(Please note:  the following instructions are for patients having cataract surgery only.  Please call our office for pre-op instructions for other surgical procedures). 

Pre-Op Instructions Prior to Cataract Surgery:

1.  A physical exam is required within 30 days of surgery.  (Please note: physical    exam over 30 days need additional medical clearance per Medicare).  This may include an EKG on patients over 65, and possible blood tests.  Please have results sent to us at least one week prior to surgery!  We will notify you one week prior to surgery with a time range of your arrival. (Morning or afternoon appointment) Please inform us if you prefer we don't  leave a message.  If you have not heard from us by the Friday before surgery.  Please call us at (978) 475-0959. We will call you with an exact time of arrival or van pick up time, the day before surgery.

2.  If you develop a cold or flu, cough, high blood sugar, a red or sore eye, or any change in  your health the day of two before surgery, please call your surgeon!  This may prevent your surgery from being cancelled.

3.  Consents must be signed before surgery.  If you do not speak English, please bring a translator with you.

4.  Bring all of your medication bottles to the center; placing them in a plastic bag works well.  Also, please bring a complete list of your medications for our chart, including vitamins and herbal supplements.  Patient Medication Form is included in this booklet.

Patient Instructions Day of Surgery:

1.  YOU MAY HAVE YOUR LAST UNRESTRICTED MEAL 7 HOURS PRIOR TO YOUR ARRIVAL TIME AT THE CATARACT AND LASER CENTER. You need to have as much clear fluids (water, apple juice, clear Jello, pulp free orange juice, black coffee or tea) that you need up to 2 hours before arrival.  No Dairy.  (Insulin dependent patients will be contacted the day before surgery by CLC concerning diet and insulin instructions).

2.  Take all of your routine medications the morning of surgery, especially diabetes, hypertension and cardiac medications.

3.  Dress comfortably.  A shirt that buttons down the front, with short sleeves is best.  You will NOT be asked to undress.  We prefer no perfume or cologne, as people may have allergies.

4.  You may wear dentures, hearing aids and rings.  Please remove wristwatch and earings.  No Makeup.  A small locker is available.

5.  Bring your picture ID and insurance cards.  Medicare patients may need to pay their co-payment if they have no secondary insurance.

6.  Advance Directive such as "DNR" (Do Not Resuscitate) will NOT be honored.  Please Inform us on admission if you have any Advance Directives.

7.  Plan to be at the center for approximately three hours.  (Please be aware that your stay may be longer due to unpredictable events.  Please arrange to have a responsible adult take you home.

8.  Bring a pair of sunglasses.