How to start medical care?

[mrbungle]

While I was living in the US for four years I was diagnosed with irregular astigmatism and was warned that it could be pre-keratoconus. I have had problems with optometrists recognising my condition and getting a decent prescription for me, so I started seeing ophthalmologists for my annual eye exams (since they seemed more experienced). For this reason, I decided to skip an exam in the UK this year and just schedule an appointment when we returned for our US visit last week.

The ophthalmologist told me that I definitely have keratoconus now and told me I should find a specialist in the UK as soon as possible.

So how do I do that? What's next?

I live in Bristol and know that the Eye Hospital is here, but you need a referral. I don't want to waste money going to high street optometrists unless I know that they are familiar with my problem and will help me get the help I need. I can get a copy of the medical notes from the visit I just had in the US, if that would help.

Do I need to see an optometrist for a referral, or do I need to see my GP? Will I even get a referral if I'm not at the graft stage yet? The US doctor was discussing rigid lenses or Intacts with me.

If I can't get a referral, what do I do next? Can I pay for private care?

Thanks for any info you can provide.

[jayuk]

Mr B

I would do one of the following

a) Get to your GP and ask him to get you a referral to the local eye clinic

b) Have a look at the list of optometrists that this site lists, or Personal Message Lynne White who may be able to direct you to the closest KC experienced lens fitter.

I am assuming that you are early stage KC from what you have said, and therefore the most you may need is "private" Optometrist...which is the case now anyway. If you get yourself on the local NHS eye clinic that will be subsidised and, depending on how good it is, may be just as good....

HTH

J

[GarethB]

Welcome to the forum.

From my experience, the quality of service I get on the NHS is just as good as the private sector if not better. Most of those that deal with us also work for the private sector too.

[mike scott]

welcome to the forum

my understanding is that you are referred to your nearest eye clinic/hospital by your GP. you may have to be referred by letter to your GP by your high street optom, this shouldnt be a problem when you tell your optom what you want to do. prepare to wait a little while to get into the system, and when you are in it , stay in it, if you miss appointments then you run the risk of dropping out of the system to start all over again. remember you are in control of your treatment at every stage. sometimes it can be a pain having to keep going for regular checkups, but your eyes are precious so look after them.

once again welcome to the forum and i'm sure you will recieve loads of great advice from first hand KC ers and they are all a fantastic knowledgable crew

mike

[Lesley Foster]

I have sent you an email which I hope will help.

Let us know how you get on.

Lesley.

[Andrew MacLean]

mrbungle

All the best with your referral. Like Gareth, I have a very good experience of the NHS and optometry.

Your family physician (we call physicians who care for families in the communities "General Practitioners" or GP's) will be able to rfefer you to an ophthalmologist.

Yours aye

Andrew