UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

Hi again guys.
I have a couple of questions regarding KC and would appreciate any answers you can give.

1, Is there a local group for the Yorkshire region?

2, How do I become more pro-active about KC. No one seems to have heard about it and I would like to do my bit to help this change ( at least in the workplace )This is the only group I know of in the U.K. (though I can't say I have looked too much, I just used to get on with it). I also subscribe to The KC group's newsletter.

3, What support is there for a person if KC interferes with their job? By that I mean I have lost a few jobs due to problems with my KC meaning I've had time off.. I've told employers and the only line I seem to get is (yes you guessed it folks) " why don't you just wear glasses ?"

I've had KC for some 15 years now, I'm 29 years old and it's taken a lot out of me. Sometimes it can affect more than just your eyes.

Thank you in advance and sorry about the little whinge at the end I know there are people far worse off than me after all.

Matthew,

Contact Anne and she will send all the gumf. details on home page.

Contact Us

KC Group Publications

Loosing a job because of KC is discriminatory if they did not first try and make reasonable adjustments first. We are coverd by the Disability Discrimination Act. All in the Eployers leaflet, see link above.

No Support Group Locally in North yorks, but if you want to start one, give Anne Klepatz a call and she wil go through it with you (See contact us link above.

Hope this helps.

Matthew,

I agree with what Gareth has said! The employers leaflet is a good way to get KC known in general and hopefully give them some understanding of where you are.

Sweet X x X

Hi Mathew

I am having work problems too. Have sent you a PM.

Gareth & Susan - I'll be e-mailing you too in next 24 hrs - had interesting meeting on Monday.....!

matthew, I'm only about 6000 miles from Yourshire so I can't help with that. But your statement, "Sometimes it can affect more than just your eyes." is VERY TRUE.

Believe me, everyone here LISTENS when you say this. We have all dragged that bag of sand around for a while. Your job will be OK, or you will find another one. But, the toll KC takes on our loved ones and relationships, our hobbies and interests can be overwhelming at worst and just problematic at best.

Lean on anyone here for support....ask questions.....just whine till you feel better...we will help wherever we can, even if it is just to read your posts and nod our heads. Be patient, be strong and things will work out. And pay attention to GarethB.......he's the man when it comes to protocol.

Cheers, Piper

The second paragraph in pipers post is one of the best ive read in ages,well done mate