In the July/August 2007 edition of Consumentengids (Consumer Guide) (special on laser eye surgery), the Consumentbond (Consumer Association) published the results of a study about the quality of laser eye clinics in the Netherlands.

The Consumentenbond evaluated clinics based on 10 aspects. We took these aspects directly from the article and researched the extent to which our clinics meet the criteria that are listed in these 10 aspects.

You can find the results of this study below:

Source: The July/August 2007 edition of the Consumentengids (Consumer Guide) (special on laser eye surgery).

Ten Aspects to Pay Attention to Before Laser Surgery

1. Is the eye doctor certified?

You can see whether an ophthalmologist is BIG-certified at http://www.bigregister.nl/ and whether he/she is a refractive surgeon (”eye surgeon”) at http://www.ooglaseradvies.org/. All ophthalmologists are listed in alphabetical order under the Certified Surgeons heading. Clicking on the name will show you how long the respective surgeon has been performing certain procedures.

Result:

CARE Vision's BIG-certified doctors are:

Dr. A.M.A. Jansen - 49044570901

Dr. J.R. Villada - 49910550801

Dr. Fesser - 79909723801

Dr. S.J. Linke - 49066404701

Dr. M. Schimkat - 5990107996601

2. How big is the ophthalmologist's role?

It is best if the ophthalmologist performs the preliminary exam, the surgery and the check-ups. But this happens almost nowhere. In practice, an optometrist often performs some of these tasks. That is fine if the ophthalmologist performs the preliminary exam and discusses the treatment plan and conducts the first check-up and is available in the event of problems. In the event that something goes wrong after surgery, it is important for the doctor to have a (GSM) emergency number that is reachable 24/7.

Result:

At CARE Vision a qualified, BIG-certified ophthalmologist is involved in the patient's entire medical course. The procedure and the first check-up are performed by the doctors themselves. The ophthalmologist will always remain reachable for the patient. CARE Vision has even made a phone number available 24/7 for emergency cases. This number is only given to patients in order to prevent fake calls.

3. Is there an external independent complaint committee?

This committee must be made up of at least three members with an independent chairperson. Patients must receive a folder about complaint procedures before their surgery.

Result

CARE Vision has a complaint committee to which our patients can turn should this become necessary. The committee consists of four members headed by an independent ophthalmologist not affiliated with CARE Vision. CARE Vision also has a comprehensive complaint folder.

Click here to download the complaint form.

Click here to download the regulations.

4. Is there a written informed consent document?

This document contains an explanation of the procedure and the possible complications.

Result

Everyone who comes to CARE Vision for treatment receives comprehensive written information about the entire procedure and the possible complications. The ophthalmologist also discusses this written document with the patient. In order to be sure that all patients read this document, we also ask each patient to sign it.

5. Does the primary care physician receive a letter?

In order to inform him/her about how the surgery went and about the eye pressure before and after the procedure.

Result

CARE Vision recently began sending this information to primary care physicians. After the check-ups have been completed, the patient's primary care physician receives a letter in which the course and the results of the treatment are explained.

6. Does the clinic offer a comprehensive range of treatments?

So both Lasek/PRK, Lasik as well as lens implantation.

Result

CARE Vision offers Lasek/PRK, Lasik and lens implantation. We offer these procedures because we have very well trained, experienced surgeons.

7. Where does the surgery take place?

This should take place in a “clean room.” So that outside air can't just stream inside, thus decreasing the chance of infection.

Result

At CARE Vision we go a step further than that. In the CARE Vision clinics in The Hague and Amsterdam the surgeries are performed in a special room that complies fully with the requirements specified by the Health Care Inspectorate..

8. Are all procedures at the clinic done according to protocol?

Meaning, for example, that the patient's name and treatment method are verified on the operating table and that the eyes are operated on successively.

Result

CARE Vision adheres to very strict, watertight protocols. For example, we take a photo of your face as early as during the preliminary exam. This photo is used during the entire procedure as an additional guarantee in order to exclude any chance of a patient mix-up. We also set our lasers according to a checklist and an established, strict protocol.

9. Is the laser modern and well-maintained?

Maintenance for eye lasers are expensive. But it is important for equipment that is crucial for surgery to be in good working order. The state-of-the-art lasers we currently use are: the Aesculap Meditec Zeiss Mel 80, Alcon Ladarvision,

Bausch & Lomb Technolas 217 en Z 100, Schwind Esiris, Visx Star S4 and Wavelight Alegretto 200 and 400.

Result

We use the Bausch & Lomb Technolas 217 Z100 and the Wavelight Allegretto 200. These lasers are among the most state-of-the-art, safest and most reliable lasers in the world. In order to keep the lasers in top condition, CARE Vision has concluded (ongoing) maintenance contracts with the manufacturers. Click here to view our certificate for the Bausch & Lomb laser and here for the Wavelight Allegretto 200.

10. Do you maintain a complication register?

Such a register documents which complications have occurred for which disorder. It is a positive thing if the clinic maintains these figures and is open about them.

Result

CARE Vision strives for full openness. Having and maintaining a complication register is thus a matter of course for CARE Vision. In addition, CARE Vision allows everyone to fully inspect the results of our treatments.