UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

Hello, I must say before going any further that I am writing on behalf of my partner who has KC, I hope this is OK?

We are trying find out how we get from this current optician (who diagnosed him with KC) to going to the NHS to get advice on piggy backing and intacs - or just any further options.

My partner has had keratoconus for about 7 years and has gone from glasses to soft contacts to now rigid which he find impossible to wear. He is very, very frightened by the condition as he is an illustrator and finding many tasks difficult and is ultra aware of his eyesight all the time.

Any advice on how to get NHS referral would be great.

Thanks.

Hi Fellrunner,

It does sound like your partner's KC is progressing as glasses to soft lenses to RGPs is a common progression. So referral to a hospital may be beneficial as he may like to consider cross-linking which can halt progression.

There are lots of different designs for contact lenses for KC these days so it is worth trying different types. There are special soft lenses designed for KC such as the Kerasoft lens and lots of different designs for RGPs so just because one design is impossible to wear another might be comfortable for all day wear.

FELLRUNNER wrote:Any advice on how to get NHS referral would be great.

To be referred to a hospital's eye department he would need a referral letter from either his current optician or his GP.

Not all hospital eye departments prescribe contact lenses and some hospitals might then refer him back to a specialist contact lens optician on the High Street. An optician who specialises in KC is likely to have access to a range of fitting sets so should be able to find lenses which suit him. However it must be said that contact lens fitting can be a frustrating process both for the patient and the optician so it may take several appointments to optimise his contact lens prescription.

Lia

Thank you so much Lia, we have found an optician who specialises in KC not too far away so will try him out, so we can get the best advice…