SURGERY


Many times surgical procedures are necessary to correct certain ocular conditions. If surgery is indicated, Dr. Gunton will discuss this with you at the time of your appointment. The information provided here is intended only to give a general overview of what to expect.

WILLS EYE SURGERY CENTER

Nearly all of our eye surgery is performed in the state-of-the-art operating rooms of Wills Eye Surgery Center. This new facility, opened in July 2002, is part of the world renowned Wills Eye Hospital, located at 840 Walnut Street in Philadelphia. The Surgery Center is located on the 7th floor of the main facility. Our private office is on the 12th floor. Wills has a network of surgical centers throughout the area, but our practice primarily uses this site.

Most of our surgical procedures are performed as "same day surgery," which means the patient is in and out the same day. The length of stay is usually between 4 to 6 hours from the time of check-in until discharge. We ask that two adults accompany a pediatric patient. Adult patients must have another adult to accompany them on discharge.

Wills Eye Surgery Center provides equipment and anesthesia care that is specially designed to meet the needs of children. At no time will the patient be alone. Families will be with their child until he or she enters the operating suite, and then reunited after surgery. A member of the nursing staff will be in attendance every minute before and after surgery. We understand that any surgery is stressful and will attempt to make your or your family's surgical experience as pain-free as possible.

Your child will be discharged when he / she is fully awake and taking fluids. We ask that you call Dr. Gunton the day following surgery to let her know how your child is doing. You will probably be asked at that time to schedule a post-operative visit, usually 4 to 6 weeks after the surgery. Some procedures, such as cataract or ptosis, will require next day follow up in the office.

PARKING

For your convenience there is roof-deck parking on the 7th level of the parking garage, which is reserved for surgery patients and their families. Parking tickets need to be validated in the surgery center to receive a reduced rate.

SCHEDULING SURGERY

You will be given a packet of information regarding the surgery at the time of your visit with Dr. Gunton. You will be asked to sign two informed consents, one for the doctor and one for the surgery center, and to complete a past medical history form for the patient. You will also be asked for insurance information. Please be sure to have your insurance card with you.

PREPARING FOR SURGERY

The patient must be examined by his or her pediatrician or primary care physician prior to the surgery. For children this must be within seven days prior to the surgery; for adults with strabismus, within one month. The form for the history and physical examination will be given to you at the time of your office visit. It is requested that your physician fax the results to the fax number on the form and that you hand-carry the original to the surgery center on the day of surgery. Other specific lab work for adult patients will be discussed at the time of scheduling.

If after scheduling the surgery you have additional questions, please feel free to call us at either office:
Wills Eye in Philadelphia215 928-3245
King of Prussia610 265-8393

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