KOLOA, Hawaii —When dealing with complications during surgery, have a plan in place to retain the patient’s trust, according to a panel discussion at Hawaiian Eye 2025.
“Even if you are not the cause of their troubles, you can apologize for their pain,” Marguerite B. McDonald, MD, said. “But you have to have a plan.”
McDonald suggested that ophthalmologists reassure the patients that they are ready to call in “anyone who can possibly help you” across all ophthalmic subspecialties.
Although managing patients after complications can be intimidating,