About LASIK Treatment

A LASIK Surgeon's Perspective – Interview with Matthew Sharpe, M.D.

Q. Why do you choose to practice at LasikPlus?

A. LasikPlus has treated me extraordinarily well from the beginning in 1999 when I had done only a few hundred procedures in my private group practice. They have always provided the support that makes working for them a surgeon's utopia. They do all the start-up, hiring, training, equipment procurement, information management and the myriad details that make up a successful center. My focus is entirely on patient care and keeping up with medical developments. So the choice to be a part of LasikPlus was inarguably the best professional choice I could ever have made. This is part of the reason why we have some of the most respected surgeons in the country in our company.

Q. Some people see corporate providers as not having the same quality as private surgeons, what do you think?

A. The company was founded by a visionary general surgeon, Dr. Stephen Joffe, who saw the enormous potential of this procedure. I remember him saying, "Where else in the body can you remove just a few microns of tissue, and completely change a patient's life?" He founded the business on the principals of patient care that I believe only a surgeon could understand: give your very best, no matter what the cost. The commitment to the absolute best technology nearly broke us in the early years of the company, especially when the flash in the pan companies were advertising low prices. But this commitment has held true, even as the company grows. We have the top three technologies available in the world, which allows us to tailor the treatment very specifically to each patient. I don't have to make all the treatments fit on one machine. Each of the three is continually coming out with improvements that make treatments even safer, easier, and available to a wider range of disorders. So I completely reject the idea that corporate providers cannot provide the quality that private surgeons provide. There are differing levels of experience and skill in all disciplines. Laser Vision Correction (LVC) is all we do. We have the advantages of LVC dedicated staff, equipment, optometrists and surgeons who perform many times the number of procedures that the average private ophthalmologist performs. We have an information system that is second to none, allowing me to monitor my own outcomes to ensure great results. A professional golfer wouldn't be good if he didn't hit a lot of golf balls, regardless of innate talent. I am a better refractive surgeon for having performed 35,000 plus procedures, than I was after 2,000 by far. I am more able to see trends with large numbers of patients than if I see something once. I meet and discuss the details with the other highly experienced surgeons of LasikPlus at our meetings, and online nearly daily.

Q. What is most satisfying about being a Lasik surgeon?

A. There are many satisfying aspects to being a Lasik surgeon. It's the patient who is getting married and doesn't want glasses in her pictures. It's the patient who wants to scuba dive or mountain climb or golf without glasses. It's the patient who comes in with glasses wired together and says, "I've been wearing glasses for 23 years, and I'm done!" It's getting a hug, or the tears of happiness, or the genuine thanks for helping them to realize a dream where they see clearly when truly cannot remember a day in their life when they saw things clearly. It's also helping the patient who is afraid (which is nearly everyone to some degree) get through the procedure and say, "That's all there is to it? I don't know what I was so worried about." I cannot think of a more satisfying way to practice.

Q. You're moving to Seattle with a new LasikPlus facility. What happens to your patients in Columbus/Cleveland?

A. My patients from the Columbus and Cleveland offices are in great hands. The surgeons for these offices are superbly experienced ophthalmologists who are taking over well established practices with very talented, experienced teams. We transitioned over about 3 months so that patients I treated would be nearly totally done, and Drs. Rom and Thomas would begin treatments on patients gradually. They are both doing beautifully and I keep in close contact to ensure continuity of patient care.

Q. What are your most frequently asked questions from patients?

A. Everyone wants perfect vision, and wants as much assurance as we can give them. We cannot guarantee the procedure and there are risks, although they vary depending on a number of factors. Age and prescription are the main two factors that determine risk in my opinion. I think the question of reading glasses requires the most careful explanation and demonstration so that they know what they are getting. I am a fan of "monovision" which is designed for our patients in their 40's who can opt to have one eye for near and one for distance to try to avoid needing glasses for near tasks. It is very important that we communicate effectively, as this can be a difficult concept to understand. Demonstration of it is very important. There are lots of questions that you may not know to ask, and that is why we go to great lengths to educate our patients fully throughout the process.

Q. What do you think separates you from other providers?

A. I have the distinct honor to count myself among the 20,000 or so ophthalmic surgeons in the United States. Without question there are some of the most intelligent, talented, innovative and caring people in the world in this group. I know that our patients could find outstanding care if they chose to go somewhere else for their vision correction. However, I truly believe that the care they receive in our office is world class, second to none. The experience, communication, technology, and genuine concern we have for our patients make us a tough act to follow. But don't take my word for it, come in and have a free evaluation.

Q. What do you foresee as being the most difficult, in regards to your transition?

A. It has been difficult to leave my home, my roots. My parents and high school friends are in Columbus. My staffs in both Cleveland and Columbus are outstanding, and I miss them. The allure of the Pacific Northwest compelled us to take this wonderful opportunity that only a company like LasikPlus can provide, and begin a practice in Bellevue. I will not regret the difficult decision.