Can an Opthomologist claim to be an Oculoplastic Surgeon if not a member of ASOPS?

Question

I have been researching Oculoplastic surgeons in South Florida for upper eyelid/ possible ptosis surgery. I have come across one, Steven Fagien that is highly recommended on this site. Unfortunately, he is not a member of the ASOPRS. Does this make a difference??? Also, if I do have Ptosis, would Myron Tanenbaum MD, Gil Epstein MD or Michael A Connor MD be a wiser choice due to my condition?

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Dr. Fagien trained with Allen Putterman and is a highly respected oculoplastic surgeon and completed an ASOPRS approved fellowship.  To be a member of ASOPRS one needs to be qualified, which Dr. Fagien certainly is, and you need to be current in your membership dues.  Regrading who is best for you personally, there are so many factor that it is difficult to answer your question.  I would recommend making your choice based on consultations with these surgeons, location, do they accept your insurance, do you like the before and after images the office has shared with you.  I think you will find that there is no single best choice.  Ultimately you will have to decide for yourself who makes the most sense for you.

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question. I agree with the other doctors that the best Oculoplastic Surgeon  is an experienced, competent doctor that you feel comfortable having perform your surgery. You should see 2-3 eyelid specialists to get a sense of who seems best to you. I am sure you will find the right Oculoplatic Surgeon to help you.Good luck,

John McCann, MD, PhD · Answer

Hi A.G.You ask a very interesting question. ASOPRS members are ophthalmologists who have undergone a competitive and rigorous 2-year fellowship training to become sub-specialty trained oculoplastic surgeons. The fellowship requirements ensure that members are highly competent in all oculofacial functional and cosmetic procedures. That being said, there are certainly non-ASOPRS oculoplastics fellowships that produce very skilled oculoplastic surgeons as well. I would recommend you find a surgeon who exclusively performs oculoplastic surgery, preferably one who is very busy. I would not hesitate to ask for examples of their before and after results. Most importantly, you should feel comfortable with and confident in him or her. Hope this helps!

Ana Carolina Victoria, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Great question,Oculoplastic surgeons are fellowship trained ophthalmologists.  ASOPRS fellowship trained surgeons have been trained for two years.  Some of them do not become members of ASOPRS and are phenomenal surgeons.  I would not look for memberships of a society but rather their reputation and their surgical outcomes.  Best of luck!

Can an Opthomologist claim to be an Oculoplastic Surgeon if not a member of ASOPS?

Answers (4)

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