It is most unfortunately true that for the vast majority of the patients with whom I have worked, one of the most frustrating aspects of their experience has been interacting with their doctor or doctors. This is, of course, not always the case, but where it is, it can be a painful contributor to already high stress.

The fortunate ones have a thoroughly good experience with their surgeon and the aftercare he and his colleagues provide. They are certain their situation is being assessed and treated properly; their doctors are listening to them attentively, keeping them well informed of their diagnosis and views; and supporting them as well as can be expected. If you (whether patient or doctor) recognise yourself in that description, I hope you will get in contact with us. We want to know more about doctors who provide such excellent aftercare.

Others are not so lucky. To patients with serious vision disturbances, it comes as a severe shock that not only is their doctor unfazed but he appears even to doubt that anything is wrong at all. The doctor seems to think everything is fine. They are told they see 20/20, or 20/30, or 20/40, and sent on their way with no answers to some important questions and no solutions to some very real problems. Even when the patient eventually learns that the causes of their vision problems were not visible under the traditional slit-lamp examination or, arguably, on their topographical scans, it does not reconcile them to the nonchalance with which their very real concerns were met. Not only have they faced one of the most unexpected, unpleasant and even frightening experiences of their life, but the very people whose first priority is supposed to be the patient’s wellbeing are suddenly distant and unhelpful. Many are told they are the only ones complaining; told it’s all in their head; told there is nothing wrong. Others with readily evident complications don’t get patient-friendly answers to their questions and are left to stew in anxiety and frustration between appointments with little idea what’s wrong, what needs to be done, and why formerly attentive doctors are now rushed, uninterested, cavalier.

What we want you to gain from this section on patient-doctor interactions

We want you to understand some of the "normal" tensions between patients and doctors in these circumstances, and anticipate and circumvent them wherever possible in order to ensure you get what you need. This may mean compromises on your part. It may mean putting yourself in your doctor’s shoes, and being more sensitive. On the other hand it may mean being more assertive, understanding your rights and your doctor’s responsibilities and not backing down.

Why? We want to put you back in control. We can’t fix the problem, but hopefully we can give you some better tools to tackle it with and most of all, the confidence to try.

Even for those of you who are having a good experience with your doctor and are confident things will turn out well, it may be worthwhile to have a look through our advice — particularly on making the most of follow-up visits and on procuring your records so that you can education yourself about your situation.

We want to encourage you to invest time, effort and thought in your relationship with your surgeon. If you have complications or adverse effects, the relationship may be a long one and you need him/her on your side.