Co-Management

The practice of sharing perioperative care between the surgeons at Cohen Laser and Vision Center and your current eye care professional is a safe and effective way to proceed with eye surgery. The doctors at CLVC are proud to have established a trusted network of eye care professionals throughout the state of Florida and abroad. Ensuring your eyes receive the most accurate diagnostic testing, most technically proficient and state-of-the-art surgical techniques, and the highest standards of post-operative management and continuity of care are hallmarks of the surgical experience at CLVC.

How Co-Management Works

Deciding to get LASIK surgery can be overwhelming. With co-management, you have the privilege of continuing the professional relationship with your current optometrist or ophthalmologist, as well as take advantage of the specialized services offered at our center. will work together to ensure you receive the optimum results without any compromises or gaps in care. Keep in mind that diagnostic testing may need to be repeated or updated by the specialists at CLVC in preparation for surgery, even if similar tests were recently performed elsewhere.
With co-management, your eye doctor can provide you with an initial eye exam and the information you need to make your decision. Once you have decided to have refractive surgery at Cohen Laser and Vision Center, we will ensure both you and your doctor are informed and comfortable with the care plan.

Post-operative care

Your eye doctor, who conducted the pre-operative screening, will also conduct most of the post-LASIK consultations.
There are several factors involved in LASIK post-operative care, such as follow-up appointments with the surgeon, a recovery plan to follow, and specific guidelines to keep in mind, such as no eye rubbing. As every person’s eyes are different, each post-operative plan is unique.

Within the first 24-48 hours after LASIK surgery, most patients will have their initial follow-up appointment with Dr. Cohen. He will ensure the patient is recovering as planned and communicate the follow-up plan with the referring provider. If necessary, he will also assess if there needs to be any alterations to the recovery plan.
At least six months after surgery, follow-up appointments should be continued, to ensure that recovery is going as planned. If during the recovery period vision seems to be getting worse or something else is of concern, it is recommended to call your eye doctor.

Advantages of co-management

For patients traveling specifically for surgery, co-management offers several advantages in that they can return home soon after treatment and continue their care without much interruption. Furthermore, you get to maintain your long-term relationship with an eye doctor you already have trusted for years. CLVC will still honor any warranty and necessary surgical interventions for patients seeking co-managed care, as long as they follow-up as advised.

Disadvantages of co-management

While transferring care between doctors is generally safe and convenient, there are potential pitfalls. For one, since subsequent visits may not be performed by the same doctor, one doctor’s opinion or assessment may differ from another’s. Discrepancies in a treatment plan, intervals of care, or other issues may arise when more than one physician is responsible. Additionally, should a complication arise, the time between diagnosis and treatment may be delayed in co-managed patients.

How does CLVC co-manage patients

The doctors at Cohen Laser and Vision Center always put patient care first. We welcome co-managing with patients and providers who are willing to work together to ensure adequate continuity and diligence.
Before a surgery is performed, both the patients and their providers will be informed about the treatment plan and follow-up schedule. All parties must be “on the same page” and be flexible when adjustments in the treatment plan are necessary.
There is no financial incentive or exclusive partnership between CLVC and other doctor’s offices. We are open to work with any optometrist or ophthalmologist who is willing and able to collaborate and provide the highest standards of eye care to our mutual patients.