FAQs

Why does my doctor prefer to do my surgery at an Ambulatory Surgery Center instead of a hospital?

Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASC) provide a safe, caring and convenient environment that is less stressful than a large hospital.  Clinical staff at the Rocky Hill Surgery Center are highly trained specialists in Ophthalmology and Retina. For patients who do not need an overnight hospital stay, the ASC provides the highest quality care and scheduling flexibility at a cost to you that is usually less than traditional hospital-based care.

Is an ASC as safe as a hospital?

Yes. Rocky Hill Surgery Center has passed a series of rigorous health and safety inspections, which qualify it for accreditation by the Association of Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), and licensing by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH).

Will I need to have a COVID test?

Yes. Your surgeon’s office will work with you to arrange for a COVID test prior to your procedure.

When will I receive a pre-operative phone call with arrival time?

The clinical staff at Rocky Hill Surgery Center will call you the day before surgery to review your medical history and provide you with an arrival time. To prevent multiple calls from the clinical staff in the event the schedule changes, clinical staff prefers to contact patients once to eliminate any confusion.

Who will be in the operating room when I am having the surgery done?

There are many people behind the scenes to ensure you have the safest, compassionate care during all phases of your procedure. Each surgery is unique to each patient, but in general terms, surgical patients are attended to by their surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists and OR technicians.

What kinds of anesthesia are there?

There are four types of anesthesia: general, regional, monitored anesthesia care (MAC), and local anesthesia.

• • General Anesthesia affects your entire body and may be given intravenously or as an inhaled gas.
  • Regional Anesthesia only affects a section of your body, blocking sensation and making it numb.
  • Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) is medication given to make you drowsy and to relieve pain. This is often used to supplement local anesthesia.

Local Anesthesia is medication directed only to the location of surgery. It is usually injected, and you may remain awake or be sedated.

How soon can I go home after my procedure?

Your time spent in recovery will be dependent on the type of procedure you had done. Cataract cases will spend between 15-20 minutes in recovery before being discharged. More complicated cases, such as Retinal Detachments, may require an hour in recovery. Your surgeon and nurse will explain your stay with you.

Will I be able to drive home?

You will not be permitted to drive home. You must make arrangements for someone to drive you.

Who do I call with pre- or post-surgical questions or concerns?

Specific questions or concerns related to your procedure or problems afterward should be discussed with your surgeon or Rocky Hill Surgery Center clinical staff.