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O U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | A P R I L 2 0 1 5
Ophthalmic Lasers
Expanded patient care can be profitable care.
T
he use of lasers
for glaucoma
treatment and
other ocular therapies
has been described as
one of the most lucra-
tive opportunities
available in oph-
thalmic surgery. It's
not hard to see these 4
clinical and business
benefits it offers to providers and their patients:
1. Stepped-up patient care. From an ASC's perspective, lasers clearly
represent an opportunity to enhance their patient care by expanding
the services they offer across the full spectrum of ophthalmic treat-
ment. But acquiring laser technology means more than simply offering
more options to patients. According to many physicians, it could also
mean better options.
Traditionally, glaucoma treatment has started with medication before
moving on to lasers, then surgery. But patient-administered eye drops
represent a continuing expense and require adherence to a strict rou-
tine. Laser treatment, on the other hand, is in many cases just as effec-
tive as the drops, without the cost, compliance or potential for side
effects. It can also provide an earlier, less-invasive intervention than tra-
beculectomy or other surgical approaches.
2. Profitable procedures. Many laser systems require
an investment of $20,000 to $26,000 for single-purpose models, or
T H I N K I N G O F B U Y I N G …
Steve Sheppard, CPA, COE