UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

Who do I need to see to get access to other types of contact lenses? I’ve just had another frustrating appointment with the hospital (again the appointment was with a different optometrist who has never seen me before). What s the process of an appointment with a KC specialist (outside of the NHS). I’ve had enough of my local NHS’s attitude to KC.

I don’t want to sound like I want to just sit back and let other people provide me with all the information I need, but I have no idea what the process would be to get the ball rolling to see a KC specialist in my area

Hi Longmover
Have you looked at the list of KC friendly optoms on this site?
www.keratoconus-group.org.uk/optoms/index.php
Getting contact lenses privately is obviously more expensive than through a hospital clinic, but some clinics are now under cost restrictions in the variety of lenses they can offer. So you might find a private optometrist who can give you more choice.
Anne

Thanks for that, every time I’ve been to the hospital and mentioned other forms of treatments it’s been ignored and I get the feeling that they can’t wait to get me out of the door and see me in sic month’s time than be honest with me in what they can offer. Even if they told me the truth and advised me to look into private treatment then at leas that would show they do consider their patients needs.

Again thank you for the list.

Anne Klepacz wrote:

but some clinics are now under cost restrictions in the variety of lenses they can offer

I trust that in this situation the hospital has a professional duty of care and respect for the patient by informing them of the restriction on lenses so that they can then decide whether or not to go elsewhere (NHS or private).

If there are restrictions on lenses and the hospital is not informing the patient of this, that in my opinion is appalling.

Longmover best wishes in finding the professional KC care you deserve.

Thanks Steven

I have mentined other forms of contact lenses (from my own research) to my local NHS but it' just became embarresing in their lack of knowledge on the matter. At no time has any consultant made me aware of any other treatment apart from gas permiable lenses and I dont think thats good enough considering the amount of information thats available on KC on the internet.

longmover wrote:I have mentined other forms of contact lenses (from my own research) to my local NHS but it' just became embarresing in their lack of knowledge on the matter. At no time has any consultant made me aware of any other treatment apart from gas permiable lenses and I dont think thats good enough considering the amount of information thats available on KC on the internet.

I agree, it is not good enough. In your place, I'd ask for a referral to another hospital where they may have more experience of treating patients with keratoconus.