Who's Minding the Strore? Emerging Consumer Issues in New Private Medical Markets (A Case of Laser Eye Surgery)

Organization

Consumers’ Association of Canada (CAC)

Published

2002

Summary

Over the past decade, more and more Canadians have been choosing to undergo laser eye surgery, an invasive, discretionary medical procedure, as an alternative to wearing contact lenses or glasses. Media coverage of life changing outcomes, both good and bad, has been extensive, adding to a polarized debate between service providers, who argue there is little risk when the surgery is done correctly and consumer advocates, who argue that the risks are being whitewashed. This debate, while worthy of study in and of itself, given that approximately one-half of Canadians will need some sort of visual aid during their lives, is of even greater importance as a test case of the implications of greater privatization and commercialization of medical services in Canada. What lessons can be learned from ten years of experience in this sector? To that end, a three tiered research initiative was undertaken on behalf of the Consumers' Association of Canada, which targeted: consumers' experiences with laser eye surgery; service provider perspectives on the nature and challenges in the sector; and, an overview of federal and provincial regulatory bodies that impact on the way in which laser surgery is marketed and performed in Canada. Key issues were identified based on concerns expressed by all sides and then explored in the context of interviews and a cross-national survey of Canadians who have undergone laser eye surgery.

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OCA Funded Research
This research received funding support through the Office of Consumer Affairs' Contributions Program.

Contact information

Source: Consumer Policy Research Database