UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

All,
I recently moved to the UK for work. I was diagnosed with KC three years back and have been wearing Rose K Lenses.

To my horror, my left lens tore last week while I was trying to wear it so I am basically without any aid for my KC right now. I went to my GP today and requested help and she said best is to go the Moorefield's Eye Hospital and get the correct treatment. She would send me a reference letter later but I called up Moorefield's and the waiting time on appointments in 8-10 weeks!!

Is there any other way I can get a new pair of lenses made. I want to try out ClearKone lenses this time as these weren't available in my home country. Is going private too expensive? Can someone please give me reference to some clinics / hospitals where I can go and order lenses post consultation with the ophthalmologist? I am living in London (N4).

Many Thanks
Karan

Hello Karan and welcome,
It's certainly cheaper to get lenses for KC on the NHS (around £55 per lens) but the downside is the waiting time. There are other eye hospitals in London where you could get contact lenses prescribed eg The Western Eye Hospital or St Thomas's but the wait for a first appointment will probably be similar to that at Moorfields. So if you need a replacement lens urgently, you may have to do that privately. You'll find a list of optometrists who deal with keratoconus on our home page www.keratoconus-group.org.uk/optoms/index.php
Clearkone lenses are probably more expensive than Rose K lenses though. And it's worth getting into the NHS system for your future care while you're in the UK.
Anne

Many Thanks Anne for the reply.

I think you need to order at least one backup pair. I have three spare lens incase one is lost / broken