UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

Hiya

My husband has just been offered and accepted a job in Australia. I know that there are a couple of people on here that are from Australia and was just wondering what CL options there are out there for KC and how the system works is it the same as the uk; in that i will be lucky to find an optician who understand KC? do they finacially support the cost of CL at all?

We are going to be covered by his work for medical insurance, though not sure if they will cover my KC or not as it is a pre-existing condition. I have been lucky in that my eyes have yet (and hopefully will never) to deteriorate to the stage of needing a graft, though i have had intacs and CXL in the past couple of years.

the next few months are going to be exciting to say the least, chaotic mind you sorting everything out - work want him out there asap.

AUSTRALIA sounds exciting. You're off to see the wizard!

Every good wish

Andrew

Hi, i guess it depends on where in Australia you go, usually you will probably want to see a specialist, but you will need a referral from a normal optometrist for this.

I live around the Newcastle region in Australia, and have had my treatments through "Hunter Laser Vision".

As for the moment, the cross-linking is not covered by our medicare system or private health care funds and the cost for this procedure is entirely out of pocket.
(However if you have over 1,500 dollars in out of pocket medical expenses you can claim it on your tax, when you do your tax return)

When I had my intac surgery, I had this done through my ophthalmologist from Hunter Laser Vision in a private hospital, and this was covered by my private health care, but only on the top level of cover.

Not sure how much this information will help you, and hopefully some other members from Australia can also give you some information.

Hi Liz. Coming to the good country eh? Oz is great!

I don't know where you will be but I am in Queensland. I have to travel to our sate captial for treatment. That is pretty standard for Australia. Generalised optomertrists can't help. If you are in a regional area you have to be prepared to travel long distances.

while I was wearing lenses I saw a specialist optomertrist who is very up in dealing with KC. I found they were great at fitting lenses and are up with all the latest developments.

Under Medicare (our general health system) you have to pay for lenses, solutions and any operations. As Ozfiz said, you can claim back on tax. We have private health insurance. I am not a member so can't give you any helpful advice.

good luck with you big move. Hope it goes well for you.