LASIK is a surgical procedure that reshapes the cornea to improve vision clarity for years to come. As an elective surgery, it’s essential to choose a qualified surgeon and a specialized facility. While standard eye clinics are great for exams and prescriptions, LASIK requires an accredited environment focusing on patient safety and long-term success.
At Kelly Vision, LASIK is performed by board-certified ophthalmologists Dr. James R. Kelly and Dr. Ashley Brissette, who have decades of experience and advanced training in refractive surgery. Our practice adheres to strict accreditation standards, ensuring informed consent, quality oversight, and accountability at every stage of care.
In this article, we will explain the meaning of accreditation, how an accredited LASIK center differs from a standard eye clinic, and why Kelly Vision is an exceptional choice as an accredited LASIK eye center.
Accreditation Changes How Informed Consent and Education Are Handled
At an accredited LASIK center, the informed consent process is a formal clinical procedure, not just a brief conversation or a signature. Additionally, accreditation requires standardized systems for patient education, ensuring each patient receives clear and accurate information before surgery.
This distinction is vital because LASIK is an elective eye surgery with both tangible benefits and real risks, which is why the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides dedicated public education resources on LASIK.
The FDA’s goal is to help patients clearly understand:
- What LASIK does to the eye
- Who may or may not be a good candidate
- What to expect before, during, and after surgery
- The potential risks, limitations, and long-term considerations
Compared to a standard eye clinic, an accredited LASIK center is more likely to have formal systems in place for:
- Documenting surgical risks, alternatives, and realistic outcome expectations
- Evaluating candidacy based on medical appropriateness, not sales criteria
- Providing consistent pre-operative education and written instructions
- Monitoring healing and visual outcomes after surgery
- Following defined pathways for addressing post-operative concerns or complications
Accreditation Sets a Higher, Enforceable Standard for Surgical Safety
Accreditation is a formal validation by a third party that a surgical facility meets established standards for patient safety, quality of care, and clinical oversight. Unlike informal “best practices,” accreditation necessitates ongoing compliance, routine reviews, and accountability over time.
An accredited LASIK center is evaluated on systems and processes, not just advanced lasers or modern design. These standards typically include:
- Defined surgical safety protocols
- Pre-operative and post-operative care pathways
- Infection prevention and control measures
- Emergency preparedness and response planning
- Staff credentialing, training, and continuing education
- Quality assurance programs and outcome monitoring
- Ethical standards and patient rights protections
The result is:
- Greater consistency in how care is delivered
- Less variability in surgical processes
- Standardized safeguards that reduce preventable risk
- A safer, more predictable surgical environment
Two primary organizations accredit ambulatory surgical centers in the United States:
- The Joint Commission, which sets nationally recognized healthcare quality and safety standards
- AAAHC (Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care), which focuses on outpatient and same-day surgical facilities
An Accredited LASIK Center Operates Under Protocols Standard Eye Clinics Are Not Required to Meet
A standard eye clinic focuses on exams and routine care, while an accredited LASIK center is specifically designed for surgical procedures, featuring protocols to minimize operative risk.
In an accredited surgical environment, the following are foundational—not optional:
- Patient rights and documented informed consent
- Infection prevention and sterile technique
- Standardized surgical workflows
- Accurate, auditable medical records
- Preparedness for complications or emergencies
In the United States, Medicare-established health and safety standards define what an actual surgical environment must include for Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs). These standards cover critical areas such as:
- Governing body oversight and accountability
- Surgical services and procedural safeguards
- Medical recordkeeping and documentation requirements
- Patient rights and protections
- Infection control protocols
- Discharge planning and continuity of care
Choosing Accreditation Means Choosing a Higher Standard of LASIK Care
The difference between an accredited LASIK center and a standard eye clinic is primarily related to how surgery is governed, delivered, and safeguarded. Accreditation signifies the existence of formal systems designed to guide decision-making, maintain consistency, and minimize avoidable risks. This ensures that every step of care adheres to clearly defined medical standards rather than relying on informal practices.
At Kelly Vision, these standards are supported by continuous involvement from physicians. Dr. James R. Kelly and Dr. Ashley Brissette are engaged throughout the entire process, not just on the day of surgery. They personally evaluate candidacy, plan each procedure, and are actively involved in the recovery process. This level of continuity creates an environment where safety, precision, and long-term results are prioritized from start to finish.
If you're considering LASIK, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Kelly Vision today.
