--- title: Why Forward-Thinking Surgeons Implemented Office-based Surgery description: John Hovanesian, MD, moderates a discussion with Mark Lobanoff, MD, and Dagny Zhu, MD, on their insights, unexpected surprises, and approaches to OBS. image: https://iorpartners.com/hubfs/Copy%20of%20Three%20Ophthalmic%20Industry%20Leaders%20Discuss%20Surgical%20Excellence%20with%20Office-Based%20Surgery%20(LinkedIn%20Post).png --- [Skip to content](https://iorpartners.com/blog/why-forward-thinking-surgeons-implemented-office-based-surgery#main-content) [![iOR Partners](https://iorpartners.com/hubfs/iOR%20Partners%20Logo%20Stacked_Full%20Color.svg)](https://iorpartners.com/) - [Office-Based Surgery](https://iorpartners.com/office-based-surgery) Show submenu for Office-Based Surgery - [Accreditation](https://iorpartners.com/office-based-surgery-accreditation) - [Reimbursements](https://iorpartners.com/office-based-surgery-reimbursements) - [Safety & Efficacy](https://iorpartners.com/office-based-surgery-safety-efficacy) - 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[About Us](https://iorpartners.com/about) Show submenu for About Us - [Careers](https://iorpartners.com/careers) - [FREE Analysis](https://iorpartners.com/free-analysis) [FREE Analysis](https://iorpartners.com/free-analysis) Jun 23, 2025, 9:23:06 AM # Why Forward-Thinking Surgeons Implemented Office-based Surgery [ioradmin](https://iorpartners.com/blog/author/ioradmin) Share: [facebook-f icon](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://iorpartners.com/blog/why-forward-thinking-surgeons-implemented-office-based-surgery) [linkedin-in icon](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://iorpartners.com/blog/why-forward-thinking-surgeons-implemented-office-based-surgery) [Twitter icon](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://iorpartners.com/blog/why-forward-thinking-surgeons-implemented-office-based-surgery) [pinterest-p icon](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/link/?url=https://iorpartners.com/blog/why-forward-thinking-surgeons-implemented-office-based-surgery) [envelope icon](mailto:?body=https://iorpartners.com/blog/why-forward-thinking-surgeons-implemented-office-based-surgery) Why Forward-Thinking Surgeons Implemented Office-based Surgery 4:49   Industry pioneers are turning to office-based surgery to stay ahead of the curve in the future of Ophthalmology. The CRST Podcast explores the [State of Play in Office-based Surgery](https://eyetube.net/podcasts/crst-the-podcast/state-of-play-in-office-based-surgery). John Hovanesian, MD, moderates a discussion with Mark Lobanoff, MD, and Dagny Zhu, MD, on their insights, unexpected surprises, and specific approaches to office-based surgery. This post summarizes their in-depth conversation on the future of ophthalmic procedures and how to gain more control and flexibility over surgery.  ## Benefits for Patients  ![undefined-Jun-23-2025-02-22-10-3412-PM](https://iorpartners.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Jun-23-2025-02-22-10-3412-PM.jpeg?width=400&height=300&name=undefined-Jun-23-2025-02-22-10-3412-PM.jpeg) - Enhanced Comfort and Convenience Patients can have their surgery performed in a familiar setting that feels less intimidating than a hospital or ASC. They don't need to fast or endure the [anxiety of IV sedation](https://iorpartners.com/blog/aao-insights-adoption-of-oral-sedation-amid-anesthesia-provider-shortage), and procedures are over quickly with a seamless recovery.   - Improved Patient Satisfaction According to Dr. Dagny Zhu, many patients appreciate the calming effects of oral sedation, as it reduces undesired movement during surgery and minimizes post-operative nausea. Patients even feel more personal connection with the staff, leading to higher satisfaction levels.     ## Benefits for Surgeons  ![undefined-Jun-23-2025-02-21-30-5274-PM](https://iorpartners.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Jun-23-2025-02-21-30-5274-PM.jpeg?width=400&height=300&name=undefined-Jun-23-2025-02-21-30-5274-PM.jpeg) - Unmatched Autonomy Surgeons gain complete control over scheduling, staff, and surgical processes. For Dr. Mark Lobanoff, whose practice at [OVO LASIK + LENS features an iOR Suite](https://iorpartners.com/blog/a-smart-choice-financially-and-a-smart-choice-for-patients), this autonomy turned a long-time struggle for ASC block time into an efficient, seamless experience.   - Efficiency Like Never Before OBS eliminates common bottlenecks in patient prep and turnover times. Dr. Lobanoff's OBS facility achieved the fastest case turnover among 81 centers studied nationally, thanks to optimized processes and proximity between pre-op, OR, and recovery areas.     - Empowered and Engaged Staff OBS boosts staff retention by allowing them to take on dynamic roles. For example, Dr. Zhu's team seamlessly transitions between clinic and surgical duties, which fosters empowerment and prevents idle time, especially during lighter surgery schedules.   ## Benefits for Practices   - Cost Savings and Scalability Building and [operating an OBS](https://iorpartners.com/blog/practice-spotlight-irfan-ansari-md-and-bluegrass-eyecare-center) is far more economical than an ASC. It allows smaller or younger practices to expand their surgical capabilities without the massive upfront investment that an ASC demands.   - Streamlined Overhead With no need for an on-site anesthesiologist or CRNA in most cases, overhead costs drop significantly, especially for cash-pay procedures like refractive lens exchange (RLE) or implantable collamer lenses (ICL).     ## How to Transition to OBS   If you're considering OBS but feel unsure about the initial steps, here’s how you can get started:   ### 1. Evaluate Your Needs and Objectives  Understand what procedures can be effectively transitioned to OBS and assess space requirements for building an on-site surgical suite.   ### 2. Visit an OBS Suite  Dr. Lobanoff emphasizes that seeing is believing. By inviting colleagues to observe his OBS in action, he demonstrates the state-of-the-art infrastructure, professional processes, and superior patient experiences that defy outdated misconceptions.   ### 3. Secure Regulatory Compliance  Partnerships with companies like iOR Partners can simplify accreditation, space planning, and staff training to ensure compliance with safety regulations.   ### 4. Start with Gradual Implementation  Begin by integrating OBS for simpler, cash-pay procedures like LASIK, PRK, or RLE. Gain experience and confidence before expanding to broader or more complex cases.   ### 5. Train and Empower Your Team ![undefined-Jun-23-2025-02-20-20-7625-PM](https://iorpartners.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Jun-23-2025-02-20-20-7625-PM.jpeg?width=400&height=300&name=undefined-Jun-23-2025-02-20-20-7625-PM.jpeg) [Equip staff with the skills and knowledge](https://iorpartners.com/blog/office-based-cataract-surgery-improved-productivity) needed to support both clinical and surgical responsibilities. OBS opens opportunities for growth and engagement within your practice team. ### 6. Educate Patients and Colleagues Transparency is vital. Offer guided tours of your [OBS facility](https://iorpartners.com/ior-surgery-suites-portfolio) to demystify the process and showcase its sophistication. Patients can meet the staff and gain confidence well before their surgery day.     ## OBS is the Future of Surgical Excellence   “Office-based surgery is the next stage in evolution,” says Dr. Lobanoff, and many pioneering surgeons agree. With its compelling combination of patient comfort, surgeon autonomy, and operational efficiency, OBS represents a forward-thinking step for practices aspiring to deliver world-class care in ophthalmology and beyond.   If you're ready to take the leap into office-based surgery, ensure you have the right partners to guide you along this transformational path. From space planning to staff training and billing expertise, iOR Partners has the resources to support your practice’s transition to OBS.   **The future of surgery is here. Are you ready to reimagine excellence in patient care? Contact us at** [**info@iorpartners.com**](mailto:info@iorpartners.com) **to visit an iOR Suite.**  [Mark Lobanoff](https://iorpartners.com/blog/tag/mark-lobanoff), [office-based cataract surgery](https://iorpartners.com/blog/tag/office-based-cataract-surgery), [Office-Based Surgery](https://iorpartners.com/blog/tag/office-based-surgery), [anesthesia](https://iorpartners.com/blog/tag/anesthesia), [Dagny Zhu](https://iorpartners.com/blog/tag/dagny-zhu), [John Hovanesian](https://iorpartners.com/blog/tag/john-hovanesian) ## Related posts [![](https://iorpartners.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Coastal-eye-Surgeons-Spotlight-1.png?height=200&name=Coastal-eye-Surgeons-Spotlight-1.png)](https://iorpartners.com/blog/practice-spotlight-coastal-eye-surgeons) [coastal eye surgeons](https://iorpartners.com/blog/tag/coastal-eye-surgeons), [omar shakir](https://iorpartners.com/blog/tag/omar-shakir), [greenwich ct](https://iorpartners.com/blog/tag/greenwich-ct), [connecticut](https://iorpartners.com/blog/tag/connecticut), [coastal eye](https://iorpartners.com/blog/tag/coastal-eye), [greenwich](https://iorpartners.com/blog/tag/greenwich), [omar shakir md](https://iorpartners.com/blog/tag/omar-shakir-md), [Practice Spotlight](https://iorpartners.com/blog/tag/practice-spotlight) ## [Connecticut-Based Surgeon Pioneers Office-Based Retina Surgery](https://iorpartners.com/blog/practice-spotlight-coastal-eye-surgeons) [Alyssa](https://iorpartners.com/blog/author/alyssa) Mar 21, 2024, 4:40:11 PM Two and a half years ago, Omar Shakir, MD, MBA, and founder of Coastal Eye in Greenwich,... [Read more](https://iorpartners.com/blog/practice-spotlight-coastal-eye-surgeons) [![](https://iorpartners.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Jonathan%20solomon%20blog%20post%20(1).png?height=200&name=Jonathan%20solomon%20blog%20post%20(1).png)](https://iorpartners.com/blog/maryland-surgeon-speaks-to-benefits-of-ophthalmic-office-based-surgery) [Office-Based Surgery](https://iorpartners.com/blog/tag/office-based-surgery), [jonathan solomon](https://iorpartners.com/blog/tag/jonathan-solomon) ## [Maryland Surgeon Speaks to Benefits of Ophthalmic Office-Based Surgery](https://iorpartners.com/blog/maryland-surgeon-speaks-to-benefits-of-ophthalmic-office-based-surgery) [ioradmin](https://iorpartners.com/blog/author/ioradmin) Aug 6, 2024, 7:19:19 AM At Kiawah Eye 2024, Jonathan D. Solomon, MD, presented an overview of his transition to... [Read more](https://iorpartners.com/blog/maryland-surgeon-speaks-to-benefits-of-ophthalmic-office-based-surgery) [![](https://iorpartners.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/rsw-740mcg-true-18.jpeg?height=200&name=rsw-740mcg-true-18.jpeg)](https://iorpartners.com/blog/office-based-surgery-in-the-current-climate) [Office-Based Surgery](https://iorpartners.com/blog/tag/office-based-surgery) ## [Office-Based Surgery in the Current Climate](https://iorpartners.com/blog/office-based-surgery-in-the-current-climate) [ioradmin](https://iorpartners.com/blog/author/ioradmin) Jul 3, 2020, 4:34:15 PM Covid Affecting Office-Based Surgery Pre COVID-19, most patients undergoing surgery experienced... 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