Contact Lens Replacement - I am from NZ

[JohnDNZ]

Hi,

I am normally resident in New Zealand but on a working holiday in London till December. I have had KC for over 40 years ago and have grafts in both eyes. I use RGP lenses fitted by a KC specialist optician in NZ. Due to the shape post-op my Right Lens is unstable and occasionally flicks out. I managed to lose it on the Tube last night.

I lived in London in the 1990's and went to Moorfields who prescribed the best fitting lens I ever had - until it washed out when I was dealing with a plumbing disaster when I was in NZ. I called them yesterday about getting a replacement lens but was told I would need be referred by a GP first (due to the long gap) and that there would be long wait. I am covered by the NHS. I can switch to an old spare but my NZ optician said that should only be short term.

So at the moment I am considering going to a local London optician or getting my NZ optician to courier one over - probably a costly exercise? It may be useful to get another opinion while I am here. I have had issues with the right eye lens fit for years and lost £100s of lenses over the years. Would anyone be able to recommend a good optician in central London? Should I use the spare and try to get referred to Moorfields - can I self refer through the NHS?

I would really appreciate any advice.

Thanks John

[Lia Williams]

Hi John,

Welcome to the forum.

I'm sorry to hear that you've lost a lens.

You could get referred to Moorfields, but it is likely to take sometime.

Moorfields have a list of faqs which could give you an idea of the time you are likely to wait:

http://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/faq/contac ... -questions

So you may be looking at the end of October/ early November by the time your GP has referred you, you've waited for an appointment and waited for the lens to be manufactured.

As your spare lenses are only for short term use it may be worth getting a lens sent from NZ. As to finding a private optician it is worth asking around to see if you can find someone who is KC friendly.

Here is a list from this website.

http://www.keratoconus-group.org.uk/optoms/index.php

I hope this helps,

Lia

[lovycrop]

Thank you for the information.