Advance Healthcare Directives

Planning for health care decisions is a continuous conversation about values, priorities, and the quality of life. With the increasing ability of medical science to sustain our lives, people are living longer than ever before. As we grow older and possibly experience poor health, decisions may arise as to how we wish to be treated in a variety of medical situations at the end of our lives. We may find ourselves in a condition where we can no longer express our preferences. Advance health care directives allow us to manage such situations. Without them, your family may need to obtain court orders to manage your medical situation.

By expressing your preferences in a written legal document, you are ensuring that your preferences are made known, including who you wish to provide decisions on your behalf when you cannot do so.

Because the scope of Thomas Eye Surgery Center is limited to elective outpatient surgical procedures, it is our policy that any life-threatening situation that arises will immediately be treated with life-sustaining measures. At the same time, the emergency medical system (EMS) will be activated for emergency patient transport to a hospital facility. We recognize and respect the patient’s right and need to be an active participant in the decision-making process regarding their care.

Acknowledgement of this policy does not revoke or invalidate any current healthcare directive or healthcare power of attorney. If you have an executed advance directive, please bring a copy with you on the day of surgery. If you would like more information on advance directives, please ask any member of our Thomas Eye Group staff.