LASIK MD Laser Eye Surgery – Vision Correction Informed Consent
You have the right to consent or refuse laser
vision correction procedure at any time prior to its performance.
Consent is a process that involves many steps, involving the
patient, the laser eye surgeon and the Centre staff. Please
remember that the staff and the eye surgeon are available to help
address your concerns, so take this opportunity to ask your
questions. You will be signing a consent form in the presence of
the surgical counsellor on the day of your laser eye surgery prior
to the actual procedure.
Steps of the Consent
Process
Optometrist
During your
pre-operative evaluation, an optometrist will examine your eyes
to determine if you are a
candidate for
LASIK or
PRK vision correction, according to specific criteria and
numerous examinations. The optometrist will provide you with an
explanation of the laser correction procedure, risks, complications
and benefits, alternatives if any, and any particular conditions
that might affect your decision to undergo the laser eye
surgery.
Surgical Counsellor
Before your laser eye surgery, a Centre staff
member will ensure that you have a copy of the
LASIK Information Booklet and the Consent Form(s). You
should review the
LASIK Information Booklet and the counsellor will address any
questions that you may have, review the Consent Form(s) with you,
and complete the information on the Form(s) in preparation for the
signing and witnessing of your signature.
Surgeon
To assist you in making an informed decision,
your vision correction surgeon will review with you the risks and
complications specific to you. Please ensure that your eye surgeon
is aware if you have unanswered questions or if you do not
understand any topic. You will also be provided with a specific
post-operative plan, to which you will also need to consent.
Your eye surgeon is not required to explain risks that are
extremely remote, or those that your eye surgeon does not know
about, even if these risks become known at a later time.
Patient Consent Form
If you decide to undergo the laser eye procedure, after reading this material and speaking with the counsellor, optometrist, eye care professional, and your eye surgeon, you will need to sign the Patient Consent Form(s), indicating that you have been advised of the nature of the vision correction procedure, its risks, benefits, alternatives, and that you are making an informed decision to undergo the procedure. You can also request a copy of your signed Consent Form(s).
