title: The business of refractive laser assisted cataract surgery (ReLACS).
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Refractive Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery (ReLACS) combines the femtosecond laser with other noncovered tests and services in an attempt to reduce spectacle dependence in combination with cataract surgery. Significant interest is present among ophthalmologists who are considering adopting this technology, however significant capital outlays and continuing expenses can make the decision to adopt ReLACS foreboding. We review the financial considerations of ReLACS and review the trends seen in early adopters of this technology.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Recent findings have shown that ReLACS is a growing segment of cataract surgery. Most practices who have implemented the technology have broken even and have a positive outlook on the financial return of implementing the ReLACS program. The average break-even analysis point for practices is around 230 cases a year.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  ReLACS is growing and appears to be a financial viable approach for many practices.
authors: aUniversity of South Dakota bVance Thompson Vision, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA.
authors: John P
authors: JP
authors: Berdahl
authors: Matthew P
authors: MP
authors: Jensen
mesh_terms: D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods; D005249:Fees and Charges; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods; D010824:Physicians' Offices / Q000191:economics; D011216:Practice Management, Medical / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*