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As discussed in our previous web site discussions,
one local Santa Clara surgeon claimed that
he was a specialist in wavefront LASIK,
but at the time lacked the approved wavefront
equipment needed, AND this surgeon had never
performed the procedure. When this website
reported on this issue, the doctor's attorney
sent a threatening letter. That letter is
referenced below (the names are withheld).
Amazingly, the letter admits that the doctor
in fact lacked the wavefront equipment and
authorization to use it until that day of
the letter. The letter also admits the doctor
claims to "specialize" in a surgical
procedure he never previously performed!
According to the attorney, "specializing"
could be based on radio/television interviews,
publications, and research. Actually performing
the procedure? Not required, according to
the attorney for this doctor, to claim to
be a "specialist." We strongly
disagree. As a potential patient, you should
challenge your eye surgeon to substantiate
any claim of specialization, and inquire
how many procedures the doctor has actually
successfully performed. Sadly, you can't
assume a doctor who claims to be a "specialist"
in certain eye surgery procedures has in
fact ever performed that procedure.
 Click
here to read why the doctor's attorney
feels he is not misleading the public, and
that a surgeon can still "specialize"
in a surgical procedure they have never
performed...
Beware of exaggerated claims made by many
doctors and centers... One local surgeon,
claimed on his website as of May 7, 2003,
that he is "Specializing in Wavefront
LASIK." As of May 7, 2003, this doctor
had not performed ANY Wavefront LASIK surgeries!
You are encouraged to draw your own conclusions
about the honesty and integrity of this
particular doctor, who tries to position
himself as an ethical leader throughout
the rest of his website.
Please note that:
a) Our office bears no ill will to any
professional, but we are concerned that
the public receives accurate information
regarding equipment, procedures, and experience.
b) The actual background and experience
of an eye surgeon versus unsupported advertising
claims present issues of public health concern.
c) Eye surgery poses risks to patients
and we want prospective eye surgery patients
conducting Internet investigation regarding
their options to secure truthful and accurate
information.
d) We are striving to make fair comment
on issues we believe related to public health
concerns, and we invite you to investigate
the backgrounds and training of all area
eye surgeons, and to come to your own informed
conclusion as to the eye surgeon who could
provide you the level of care you seek.
e) It is not important to us that we provide
your eye surgical treatment, but rather
we're concerned that your decision on the
critical issue of your eye care is made
based on truthful and accurate information.
f) We invite you to independently verify
any claims by any eye surgeon regarding
background, level of surgical experience,
relevant training, experience with specific
types of equipment, claims history, and
the truth of any advertising claim you review
from any eye surgeon you consider.
Gary M Kawesch, MD
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