title: The next generation of LASIK patients.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  With baby boomers aging, and despite a growing global population, there is a decreasing number of potential laser vision correction patients. Some believe that the worldwide economic downturn of these times will limit the number of potential patients as well. This article highlights looking to an alternative segment of the population to identify potential laser vision correction patients and the limitations of reaching this group.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The group known as generation Y contains a large number of individuals who may be candidates for laser vision correction. Traditional marketing efforts present challenges in reaching this particular population segment. Many individuals in this group are already patients of eye doctors for contact lenses and glasses and can be reached by these eye doctors to address candidacy and education of laser vision correction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Generation Y represents a large population segment that contains technology-embracing individuals who, although hard to reach with traditional marketing efforts, may be reached by fellow eye doctors already managing these patients. There are many in this age group who would be good laser vision correction candidates.
authors.forename: J Christopher
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Freeman
authors.forename: Roy S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Chuck
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging; D003315:Cornea / Q000601:surgery; D004467:Economics; D006801:Humans; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000639:trends*; D008389:Marketing of Health Services; D009907:Optometry; D010361:Patients