10 COMMANDMENTS OF HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR PHACO MACHINE & ACCESSORIES FOR CATARACT SURGERY

I want to share this masterpiece with all of you. This has been written by one of the very senior and experienced ophthalmologist of India. I am sure you will benefit from this at some or the other time in your practice.

1. Buy the phaco machine that will give you a reasonable level of confidence while operating with minimal stress at lowest price point. That’s my motto for buying a Phaco machine which is nothing more than an EXPENSIVE MIXIE attached with a suction pump that grinds cataract and sucks it out.

2. ⁠Reliable prompt reasonably priced after sale service. Must be less than 24 hours- non negotiable

3. ⁠No pricy consumables- no cost per surgery- that’s the biggest scam on earth. It’s like buying an EV and then having to pay for every kilometre you drive. This trick was created to sell IOLs by bundling and making you believe you GOT SOMETHING NEGOTIATED FOR FREE… while it was always free.

4. ⁠See if it has a good vitrectomy module that can be of use in complex situations. Always have your staff trained in using the vitrectomy module as this is the biggest challenge during a PCR.

5. ⁠Select ideal accessories like TIP AND SLEEVES after experiencing them in person . Tip makes a huge difference handling hard cataracts and the size of your incision. The sleeve is always married to the tip.. they work as a pair… never mix and match.

6. ⁠Invest in a good bimanual system that will allow your dealing of sub incisional cortex with peace of mind.

7. ⁠Buy a good Micro Rexhis forceps , micro scissors for dealing with difficult rexhis.

8. ⁠Also get used to pupil expansion devices like Omega ring, B-Hex & iris hooks for dealing with small pupil

9. ⁠Always learn how to use a capsular tension ring and keep them in stock because you never know when you will need them.

10. ⁠Remember that your Phaco machine is like your car, choosing one reflects an extension of your personality. Don’t try to copy someone else who drives a Ferrari race car 🏎️or a tractor 🚜 . All cars take you to YOUR DESTINATION. Just because you have an expensive car won’t change that destination. The surgeons skill, competence, experience, having a plan for each surgery, anticipating problems before posting the case on the OT, an experienced staff and a calm and cool head are 100000% more important than YOUR 1/2 crore phaco machine.

If you have money to blow then it’s a different ball game. These 10 commandments are only for those who VALUE MONEY.

DR D P Prakash

FRCS DNB DO Ratan Tata Fellow ICO MBBS

American eye care centre

Chennai

Thanks Dr Prakash for sharing these valuable insights. DocSetu has a few phaco machines listed for resale for those looking to get a reused machine for cheaper than first hand price. You can customize your search if you are looking for something else. You can click on the link: https://www.docsetu.com/customsearch to see all equipment listed on DocSetu.com.

Happy Interacting

Prashant