Australia

[ATM]

I am arriving at a kind of crossroads in my life, and think I may go with friends on a one year visa to Australia / New Zealand.

I am just a little worried about the situation if I need emergency medical help (I have had grafts in both eyes). Things have been stable since my operations, and apart from the systane that was recommended here I do not use any sort of medication at the moment.

I expect that I shall have to declare keratoconus on my insurance proposal, and that I have had bilateral grafts. Is there anything else I need to beware of?

[jayuk]

As far as I am aware, Australia does have a very good reputation when it comes to both CL fitting and also Corneal Transplantation for KC.....however what I would suggest is to find out where in Aus you will be, and then research the local eye care units to ensure they have adequate means to cater for someone who has had corneal grafts...

HTH

J

[GarethB]

There is an Australian KC group which has a web site, but unfortunatly I can not see it on the links page of this site.

A google search might show something up and they would surely help.

[ATM]

Thank you all, again.

I "Googled" Keratoconus Australia and found a very helpful site.

ATM

[rosemary johnson]

You definitely should have insurance.
If you are goind for no more than a year, you may like to take a look at Boots' Gap Year Insurance. They cover all ages, not just teenagers/students. I went with them when I went to Africa for 3 and a half months, and to NZ for 6 weeks last year. they covered the KC OK (though I haven't had grafts).
Have a good trip!
Rosemary

[Prue B]

Most of the major cities have eye hospitals, and most of the larger regional ones opthalmologists. We have an excellent health service, all things being considered, and good eye care.