When You Need to See a Refractive Surgeon: Understanding Vision Correction Specialists

It’s a moment of revelation that over 40 million people worldwide have experienced: seeing the world with startling clarity—no glasses, no contacts, just vision restored after refractive surgery. Behind each of these transformations stands a refractive surgeon, a specialist dedicated to making advanced vision correction options available, profoundly impacting the quality of life of people who struggle daily with vision problems.

The decision to pursue any vision correction surgery is deeply personal – anyone considering a vision correction surgery must weigh the risks and benefits. But also, they need to choose the right eye doctor to partner with them on this journey. Many potential patients remain uncertain about exactly what distinguishes a refractive surgeon from other eye care professionals. Understanding the unique qualifications of an eye doctor qualified to perform vision correction surgeries isn’t merely academic—it’s essential for anyone considering entrusting their vision to surgical intervention. 

What Makes These Vision Experts Different: The Path to Becoming a Refractive Surgeon

A refractive surgeon is an ophthalmologist—a medical doctor (MD) specializing in eye care—who has undergone additional specialized training in procedures that correct vision problems. While an optometrist (OD) can prescribe glasses and contact lenses and may even initiate conversations about surgical vision correction options, only specialized ophthalmologists perform surgical procedures like LASIK, Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE), Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL), Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), and cataract surgery using advanced vision-correcting intraocular lenses.

Dr. Arjan Hura from Maloney-Shamie-Hura Vision Institute puts it plainly: “I think in some sense refractive surgery is the pursuit of perfection. It’s high stakes, high pressure, and with very little room for error. Patients come in with very high expectations, and meeting those expectations for those who are good candidates for surgery takes a very focused and specialized mindset. It requires a deep dive into aspects of refractive surgery that the average ophthalmologist likely is not considering on a day-to-day basis in general practice.”

What Makes Refractive Surgeons Vision Experts

Becoming a refractive surgeon requires extraordinary commitment to education and training. After completing four years of undergraduate education, aspiring surgeons attend four years of medical school, followed by a one-year internship and three years of ophthalmology residency. Many then pursue an additional year or more in a specialized fellowship focused on refractive surgery techniques.

This educational journey—spanning more than a decade—is just the beginning. Refractive surgeons are credentialed in multiple ways, including: 

• Medical licensing conferred by the state – or states – a refractive surgeon practices 
• Board certification through organizations like the American Board of Ophthalmology
• Active membership in professional organizations such as the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) and the American Academy of Ophthalmology
• Ongoing continuing education to stay current with rapidly evolving technologies and techniques

When considering vision correction surgery, finding the right specialist is as important as choosing the appropriate procedure. Here’s what to consider:

Specialized Surgical Expertise: Look for a surgeon who specializes specifically in refractive procedures and performs them regularly. Ask about their experience with the specific procedure you’re considering, including how many they’ve performed and their success rates. It is not unusual for a refractive surgeon to offer several vision-correcting procedures, and being a good candidate is the single most important factor in determining the best procedure and a successful outcome.

Technology and Techniques: The field advances rapidly, so it’s important to find a surgeon who invests in state-of-the-art technology and stays current with the latest techniques. Ask why they prefer a specific approach to your vision needs. Today, a refractive surgeon employs an array of state-of-the-art lasers, high-powered lens technology, diagnostic tools, and treatment planning systems to deliver the best possible vision correction outcomes for each individual patient.

Dr. Eric Donnenfeld, RSC editorial advisor and surgeon at Ophthalmic Consultants of Long Island, has been at the frontlines of innovation and technological advancement throughout his career as a refractive surgeon. He was part of the original FDA investigator team with the excimer laser for its approval to perform vision correction procedures. As a participant in multiple investigational trials with new advanced technologies, he continues to spearhead the evolution of refractive surgery.

“The previous gold standard was to have patients see as well as with their glasses and contact lenses. But today, our goal with advanced technology is to have our patients see better than they did with glasses, and to have the surgery be even safer than a lifetime of contact lens wear. The golden age of refractive surgery is today, and tomorrow looks even better.”

Vision Experts Take a Patient-Centric Approach

Dr. Neda Shamie at Maloney-Shamie-Hura Vision Institute loves how her work brings together cutting-edge technology and meaningful connections with patients: “Every day, every month, there are new advances in our field. The application of technology is just incredible, awe-inspiring, and really different from any other field in medicine. Then there is the human side of it, the connections we make with our patients, the excitement of surgical outcomes that are just life-changing. To be a part of that every day is just a gift.”

Vision correction is a deeply personal journey. The best refractive surgeons take time to understand your lifestyle, visual needs, and expectations. They should be excellent communicators who explain complex information clearly and answer all your questions. A thorough eye and vision evaluation is essential to determine candidacy and to recommend the most appropriate procedure for any patient. Taking the time to perform extensive testing and discuss all options based on your specific vision profile is the hallmark of an excellent refractive surgeon.

Clearing Up Common Refractive Surgery Myths

Separating fact from fiction, here’s what you should know about refractive procedures:

Myth: Only LASIK can correct vision problems.

Reality: Today’s refractive surgeons offer multiple sophisticated approaches, including advanced laser and lens-based solutions customized for individual vision needs.

Myth: Any eye doctor can perform vision correction procedures.

Reality: Only ophthalmologists with specialized training in refractive surgery have the qualifications to perform these precision procedures.

Myth: Contact lenses are safer than surgical vision correction.

Reality: Dr. Greg Parkhurst, Physician CEO of Parkhurst NuVision, offers this perspective: “I saw lots of scars, infections, and severe dry eye symptoms in young people wearing contact lenses. I found refractive surgery to be a much safer alternative and wanted to address that unmet need.”

Myth: Eye doctors don’t choose vision correction surgery

Reality: In fact, doctors are five times more likely than the general public to have a vision correcting procedure performed on themselves. Often, a surgeon’s personal vision correction journey serves as the inspiration for their career in refractive surgery. Dr. R. Luke Rebenitsch, Medical Director of Clearsight LASIK and Lens, shares: “I had LASIK done during medical school after having worn glasses since grade school. I had never known good vision. Now I do, and I want everyone who qualifies to have that same freedom.”

If you’re considering vision correction, partnering with a refractive surgeon means working with a specialist dedicated to the highest standards of care. Offering more than medical expertise, they provide a pathway to experiencing life without the limitations of glasses or contacts. You can rely upon their specialized training, technological proficiency, and commitment to excellence to help you achieve your best possible vision.