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]

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@debra9275 wrote:

@Buzz. a few of my Mum @ Dad's friends have been affected by anaesthetic, not for eye surgery though, shoulder and hip things, and I mean mentally affected. One even thought it was a conspiracy to get rid of elderly people

PH and yet my MIL had it done and was fine, but it was Laser surgery is that the same as what you'd be having?

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Deb, I have no idea, but I assume it is Laser surgery.

I might find out about it.

[azureline**]

My FIL had his cataract laser surgery done about 6 years ago, one eye at a time.

No problems at all, he did develop dementia but several years later and it was more than likely caused by the stress of nursing his wife at home, through cancer.

[debra9275]

Val, if I was you, I would just ask them a few questions about it . From what I've heard, most people who've had it done are very happy with it, so  you should just get it  done if you can

the people I was talking about being affected by anaesthetic were much older and it was general anaesthetic, not local, so you should be fine

[purple_haize]

thanks Deb, I have had lots of big operations and never had a problem with anaesthetic, but I will ring them after Easter and find out some information on it.

I should get some forms from the hospital in the mail either today or tomorrow, that might tell me more.

Thanks Az and Jean.

[debra9275]

Good for you, you've been on the waiting list for so long that it would be a shame to pass it up.  If the waiting list is so long , that means lots of people are having it done and it must be a good thing

[azureline**]

Agree with Deb.

My FIL's dementia was caused by a stroke, btw. If you have concerns about any side effects, talk to your doctor.

[polksaladallie]

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@imastawka wrote:

My SIL wore coke bottle glasses for her whole life.  Had cataracts removed in

her 60's and doesn't need glasses at all anymore.  I didn't even recognise her

in the street without her trademark glasses

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That's because they replace the lens at the same time (if you want them to).  Have you noticed that John Howard no longer wears glasses after a lifetime of wearing them?  

[imastawka]

Been trying for decades not to look at Mr Sheen.  Didn't notice he wasn't wearing his

glasses.

[cat_mioux]

I had my appointment at OPSM and they are starting the ball rolling with a report to a hospital near me. Apparently, I was told, I have a better chance of being bumped up the list because I'm relatively 'young' and working full time so good vision is required so I can keep 'contributing' to the economy.

[freakiness]

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@diamond-halo wrote:

Hate to tell you this Cat, but remember a poster from here named Leggydeferal?

She had cataract surgery done on both eyes.

It didn't work.

She now has a Guide Dog.

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No, when?

Both eyes at once?