Viewpoint
Seizing the Chance to Change
FROM THE CHIEF MEDICAL EDITOR
Alan B. Aker, M.D., F.A.C.S.

The arrival of LASIK brought each of us to a moment of truth. We were faced with a choice: Stick with the status quo or embark on a journey into the unknown. Even those of us who knew we wanted to proceed faced the formidable challenge of how to successfully bring this new technology to our patients. For many, myself included, one aspect of that challenge stood out: How would we integrate this new segment of our practices with our large, established cataract bases? These were different patients with different mindsets. They'd expect a different experience.

Reshaping and rejuvenating

Our answer to that question was a practice transformation. We committed to a three-phased plan to upgrade our current facility so that we could provide top-notch care to both groups of patients at one site. This is something plenty of folks said couldn't be done.

Other surgeons are succeeding with another type of transformation. My good friend and former associate, Brian R. Will, M.D., is one of them. He's opted out of the traditional mode of ophthalmic practice and developed a refractive surgery-only center of excellence. He was also told it couldn't be done. But he set up shop in a new town, where six well-established surgeons were already performing refractive surgery. Now, his practice is a shining example of today's successful refractive endeavor -- compassionate care in an ultrahigh-tech environment.

In this month's cover story, which begins on page 44, we chronicle both of these practice transformations. They're a reflection of how LASIK has not only reshaped millions of corneas, but our practices as well. And more importantly, they show us that it's possible to use LASIK as a catalyst for positive change, which results in a rejuvenation that transcends the uncertainties of the price wars.

In these stories we hope you'll find the ideas and inspiration necessary to seize your chance for a change.