Where Do LASIK Patients Belong?

     It is sometimes suggested that the LASIK center be physically segregated from the rest of the comprehensive ophthalmology practice. In fact, if a practice intends to allow outside surgeons to use the facility, a "neutral," LASIK -only facility is probably necessary; (Dr. Jones may not be comfortable telling her patients that she does LASIK at Dr. Smith's Comprehensive Eyecare Center.)

     Since ours is not an "open access" center, we did not feel the need to isolate it from our main facility. While some would still advocate segregating the LASIK patients in order to ensure they have attractive surroundings and a quality experience, our philosophy is different. We insist that first-rate service be extended to all patients. Physically integrating the LASIK facility into the rest of the practice allowed more efficient use of staff, space, and internal marketing.

     We were able to do this, in part, because the main facility itself is very attractive. In all of our construction, the aim has been to make the entire practice, not just the laser facility, as patient-friendly as possible. Our new Dartmouth office, for example, cost $8 million to build. At $200 per square foot, we spent close to double what typical professional space costs in our locale.

     Even so, our office is probably less posh than a dedicated LASIK facility in a major urban center. While we could have created a more deluxe facility in a separate location, we believed greater benefit would be derived from physically integrating the LASIK facility into the practice.