THE LASIK SEMINAR

     For many of our patients, the laser vision correction process starts with one of our monthly seminars. For these events, our refractive surgeons personally deliver a very professional PowerPoint presentation. At our Dartmouth facility, each seminar includes a live LASIK procedure, followed by a question and answer session with the patient. This personal interaction is the most persuasive element in our program.>

     External marketing on local media, particularly radio, draws patients to the seminars, which are held in our Dartmouth, Taunton, and Middletown facilities. Creating direct familiarity with the practice is a key piece of our marketing.

     Live LASIK surgery on closed circuit TV is an important part of the seminar at our Dartmouth location. In that seminar, the surgeon gives a 30-45 minute PowerPoint presentation and then heads to the LASIK suite for surgery. Then, seminar attendees watch the surgery in real time on TV. Afterwards, both patient and surgeon join the coordinator and answer questions. Each of our seminars accommodates up to 30 attendees.>

     To implement a similar program, the office needs a space in which 30-60 people can view both a presentation and live televised surgery. The TV circuitry and equipment are a worthwhile capital expense. We use the main waiting area (after hours) for the seminars. The TVs that show CNN during the day are switched over to closed circuit for the LASIK demonstration. This one-hour seminar plus surgery program is an elaborate exercise in choreography but has become the cornerstone of our informational and marketing activity.