THE PRACTICE: Richard J. Duffey, M.D., practices at the Premier Medical Eye Group, a limited liability company owned by 34 ophthalmologists, optom-etrists and otolaryngologists.

Dr. Duffey says, "We strive to provide the best quality care for each individual who enters our practice. Patients want to know what's wrong in common terms and in black-and-white fashion. We try to offer treatment choices that are clear-cut so that patients can easily understand their options and make an informed choice."

LOCATIONS: The main office is in Mobile, Ala. Satellite offices are located in Pensacola, Fla., on the Gulf Coast in Mississippi and throughout southern Alabama.

PRACTICE SUMMARY: "We have three optometrists," says Dr. Duffey, "and 17 ophthalmologists with every subspecialty covered. If you count the 14-plus otolaryngologists and their employees, we have more than 300 employees."

Dr. Duffey limits his practice to cornea, refractive surgery and cataract surgery because "there are simply not enough days in the week left to do general practice. I think cornea, cataract and refractive surgery are intertwined with one another, making for a very healthy anterior segment practice. Besides, we have general ophthalmologists and several optometrists who do the bulk of the routine eye exams and general eye care."

SURGICAL FOCUS: Dr. Duffey's surgical focus is 50% refractive, 30% cataract and 20% cornea.

PREFERRED INSTRUMENTS: VISX Star S2 SmoothScan excimer laser, AMO phacoemulsification units, and the Moria microkeratomes LSK One and Carriazo-Barraquer.

PREFERRED MEDICATIONS: "I use a lot of non-preserved and transiently preserved lubricating drops to deal with dry eye patients, especially post-surgical patients. I still like Refresh Tears, GenTeal transiently preserved drops, TheraTears and Bion Tears."

GROWTH AREAS: In 1999, refractive surgery grew by 62%. "I think refractive surgery will continue to be a very healthy part of my practice," Dr. Duffey says. "More patients want to be less dependent on glasses and contact lenses, whether it's following cataract surgery, following corneal surgery, or the primary purpose of their refractive surgery in the first place."

SLOW SPOTS: Dr. Duffey sees a need for fewer corneal transplants at present and in the future, because of improvements in intraocular lens technology and surgical techniques.

MANAGEMENT PHILOSOPHY: "Our aim is to cover all specialties of ophthalmology with the brightest surgeons using the best medical treatments available. In recent years, we've diversified into more non-third-party-payer services, such as refractive surgery, plastic surgery and optical."

BUSINESS STATS

1999 Overhead ���� 40%

1999 New Patient Percentage��� 25%

1999 Refractive Surgery Income Increase ����� 33%

Richard J. Duffey, M.D., has taught in China, Mongolia and the Sudan.