Extol June-July 2019 | Page 78

ARE YOU A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR LASIK SURGERY? Since the early 1990s, LASIK (which stands for laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis) vision correction surgery has changed the lives of thousands of patients who now enjoy greatly improved vision. LASIK surgery helps correct vision in people who are farsighted, nearsighted or have astigmatism. Newer, recent technology advances have made the procedure safer and more precise than ever before. Dr. Black’s Eye Associates’ Jeffersonville Vision Surgery Center offers advanced laser technology, using a femtosecond laser that provides outstanding precision and speed in the vision correction surgery. “Laser vision correction is one of several tools we can utilize to correct vision and let people live the life they want to live,” said surgeon Dr. Kristopher Pugh. “This is the only location in Southern Indiana where LASIK can be done.” Doctors first evaluate a patient’s vision, their age, and the shape and thickness of their corneas before performing LASIK. According to Dr. Pugh, the best age range for LASIK patients is between their mid-20s to mid-50s. The LASIK procedure performed by Dr. Black’s Eye Associates surgeons utilizes a bladeless WaveLight® EX500 laser system, which maps the unique characteristics of the patient’s eye. This computer-controlled, tiny beam of light prepares the cornea for treatment by a second, excimer laser. Computer-guided technology pin-points the precise topography of the eye to allow for precision and accuracy in reshaping the cornea, which is the clear front part of the eye, so that light traveling through it is properly focused on the retina, located in the back of the eye. Once the patient undergoes the surgery, vision can be significantly improved by the second or third day after the procedure. Many patients experience 20/20 vision. “It’s a pretty amazing procedure,” said Dr. Pugh. “The recovery is so quick, and that wow factor is so hard to replicate. Patients tell me stories that they’ve had glasses since they were six years old, and then they get up after surgery and see so clearly. It’s exciting to watch that reaction.” Unlike some LASIK vision correction surgery centers, Dr. Black’s Eye Associates provides a lifetime LASIK guarantee. If an enhancement or re-treatment is needed later, qualified patients will receive the treatment without charge. For a complementary consultation on LASIK surgery options, call Dr. Black’s Eye Associates at 812.284.0660. 76 EXTOL : JUNE/JULY 2019 are all firmly rooted in Southern Indiana,” she said. “There’s a big part of me that feels if someone asks for help, we should try to give back.” Dr. Black’s Eye Associates also sponsors many organizations across Southern Indiana, including Impact 100 Southern Indiana, New Albany and Floyd Central High Schools’ theatre arts programs, and the New Albany track program, among others. Doctors and staff are regular participants in many school career days and the practice provides complimentary vision screenings for more than 2,000 elementary students in Floyd, Harrison, Washington, Scott, and Ripley counties. The practice also takes the complimentary vision screenings on the road to county health fairs across Indiana. Eventually, the Pughs hope to develop a free clinic to provide necessary visual exams, frames, and lenses for families in need. “It’s so important to us to be a visible part of our community and continue the legacy of giving back that Jessica’s dad instilled in us,” said Kristopher. Reflecting on her own mission trips with her father, Jessica saw her past mesh with her future last year when she and her daughter, Hadley, traveled on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic. “It’s like I came full circle,” she mused. “Several doctors from this area ran a full clinic, with medical, dental and optometric services. I ran the optometric clinic and we handed out 650 glasses in one week. It left a huge impression on my daughter. It was so special to serve others with her by my side, and I know my dad was proud of both of us.” COMMITMENT TO QUALITY When Dr. Brad Black established his practice, he made a commitment to treat each patient as he would a family member. Respect and compassion were – and are – as important as providing medical care. “It can be hard to prioritize your eye health, especially when you have kids, a busy job, and things going on constantly,” said Jessica. “And, for a patient, it can be very scary, after all, it’s their eyes. I don’t treat that very lightly. I’m sympathetic and like to talk you through the appointment,” “When I see patients, I don’t look at the clock. I look at them,” she said. “People like to have things explained and feel that they are heard. Everything we do here, we do 100 percent for every patient.” “In most medical practices, the art of personal service has been sacrificed for efficiency,” said patient William Hardy. “Eye Associates has created the perfect balance of medical practices and procedures, while giving personalized treatment.” “Every person I came in contact with at Dr. Black’s Eye Associates treated me with extreme respect,” agreed patient Jean Arden Haub. “Even though this was my first visit, they treated me like they had known me all my life.” “A good day for me is executing a plan to help people see better,” said Kristopher. “The outcomes are impactful and measurable, and I get quiet satisfaction from seeing patients respond so well. I enjoy meeting a patient, getting to know as much about them as I can, putting together a puzzle on how they’ve seen their whole life, how they see now, and how they want to see in the next decades.” “What I love most is that our family has cared for generations of area families,” said Jessica. “It’s fun. My friends come in. Their parents come in. It’s rewarding to carry on that tradition of service. My dad, Dr. Black, is the most jovial person you’ll ever meet, but he stood for nothing less than perfection in the operating room. We are proud to carry on that same quality.”