How do I avoid a bad LASIK surgeon?

Being able to differentiate the good doctors from the not-so-good doctors is not easy. If it were, people were rarely have problems in the medical industry. Unfortunately, there are still some medical professionals out there who continue to perform procedures against better judgement, take unnecessary risks, and may not be totally forthcoming about their experience.

The best way to avoid this is to make sure you are doing your adequate homework. You'll want to ask people for recommendations, in addition to doing some research on the web. Narrow down your choices to several - the same way an employer might filter through resumes to bring in the best 5 for an interview. You'll do the same - interview your surgeon choices. Come prepared with a list of questions - both about them personally and professionally, but also questions you have about the procedure. Even if you already know the answer from having done your research online, or having it answered from another surgeon, you'll want to see the way they answer it. This answer could be very telling.

Also, if you have a condition which you've been previously advised NOT to do the surgery - especially if it's been from more than one professional - don't go searching for the one who will perform the procedure. Getting a second opinion is one thing, but shopping around for a doctor who will perform a surgery that no other doctors will perform - well, that just sends up a red flag about the doctor. Remember, LASIK is an elective procedure designed to make your life better - not a life saving surgery where risks may be warranted.