The healthcare landscape is evolving with new innovations transforming how practitioners approach patient care. Office-based surgery (OBS) is shaping the future of ophthalmic surgery as a streamlined delivery model that benefits patients, physicians, and payors. Leading the way is Alison Tendler, MD, a pioneering ophthalmologist practicing at ART Vision in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She has embraced office-based surgery as the cornerstone of her practice. With the support of iOR Partners, Dr. Tendler has reimagined what surgical care can look like, offering patients an experience that is both highly efficient and deeply personalized.
Transitioning to an office-based surgery model wasn’t initially part of Dr. Tendler's plan, but it quickly became clear that it was the best path forward. Having worked in traditional hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), and specialty ASCs, she has seen firsthand the strengths and limitations of each environment. What ultimately stood out for Dr. Tendler was the control, efficiency, and flexibility that OBS offered.
The move to OBS eliminated the inefficiencies of hospital settings and provided Dr. Tendler with the ability to design a workflow that makes sense for her practice. This benefits not just the surgeon but also the patients, creating an experience that is personal, consistent, and welcoming.
With OBS, patient care is no longer bound by the often impersonal dynamics of a hospital or ASC. Dr. Tendler has built her practice around a patient-first philosophy, tailoring every aspect of the surgical experience to their comfort and peace of mind.
One standout feature of Dr. Tendler’s practice is the patient experience. From their initial visit to surgery day and follow-ups, patients interact with the same staff throughout their care.
Dr. Tendler also takes the time to personally walk patients through the process and surgical suite during pre-surgical consultations, ensuring they know what to expect and addressing any anxieties.
Minimizing patient anxiety also translates into less need for heavy sedation. Dr. Tendler employs oral sedation paired with topical anesthesia, ensuring safety and patient comfort while maintaining complete control over the process.
Transitioning to OBS is no small feat, and Dr. Tendler credits much of her success to her partnership with iOR Partners. From planning her surgical suite to managing compliance, iOR Partners brought invaluable expertise to the table.
Designing an OBS suite involves a multitude of considerations, from space planning to adhering to strict safety standards. iOR Partners guided Dr. Tendler through every step, ensuring her practice met accreditation requirements and was equipped to deliver the best care possible.
The partnership didn’t end with setup. iOR Partners continues to support Dr. Tendler’s practice by providing training, assistance with documentation, and data-backed insights to enhance patient safety.
iOR Partners also brings a strong focus on data collection and safety outcomes. They’ve collected data on nearly 100,000 cases performed in iOR Suites across the country showing safety outcomes that match or exceed those in traditional hospital and ASC settings.
Dr. Tendler’s practice exemplifies what’s possible when innovation, personalization, and excellence come together. Her choice to adopt an office-based surgery model has not only elevated the patient experience but also transformed the way she works as a surgeon.
If you’re considering transitioning to OBS or simply want to learn more about its benefits, take inspiration from Dr. Tendler’s story. OBS offers an opportunity to reimagine what surgical excellence looks like—for patients and surgeons alike.
Discover the possibilities of office-based surgery with iOR Partners. Take our feasibility analysis to see if transitioning to office-based surgery is right for your practice.