Cataract surgery using the NHS in the UK

UK residents, your advice about dealing with the NHS would be greatly appreciated.  The problems are described in another thread, "Suitability for monovision" by MandaCope (Nov. 03, 2009).    

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[JodieJ]

I'll elaborate a little on the problems involved.  The woman posting needed cataract surgery on her left eye only.  Both eyes were +3.75 with mild astigmatism before cataract surgery.  Reportedly no eye measurements were taken before surgery, and the woman first met her surgeon in the OR.  Her post-surgery vision with the implant is -2, leaving her with terribly imbalanced vision.  She has been coping by wearing a contact (obtained through NHS) in her right eye, which is making her eye uncomfortably dry.  She was offered cataract surgery on her right eye to correct the imbalance, which had been scheduled for next week.  She cancelled the surgery because no eye measurements would be taken prior to the surgery, and she would first meet her surgeon in the OR.

Anyone familiar/experienced with the NHS in the UK, please advise about possible options.  

[elkieluca]

I had my left eye cataract removed 8 weeks ago and they were very careful to measure my eyes a couple of times. I've never heard of it being done without taking measurements.
The only problem I have is the preservitives in the after care eye drops caused an allergic reaction in my eye which has left me with a terrribly sore dry eye that just doesn't seem to get better. I have not slept more than two hours at a time since the operation.

[denzle]

Hi Jodie
Have recently had my left eye cataract removed, my honest opinion is that the whole experience was total rubbish.
Met my surgeon in theatre had sever post op issues and after a week of complaining and visits to A&E eventually got an appointment on arrival only got to see the apprentice who was to say the least playing cya for his boss.
In short get a stand by ticket and get your eyes sorted stateside.
Stats show satifaction rates in the UK using the NHS to be around 50%
Same stats in the USA are 99%+

[elkieluca]

I have to agree with denzle, as I have only seen the apprentice type doctor who says the consultant did a marvelous job, her words. I just want to know how to make my eye bearable again and not suffer with burning day and night. I have had to cancel different things I had planned and am stuck indoors. Why don't they see if one has an allergy to preservitives before giving the eye drops out. Its because its cheaper I suppose to give out the preservitive eye drops. It may be free here to have a cataract removed but you have to suffer the consequences.

[JodieJ]

You all present a very dismal view of nationalized health care.  Where are all those happy patients from the Michael Moore documentary?

[elkieluca]

I have to stick up a bit for the NHS here. If its something like cancer or any life-threatning illness, they do step up then and you are seen quickly. You then get good treatment. Its the aftercare that you don't get here.  
I would be afraid to not have a national health service after all these years.

[Sue_S]

Our NHS is very satisfactory, on forums such as these you're always going to get the few unhappy people, if you have an excellent outcome why would you bother searching forums?

[OldNavy966]

Partialy true Sue, most people with excelent outcomes wouldn't search forums for problems.  However, some like myself searched these forums long before my cataract
surgery in hopes of learning from others experiences and avoiding a problem of my own.  My conclusion was that these were the poor unfortunate folks who were posting and I   ignored their advise.  It was the wrong conclusion and I have paid the price.  My complications were not related to your NHS but I think this website is a good place to inform ones self.