Glaucoma

[Gardenlady321]

I've had glaucoma for about 12 years,several operations etc.My problem is that I'm told that I need a review in 4 months for instance,no appointment is forth coming and I have to phone the eye hospital.

I'm now 3 months overdue an appointment although the Dr recommended that I'm seen regularly.

I'm fed up with this

[judetheobscure22]

Sadly the same.Had to chase up for the last appointment.

Now had laser surgery postponed three times. I know my vision is getting worse and it really seems like they don't care because I can still see.

[S_Miles]

I can’t even remember when my last appointment was. Well over a year and it’s supposed to every 4 months.

[Hidden]

I’m under Moorfields at Bedford and what an absolute waste of time they are at times. Never answering phones way overdue appointments. I feel my eyes have got worse under their care, the only good point is regular pressure drops which I wasn’t on before.

Specsavers are brilliant they said they will check my eyes any time I have any concerns. I have the OCT scan regularly and they have picked something up and alerted the eye clinic who ignored it 🙄

Hope you get your appointment soon 🙏

[Sorshup]

I too can report the same. The hospitals claim pressure of patient numbers etc. but that's no consolation for us and, yes, how do you know the teatment is succeeding? The medics have to respond to facts, for their own protection. If you are well overdue and getting no response from the appointment system, if you think your vison is declining you are entitled to an NHS sight test at your optometrist. That should include an IOP check, but you may have to pay for a visual field test. If either or both of these support your fears , inform to the consultant and the appointment team and they should respond promptly. Oh, and make sure that you know the doctor's judgement of your target IOP so that when it is measured at a sight test you can assess if control is slipping.

[Eahldt]

If you have a consultant try ringing his/her secretary. If not try ringing the consultants’ secretaries anyway. They’re very good at finding appointments.

[Longwalks3]

All of the above comments are why I now see my consultant privately. Its expensive at £150 per visit and visual fields at £90 but has given me so much peace of mind over the past few years.

[YoungontheOutside]

My optician runs a Care scheme and monitors my eye pressures and eye health on a three monthly basis. I pay £14 a month for this direct debit. I know it is not the same as regular checks with field tests and scans but it does offer me a measure of reassurance.

[Choirlover]

Yes I am in the same boat as all of you . Diagnosed 13 years ago, had several procedures, now on drops and up to 2022 I was seen every 6 months. Since then I have been moved to yearly appointments and a virtual clinic where technicians do the tests and you are supposed to get a response from a doctor within two week. I waited 5 months for a reply and in spite of my pressures rising nothing is going to be done as my vision has not been affected! That is certainly not my previous experience where any rise in pressure was immediately treated. I am expecting an appointment in August but to date I have not been notified of one. Last year I had to phone for an appointment too. I am seriously thinking about paying privately - it is simply too stressful to deal with the NHS at present.