life expectancy is at an all-time high in the US at 79, with even better news for people who … More
Alcon PanOptix Trifocal IOL Performance
In the USA, the FDA has recently approved the Alcon PanOptix IOL for use in cataract surgery. This is a … More
Does age make a difference in IOL surgical planning?
We have some amazing surgical technology now with IOLs that give a wide range of vision and can even help … More
The Patient Experience at our Surgery Center
I made a video for patients as a step-by-step guide to the experience having cataract surgery at our surgery center … More
Technique for Retrobulbar Anesthetic Injection
To perform a safe cataract surgery and to keep the patient comfortable and pain-free, we need to give a sufficient … More
Review: Give the First Surgeon the Benefit of the Doubt
Sometimes you will examine a patient who had surgery elsewhere and you can tell that there were challenges and complications. … More