2009 marks the 15th anniversary of Review’s Annual Refractive Surgery Report. This year, our report features articles from three of the world’s leading optometrists in refractive surgery comanagement.

First, John W. Potter, O.D., M.A., discusses both the communication and legal challenges that optometrists, ophthalmologists and patients face during the informed consent process in “ Bridge the Gap in Informed Consent.” Dr. Potter suggests that you can help foster open communication between your patients and their surgeons to ensure that both parties understand the anticipated refractive results and the potential postoperative limitations.

Next, Randall F. Fuerst, O.D., provides an overview of the LASIK industry’s future following the global financial crisis of 2007-2009. In “ Will LASIK Ever Bounce Back,” Dr. Fuerst contends that LASIK procedure volumes have plummeted by 40% to 70% since April 2008. This sharp decline has resulted in significant revenue losses and staff reductions.

However, not all is lost. While the current state of LAISK is rather gloomy, Dr. Fuerst believes that a recent resurgence in consumer confidence as well as an apparent bottoming of the recession might translate into an increased demand for refractive surgery procedures during the next two decades. Finally, in “A Patient-Centric View of Premium IOLs,” Jim Owen, O.D., M.B.A., advises optometrists to carefully consider a patient’s visual needs and lifestyle before recommending and selecting a premium IOL. “By making time for each patient and handling each case with patience, you will create thoroughly informed patients who should be aware of and satisfied with the outcomes with today’s premium IOLs,” Dr. Owen says.  

The staff at Review of Optometry would like to thank Matthew J. Garston, O.D., of Cambridge, Mass., for providing the clinical images seen on the cover.