SACRAMENTO July 1, 2005 /PRNewswire/ -- The USAEyes website
of the Council for Refractive Surgery Quality Assurance recently
welcomed its 3 millionth visitor. "A noncommercial website achieving
this level of success shows the high demand for detailed and objective
information about Lasik and other laser eye surgery techniques,"
says Glenn Hagele, founder and Executive Director of the nonprofit
organization that operates the popular website.
Lasik uses a specialized laser to reshape the clear front of
the eye and reduce the need for glasses and contacts. Lasik is the
world's most popular elective surgery, exceeding 1.2 million procedures
each year and rising. A recent survey of members of the American
Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery indicates a 25% increase
in surgical volume of over the previous year.
"It is clear the strength of USAEyes is that we talk about
the good and the bad and we are not selling anything," adds Hagele.
"Everyone considering Lasik or similar refractive surgery needs
to know the probability of success and how to find a quality doctor."
Listed at USAEyes are US ophthalmologists who participate
in the patient advocacy organization's ongoing evaluation and certification
program and its popular "50 Tough Questions For Your Lasik Doctor" has
been used by hundreds of thousands to evaluate potential Lasik doctors.
"Surgeon selection is the most critical step for any Lasik patient.
The doctor is even more important than the laser because no amount
of technology will compensate for an inferior doctor," warns Hagele.
"That is why USAEyes focuses strongly on helping patients
find the best available doctor through patient education and doctor
certification."
USAEyes is operated by the Council for Refractive Surgery
Quality Assurance, a nonprofit nongovernmental patient advocacy
organization, which provides the public detailed refractive surgery
information and certifies refractive surgeons.
