Inquiry

[Sad J]

Hi again everyboy,

I'm going to relocate to the UK next month. I'll probably live in Darlington.

I'm wondering if there's a good eye clinic there, specially one with good keratoconus specialists.
Anybody lives there by any chance? If so, could you please tell me about a good ophthalmologist who would help me get good lenses.

If there's not, will I have to travel to Newcastle to see a good ophthalmologist? Is there a renowned eye clinic there?

I'm not quite familiar with the Healthcare System in the UK. So any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Jasmine.

[GarethB]

Darlington has a very good hospital which sorted my KC out, I had both grafts done there 20 years ago and James Haslam is still in practice in the area and his son I think may well have followed in his foot steps. Not sure if they have a lens clinic now, they did not 20 yeasr ago.

Haslam is a very good consultant and always had time to go through exactly what the treatments options were for me. He put off giving me grafts until lenses just would not fit my eye.

I left the area in 1993 for the Midlands and have been treated n this area ever since.

[rosemary johnson]

I don't know Darlington area - maybe my sister can help here? - nor am I 100% certain how "the system will work for you, mving to the UK.
For us, it works like this.
First, we have to register with a GP (general practitioner, or "family doctor"). If you're coming to study, this may be at the university/college Medical Centre.
Your GP then has to refer you on to a hospital or other specialist clinic for any specialised treatment you need.
Your GP ought to know where the eye clinics/hospitals in the area are.
However, for most GPs, eyes are very specialised indeed, and they don't tend to know much about the different types of eye condition - only to refer them to an expert.
Rosemary

[Hilary Johnson]

Hi, Rosemary's sister leaps to attention...
I do live near Darlington, but as I'm not a KC persons myself, just a long-sufferring relative, I'm afraid I don't know - I'd listen to GarethB...
If you need any other info about Darlington, I might be able to help, though.

[GarethB]

I beleive James Haslam's private practice is in Darlington itslef. He does see people at his home just outside Northalerton. This is easier for him when he has been caught being a bit naughty on his motor bikes!

The last I heard he had built himself a plane too in his garden registered GO-EYE!