Castle Connolly just released their latest edition of America’s Top Doctors, and our Dr. Rosenberg and Dr. Feder were included again! For those that don’t know, Castle Connolly seeks to unite patients with the most qualified and respected doctors in the country through a series of national and regional guidebooks. Physicians are nominated by their peers and vetted by a dedicated, physician run research staff. This recognition puts Dr. Rosenberg and Dr. Feder in the top tier among their colleagues. Congratulations gentlemen!

It’s nearing the end of the year, and employee benefits enrollment season is almost here. If your employer offers it, now is the time to start thinking about Flex Spending. Flex Spending is money taken out of your paycheck before taxes and set aside in a fund specifically designated for medical expenses. Generally, you can use this money for any such expenses, even elective procedures like LASIK. Typically the fund goes into effect after the turn of the year and does not roll over year to year, so timing is everything. For example, sometimes a patient with leftover Flex dollars at the end of the year will get LASIK in one eye in December and the other in January, after the next year’s Flex Spending account becomes available. Ask your human resources department for more information about how Flex Spending works at your company.

The Custom Intralase procedure recently got the stamp of approval from NASA, according to a recent press release from Advanced Medical Optics, Inc (AMO). About 50 percent of people who are turned down as astronaut candidates are disqualified because of poor vision. Now, after reviewing the results of Department of Defense studies, NASA has opened up new opportunities for these potential astronauts by accepting what we at the Northwestern Vision Correction Associates already knew: that LASIK with the Custom Wavefront and Intralase technologies is a safe and effective method of correcting refractive errors. For more information, check out NASA’s website, or read the AMO press release here.

Dr. Rosenberg was interviewed for another recent Tribune article by Leslie Mann, this time in the July 18, 2007 Prime Time Special Section. The article talks about vision issues in older patients and the various treatments, including LASIK and multifocal cataract lenses, available to them. The good news, according to Dr. Rosenberg?

“Dr. Rosenberg . . . says LASIK can help adults continue their favorite
activities such as golf and tennis without the need for corrective lenses.”

The better news?

“He says studies show those age 40 to 70 do not have a greater number of
complications than the general population.”

Take a look at what this patient has to say about his LASIK experience and the impact it had on his "Big Day":

Dr. Rosenberg,

I wanted to thank you and your staff for the great care and professionalism you exhibited during my LASIK surgery. It was so accomodating of you to fit me in during the few weeks I had available before my wedding, and the results were more than I could have asked for. To be able to see my bride as she walked down the aisle was a blessing. Thank you for making our special day that much more special!

With gratitude,

S C

Chicago

A recent (Aug. 21) article by Robert Mitchum in the Tempo section of the Chicago Tribune talks about an organization that helps people who have had complications after LASIK surgery. Dr. Rosenberg was interviewed for the article and had this to say about how some of the issues patients face come about:

"In a private or corporate practice, the amount of money everyone is making is proportional to [the] number of patients being done," Rosenberg said. "There's more of an assembly-line approach to it."

The Northwestern Vision Correction Associates take a different approach. Here, the well-being of our patients is our first concern. Our surgeons would rather decline to offer surgery to a patient than risk a bad result simply to raise their numbers. Unlike many other practices where the surgeon has a small role in the screening and post-op processes, our surgeons personally explain the procedure, discussing appropriate visual expectations and the entire surgical process from start to finish. They personally follow their patients from day one in order to give everyone they treat the personal attention they need and deserve. There is no assembly-line at Northwestern, just a talented group of physicians passionate about giving their patients the best vision, and the best care, possible.

Here is another great LASIK experience from another satisfied patient:

Dr. Rosenberg (and Staff):

Thank you for improving the quality of my life. I greatly appreciate your professionalism along with your kind and gentle manner. Furthermore, your staff does a great service by remaining warm, friendly, supportive and knowledgeable. Kudos to you all.

I am more than happy that I choose you and your team to perform my LASIK procedure. Not only do I enjoy the gift of perfect sight each time I blink, but I also know that wonderful people made this possible.

Cheers,
J H
Oak Lawn

P.S. Whenever somebody asks about my experience, I explain that I would have paid twice the amount to have my vision restored. Thus, not only do I see 20/20, but I also got a GREAT DEAL!