Lubricants back on prescription again.

[muddledme]

Following several weeks of being denied eye lubricants by the GP, the consultant opthalmologist has contacted the surgery to ask them to reinstate the prescription.

The GP had said that these lubricants were of limited value and for minor or self limiting conditions.Since my eye surgery the dry eye symptoms have been controlled by these drops, and I had always been advised to continue using them to prevent further corneal damage.

I feel sad that a very busy consultant's time has been wasted over this because the GP did not wish to understand . I have also felt frustrated,annoyed and have lost some trust in my local surgery.

I hope that even if a similar situation occurs to anyone else with significant dry eye problems this may give them some hope . It was very useful that I could mention the few patients who said they were denied lubricants compared to those who still recieve them...so thank you all.

[Longwalks3]

Very glad to hear this. I have had multiple surgeries in the last 5 years and this has resulted in inflammatory dry eye that is hard to control. My GP has never questioned the requests from my consultant for lubricants which I am very relieved about. The problem I have at the moment is that there seems to be a shortage of ikervis anti inflammatory drops. I am going to run out tomorrow and cannot find any local pharmacy that has them.

[muddledme in reply to Longwalks3]

Hello Longwalks3,

I have often had success with Asda pharmacies, apparently they use a different supplier to most . Could you ask the hospital pharmacy if they know about any shortages or anywhere you may obtain ikervis ?

Sometimes it is possible to phone or e mail the manufacture's agent in the UK to find out what is happening,( contact usually online or in the patient leaflet).

If all that fails then the medical secretary in Opthalmics OPD may be able to ask your consultant. When I had help about my eye drops it was because a secretary went to the consultant and asked him directly, this was about the third phone call to the hospital....but it seems to be worth repeat calls to get the most help.

Good luck

[Eahldt]

I’m pleased to hear this has been resolved for you. Once again consultants’ secretaries come out on top.

[Beecalmed]

So pleased you’ve got this sorted! I hope the consultant’s secretary isn’t too busy this week as I’ve got to approach her on medication my GP wants to prescribe, but which I’m slightly concerned about. 🤞🏻