"Here in the ambulatory surgery center," said Dr. Jerre Minor Freeman, "we have tried to bring into one location many of the necessary procedures as possible for the patient's convenience, and I think we have succeeded."

For patients in stable health needing surgery, MECA Surgery Center offers a unique experience. Many eye operations can be done on an ambulatory basis with many economic advantages, convenience and minimal interruptions in the patient's usual activities.

"Family involvement is encouraged," says Linda Fleming, administrator at MECA. "We think that is a real important aspect. Part of our technique to help lower anxiety levels is to involve the family in the care and surgery. Patients wear their street clothes during surgery, adding surgical gowns, hat and boots. Most of the surgery involves local anesthesia. When patients are taken to recovery, their families go back with them while the patients sit in Lazy Boy surgical lounge chairs."

"By lowering anxiety, the body concerns itself more with healing," she says. "Usually patients can expect to be at MECA three hours for surgical techniques. A lot of our patients are discharged in wheelchairs with the families and are seen by the doctor again the next morning."