Two and a half years ago, Omar Shakir, MD, MBA, and founder of Coastal Eye in Greenwich,...
When you think of innovation in ophthalmology, Omar Shakir, MD is a name that stands out. The founder of Coastal Eye Surgeons and a clinical instructor at Yale University, Dr. Shakir is no stranger to breaking new ground. Among his many achievements, his pioneering work in office-based surgery (OBS) is creating waves in retina practices. By rethinking traditional surgical pathways, he’s offering patients and surgeons a more personalized, efficient, and streamlined experience.
For those curious about OBS and its potential impact on the future of retina surgery, Dr. Shakir interviewed with Retina Rounds for a profound podcast episode.
The Journey to Adopting OBS
Dr. Shakir’s path to pioneering office-based retina surgery involved determination, foresight, and strategic planning. His initial goal was to build an ASC. However, challenges like financing, space requirements, and bureaucratic roadblocks spurred him to explore OBS as an alternative. Dr. Shakir partnered with iOR Partners to set up his OBS suite.
iOR Partners helped Dr. Shakir launch a center customized to his ophthalmology and retina-specific needs. “It’s important to note that OBS isn’t about cutting corners,” Dr. Shakir says. “It’s about streamlining processes while maintaining the highest standards of care.”
Dr. Shakir’s OBS model is about more than convenience. It’s an opportunity to push innovation forward while ensuring that patients benefit from personalized, immediate care.
The Patient Experience at Dr. Shakir’s OBS
A typical patient undergoing surgery in Dr. Shakir’s OBS suite enjoys a seamless, anxiety-free process:
Immediate Access: Cases are scheduled quickly. Emergency situations can transition from clinic diagnosis to surgery in under an hour.
Stress-Free Prep: Patients skip traditional pre-op fasting and avoid unnecessary invasive procedures like IV sedation. They are made comfortable using methods like weighted blankets and music therapy.
Simplified Recovery: Post-op exams are performed immediately after surgery, saving the patient additional appointments and time.
Dr. Shakir recalls one patient who had been unable to schedule surgery in a hospital due to failing routine drug screenings. With OBS, the patient was offered a safe, simple solution without unnecessary delays. “OBS gave us a way to say YES, instead of letting patients fall through the cracks of traditional systems,” he shares.
Technology and Innovations Driving OBS
Dr. Shakir has implemented innovative tools like neuro-responsive headsets, which adjust music and soundscapes in real time to reduce patient anxiety. These non-pharmacological methods present groundbreaking opportunities for improving the overall surgical experience.
Addressing Concerns About OBS
While OBS offers many advantages, some surgeons may have questions or concerns about safety. Dr. Shakir openly discusses these and advocates for transparency.
Safety First: Like any surgery, risks exist, but OBS mitigates them by offering controlled, personalized environments overseen by staff trained in emergency response. “We run mock simulations and every individual on the team is cross-trained,” says Dr. Shakir.
Anxiety Management: For patients with sudden anxiety, oral sedation options (like sublingual midazolam) are readily available. However, Dr. Shakir notes that surgical environments tailored for comfort greatly reduce anxiety in the first place.
Emergency Preparedness: OBS facilities come equipped with crash carts, defibrillators, and trained staff, with protocols for involving 911 in any non-controllable event.
Dr. Shakir’s thoughtful approach to these common concerns underscores why he remains a confident advocate for OBS.
Why OBS Matters for the Future of Retina Surgery
As of today, over a dozen retina surgeons are actively practicing OBS nationwide, with many more expected to follow suit. “We are in the midst of a paradigm shift,” Dr. Shakir notes. “Just like ASCs once altered surgical delivery, OBS will redefine how ophthalmologists think about surgery.”
Key benefits like increased patient access, reduced operational constraints, and life-changing convenience for surgeons position OBS as more than just an alternative to ASCs—but the next step in surgical evolution.
By offering a flexible business model, enhanced patient care, and cutting-edge innovation, OBS is becoming an essential tool for modern retina specialists who are ready to embrace the future.
Take the Next Step
Dr. Shakir’s leadership in OBS highlights what’s possible when innovation meets patient-centered care. Are you ready to explore OBS for your own practice? Speak with experts like IOR Partners to discover a customized solution for your needs. Like Dr. Shakir, you could soon be creating a surgical experience that transforms both your practice and patient care.
