Cataract surgery on Medicare?

[cat_mioux]

Last time I had my eyes tested I was told I have cataracts in both eyes. I can't afford to pay for the surgery so I'll have to go on the waiting list.

How do I get on the waiting list?

Can OPSM give me a referral or do I need to see my GP?

How long is the waiting list? Will they do both eyes at the same time?

[purple_haize]

I am on the public waiting list, eye specialist wrote to who ever does it...........it is a long list.

[lurker17260]

I don't know anything about cost or Medicare, but when speaking to someone the other day who needs both done she said they won't do both at the same time in case something goes wrong.

[freddie*rooster]

Catty you would need to get a referral from your GP to see an eye Specialist. They won't operate until the cataract is covering the eye to a certain degree.

[cat_mioux]

How long have you been on the waiting list for purple?

Lurker - yes I've also heard they won't do both at the same time but I meant surely if I'm on the public list and I have one done I won't have to wait another year or two to have the second surgery.

Am I even eligible for 'free' surgery, as I work full time.

[cat_mioux]

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@freddie*rooster wrote:

Catty you would need to get a referral from your GP to see an eye Specialist. They won't operate until the cataract is covering the eye to a certain degree.

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The eye specialist I saw 3 years ago said the cataract (there was only one when I saw her) was small but it was right in a position to affect my eye sight. I think it's starting to affect my driving.

[purple_haize]

Cat, I have been on the waiting list for 2 yrs...

I was at the eye specialist last week & while I was waiting some one rang up to see about having cataracts removed privately & the rececptionist told her she would be out of pocket $3000.

It is expensive.

[purple_haize]

I have glaucoma as well in my left eye and I am slowly going blind, having the cataracts in that eye, is not helping.  I had a letter 2yrs ago letting me know that I was on the list, after Easter, I am going to ring and see how much longer I have to wait.

[cat_mioux]

I figured it was around $3000 per eye. Good grief! 2 years and still waiting?

I've just been googling cataracts and it seems driving in sun glare and at night (glare from headlights) can highlight vision problems due to cataracts. This is what's happened to me today, driving in sun glare without sunnies.

[freddie*rooster]

Catty some cataracts are slow growing, other's fast, the waiting list would depend on the Hospital. locally where I am I wouldn't be certain but a guess would be 3-6 months. Yes you would be entitled to the surgery under medicare.