By Elson Lai
Initially, I was hesitant—especially when it came to performing anterior segment procedures like cataract surgery outside of a traditional operating room. I felt strongly that I needed an anesthesiologist present. Honestly, that was my safety blanket. During residency, we always had anesthesia support, and it was hard to imagine doing these cases without that same setup.
But everything changed when I visited a colleague who was already performing cataract surgery in an office-based surgery (OBS) suite. Twenty minutes into watching her operate, I was sold. What struck me wasn’t just the efficiency—it was the calm, controlled environment, the seamless workflow, and how comfortable the patients were. I realized the model didn’t compromise safety or quality. In fact, it enhanced both.
Making the transition to OBS has been one of the most important decisions in my practice. It’s allowed me to deliver high-quality surgical care in a setting that’s more convenient for my patients and more efficient for my team. I chose to integrate office-based surgery into my practice for three key reasons: patient experience, efficiency, and control.
Enhanced Patient Experience
Patients appreciate a more comfortable, private, and familiar environment compared to hospitals or ambulatory surgery centers. Office-based surgery offers a personalized experience with less stress, shorter wait times, and quicker recovery.
Increased Efficiency and Convenience
Office-based procedures eliminate the logistical hurdles and scheduling delays of working in a hospital or ASC. This lets us streamline care, reduce overhead costs, and minimize downtime between procedures.
Greater Control Over Care Delivery
Running procedures in-office gives me more autonomy over the entire patient journey—from consultation to recovery. It allows for consistent staff, tailored protocols, and a higher standard of care that aligns with my values.
