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Ambulatory Surgery Center

What is the AEC Ambulatory Surgery Center?

The Associated Eye Care Ambulatory Surgery Center offers cutting edge-technology for your eye surgery needs. Conveniently located just off Highway 36 in Stillwater, we have created a relaxed, patient-focused environment, in which our skilled surgeons and experienced staff continue to provide the highest level of care possible.

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We understand that you may be anxious before your procedure. We strive to make your experience comfortable and positive, and this page will help you to know what to expect. For additional information, call 651.275.3112 or 800.846.1877 to speak to our staff.

The Associated Eye Care Ambulatory Surgery Center shares a building with our Stillwater clinic:

2950 Curve Crest Boulevard
W Stillwater, MN 55082

Pre-Operative Information

You will be called by the surgery center about 3-4 days prior to your surgery date. At that time the nurse will ask you questions regarding your health and set your arrival time for the surgery. If you have questions, please call the surgery center at 651-275-3112 between the hours of 8:00 am and 3:00 pm.

Please notify our staff if you require an interpreter.

Click below to download information as a PDF:

Pre-operative History and Physical

You will need to see your primary care doctor for a pre-operative physical exam. Please schedule this to take place within 60 days of your surgery. This will need to be faxed to the surgery center at (651) 222-9145. It will be reviewed by our Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. If significant health concerns are found at this visit, your surgery may need to be re-scheduled at a hospital. If there are any concerns you will be contacted by the surgery center nursing staff.

Blood Thinning Medications

Specific instructions regarding blood thinning medications will be provided to you at the time of scheduling.

Eating and Drinking Before Surgery

DO NOT eat or drink before your surgery. This includes water, coffee, chewing gum, hard candy, and mints. The only exception is if you need to drink a small sip of water to take any needed prescription medications.

You will be given specific times and instructions from the nurse during your pre-operative phone call about when to stop eating and drinking. Please know that if you do not follow these instructions exactly, your surgery could be cancelled.

Visitors & Caregivers

When you check in upon your arrival, please be sure to register your caregiver as well. Our staff may need to communicate with this individual, and we must know whom to contact regarding your procedure

Day of Surgery

The surgery center is located at 2950 Curve Crest Blvd W, Stillwater, MN 55082.
Take your routine morning medications with a small sip of water.
If you are diabetic, follow your primary care provider’s instructions for taking your morning medications and/or insulin.
If you picked up drops from the pharmacy, please remember to bring your eye drops with you to the surgery center.
Plan for a friend or family member to drive you to and from surgery. Following surgery, a responsible adult must stay with you until the following morning.
Do not wear any eye makeup, dangly jewelry, or watches on the day of surgery.
Bring along any eye glasses, hearing aids, dentures, insulin, or rescue inhalers you use.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
If you become sick before your date of surgery, please notify us at 651-275-3112.
An IV will be placed for you to receive conscious sedation. Conscious sedation is a type of sedation where you will be awake but comfortable.
Expect it to take approx. 1 hour to prep you for your procedure.

After Surgery

After your procedure, you will be taken to a recovery room for monitoring and a light snack.
You will receive specific instructions regarding your post-operative medications, restrictions, and shield/patch wear after your procedure.
You should not drive within 24 hours of receiving sedating or relaxing medication.

Our Commitment to You

From the moment you arrive at the Associated Eye Care Ambulatory Surgery Center to the moment you return home, our dedicated staff will be available to assist you, answering any questions you may have and working to make you as relaxed as possible. It’s all part of Associated Eye Care’s overall goal to provide you and your family with great vision for a lifetime.

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