[Evaluation and quality assurance of refractive surgery procedures by the German Ophthalmological Society and the Professional Association of German Ophthalmologists].

The Commission of Refractive Surgery (KRC), which is a combined commission of the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG) and the Professional Association of German Ophthalmologists (BVA), has made an up-to-date evaluation of the operative techniques for the correction of refraction errors. Refractive surgery has been accepted into the catalogue of the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians for individual health services to be financed. In the guidelines drawn up by the KRC for evaluation and safeguarding the quality of refractive surgical procedures, the 1) description, 2) the area of application and limitations and 3) side-effects and complications of each procedure are given according to the published scientific literature. By this means a comprehensive explanation for and investigation of patients should be safeguarded, optimal treatment results achieved and complications avoided. Refractive surgery is an ophthalmological invasive surgical operation which necessitates specialist knowledge. When carrying out such procedures, the general guidelines of the Federal Medical Council on quality assurance of ambulant operations must be followed. Furthermore, the following prerequisites must be fulfilled by KRC physicians: Participation in a theoretical course (basic course and extended course) recognised by and carried out in cooperation with the KRC Participation in a Wet laboratory recognised by the KRC Practical experience with a trainer recognised by the KRC The first surgical operations to be carried out in the presence of a trainer recognised by the KRC Fulfil equipment and spatial requisites as well as procedural quality. All physicians who fulfil these prerequisites can apply to be named in the official list of suppliers and after fulfilling the prerequisites will be awarded a certificate on application.