IN January 22 I had a bloodshot eye and was a bit concerned and went to the Eye Clinic NHS following a call to them. They saw me that day very promptly and gave me treatment of drops and medicine. I have a condition called Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome which was recognised in 2017 by a consultant prior to cataract operations.
They followed it up with regular examinations. It progressed from IOP to glaucoma in July 22 as the lens started to dislocate due to the PEX. I went to see a private eye surgeon locally who suggested a vitrectomy which I’m still awaiting, but on the NHS. The lens had to be a special one from Italy, but they were out of stock and then in short supply. Meanwhile the eye pressure was becoming quite volatile and I was called in before Easter to have the Shunt procedure, and another check up this morning revealed the eye pressure is still good in that eye too. Although the glaucoma is now advanced.
I did contact Moorfields as I was concerned about the volatility of the eye pressure and then that weekend the eye pressure I somehow knew was bad, so I contacted the ophthalmologist on call who contacted the consultant eye surgeon and the shunt was arranged that week.
The primary appointment with the NHS was made by me - I was told by my optometrist that I could effect this in January 22. They have been very good - excellent in fact. I did become frustrated by the dislocating lens and the slight ambivalence of the eye clinic in July 22 and the diagnosis of the glaucoma and hence saw the eye surgeon privately- a couple of times. He prefers to do it on the NHS as all the ophthalmic equipment would have to be transferred to the Nuffield Hospital. I hope to have this procedure done very shortly.
As you see from my story - it has all been managed by me, and I’ve not had to consult my GP at all.
I hope that I have helped you with your queries, and if there is anything that you are unsure about I hope that I can reassure you. I have been so worried at times and thinking that I would be forgotten- but it’s all coming good now I’m sure! And your treatment and concerns will be too. However I would add that ‘a squeaky wheel gets the oil’ so SQUEAK as much as you need as eyesight is imperative!
I don’t know how helpful it might be to you and sincerely hope it wasn’t too bleak a read. I’m ever hopeful! I think being positive helps, try not to worry. 🌷🌺
I first went to the NHS as per my referral from my GP. I did some googling about the department and the consultants, and also talked to friends and colleagues who'd been. The reviews were positive but because of the uncertainty of the waiting list, I decided to go private. I used finder.bupa.co.uk/ to look up private consultants in my area (please note, I'm not promoting BUPA, but this is a helpful tool listing lots of private consultants) and again, googled them for testimonials before choosing who to go with. I then contacted them directly to make appointments. Like autumnlass, I arranged it myself, I didn't go to my GP for advice.
Go with what you feel is right for you. I wanted to get it sorted asap and prefer to feel in control so was happy to take the lead. Good luck!
In 2007, when I was referred to my GP by an optometrist, I didn’t have a choice of hospitals because I lived near a city, so there was only one that was practical! When we moved to our present home, 10 years ago, I was offered a choice of two, but with no advice as to which was better. (My GP at the time was a super bloke, who recognised his limitations and wouldn’t have given advice unless sure of his ground). I chose one randomly and it seemed a good choice as the consultant prescribed me new drops, which seemed to stabilise my eye pressures. Unfortunately, I only saw him twice, then the appointment system changed and in the following seven years, I saw four different consultants and, at the remaining two check-ups, I saw a nurse practitioner. The last time I saw a consultant, in 2021, my pressures were 16. Last year, I hadn’t heard from the hospital (it had been 12 months since my previous appointment) and I was told they were 12 months behind. I decided to have a private consultation and saw a wonderful man at a different hospital (he was recommended by a friend, who sees him at his NHS clinic). I am back with NHS now, but at a different hospital. It’s easy to see the NHS is struggling and not just in Ophthalmology- my husband has had great difficulty in getting diagnosis and treatment for bowel and urinary problems. Our GP surgery is definitely not coping with their caseload as it has just been judged “needs improvement “ by the CQC. I didn’t expect that, in retirement, I would have to struggle to get basic health care. It’s very disheartening. I hope your own experience is trouble free and I wish you the best of luck.
I've always just gone where I've been asked to attend. I live in a city and have actually been monitored/treated at 3 different hospitals over the years.
The glaucoma unit is now at a different hospital to the one I used to go to years ago, but my surgeries were always at the original place. That was until my recent cataract op which was at a smaller hospital in a more rural area. Not sure why I was sent there but it was great - only 4 of us waiting in a smallish room so it felt much more relaxing and personal than being at the big inner city hospital. One of the other patients said she lived locally, so had asked for that particular hospital.
I actually asked my consultant about going private for the cataract op. He doesn't do cataract ops anymore but, in any case, he thought I'd be better off at an NHS hospital. Busier, more staff if anything were to go wrong and, of course, all my records would be already on the system. And due to my complex conditions, he didn't want me taking risks with any of the other kinds of lenses, other than a standard fixed focus one, that you can be offered when paying privately.
Have to say, all the doctors/consultants I've seen have been great. Very pleasant and knowledgeable.
I dont know where you live but I have only used NHS for eyes after original referral because of pressure some years back by Optician. It was by sheer chance and amazing good luck that when I was recently prescribed eye- drops and i requested preservative free ones that I was contacted by Dr Alaghband - he does private &NHS. If you are in his catchment area-North Yorks I would have no hesitation in recommending him. He is exceptional and very sincere.
Good luck cos it is hard -& I too dont have alot of confidence in what you are told as often conflicting & eyes are vital. Hes a good man.
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