Family Eye Center provides pre- and post-operative co-management for patients pursuing cataract surgery or LASIK in Safford and the surrounding southeastern Arizona communities. Dr. Tracy J. Montierth, O.D., and Dr. Landon J. Montierth, O.D., handle your evaluation and follow-up care locally, so you only travel to the surgical center for the procedure itself.
LASIK and Cataract Co-Management in Safford, AZ
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Your Local Partner for Pre- and Post-Operative Eye Care
If you have been told you need cataract surgery, or if you are considering LASIK, you may be wondering how much of the process requires traveling to a surgeon. Co-management is an arrangement in which your local optometrist handles the preoperative evaluation appointments and the postoperative follow-up appointments, while the surgery itself is performed by a surgeon at a surgical center. For patients in rural southeastern Arizona, co-management means fewer long drives and a familiar face managing your care at each end of the process.
What Co-Management Means for You
Co-management does not mean receiving less care. It means your care is divided between two providers based on what each does best. Your optometrist at Family Eye Center evaluates your eyes before the procedure, confirms your candidacy, and monitors your recovery after surgery. The surgeon performs the procedure. You receive coordinated care without needing to make every appointment at the surgical center.
What Co-Management Includes
A co-management plan at Family Eye Center typically includes the following:
- Pre-operative evaluation to confirm candidacy and document your baseline eye health.
- Communication of your eye exam findings to the surgical team.
- Post-operative appointments to monitor healing and vision recovery.
- Management of any post-operative drops or medications as directed by the surgeon.
- Ongoing monitoring of your eye health following the procedure.
No. Family Eye Center does not perform LASIK or cataract surgery. Those procedures are performed at a surgical center by a surgeon. Family Eye Center provides the pre-operative evaluation and post-operative follow-up care as part of the co-management arrangement. If you are unsure which surgeon to choose, your optometrist can discuss the process and help you understand your options.
Not necessarily. Many patients begin the co-management process by scheduling a pre-operative evaluation at Family Eye Center directly. If you have already been referred to a surgeon, let us know when you call, and we will coordinate appropriately. Call (928) 428-4360 to discuss your situation before your first appointment.
Co-management appointments are generally billed under your medical insurance rather than your vision plan, since they are related to a surgical procedure rather than routine vision care. Medicare is accepted at Family Eye Center. Coverage depends on your specific plan. Call (928) 428-4360 before your appointment to confirm how your insurance applies to co-management services.
Cataract Co-Management at Family Eye Center
If you have been diagnosed with cataracts and your surgeon has recommended surgery, co-management at Family Eye Center allows you to handle the surrounding appointments locally. Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures for adults over 60, and many patients in the Safford area have managed this process with Dr. Tracy J. Montierth, O.D., over the course of his more than 36 years in practice. Your cataract co-management appointments at Family Eye Center typically include:
- Pre-operative eye health evaluation, including your current prescription and eye measurements.
- Communication of your findings to the surgical team.
- Post-operative monitoring of vision recovery and healing.
- Management of post-operative eye drop schedules as directed.
- Follow-up scheduling based on your surgeon's instructions.
LASIK Co-Management at Family Eye Center
If you are considering LASIK and want to explore whether you may be a candidate, a pre-operative evaluation at Family Eye Center is a useful starting point. Dr. Tracy J. Montierth, O.D., or Dr. Landon J. Montierth, O.D., can evaluate the health of your eyes, document your current prescription, and discuss the general candidacy factors that LASIK surgeons typically assess. If you proceed with surgery, post-operative follow-up appointments can take place at Family Eye Center rather than requiring repeated trips to the surgical center. Call (928) 428-4360 to schedule a LASIK co-management consultation.
Your Optometrist's Role Does Not End After Surgery
Co-management does not end when your recovery is complete. After you have healed from cataract or LASIK surgery, your annual eye care continues at Family Eye Center. Dr. Tracy J. Montierth, O.D., or Dr. Landon J. Montierth, O.D., monitors your long-term eye health, updates your prescription as needed, and remains your primary optometrist going forward.
Post-Surgical Concerns Are Handled Locally
If you notice unusual symptoms after your procedure, contact Family Eye Center during office hours at (928) 428-4360. Dr. Tracy J. Montierth, O.D., or Dr. Landon J. Montierth, O.D., will evaluate your eyes and, if needed, communicate with your surgical team. You do not need to drive to the surgical center for every concern that arises during recovery.
Schedule Your Co-Management Appointment in Safford
To schedule a co-management evaluation with Dr. Tracy J. Montierth, O.D., or Dr. Landon J. Montierth, O.D., call (928) 428-4360. Walk-ins are welcome during office hours. Medicare and medical insurance are accepted.