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In-Office Surgery

In-Office Surgery

State-of-the-Art Surgical Suite

Eye Specialists & Surgeons of Northern Virginia’s only destination for office-based cataract surgery offers a premium, hassle-free patient experience.

Eye Specialists & Surgeons of Northern Virginia, the Fairfax and Gainesville premier vision correction specialists, now offers office-based cataract surgery in a state-of-the-art iOR® surgery suite. iOR Suites® are on the cutting edge of reinventing healthcare and striving to deliver an unsurpassed patient experience with the best possible outcomes. Our patients can expect more personalized and streamlined care with the same staff from initial consultation through post-surgical care in a comfortable and relaxing setting.

Why Office-Based Cataract Surgery is Evolving as the New Standard of Care

Fifty years ago, ophthalmic procedures began shifting from hospitals to outpatient ambulatory surgery centers (ASC) as a convenient, safe, and more cost-effective option. We are on the brink of the next cosmic shift in cataract surgery, the transition to office-based surgery – a better solution for patients, doctors, and the healthcare system at large. By providing surgery in our office, we can provide greater access to eyecare with more scheduling availability, efficiency, and convenience for patients.

Experience the Difference of iOR Office-Based Surgery

Going to an iOR® surgical suite ensures the highest level of safety and comfort while providing more streamlined patient care over the traditional outpatient surgery center. Patients are cared for by the in-office staff who they already know, in a calming environment – creating a more relaxed and personalized experience.

Patient Benefits:

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Our OBS suite follows the same or more stringent safety standards and is accredited by the same national organizations as an ASC or hospital. The main difference is that our surgical suite is customized specifically for ophthalmic procedures.

In addition, we can minimize the risk of being exposed to other patients. In our office, we have complete control over the patient flow to ensure an intimate experience including a private preand post-surgery area.

OBS is considered a premium service and may require a minimal fee, depending on your insurance and secondary insurance coverage. Our OBS fee is comparable to the average innetwork, out-of-pocket expense you would incur at other surgical facilities in our area. Many of our procedures are performed with mild sedation and do not require an anesthesia provider, resulting in cost savings to you.

Your insurance provider may consider our facility out-of-network and not pay the full amount. It is important to us to keep your out-of-pocket cost to a minimum; therefore, we will sign an Out of Network Attestation Form before your procedure indicating that you will not be billed any additional costs for the facility outside of the fee you are asked to pay up front

Our office-based surgery suite is customized for ophthalmic procedures, therefore, patients experience a higher level of satisfaction than typically associated with a multi-specialty ASC. Because we offer clinic and surgery in one place, we can provide a more streamlined and personalized approach to patient care. Enjoy hassle-free scheduling, one-location convenience, reduced surgery time, a premium environment, and a familiar staff who knows you.

You should plan to be at our facility for two hours. Because our facility is only focused on ophthalmic procedures, we can offer a much shorter surgery time than the normal four to six hours at other outpatient facilities.

Your physician will confirm what type of anesthesia will be used for your procedure. For oral and/or topical anesthesia, you can eat or drink before surgery. For IV anesthesia, you cannot eat or drink for 12 hours before surgery.

On your surgery day, we require you to have a friend or family member drive you to our office.

In most cases, you will continue to take your normally prescribed medications. However, you should confirm with your eye care provider.

Cataract Surgery without the Use of Intravenous (IV)

We take great pride in our advanced approach to treating cataracts. As dedicated professionals, we remain at the forefront of the latest research, constantly enhancing our techniques and technology to ensure optimal results for our patients. Our ongoing efforts include advancements in sedation methods employed during cataract surgery.

Distinguishing Factors of our Cataract Surgery Method compared to Standard Procedures

In the past, cataract surgery exclusively took place in hospitals and required intravenous (IV) sedation. However, the procedure has since transitioned to outpatient surgery centers, commonly known as ASCs (ambulatory surgery centers), where cataract surgeries are performed nowadays. At these outpatient facilities, patients are required to obtain clearance from their primary care physician before undergoing surgery. Additionally, they need to fast overnight prior to the procedure and spend several hours at the center for administrative tasks, preoperative preparations, IV sedation, and postoperative care.

This overall experience is often described as stressful. Throughout the years, we have received feedback from patients who have postponed their cataract surgery solely due to the inconveniences associated with having the procedure done at a surgery center.

How This Alternative Sedative Works

In preparation for cataract surgery at Eye Specialists & Surgeons of Northern Virginia, patients are provided with an oral sedative before the procedure commences. This medication is equally effective in its sedative properties compared to intravenous (IV) drugs, with the added benefit of being more readily absorbed by the body. Within approximately 15 minutes of taking the oral sedative, patients typically experience a relaxing effect, allowing for a shorter overall preparation period prior to surgery.

It is important to note that while IV-free cataract surgery is a suitable option for around 95% of patients, some individuals may still require the support of IV medication. The doctors at Mittleman Eye will assess your eligibility for the procedure in advance to determine the most appropriate approach for your specific case.

Performing Cataract Surgery without the Use of Intravenous (IV) in the Surgery Suite

We are pleased to announce the availability of in-house office space for IV-free cataract surgery at our practice. This innovative offering enables our patients to undergo cataract surgery in the same location where they receive their regular eye care. While the concept of having an in-house office space is increasingly prevalent in leading eye care practices nationwide, we are proud to be the first and only eye practice in all of Fairfax County to provide this service specifically for IV-free cataract surgery. This dedicated facility allows us to offer enhanced convenience and exceptional care to our valued cataract patients.