cataracts

[rabbitearbandicoot]

I went to have my eyes checked today at the local optometry shop. I knew my eyes were getting bad but he tells me the cataract in my left eye has gone pretty bad and has referred me to an ophthalmologist. I will ring her tomorrow, but she is a private Dr and doesn't bulk bill. I have heard rumours about the cost involved so I will be looking for public I suppose?.

I did a search on here for cataracts and it seems many on here have had the op. Can I get some advice please.

does anyone know -

how long the waiting list is for the initial consultation? private / public

how long the waiting list is for public operation?

how to get onto the waiting list?

how much it costs to get done privately?

Thanks in advance.

[waterlilycat]

$1800 per eye private,

Free for a bulk bill eye surgeon.

12 months waiting on public hospital

12 Months waiting list for initial consult for surgeon

Your Eye Surgeon will get you on the list.

All depends where you live but my oh had an excellent surgeon & terrific results. The above is the schedule my OH had.

[waterlilycat]

$1800 per eye private,

Free for a bulk bill eye surgeon.

12 months waiting on public hospital

12 Months waiting list for initial consult for surgeon

Your Eye Surgeon will get you on the list.

All depends where you live but my oh had an excellent surgeon & terrific results. The above is the schedule my OH had.

I forgot to mention that my OH paid nothing at all for anything.

He wasn't given any option re long or short sight but he has  perfect long sight & only needs $2 reading glasses (recommended by his doctor) & he can read a normal sign without glasses.

He had 1 eye done & 6 weeks later the other eye. He's over the moon.

My advice to you is to find a bulk billing surgeon & you'll pay nothing at all. Good luck

[judyztreasurez]

Jean I am so sorry you are having trouble with your eye. There is always a risk with any surgery as I am sure your specialist would have told you. This is the reason they do not like to do both eyes at once just in case something goes wrong

Hopefully they can help your vision be restored

I have had both eyes done through the public system. I waited 12 months for each eye. I was probably out of pocket about $150 for specialist costs each time (after Medicare rebate). I did however get to choose my doctor

Each eye took 20 minutes. My left eye had a short distance lens put in and the other eye had a long distance one. I went into hospital at 8am and came home after lunch

My vision is great now. I very rarely need to wear glasses which is a bonus. With computer work I still need glasses

I was told sometimes the vision becomes a bit blurry and need laser treatment which is done in the specialist's surgery. I have to go back in a year's time for another check. My Mum had to have laser but so far I haven't. Something to do with thickening of the membranes around the lens....

All the best rabbit