Ophthalmologists supervise
all VA laser eye surgeries

Question: What is the VA's policy on performing laser eye surgery?

Answer: The VA recently announced a policy providing a single uniform standard for performing laser eye surgery procedures. The new policy states that all therapeutic laser eye surgeries at VA facilities will be performed under the supervision of an ophthalmologist consistent with Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations standards.

Only optometrists who are fully trained and licensed will be granted clinical privileges by the department to perform therapeutic laser eye surgery under the supervision of an ophthalmologist. Currently, Oklahoma is the only state that licenses optometrists to perform laser surgery. VA will continue to evaluate and consider state and national standards of practice as it sets its own standard of care. For more information on laser eye surgery and other eye treatments, call the VA at 433-0600.

Q: I have heard that the VA has developed an electronic health record. How does it work?

A: The electronic health record system, called VistA-Office Electronic Health Record, was developed by the VA. A version of VistA is used at more than 1,300 VA facilities throughout the mainland and here. The system maintains records on 5 million veterans who receive their health care from VA. The VistA system will soon be available to doctors, hospitals and clinics around the country, courtesy of the VA and the federal Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Under this plan, private-sector health care providers can obtain a version of VistA at nominal cost. Distribution of the software is expected to begin in late 2005.