Hi--

Fortunately, this question just went out over the Stanford network (a listserv for Stanford grads), and a nice guy named Howie was kind enought to put together an amazing webpage with people's reviews. There are seven Bay Area docs on the list.

So, without further ado, please check out Howie's website:

http://www.stanfordlasik.com/

In terms of selecting a doctor, I would choose one that has extensive experience, is board certified, and makes you feel comfortable.

These are some suggested questions:

What to Ask a Refractive Surgeon
After you find a surgeon, make an appointment for a consultation. This is an important meeting. To take full advantage of it, write down every single question you can think of, and ask every single one during your visit.

The Council for Refractive Surgery Quality Assurance has a list of 50 questions on its website. Here are a few of them:

How long have you been performing refractive surgery procedures? (Not less than three years.)

How many total procedures have you done? (Not less than 500.)

How many refractive procedures of the exact type you intend to use for me, with the same equipment, and the same refractive error, have you performed? (Not less than 100.)

What percent of your refractive surgery patients receive Snellen uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) of 20/40 or better? (The CRSQA says you should be suspicious of any number that is greater than 90%, which is the norm.)

What percentage achieved 20/20 or better? (Around 65% is the norm; ask for proof if a higher number is stated.)

Will you provide me the names and contact information of at least ten previous patients who have had the exact same surgery with similar refractive error?

Have you ever had malpractice insurance coverage denied?

Have you had your license to perform refractive surgery revoked, suspended or restricted?

Have you been convicted of a felony? etc.

As you can see, the CRSQA recommends asking tough questions that some may consider difficult or even rude to ask. But remember that your precious vision depends on your surgeon's competency. You need to be confident that you have chosen the right person. If you are not happy with the answers to your questions, consult another surgeon.

In addition to the above concerns, you also need to consider the surgeon's versatility and competency in a variety of refractive procedures. LASIK isn't the only game in town, and it isn't the best procedure for every person. Choose a surgeon who is comfortable and experienced with several procedures — such as LASIK, PRK, LASEK, CK, and clear lens replacement — and the latest technology. If your doctor knows these procedures inside and out, he or she can confidently choose the one that will be best to correct your particular vision problems. If you're considering a surgeon who doesn't perform a particular procedure you're interested in, he or she should be able to explain why not, beyond "I don't do that."

You can find more at this website:
http://www.allaboutvision.com/visionsurg
ery/surgeons.htm