UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

Hi

Some of this may be a bit off topic but I hope it’s ok in this forum….basically I’m looking for any advice and info that people have to share on London. We are due to move from Bournemouth at the end of this month, I have found myself a new job which doesn’t involve any driving , and hopefully I can have a social life cos there’ll be public transport. My current job really needs me to drive daily, and I haven’t been able to for a couple of months, as I just can’t wear my lenses at the mo, so it’s been getting a bit silly, I can’t do my job.

So I’m looking for info / tips / advice about (on topic) experiences of eye hospitals/lens fitters in London (and how/if I can get seen quite quickly – my lens fitter has just got a topographer which I have just experienced to try Rose k lenses, so I may well be half way through fitting) and (off topic) where might be good to live (how far does Moorefield’s catchment go – I hear it’s the best (?) but so far we’re aiming for the west area – Ealing/Acton), and recommendations of letting agents, ways of getting a cheap flat, removals companies etc etc.

Any info gratefully received, I’ve now entered panic mode about how we’re gonna do this, it’s all been very sudden – at least my new employers know about my vision!

Kerrie

Hi Kerrie
Have you got all day! This is a minefield! I have no experience of West London (but could help you with N, NW, & E) but as far as Moorfields goes, as an NHS patient you can be referred to Moorfields from anywhere in the UK - so that's no problem. But Moorfields has long waiting times for appointments...

West London is fine if you like Aeroplanes! You need to check carefully the heathrow flight path details.
But I am sure there re some KC members who live out that way who may be able to advise you better. As a North Londoner by birth & 20 odd years of upbrining I am totally biased towards that being the only part of London to live in!

But I wish you the best of luck - must be quite a daunting experience for you - just glad your new employer sounds sympathetic and will be good to work for.

I hope you enjoy your move to London and that the city lives up to your expectations. I have no specific advice to offer about London, but in general I would advise that before you move, you ask your present consultant to refer you to a London hospital. This means that you will not have to wait for a referral from your new GP.

All the best

Andrew