UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

Dear All
As some of you may recall I am relatively new to this site, having been diagnosed with KC in May and getting my RGP lenses in late July.

Since, then I have generally been wearing my lenses for 13 hours a day.

Anyway, on my check up at Moorfields, I was told I had dry eyes and that I really shouldn't spend too long infront of a PC. This is very difficult in my line of work (most jobs for that matter) and I've got so use to the lenses that I don't feel I can do any work without them!

So, my employer, given the fact that I am an Employment lawyer and only too aware of my rights, has been making a real effort to make lots of reasonable adjustments by discussing with me, what adjustments can be made.

So far, they have-
1. given me a desktop computer with a large screen with anti-glare bulit in.
2. Increased the font size on my PC.
3. moved me to a room which gets more natural light so that I don't have to sit under artificial lights. The room has blinds so I can adjust the light.
4. Given me a document reader stand.
5. Provided me with a lamp that has a dimmer switch.
6. Paid for my lenses as my medical insurance will not cover the cost.
7. Provided me with a humidifier...and this has really made a difference. I was really suffering with dry eyes as the air con was drying them out so fast. This has been a god send...if you can get one, I really recommend it.

Anyway, I just wanted to share my experience so far.

Best wishes
Mandy

Mandy

Well done. My employesr also have gone out of their way to make sure they have made all reasonalbe adjustments to my workspace.

I guess there are stages to this. If a KC sufferer is registered blind or partially sighted, most (probably all) employers would swing into action, making sure that every provision is made.

Where KC sufferers are at an earlier stage, and just need a bit of help the employer might need a little prompting. this is where the leaflet on the site is so important.

All the best

Andrew

Mandy,

That is excellent news.

I can see ( terrible pun) that in your line of work your skills will be very useful to all of us here

Thanks for sharing the good news.

Mandy,

You are incredibly lucky that your employer values you enough to pay for your lenses. I'm sure that's going above and beyond their responsibilities under the DDA, but does indeed mark them out to be a very caring firm!