Industry Trends Overview
This overview is based on the article Vitreoretinal Surgery in the Ambulatory Surgery Center by F. Hampton Roy, M.D., Ophthalmic Outpatient Surgical Society (OOSS) Councilor to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Vitreoretinal Surgery in ASCs
Vitreoretinal surgery has historically been performed in hospital operating rooms because procedures were long, instrumentation was complex, and general anesthesia was routinely required. As F. Hampton Roy, M.D., Ophthalmic Outpatient Surgical Society (OOSS) Councilor to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, explains, advances in anesthesia and surgical technology have changed this dynamic. Smaller‑gauge vitrectomy systems, simplified equipment, and the increasing use of topical and sub‑Tenon anesthesia have made outpatient vitreoretinal surgery both feasible and efficient.
These improvements allow many surgeons to safely transition appropriate retinal cases into the ASC environment. Consistent staffing, faster turnover, and a more comfortable patient experience contribute to smoother workflows and reduced complication risk. Typical ASC‑appropriate cases include 25‑gauge vitrectomies for macular disease, non‑clearing vitreous hemorrhage, straightforward diabetic retinopathy, and select scleral buckle procedures. More complex emergencies and cases requiring specialized materials remain better suited to hospital settings.
As technology continues to evolve, the range of vitreoretinal procedures that can be performed in ASCs is expected to expand, supporting broader ophthalmic service development across outpatient surgery centers.