Unity, diversity, and our three-fold commitment to excellence in patient care
Posted by: West Georgia Eye Care Center in Frontpage Article on May 6, 2016
With our North Office nearing completion and our patient population on the rise, it is now more important than ever to maintain a climate where every patient feels valued, respected, and informed. Despite the technical and geographical shifts to come, our commitment to our patients remains the same:
We value our patients. It has been said that people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. So, before loading you with directions and diagnoses, we want to first communicate that you are valuable. We do this in simple ways, like eye contact, a smile, or greeting you by name. We value you, so we care about your questions, your symptoms, your fears, and even your insurance coverage quandaries.
We respect our patients. “I speak to everyone in the same way, whether he is the garbage man or the president of the university.” –Albert Einstein.
The concepts of respect and value are linked–we show respect for a person by treating a person like he or she is valuable to us. On the other hand, when people don’t take you seriously, or treat you like you don’t exist or don’t matter, you feel disrespected. We believe every person has inherent dignity and worth, and that every person is equally valuable. We strive to offer the best eye care possible, without showing preference on the basis of race, religion, gender, age, mental acuity, or nationality.
We educate our patients. “The difference between the right word and the almost-right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.” –Mark Twain.
Have you ever been flummoxed by complex, fuzzy instructions? Think online tech support or tax documents or IKEA furniture assembly. It often leaves you mind-muddled and frustrated, and no more enlightened. Sometimes, people feel similarly confused and overwhelmed with “med-speak” at a doctor’s office. But at WGECC, our doctors and staff are committed to providing you with accessible, understandable information about your eye condition. We want you to have a clear, accurate understanding of your options and your treatment. Our doctors know the best eye care plan is only worthwhile if the patient is able to follow it. From educational videos to printable resources to diagrams and charts, our doctors are well-equipped with the power of explanation. In fact, that is one of the major recurring praises of our doctors: “They explained everything to me, step-by-step, and let me ask lots of questions and even asked if I had more questions!” Both in the exam and operating rooms, our doctors are also educators.
We are excited about our growth and the diverse opportunities it will bring. Not all decisions about the new office are finalized, but you can be assured that one thing isn’t going anywhere: our commitment to value, respect, and inform our patients.
