LASIK Safety: Certifications for LASIK Surgeons and What They Mean

LASIK Surgeon’s Background

LASIK is one of the most popular outpatient surgery in the nation, but even though laser eye surgery risks are minimal, patients should be careful to choose a surgeon concerned with LASIK safety. A big part of LASIK safety is choosing a physician with extensive experience in laser eye surgery, who is also well respected by peers. This means going beyond the stated claims, and looking closely at the certifications held by the doctors you are considering. Dallas LASIK surgeon, Dr. Gary Tylock, a pioneer in the field of LASIK eye surgery, explains what the various certifications mean.

• Being certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology requires physicians to complete specific training and continuing education related to the specialty. The ABO is an independent, non-profit organization responsible for certifying eye physicians and surgeons in the United States, including those who specialize in LASIK surgery. The first American Board established to certify medical specialists, it is one of 24 specialty Boards recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties and the American Medical Association.
•  The American Academy of Ophthalmology was founded in 1896 and is the largest national membership medical association of ophthalmologists–medical doctors specializing in eye care and surgery including medical, surgical and optical care. The Academy has more than three thousand members, but in order to be a Fellow of the Academy, a doctor must meet more stringent requirements and have contributed to his chosen field of study.

• American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons was founded in 1974 and is dedicated to advancing the art and science of anterior segment surgery. With the rapid advancements in technology and clinical science, ACRS strives to keep surgeons up to date by providing educational programs, publications, and online resources. The primary source of information for many physicians, the ASCRS helps improve LASIK safety through education.
• The International Society of Refractive Surgeons is an international organization of eye care professionals. Initially, a collaboration of four refractive surgery pioneers, the ISRS is dedicated to the scientific study of refractive surgery and the dissemination of knowledge to colleagues worldwide, all while adhering to strict scientific protocols to ensure LASIK safety.

One of the top LASIK surgeons in the country, Dr. Gary Tylock has been instrumental in refining various laser vision correction procedures that are used to improve vision worldwide. In his twenty-five years of practice, his concern for LASIK safety has not wavered, and his patients’ well being is his primary concern. He is a pioneering surgeon and was involved in the creation of one of the country’s first excimer lasers designed for the LASIK procedure. He is a board-certified surgeon, certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, and taught surgical techniques as an Associate Clinical Professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas for over twenty years. The former chief of staff at Pioneer Park Medical Center, he is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and an active member of the American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons and the International Society of Refractive Surgeons. For more information on Dr. Tylock, or the Tylock-George Eye Care and Laser Center, visit the website, or join the online community on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.