ethics in LASIK advertising

"Do we practice medicine in the spirit of Hippocrates, or do we sell used cars?"

 Douglas D. Koch, MD:.

LASIK advertising has become an embarrassment to the field of ophthalmology. Patients are enticed into a risky, unnecessary surgery by aggressive and deceptive advertising. LASIK advertising portrays the surgery as virtually perfect and risk-free. When patients call LASIK providers for information or to schedule a consultation, they are subjected to high-pressure sales tactics. Some LASIK surgeons violate AMA ethics rules by offering financial incentives for referrals.