Truth in advertising is not just for cereal and soda anymore. The FDA recently responded to potentially misleading information in LASIK surgery pamphlets and TV advertising. The ultimatum, published in the FDA’s Letter to Eye Care Professionals, puts a deadline on their May 2009 warning about dangerous surgical misinformation.Under the terms given by the FDA, eye doctors have 90 days to rewrite their LASIK promotional materials. If they are found to contain any false claims after that period, the surgeon will face regulatory action.Specifically, LASIK advertising should no longer contain:
- Any claims not supported by studies or medical evidence
- Omissions or misleading phrasing
- Any language that suggests the procedure is “completely safe”
Surgeons responded positively to the change, saying that a potential patient should not base a surgical decision on advertising claims. Members of the medical community also advise those considering LASIK not to choose a doctor just because he offers discounts or coupons.As trusted Fairfax medical malpractice lawyers, we know that surgeons have a responsibility not only to perform all procedures to the best of their ability, but also to inform their patients of the risks involved. If your surgeon put his profits ahead of your safety, he could be liable for Virginia medical malpractice.Call Shevlin Smith today at 703-721-4233 for a free consultation on your surgical error case.