NHS procedures questions
Posted: Fri 04 May 2012 1:20 pm
Hi
I hope this is in the right section.
First off I'd like to thank everyone for the forum, I have only been browsing for 15 minutes and already I have had a lot of weighing questions answered (especially by the very helpful FAQ section), I appreciate it.
I would appreciate it greatly if anyone who has the knowledge or experience could help me with a few questions. Thank you.
Briefly about me: I am 23 years of age, I was diagnosed with Keratoconus during an eye test at an opticians in March of this year, although I suspect the condition started at least 18 months ago. Prior to KC my eyesight was a healthy 20/20 (having been better a few years prior) but now it fluctuates between mildly hindered and significantly hindered. I visited the eye treatment clinic at my local hospital (West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St. Edmunds) yesterday for the first time and I was left confused and frustrated with the experience so I need help in understanding a few things.
The consultant confirmed the diagnoses and recommended contact lenses (glasses are of no use to me), he also mentioned 'a lot of coming and going', how does the contact lens system work, do I have to get new contact lenses frequently as the eye shape changes-how would I go about making appointments for new contact lenses? He also mentioned other 'treatment options'-without mentioning what they were, what are other treatment options available and how much better are they? At the end of the brief consultation (lasting around 4 minutes) I was given a form that I was told to give to a receptionist, I was told that I would have an appointment with the contact lens clinic, is this part of the hospital? And for those who have gone through a similar thing, how long do I have to wait to get an appointment? Finally, I am entitled for help with NHS treatment costs (free eye tests and glasses vouchers), how much is it likely that I will have to pay after the voucher?
I would be very grateful to someone who could help with my questions or direct me to the right place, I am not being 'lazy' in posting them here rather than doing the research, but I have limited time and I find it hard to accept the findings of my own research without being answered, again, I appreciate it.
Thank you again.
I hope this is in the right section.
First off I'd like to thank everyone for the forum, I have only been browsing for 15 minutes and already I have had a lot of weighing questions answered (especially by the very helpful FAQ section), I appreciate it.
I would appreciate it greatly if anyone who has the knowledge or experience could help me with a few questions. Thank you.
Briefly about me: I am 23 years of age, I was diagnosed with Keratoconus during an eye test at an opticians in March of this year, although I suspect the condition started at least 18 months ago. Prior to KC my eyesight was a healthy 20/20 (having been better a few years prior) but now it fluctuates between mildly hindered and significantly hindered. I visited the eye treatment clinic at my local hospital (West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St. Edmunds) yesterday for the first time and I was left confused and frustrated with the experience so I need help in understanding a few things.
The consultant confirmed the diagnoses and recommended contact lenses (glasses are of no use to me), he also mentioned 'a lot of coming and going', how does the contact lens system work, do I have to get new contact lenses frequently as the eye shape changes-how would I go about making appointments for new contact lenses? He also mentioned other 'treatment options'-without mentioning what they were, what are other treatment options available and how much better are they? At the end of the brief consultation (lasting around 4 minutes) I was given a form that I was told to give to a receptionist, I was told that I would have an appointment with the contact lens clinic, is this part of the hospital? And for those who have gone through a similar thing, how long do I have to wait to get an appointment? Finally, I am entitled for help with NHS treatment costs (free eye tests and glasses vouchers), how much is it likely that I will have to pay after the voucher?
I would be very grateful to someone who could help with my questions or direct me to the right place, I am not being 'lazy' in posting them here rather than doing the research, but I have limited time and I find it hard to accept the findings of my own research without being answered, again, I appreciate it.
Thank you again.