Using an International Medical Advisory Board to guide clinical governance in a corporate refractive surgery model.

PURPOSE To describe the role played by the International Medical Advisory Board (IMAB) in clinical and corporate governance at Optical Express, a corporate provider of refractive surgery. METHODS A review of goals, objectives, and actions of the IMAB. RESULTS The IMAB has contributed to study design, data analysis, and selection of instruments and procedures. Through interactions with Optical Express corporate and clinical staff, the IMAB has supported management's effort to craft a corporate culture focused on continuous improvement in the safety and visual outcomes of refractive surgery. CONCLUSIONS The IMAB has fashioned significant changes in corporate policies and procedures and has had an impact on corporate culture at Optical Express.