Before you book
The tests you need before eye surgery
Dr. Serrano confirms candidacy and plans the operation from a short list of measurements. Get them done where you live and send the reports, or have them done at the clinic in San José del Cabo. Below: what each test is, and a request you can hand to your eye doctor.
LASIK
Tests for LASIK
Plan 3 to 4 nights if you send the tests ahead, or 3 to 4 nights: the tests are done at the evaluation visit.
- Corneal topography
A map of the cornea's shape. It rules out keratoconus and irregular corneas, which are the main reasons LASIK is refused.
- Pachymetry (corneal thickness)
Measures how thick the cornea is, so the surgeon knows there is enough tissue for the flap and for your correction.
Also bring or send: Your current prescription, stable for at least a year · Stop soft contact lenses about a week before the tests (two to three weeks for rigid lenses), so the cornea shows its true shape
Request to hand to your eye doctor
Pre-operative test request I am scheduling LASIK with Dr. Antonio Serrano Hernández (ophthalmologist, San José del Cabo, Mexico). Please perform the following and provide the reports (PDF or printout): • Corneal topography • Pachymetry (corneal thickness) Please include the measurement date and the device used. Thank you.
Lens exchange
Tests for lens exchange
Plan 3 to 4 nights per eye if you send the tests ahead, or about a week: the lens takes ~3 working days to arrive after the measurements.
- Endothelial cell count (specular microscopy)
Counts the cells on the inner surface of the cornea. They keep it clear and do not regrow, so the count tells the surgeon how well the cornea will tolerate surgery inside the eye.
- Intraocular lens calculation (optical biometry)
Measures the length of the eye and the curvature of the cornea to calculate the power of your implant. The lens is ordered from these numbers, which is why they matter for the trip.
- Pre-operative medical assessment with lab tests
A general health check and basic blood tests before surgery inside the eye. The clinic gives you the exact list at the evaluation; if you have diabetes, heart or blood-pressure conditions, bring your physician's notes.
Also bring or send: Your current glasses prescription · A list of the medicines you take · Any previous eye surgery reports
Request to hand to your eye doctor
Pre-operative test request I am scheduling lens exchange with Dr. Antonio Serrano Hernández (ophthalmologist, San José del Cabo, Mexico). Please perform the following and provide the reports (PDF or printout): • Endothelial cell count (specular microscopy) • Intraocular lens calculation (optical biometry) • Pre-operative medical assessment with lab tests Please include the measurement date and the device used. Thank you.
Cataract surgery
Tests for cataract surgery
Plan 3 to 4 nights per eye if you send the tests ahead, or about a week: the lens takes ~3 working days to arrive after the measurements.
- Endothelial cell count (specular microscopy)
Counts the cells on the inner surface of the cornea. They keep it clear and do not regrow, so the count tells the surgeon how well the cornea will tolerate surgery inside the eye.
- Intraocular lens calculation (optical biometry)
Measures the length of the eye and the curvature of the cornea to calculate the power of your implant. The lens is ordered from these numbers, which is why they matter for the trip.
- Pre-operative medical assessment with lab tests
A general health check and basic blood tests before surgery inside the eye. The clinic gives you the exact list at the evaluation; if you have diabetes, heart or blood-pressure conditions, bring your physician's notes.
Also bring or send: Your current glasses prescription · A list of the medicines you take · Any previous eye surgery reports
Request to hand to your eye doctor
Pre-operative test request I am scheduling cataract surgery with Dr. Antonio Serrano Hernández (ophthalmologist, San José del Cabo, Mexico). Please perform the following and provide the reports (PDF or printout): • Endothelial cell count (specular microscopy) • Intraocular lens calculation (optical biometry) • Pre-operative medical assessment with lab tests Please include the measurement date and the device used. Thank you.
Frequently asked questions
What everyone asks before deciding
Why do you ask for tests before I've even booked?
Because they decide whether surgery is possible and, for lens surgery, which implant to order. Doing them first means you only travel when there is a plan, and it avoids the worst outcome: flying to Cabo and being told no.
Can any optometrist do these?
Most refractive and cataract practices have topography, pachymetry and a biometer; an endothelial cell count needs a specular microscope, which is less common, so ask first. If one test isn't available near you, send the rest and Dr. Serrano does that one in clinic.
How recent do the results need to be?
Recent enough to reflect your eye today; a few months is fine, years is not. If a report is old or unclear, the measurement is repeated at the clinic, which for lens surgery can add the three-day wait for the implant.
How do I send them?
A PDF or a clear photo of each report by WhatsApp or email, with your name and the date of the tests. You get confirmation that they were received and reviewed.
What do the tests cost, and is there a package?
The clinic quotes the tests and a studies-plus-surgery package at the evaluation. Tests done at home are paid to the practice that does them.
I'm having cataract or lens exchange surgery. Why does the lens take three days?
The implant power is calculated from your measurements and the lens is ordered to that specification. Delivery to the clinic takes about three working days. Send the calculation from home and it is ordered before you fly; have it done here and the wait is part of the trip.
Book your evaluation
It all starts with an honest evaluation
- Dr. Serrano reviews your case before any surgery is booked
- Same-day reply on WhatsApp
- Care in English and Spanish