Introducing Office-Based Surgery

In-Office Cataract and Cosmetic Procedures

Now cataract surgery can be performed in the comfort of our office, with our specialized and caring staff. This means instead of traveling to a hospital or ambulatory surgery center (ASC), your procedure will be performed right here in our office-based surgical suite. This will also reduce or eliminate your need for intravenous (IV) sedation. Best of all, OBS at the Elmquist Eye Group ensures the highest level of safety and comfort while you enjoy a familiar environment with staff you know and trust.

We use our state-of-the art surgical suites for cataract surgery, refractive lens exchange and oculoplastic procedures like eyelid surgery, all with minimal to moderate anesthetics. This ensures you have a more comfortable, convenient experience in familiar surroundings.

Is OBS Safe?

Yes. Our surgery suite follows the same stringent safety standards, and is accredited by the same national organizations, as an ASC or hospital. The main difference is that our suite is customized specifically for ophthalmic procedures. We minimize your exposure to other patients, reducing infection risk. And we have complete control over the patient flow to ensure you have a relaxing, stress-free experience in our private pre- and post-surgery area.

 

Will Insurance Cover My Surgery?

Our OBS fee is comparable to the average out-of-pocket expense you would incur at an in-network ASC. The procedure may be billed to your insurance as out-of-network, however you will not be charged any facility fee above what your insurer reimburses. OBS procedures are typically performed with oral sedation and will not require an anesthesia provider, resulting in additional cost savings to you.

 

How Long Should I Plan To Be There?

Plan to be with us for two hours on surgery day. We offer a much shorter arrival-to-release duration than the four-to-six hours you are asked to wait at an ASC. We try not to make you arrive too early, or wait too late on the day of your procedure. Convenient scheduling is a major benefit of office-based surgery!

 

Do I Need To Fast Prior To Surgery?

For oral and/or topical anesthesia, you CAN eat or drink normally before surgery. Procedures in our suite are always performed using oral sedation. In the rare instance that you prefer IV sedation, please alert Dr. Rodriguez or our surgery coordinator, as your surgery will need to be rescheduled to take place at the ASC. With IV anesthesia, you cannot eat or drink after midnight before your surgery.

 

When Will I Be Able To Drive After Surgery?

On surgery day, we require you to have a friend or family member drive you to and from our office. You should be able to drive yourself to your post-op visit the next day.

 

Do I Need To Stop Medications?

In most cases, you will continue to take prescribed medications normally. Our surgery coordinator will confirm this with you beforehand.

 

Additional Surgical Locations

Surgery Center

Cataract or cosmetic procedures that are not performed in our office surgical suite will be performed at an ambulatory surgery center (ASC), an outpatient healthcare facility focused on same-day surgical care. Dr. Rodriguez performs surgeries at:

Eye Specialists Laser & Surgery Center
12453 S. Cleveland Ave. Suite 100, Fort Myers, FL 33907
Phone: (239) 284-1690

ASC procedures are performed using IV sedation, which requires more restrictive pre-operative preparation. Our surgical counselor will provide you with detailed pre-op instructions, and an anesthesiologist will meet with you to review your medical history, discuss your anesthetic and address any questions or concerns. Anesthesia is provided by Anesthesia Services Plus. 

Hospitals

Dr. Rodriguez is also affiliated with all Lee Memorial Health System’s Hospitals: 

» Health Park Hospital
» Gulfcoast Hospital
» Lee Memorial Hospital
» Cape Coral Hospital

 

Schedule Your Evaluation

Schedule your personal Lens Evaluation or Cosmetic Consultation with Dr. Rodriguez. Click here to let us know a date that works for you, or call us at (239) 936-2020 to schedule your visit.