Surgery Day Procedures

Before Surgery

Your doctor's office will schedule surgery for you or your family member. Once scheduled, the Winchester Eye Surgery Center will call you to obtain further information and answer any questions you may have regarding your upcoming surgery. If you develop a fever, rash, cough, or cold the day before surgery, contact your doctor at once, as your surgery may need to be rescheduled. Eating food and drinking liquids before receiving anesthesia can cause problems such as choking and vomiting. There are a few rules about eating and drinking that can help prevent these problems. During your pre-operative telephone call, our nurse will provide instructions as to when you must stop eating and drinking prior to your surgery.

The Morning of Surgery

1. Take your heart and/or blood pressure medications with a sip of water as directed by your physician. 2. Diabetic patients will be instructed as to how much, if any, insulin to take the morning of their procedure. 3. Wear loose, comfortable clothing (a short-sleeved button front shirt is best). 4. Leave all valuables and jewelry at home. 5. If you wear hearing aids, glasses or contacts, bring a case to store them in. 6. Please do not wear makeup. 7. You should have a responsible driver with you on the day of surgery. Your driver should remain in the facility or within 15 minutes of the facility. 8. Please bring your photo I.D., plus insurance and/or Medicare identification cards with you on the morning of surgery. 9. If you need to make financial arrangements or obtain an estimate of your bill, please call (540) 667-5535 x 100.

When You Arrive

First, you will meet with our receptionist for registration. We will verify your insurance and ask you to sign a financial agreement. Your co-pay, co-insurance and fees for premium services (Femto laser/premium lenses) are due at the time of service. If you need to make other financial arrangements or obtain an estimate of your bill, please call (540) 667-5535 x 101. Next, you will be taken to the admissions area where your nurse will verify medical information, allergies, and medication. The nurse will prepare you for surgery, and you will meet with an anesthesiologist to discuss your medical history and the type of anesthesia appropriate for your procedure.

After Surgery

You can expect to spend approximately 15-30 minutes in the recovery/post-anesthesia care unit. The nurse in this area will give you discharge instructions for taking care of yourself at home.After you awaken and your condition is assessed, your family member or friend will be allowed to rejoin you. Please limit family and guests to two so we may focus on caring for you. The nurse in this area will give you instructions for taking care of yourself at home. Your written discharge instructions will include your surgeon's contact information should problems or questions arise while you are recovering at home or you can reach our staff from 8:00am until 5:00pm, Monday - Friday. Important: If an emergency arises after normal business hours, please call your doctor or go directly to your local emergency room. Ask emergency room personnel to contact your eye doctor.