Council for Refractive Surgery Quality Assurance

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The Council for Refractive Surgery Quality Assurance (CRSQA, USAEyes) is an independent, nonprofit, patient/consumer health organization that provides detailed information about LASIK and certifies refractive surgery doctors based upon patient outcomes. USAEyes was founded by healthcare consultant Glenn Hagele in 1997[1]

USAEyes operates a website that has information for patients considering conventional and wavefront LASIK, IntraLASIK, PRK, LASEK, Epi-LASIK, RLE, and other refractive surgery procedures. USAEyes also operates a sister website ComplicatedEyes.org that provides information for patients who are experiencing difficulties with LASIK related complications.

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[edit] Surgeon certification

According to USAEyes, refractive surgeons applying for certification must provide documentation stating that they meet certain professional and surgical standards. Documentation is subject to review and audit. USAEyes reports that these certifications are re-evaluated every three months.[2]

Patient outcomes from doctors seeking certification are compared against the current national norms for refractive surgery patients. To become certified, doctors must meet or exceed the national norm as defined by USAEyes' Advisory Committee.[3]

[edit] Funding

USAEyes is funded through the certification fees required of ophthalmologists. These fees amount to US$3,250 for the initial evaluation and certification process, then US$1,250 every three months thereafter for reevaluation and recertification.[4]

[edit] Criticism

CRSQA founder Glenn Hagele has been criticized by a small number of very vocal refractive surgery opponents. Hagele has claimed that these individuals have intended to defame his reputation [5], have publicized his personal identity including Social Security number[6], and has sued the owners of the websites alleging defamation, invasion of privacy, and unlawful activities[7][8].

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ History of USAEyes.
  2. ^ Recertification Requirements.
  3. ^ Quality Standards Advisory Committee..
  4. ^ Cost of USAEyes Certification.
  5. ^ Glenn Hagele Responds to CyberAssasins.
  6. ^ Personal Info Goes Public.
  7. ^ Hagele v Brent Hanson.
  8. ^ Hagele v Lauranell Burch.

[edit] External links