Optician

[Claremont2023]

just been to Optician & been reassured everything ok. Very knowledgeable re PMR & GCA. He explained (as you all have) what to look out for, but all ok. He checked both eyes thoroughly even in ways I hadn’t had done before, so feeling more relaxed.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Good….

[piglette]

My optician seemed a lot more knowledgable than some of the GPs and rheumatologists I have come across.

[Claremont2023 in reply to piglette]

He knew immediately what I was talking about when I said PMR

[Motida in reply to Claremont2023]

Very glad for you Claremont. My optician says my blurred vision is due to cataracts but the consultant says they are not bad enough and it is the steroids. I asked for a different prescription, but she said she had nothing more to offer.

So I have to take a quick snap of bus numbers or signs in supermarket aisles and then enlarge them in pictures to read them. It is confusing as to who to believe but we are powerless to argue with so-called specialists it seems. They just shrug and close the conversation.

[Claremont2023 in reply to Motida]

It’s the luck of the draw isn’t it? My GP is really good & I obviously struck lucky with the Optician too.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Good, as it should be but often isn't.

[Claremont2023 in reply to PMRpro]

He was fairly young, wonder if that was relevant?🤔

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Claremont2023]

Maybe, better trained in customer care!! And since the MECS/UES system was introduced you would hope they were aware of GCA/PMR because they must see cases.

[Bcol]

Went to my optician's last week as I broke the glasses I use on the computer and had a few problems with dry eyes etc. They are fully aware of my PMR and Pred and gave me a full health check and said that all was good with no problems. Drops for dry eyes. Back in November for a full vision test. It's always a relief when eye health checks come back good.

[SheffieldJane]

I do this every few months and my well equipped optician keeps a pictorial record. I go tomorrow. It is reassuring.

[Pr0jection]

I had the same good news last week. I've been on 7.5mg prednisolone for 3 years now and was concerned about the possibility of getting cataracts. Thankfully, there's no sign of them, or glaucoma. I have optic neuritis in my left eye. It occurred during the 90's and I lost my central vision. However, I was advised that the steroids may be helping this condition too as my vision has improved, albeit only slightly. I've tried tapering a couple of times this year but I end up with flares, which are just about manageable, but do affect my ability to enjoy my day to day activities so I've decided to remain on this dose for the remainder of this year at least Glad you're feeling more relaxed......