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Join the Ethical Cataract Care Movement
Behind too many cataract surgery referrals are hidden financial incentives that patients never see – and never agreed to. These deals can limit choice, erode trust, and put profits before people.
The Ethical Cataract Care Pledge is a commitment to doing better. By signing, you stand for transparency, honesty, and truly patient-care first care. Whether you’re a patient, provider, business, or community ally, your voice matters.
Take the pledge. Help protect the integrity of vision care – for everyone.
What is the Ethical Cataract Care Pledge?
This pledge is a nationwide call for honesty, transparency, and ethics in cataract care. Patients, providers, and community members across the country are signing to show they believe decisions about surgery should be based on medical need – not financial incentives.
Help Spread the Word
Share the badge
Invite your doctor or business to sign Host an ethics display in your clinic or store Email us to get involved
Who’s Signed the Pledge:
About This Initiative
The Ethical Cataract Care Pledge is a grassroots movement launched by patients, physicians, and advocates who believe that honesty, transparency, and medical integrity should be the standard in every cataract surgery referral.
This pledge was created by Desert Vision Center, an independent ophthalmology practice in Rancho Mirage, California, committed to providing kickback-free, patient-first care. We hope this initiative inspires transparency across the country.
Have questions or want to get involved?
Email:admin@desertvisioncenter.com Website:www.desertvisioncenter.com Phone:(760) 340-4700
Eyecare Ethics in the News
Desert Vision Center is proud to lead the charge for transparency and integrity in eyecare. Watch these videos highlighting news coverage of the Ethics in Eyecare movement. Learn how ethical practices protect patients from unnecessary procedures and costly kickbacks.
Choose a surgeon who earns your trust-not your doctor’s incentives. Desert Vision Center is proud to be 100% kickback-free. 100% focused on you.
5 Questions to ask your Eye Doctor Before:
Accepting a Referral
Did your doctor give you a clear, specific reason? If the answer is vague like “That’s just who we use” or “They’re our go-to,” ask for more detail. Referrals should be absed on outcomes-not hidden deals.
Ask directly. You have the right to transparency. Recommendations should be based on your medical need-not financial incentives.
If not, why? Kickback-free providers support informed choices and explain your options without steering you toward a profit-sharing surgeon or lens implant choice. If you feel pressured to stay with the in-house or “partner” surgeon, take a step back.
Are they board-certified? Fellowship-trained? Look for indepenedent reviews and check for public complaints. Top-tier surgeons welcome transparency and scrutiny.
Ask about ownership or business ties. If your referring doctor shares an office, staff, or ownership with your surgeon, it may be a conflict of interest. Be cautious if you see marketing materials-like window decals, posters, and brocures-promoting a specific outside cataract surgery center in your doctor’s office. These may signal a financial relationship that may not prioritize your best interests.
If you see this term on your provider’s website, marketing materials, or patient consent forms, ask whether your doctor receives any financial benefit from your surgery or follow-up care. Through legal in some cases when billed to your insurance plan, comanagement is often misused to disguise illegal kickbacks.
Attention Patients
Dear Valued Patients of Desert Vision Center,
Dr. Tokuhara is a highly skilled cataract surgeon, specializing in advanced anterior segment surgeries, including complex glaucoma and cataract procedures. He focuses on patients who need surgical intervention or are at risk of severe vision loss.
While Dr. Tokuhara offers comprehensive eye care for his own surgical patients, he does not provide general eye care or post-operative care for patients of other surgeons. When you choose Dr. Tokuhara, he becomes your trusted eye doctor for life. A Note About Ethical Care
In our community, some providers engage in illegal financial kickbacks accepting payments for cataract surgery referrals. Desert Vision Center firmly rejects this unethical practice. We follow the highest ethical standards, complying with the Anti-Kickback Statute and Stark Law, ensuring that your care in never influenced by financial incentives.
We believe referrals should always be based on what’s best for the patient—not financial gain. If you’re being evaluated for cataract surgery, we encourage you to ask questions and be mindful of these referral arrangements.
Choose the surgeon who prioritizes your vision and your well-being—not one chosen for someone else’s profit.
Sincerely,
Desert Vision Center