Cataract

_Kaiser_

Morning all,

So a few years back I was told that I have a cataract in my left eye (which would explain the fact that my vision is completely blurred if I cover my right eye) but was told by the "specialist" to come back if it got any worse.

Luckily it didn't/hasn't and at the time I didn't have the 5 grand that I was quoted by a clinic in Dublin to get it sorted out, but the office recently had a free eye test day so I got it looked at again and was told that it should only cost about €2k now and could be done in a morning - still a significant amount of change but something I could probably manage in the new year.

Against that I've been told I should get referred publicly and get it done for less but as someone who is fortunate to rarely get anymore than a cold once/twice a year, I've no idea whether this is true or if it's based on income (work full time at a mid/senior management role). Also, I'm assuming the waiting lists are ridiculous?

I'd like to get it sorted though as I do a lot of driving and work in IT so at a screen most of the day, plus it's a pain not being able to see the Sky Guide/football scores for example when sitting at a normal distance from the TV, so I guess my questions are...

- public or private? If public, any ideas on the waiting times?
- any suggestions on who to approach for a consultancy/referral (Dublin area preferably)
- Does €2k and a few hours work sound right? The first place I went to told me I'd need laser as well to balance both eyes out once the cataract had been removed
- anything else I should know?

Thanks in advance for any advice folks - if this thread is better elsewhere feel free to move

Cheers!

Mousewar

All I can say is I had my laser done in the Wellington Clinic and I know they do Cataracts there as well. Doubt they'll be cheap but they are very well considered.

Arbie

If going public you 1st need to be referred by your GP to the local ophthalmology unit (typically no choice of hospital or surgeon) for an outpatient appointment, which could take several months to 2 years. After that you will be on a waiting list for surgery. Cataract surgery is an elective procedure so the waiting list is long in many units - could be up to 2 years. So total waiting time could be anywhere from several months to 4+ years, depending on the hospital and your particular needs. Cost is low, maybe €200. You cannot get laser done in public hospitals.

Privately you'd also need a GP referral letter and then you can attend whichever consultant you like. The Irish College of Ophthalmologists has a list of surgeons: www.eyedoctors.ie

If you ask family/friends/colleagues they should be able to recommend someone also as this is a common procedure. Any eye surgeon will do cataracts but if laser was mentioned to you before then you may want to see a surgeon who specialises in refractive surgery so they can assess you for this.

Privately you can pay several hundred for clinic appoinments. Surgery can cost a few thousand depending on the type of artificial lens you want the surgeon to use; laser would also add to this. Some surgeons charge for follow up appointments, others include this in the initial fee.

Cataract surgery typically can take 20-60 minutes, depending on the case and the type of anaesthetic required. Usually in & out in half a day, no need for overnight stay. Back to work etc. within a day or 2.