A Little Bit Panicked - Referral To Eye Hospital

[meetoe]

Hi,

I am reaching out here as i am a little bit panicked/worried after receving a letter from my latest eye screening visit. The letter was vague but said that they found something that could threaten my eyesight. I then was referred to an eye hospital for 3 months time for more tests.

I am travelling next week and then moving abroad so I wont even be able to attend any of these appointments.

I was wondering if a similar letter has been sent to you, and what that meant?

Surely if it is as serious as the letter has inferred, it would not be appropriate to have further tests in another 3 months?

In my last eye tests they have found background retinopathy. I dont have great control and have had type 1 for 27 years. I have not experienced any symptoms with my vision.

Reflecting on my experience when I lived in Australia, all my eye tests were done in one go by the specialists rather than having brief and multiple visits to various clinics. So I am not sure if what is happening now, is because of how diabetes is managed in the UK, or if my vision truly is at risk of going and treatment is required very soon.

Any thoughts?

Thank you in advance.

 

[Diakat]

Where are you moving to? What is healthcare like there? Could you explain and ask the eye clinic to contact you if any earlier appointments become available before you go?

 

[EllieM]

Could you ask the eye clinic for a referral letter to take to your new country?

 

[meetoe]

Where are you moving to? What is healthcare like there? Could you explain and ask the eye clinic to contact you if any earlier appointments become available before you go?

Yeah i rang the eye clinic but they said they had to get back to me, so waiting patiently at the moment

 

[meetoe]

Could you ask the eye clinic for a referral letter to take to your new country?

Oh this is a really good idea! I will ask when i speak to them again - thanks!

 

[Prem51]

I was referred to the Moorfields Eye Hospital for further tests when a small dark spot was found on a pupil. It was suspected that it could be something serious, but turned out to be just a 'freckle'. The specialist clinics/hospitals have more specialised consultants and equipment.
I was also referred to the opthalmology department of a local hospital for further testing as I had higher than normal pressure in one eye and this can be an indicator of glaucoma. It was found to be stable, but I have to go for tests every 6 months to check.
I wouldn't stress about it. If it was something immediately serious you would get an appointment more quickly than 3 months.

 

[DCUKMod]

Hi,

I am reaching out here as i am a little bit panicked/worried after receving a letter from my latest eye screening visit. The letter was vague but said that they found something that could threaten my eyesight. I then was referred to an eye hospital for 3 months time for more tests.

I am travelling next week and then moving abroad so I wont even be able to attend any of these appointments.

I was wondering if a similar letter has been sent to you, and what that meant?

Surely if it is as serious as the letter has inferred, it would not be appropriate to have further tests in another 3 months?

In my last eye tests they have found background retinopathy. I dont have great control and have had type 1 for 27 years. I have not experienced any symptoms with my vision.

Reflecting on my experience when I lived in Australia, all my eye tests were done in one go by the specialists rather than having brief and multiple visits to various clinics. So I am not sure if what is happening now, is because of how diabetes is managed in the UK, or if my vision truly is at risk of going and treatment is required very soon.

Any thoughts?

Thank you in advance.

Meetoe - Your GP will have received a version of the letter you received, although their copy will likely have further information in it. For example, the retinopathy letters sent to GP include the grading of the retinopathy and whether it has been found in both eyes or one, so it is worth making contact with them.

I have zero idea what the issue you have is, but, I would urge you not to just let it go. If they want to see you in three months, rather than the usual 12 month standard check, they must feel something needs closer monitoring, at least.

I appreciate how unsettled the letter must have been for you. Hopefully the clinic will get back to you promptly. If not, be proactive in contacting them again. Our sight is very precious.

 

[Dark Horse]

It may not be urgent but it is important. Ask your GP for a copy of the results letter that they were sent so you can arrange an appointment in your new country in 3 months time. Sometimes these changes can disappear of their own accord, sometimes they just need monitoring, but sometimes they will progress and need treatment. If treatment is needed, it is most effective before there is any effect on eyesight.