UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

Hi All,

Long time reader, first time poster!

Just looking for some advice on NHS lens prescription vouchers, or more specifically how to check whether i'm eligible and use with a private clinic!

Was diagnosed with KC about 6 years ago (after some time-wasting non-referrals from Specsavers and the hospital), since then my sight deteriorated in the normal way through glasses, hard contacts and now a piggyback system. At the end of last year I had epi-on CXL in both eyes privately with the help of a loan, and first results look promising.

In the past I've always had contacts prescribed by the hospital (paying £55 per RGP lens). The service I received there was actually quite good, with an experienced contact lens specialist doing the best they could, however it always took ages to book an appointment, and even longer to order and receive the lenses themselves (a real pain when your fit changes suddenly, or you lose one down the sink).

I now need a new pair of lenses as the fit has changed since the CXL, which brings me back to my original question regarding the NHS voucher - is it possible for me to use an NHS voucher with a private clinic, to bring the cost of the RGPs down?

Any and all advice appreciated, this website has proved an invaluable resource over the last few years!

Thanks,
Danny

Hi Danny and welcome,
NHS voiuchers are issued by hospitals which don't have their own contact lens departments - they usually have a contract with an experienced KC fitter in the community where the vouchers can be used. I know Moorfields isn't allowed to issue vouchers because they have their own contact lens clinic. And I imagine it's the same for other hospitals unless anyone else knows different. So I'm afraid I think the answer is no. Bear in mind, too, that your corneas could well continue changing for quite a few more months after CXL.

Hi Anne,

Thanks for the reply - that's a shame but I suppose it makes sense if the hospital has it's own contact lens department (or in the case of my local hospital a contact lens specialist). Good point about the cornea continuing to develop too, it will start to become very expensive if they change at the same rate they have in the past!