Profiles in Practice Success
Thriving in the Big City
This surgeon spends time with patients before and after surgery.

THE PRACTICE: Liviu B. Saimovici, M.D., owns Advanced Eye Care Associates, which is located in Manhattan on Park Avenue.

PRACTICE SUMMARY: Upon opening Advanced Eye Care Associates in 1984, Dr. Saimovici practiced general ophthalmology. In 1990, he started performing radial keratotomy (RK). Today, his practice is primarily refractive.

Dr. Saimovici is the sole physician at Advanced Eye Care Associates. His staff includes a laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) technician, a LASIK coordinator, an optometrist and a receptionist.

SURGICAL FOCUS: Dr. Saimovici performs 65% refractive surgery, 30% cataract surgery and 5% glaucoma. He is a strong advocate of photorefractive keratotomy (PRK). "I find it somewhat more predictable and safer than other forms of laser vision correction."

PREFERRED INSTRUMENTS: Bausch & Lomb's Hansatome and Allergan's Array Multifocal intraocular lens.

Dr. Saimovici also uses a couple of instruments that he developed for Bausch & Lomb. The first is a corneal marker for cataract surgery. The marker facilitates centration and sizing of the anterior capsulotomy. The second instrument is an aspirating speculum designed to be used with the Hansatome; the speculum guards against diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK).

Additionally, Dr. Saimovici uses a VISX Star S2 laser, which he allows outside ophthalmologists to use, because "we're colleagues, not competitors."

PREFERRED MEDICATIONS: Ocuflox, Pred Forte and Lotemax.

For patients suffering from LASIK-related dry eye, Dr. Saimovici prescribes Refresh Plus or GenTeal gel, and he strongly cautions patients against the use of cosmetics.

GROWTH AREAS: In the past year, Dr. Saimovici's refractive business has grown 17%. This has happened despite the half-mile proximity of two corporate laser centers (an Insight Laser Center and a TLC Laser Vision Center).

"The LASIK discounters don't offer what I do. I provide car service for my patients, and place them on reclining, massage chairs in the recovery room."

SLOW SPOTS: Dr. Saimovici's optical shop wasn't working for his practice. "Last year," he says, "I did away with my optical. I needed the space, and it wasn't making any money."

MANAGEMENT PHILOSOPHY: "I do my best to be an excellent surgeon. This entails letting my patients know I care, so I spend time with them before and after the procedure.

"I believe this attitude trickles down to my staff. It also helps that I hold a weekly meeting with my staff to examine the files of the patients that came in that week. We go over what went well, what didn't go well and how we handled everything. Essentially, we talk about ways to improve our communication and surgical skills."