LARGO AMBULATORY SURGERY CENTER

Built in 2003, The Largo Ambulatory Surgery Center is the premier ophthalmology surgery center of Pinellas County. It is designed specifically for the treatment of eye diseases and disorders. We provide safe and cost effective care in each field of ophthalmology along with the most advanced technology for the best possible results. Patient satisfaction is the cornerstone of our philosophy. Our surveys assure us that our patients receive personal and friendly care. We look forward to helping patients see and feel their best.

The Largo Ambulatory Surgery Center is certified by the ACHA as well as the the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). This accreditation distinguishes our surgical center from many other outpatient surgical facilities by providing a safe work environment and the highest quality of care to its patients.

Status as an accredited organization means the LASC has met nationally recognized standards for the provision of quality health care, set by the Accreditation Association. More than 4,500 ambulatory health care organizations across the United States are accredited by AAAHC. Not all ambulatory health care organizations seek accreditation; not all undergoing the on-site survey are granted accreditation.

“We believe our patients deserve the best,” says Helen Smith, Director of Administration. “When you see our certificate of accreditation, you will know that the AAAHC, an independent, not-for-profit organization, has closely examined our facility and procedures. It means that we as an organization care enough about our patients to strive for the highest care possible.”

 What if surgery is required?

Prior to a surgical procedure, patients will be assigned a personal surgical counselor. Our counselors are specifically trained to explain what to expect with a surgical procedure and guide patients through every aspect of the experience. As part of our total customer care satisfaction, our personal surgical counselors will also assist patients with all financial concerns before scheduling a surgical procedure. 

 Preparing for your surgery

Prior to your surgical procedure, you should be familiar and comfortable with the procedure to be performed and have had all of your questions answered to your satisfaction. Your pre-and post-operative instructions should have been reviewed with you and you will have also received a written copy of them.

 Prior to your surgery you should:

Prior to your surgery procedure, you should be familiar and comfortable with the procedure to be performed and have had all of your questions answered to your satisfaction. Your pre-and post-operative instructions should have been reviewed with you and you will have also received a written copy of them.

• Read all of the written materials you have received.
• Take your medications as directed including any eye drops as prescribed. Have prescriptions filled prior to your date of surgery. You cannot drive on the day of surgery and should have transportation arranged if possible.
• It is also strongly suggested that you have someone with you for the first 24 hours after surgery if you live alone.
• If you use transportation from The Eye Institute, please remember that this is a courtesy van provided by your doctor and you may arrive in the surgery center prior to your scheduled time and have to wait for the van service following your surgery.
• Please complete the medication information sheet and have it ready to bring with you to the surgery center on the day of your surgery. If you cannot complete it at home, you may bring your medications in a baggie with you and our staff will be happy to assist you.
• The afternoon prior to your surgery (Friday, if your surgery is on Monday), you will receive a call from the nurse with information regarding your expected arrival time for your procedure.
• You will be given specific instructions regarding eating and drinking. This depends on your procedure and the time your surgery is scheduled.
• If you have any co-pays or money due, you will be expected to pay on the surgery day.
• For most eye surgery there is a one hour preparation time while your eye is dilating and staff prepares you for your procedure. If you have a friend or relative drive you to the ASC, please bring their telephone number where we can reach them on the day of surgery.

Please note that all cash paying patients will be required to pay for their services (or Premium Lenses) in full on or before the day of surgery. The center accepts cash, check, debit or credit cards.

 On the day of your surgery:

• It is important to follow the instructions you received about eating and drinking.
• Leave jewelry, contact lenses and other valuables at home for safekeeping.
• Bring your insurance cards and any co-pays or deductibles dure.
• If you are having cataract surgery, please bring a pair of dark glasses.
• If you are coming for surgery in the Courtesy Van, please be aware that you may have to wait on other patients to be transported also.
• Largo Ambulatory Surgery Center (LASC) is located on the second floor of The Eye Institute of West Florida building. Once you get off the elevator, go through the double doors to your right.
• You will be greeted by the LASC staff and asked to identify yourself. You will sign many documents for permission to perform surgery, permission to bill your insurance carrier, permission for anesthesia services, etc.
• On many occasions you will be asked to verify the procedure and site of the surgery. This is for your safety.
• After the paperwork is completed you will be admitted to the pre-operative area where the nurses will monitor your vital signs and dilate your eye for your procedure if necessary.
• If you are having a laser procedure, you will be admitted as above but will usually not need to be placed on a stretcher or have an intravenous cannula placed.
• Once you are on the stretcher, you will receive many eye drops as prescribed by our surgeon and an intro-venous cannula will be inserted.
• The anesthesia provider will then speak with you and review all of your medication and health history to make sure that you are in good health and ready for the operation.
• Once you are prepared for surgery, per your surgeon’s instructions, you will be brought back to the operating room.
• For most of our procedures, our patients are mildly sedated and are able to communicate with their doctor and staff. This is necessary for ophthalmic procedures so that your surgeon can direct you to look at the light.
• Your anesthesia provider will be at your side throughout your time in the operating room and, if at all possible, will hold your hand during the procedure.

 Following your surgery:

After your procedure you will go to our fully equipped PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit) where you will be monitored by our recovery nurses and anesthesia provider. You will be transferred to a recliner chair until you are ready to go home. The amount of time in PACU varies according to the type of procedure you have had and how quickly you recover.

Your post-operative instructions will be reviewed with you. If you want a family member, significant other or friend to hear them with you, inform the nurse.

Because of the sedative you received, you will be brought to your vehicle in a wheelchair. When you have been released from the surgery center, you should go straight home and rest. You will have received your post operative instructions in writing and should be kept nearby for you to refer to if necessary.

You will have received sedation in most cases and should not drive or operate equipment, sign any important papers or make any significant decisions for 24-48 hours. You should not drive until your surgeon clears you to do so.

If you should have any problems or concerns, you can call the number on the post-operative instruction sheet. After 5 P.M. you will reach the answering service. There is always a physician and trained technicians on-call who can answer your questions. Give your information to the answering service and someone will return your call. You will have a follow-up appointment with your surgeon, often the next morning.

Please follow these instructions closely. The instructions are for your benefit and will ensure the best outcome for you.