Go behind the scenes with Dr. Alan Solinsky! Below, he answers our questions about the challenges and the joys of being an eye surgeon.
What is your most memorable experience as a surgeon?
I operated on a deaf patient with just one good eye that could barely see the big E. This patient could not see and could not hear. The operation was successful and we all cried with joy when she could recognize friends and family. She can now see well enough to take care of herself and has regained independence.
What kind of challenges do you face in the operating room?
I faced a significant challenge while operating on a patient who had developed restless leg syndrome during the case. The patient was constantly moving and tested my surgical abilities to operate on a moving target. Together, we were able to overcome this obstacle and achieved a very good result.
What is it like to operate on a nervous patient?
Most people are nervous for their first eye surgery. I remember a patient that we pre-medicated to calm her down and she couldn’t believe how easy and quick the operation was. She was relieved and regretted spending so much mental effort being nervous about it.
What keeps you up at night?
In my early years as an ophthalmologist, I would be a bit nervous the night before my operating day. However, I truly look forward to it now. Tuesday is my favorite day of the week because I operate on about 20 patients, helping each of them to see better. I’m even able to go home and get a good workout in, with less than the usual amount of work to do.
What is the most difficult part of your job?
The most challenging aspect of surgery is the mental work that precedes it in the exam room. The surgery will change how a patient sees for the rest of their life, so it’s important to understand their individual needs and to clearly communicate the available options. To achieve this, our technicians and staff educate the patient and show them videos about the modern lens implants so that together, we can make the best choice for them. Once we come up with a good goal, I create the surgical plan and use the best technique in the operating room to achieve the desired results.
In your opinion, what makes a surgery a success?
The most successful surgery is one that seamlessly transfers the plan from the office to the operating room. To achieve this, I use the latest laser-assisted, bladeless custom cataract removal techniques to reduce a patient’s need for glasses for both near and distance activities.
