How do you know of you need a second opinion?

[KBIOW]

Hello again,

I am due to see a consultant tomorrow, people keep saying that I may need a second opinion.How does anyone know what to do in this situation?

I am being looked after at Scunthorpe general hospital, I have no problem getting appointments or feedback via the secretaries, the Drs explain everything and always take their time, but how do any of us know we are getting the best service with eventually the best outcome.

Any advice would be gratefully received.

Thank you

[Iona57]

Hi KBIOW,Is there a reason why people are saying you might need a second opinion?

I was diagnosed with glaucoma out of the blue last year. I was shocked and anxious and confused because I didn't know anything about glaucoma.

What helped initially was talking to my lovely optician who was able to explain what the hospital letters meant.

Then I discovered the glaucoma UK website. I read the relevant information and rang the helpline a few times to ask questions about my situation. This can be really helpful to get an idea of whether you are getting the right kind of advice or treatment at the hospital. Also it can help you to know what questions to ask at the hospital.

Ultimately I decided to go private, mainly just to be able to get some consistency and to have more time for asking questions. I found a consultant in the website if the local private hospital ( who ironically was the NHS consultant I was officially under but hadn't yet got to see .........) I know that isn't an option for everyone- I was just very lucky to have come into some money at that time- But you don't have to commit to ££££s if expensive treatment- if you can afford even a one off consultation it can help to make things clearer .

All the best to you.

[Helen_GlaucomaUK Administrator]

Hello. I am wondering why people are suggesting that you need a second opinion? All eye specialists are there to monitor and treat your glaucoma, to keep it stable and preserve your vision. Eye specialists may have different approaches to treatment, according to their experience and what has worked well for their patients. Two eye specialists with different opinions, doesn't mean one must be wrong.

If you are unhappy with your treatment or feel you're not getting the answers to your questions, you are entitled to a second opinion. This can be done by asking your GP for a referral, preferably outside of your local health authority or see someone privately, as already suggested. Being referred for a second opinion can take a while to get seen, so never cancel who you are already seeing.

As also suggested, you can call us at the Helpline 01233 648170 and we would be more than happy to discuss this with you.

[KBIOW in reply to Helen_GlaucomaUK]

Thank you for your reply. I have been to the hospital today and I am now being referred to a different hospital in Grimsby as the Glaucoma specialist is based there.

I have very narrow angles, and possibly something called plateau iris… so they want to check this out first.

I am to stay on the diamox, pilocarpine, cospopt and lumigan until my next appointment.

I will be ringing the helpline for some advice.

Many thanks

[Crystalclearj]

I think it is very important to have a second opinion. It also can clarify things in more detail. Sometimes you may have a hunch yourself about something not being right or you may have had conflicting pieces of advice from opticians and then seen someone who is not an actual specialist in glaucoma and had incorrect diagnosis that you want to double check. As it is such an Important issue and you don’t want to start on the treatment path if there is a premature diagnosis or overdiagnosis. Likewise you do not want to miss anything if there is a problem. Sometimes in the hospital the people on duty are not experienced consultants in glaucoma itself? Sometimes readings are incorrect. Sometimes equipment is not accurate and they are not aligned. Sometimes equipment gives false readings, there are lots of factors to consider. One also needs to establish a baseline prior to any diagnosis so that things can be monitored regularly to be sure.