Eyeworld

DECEMBER 2020 | EYEWORLD | 67 R by Ellen Stodola Editorial Co-Director A fter being forced to close for several months because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many ophthalmolo- gists had to make adjustments to practices in the clinic and surgery when they reopened. EyeWorld spoke to several surgeons about what they've seen in terms of LASIK numbers since reopening, with many noting that they've actually seen an uptick in this procedure. Ella Faktorovich, MD, said she's been keep- ing track of LASIK numbers, reasons behind these numbers, and why patients choose refrac- tive surgery for years. She uses a questionnaire that asks patients why they want refractive surgery and why now. Like many, her practice closed in late March and reopened in early June. She noted that she's had about a 40% increase in refractive surgery volume since that time, which she said, "is remarkable compared to the time prior to that." She said that some of this volume is from patients who were unable to complete the procedure prior to the shutdown, but she's also noticing more new patients coming in interest- ed in LASIK. While the potential for glasses fogging up while wearing a mask is a motivating factor, Dr. Faktorovich said it is not the number one motivating factor for these patients. "According to the data that we generated from the ques- tionnaires patients answer when they come in, the main reason is that patients have time now to do it," she said. Dr. Faktorovich said the fact that many peo- ple are now working from home is likely a huge factor. Patients don't necessarily have more time because many are actually working more at home rather than less; however, they have more flexibility. "They can fit a consultation in during the middle of the day," Dr. Faktorovich said, adding that many patients are no longer commuting, are no longer traveling for work or leisure, and generally feel that they have more time. "The working from home concept is, ac- cording to the questionnaires, the main reason patients are coming in now," she said. Patterns in LASIK cases since reopening practices continued on page 68 About the physicians Daniel Chang, MD Empire Eye and Laser Center Bakersfield, California Ella Faktorovich, MD Pacific Vision Institute San Francisco, California Sarah Nehls, MD University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Madison, Wisconsin George Waring IV, MD Waring Vision Institute Charleston, South Carolina Dr. Faktorovich gives patients a choice to wear a mask or not during their procedure. All patients are screened with a COVID-19 questionnaire prior to entering the clinic and their temperature is checked. Disposable surgical blankets are used to cover patients. Source: Ella Faktorovich, MD

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