cost of collagen cross linking?

[timtim]

Does anyone know how expensive the surgery is? Only problem is, I live in the US and would like to know in US dollars (I'm not sure how to convert it). I'm also interested in the cost of collagen cross linking with PRK. Thanks

[Andrew MacLean]

tim

I am not even sure that CXL is available in the United States. Last time I read about it, it was still subject to FDA trials and therefore subject to tight controls.

http://www.osnsupersite.com/view.asp?rid=25785

Andrew

[petedoc]

Hi

I am actually going for a consultation on monday at the London vision clinic, this alone costs £650. If my corneas are thick enough and i decide to go ahead with it the cost is £3000. I am a bit worried lately as there has been so much talk of this procedure being done on the NHS but i dont want to wait any longer as i have noticed my vision getting worse in the last few days, typical. I also dont want to waste £3K if i dont need to. Can anyone shed some light on the situation with tyhe NHS regarding this procedure???

I think £3000 is just over $6000 but dont take my word!!

Thanks

pete

[Andrew MacLean]

pete

I think someone posted here that there was a study underway at Moorfields. Where are you based? why not phone your local ophthalmology department and ask if they are thinking of conducting a study on CXL, and whether you would be considered as a subject?

Andrew

[timtim]

Oh I see...I wasn't aware that it is not available in the U.S. yet. Well, that price estimate was still good to get an idea of how much it will be, assuming its made available before too long. That price you mentioned was for one eye right?

[petedoc]

Hi Andrew

I stay in Glasgow, i have told my consultant that i am going and all that was said is she does not know anything about it. I have doubts that i will be able to get the treatment on my left eye as this is far worse than my right, but recently my right eye is deteriotating so i dont really want to waste time. What would your advice be??

thanks

pete

[Andrew MacLean]

I think that Dr Mantry at Gartnavel was putting together a CXL study in co-operation with Dr Ramaesh (same hospital). In your place I'd be trying to get into their system rather than spend a heap of cash that I'd then have available to spend on a holiday to help me get over the shock of having saved so much money!

Why not ask your opthalmologist for a referral to Gartnavel?

Andrew

[petedoc]

Andrew

Its Gartnavel i have been going to!! even been there this week to pick up a new lens (to replace one i lost) which i waited three weeks for and no one has mentioned it. They know i am going to London because i have asked for my prescription history which cant be found. I find it hard to believe they know i am about to travel to london for this and they have not mentioned the possibility of it being done where i stay.

£3K is a lot of cash and i do need a holiday ha

Pete

[Grifteruk]

Tim,

My doctor has quoted me about £1,800 for one eye and i am going back to see him in April. I suspect there is a deal on doing both eyes at once but if you want to convert this into US dollars, you should be able to find a conversion site on the web which will do this for you.

I am also sure i have seen somewhere that there are US specialists doing C3R in the US, although i cant be sure. i know it is not approved but am sure that i have seen this during my trawl through the web. I also think i have seen reference to someone doing it in Canada, which may be a shorter trip for you. If i come across one on the web again i will let you know. just spent a little while searching again now but cant find it.

Good luck with the Synergeyes lenses. I am interested in those lenses myself, although they do not market them in the UK at present. Could you update the forum on how you go.

[Andrew MacLean]

Ah, I think I understand.

Have you told the Ophthalmologist that you are traveling to London for CXL, or did you tell the Optometrist?

When is your next appointment with a surgeon? If it is a long time off, I'd phone his secretary and ask for an early appointment; explain that you are interested in CXL and that you want a consultation before you go into the private sector.

I have always found them very accommodating.

Andrew

ps enjoy your holiday!