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Transforming cataract surgery: Guidance for adopting LACS ASCRS Clinical Survey reveals educational needs E ach year, the ASCRS Clinical Survey is a key driver of the as- sociation's educational content, determining the issues members are interested in and areas where there may be educational opportunities. The 2014 ASCRS Clinical Survey, conducted in April 2014, focused on the most compelling and controversial topics confronting members. Information was gathered from more than 1,500 unique respondents. The survey included 268 data points from 137 questions on key clinical opinions and practice patterns. When members were asked about the percentage of their patients receiving laser-assisted cataract surgery (LACS) overall, respondents reported that 4.8% of their patients received this procedure (U.S. surgeons, 5.8%; non-U.S. surgeons, 3.6%). When questioned about the clinical benefits of LACS versus conventional cataract surgery, 42.2% of respondents believed it does not provide any im- provement in creating the capsulorhexis, 47.9% believed it does not improve lens fragmentation, and 40.7% believed it does not offer advantages in creating arcuate incisions (Figure 1). Among those who have not adopted LACS, financial issues are Dr. Vukich is surgical director of the Davis Duehr Dean Center for Refractive Surgery in Madison, Wis. by John Vukich, MD The transformation of cataract surgery: Clinical and practical guidance for adopting laser-assisted cataract surgery Supplement to EyeWorld July 2015 Supported by an educational grant from Abbott Medical Optics a major obstacle. When asked about barriers to adoption, respondents report- ed reimbursement and financial concerns (61.7%), a lack of access to technology within their practice or via an open ac- cess center they would consider (32.7%), and a lack of data showing clinical bene- fits (35%) (Figure 2). When members were asked how confident they were that there is current- ly an adequate reimbursement solution (private pay or insurance), almost 60% were not confident at all, indicating a major barrier to adoption. However, looking to the future, almost 45% were not confident that there will be an ade- quate reimbursement solution in 5 years. Based on gaps and needs determined from the 2014 Clinical Survey, we have gathered several experts who have adopt- ed LACS and will share their strategies on how to implement this technology successfully. Figure 1. The 2014 ASCRS Clinical Survey asked, "In which of the following clinical areas do you believe laser cataract surgery may provide a significant clinical benefit versus conventional cataract surgery (select all that apply)?" Figure 2. The 2014 ASCRS Clinical Survey asked, "If you are not performing femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery, what are the barriers to your adoption of the technology (select all that apply)?"

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