Choosing the right Optometrist

[Femi]

Hello all,

First I would like to say thank you to the moderators of this group for doing such a wonderful job.

I was diagnosed with KC in the early nineties and had been a patient at moorefields up until 2008 when I had to travel abroad for work. During my time abroad, I was unable to follow up on my treatment and as a result my Moorefields appointments were discontinued. I visited the UK once during that time and had a private appointment at Moorefields which I must say I really didn't like, but it was an emergency and I got a pair of lenses which didn't fit properly.

Back to today, I have returned to the UK and I would like to start the whole process again. Can anyone recommend a good and understanding optometrist that can determine how advanced my keratoconus is? I live in Birmingham but will spend most of my time in London working, i have seen the list but word of mouth is usually better as it is based on personal experience. Glad if anyone can recommend a good one in either Birmingham or London.

Thanks in advance.

Femi

[Anne Klepacz]

Hello Femi and welcome to the forum,
Most of us get our contact lenses through a hospital eye department. The optometrists in the large hospitals clinics such as Moorfields or the Birmingham and West Mids Eye Centre see a lot of KC so usually have a lot of experience in fitting KC eyes. Plus the lenses will be at NHS prices (around £55 per lens) so quite a bit cheaper than through a private optician's practice. Though the downside of the NHS is the longer waiting times for and between appts. A private practice will offer a much faster service. Though you need one that's experienced in KC and with a corneal topography machine so that they can tell you how advanced your KC is.
Anne