Is the huge

Is the huge amount of competition and advertising in the field affecting the quality of care?

"Unfortunately, in some cases it may. Because this area of ophthalmology has become so competitive, and basically created a price war, many physicians must now drop their prices and still attempt to deliver the same quality of care. What we have found is in that some practices, quality cannot be maintained with reduced fees. Example -- if a physician significantly reduces their fee, they may be forced to "cut corners" to cover their costs. This means that follow up care, and other factors, may suffer", said Sheets.

Dr. Dotson expressed his opinion that often times this brings out the itinerant surgeon who has no involvement with the patient either prior to or following surgery. In this case, if a complication occurs, who will provide this patient with the necessary care? Patients deserve the very best care available".