Why should I have private glaucoma treatment?
Nearly 1/3rd of all visits to the eye departments in the UK on the NHS are related to glaucoma. The numbers are increasing every year. Half a million patients in England alone are estimated to have glaucoma and another half a million are still undiagnosed.
Due to the demands on the NHS services non-glaucoma specialists or allied health care professionals see many glaucoma patients for their diagnosis and management. Many hospitals have outsourced the glaucoma care for follow-ups outside the hospitals.
Sometimes one may not have glaucoma but their optic nerve looks like one. A glaucoma specialist will be best able to help make that distinction and avoid unnecessary worries and treatment. On the other hand in many cases eye pressure is raised but it may not necessarily need treatment.
Private glaucoma care gives you a choice to see a glaucoma specialist for both diagnosis and management and see the same person each time. Glaucoma is a lifelong and blinding condition. Early diagnosis and effective management can however avoid blindness in the vast majority of cases.
Many patients are referred to the specialists when a significant amount of sight has already been lost. It is much more difficult to prevent blindness in patient’s lifetime in such a situation as sight already lost cannot be recovered. Efforts can only be made to reduce further deterioration.
Private glaucoma treatment has the following main advantages.
- Choice of surgeon- you have the choice of seeing the same person through out your care.
- No training obligations- NHS has a duty to train the surgeons for the future. In private treatment you see the same specialist each visit.
- No waiting list- Initial consultation and treatment can be started much quicker than waiting for an appointment.
- No restriction for timing of the treatment/surgery/follow up
- Choice of procedures and personalized care. Your surgeon will be able to offer you a wider choice of treatments including lasers and surgical options including newer implants based on your individual circumstances.
Patient Feedback
I was very satisfied throughout with Mr Goyal’s clear explanations, patience, calm and reassuring approach during my procedure and with the outcome. Blind in my left eye – and a glaucoma sufferer – it was hugely important to me that my right eye functioned as well as was possible for a 83 year old. As a result, DVLA have sanctioned a 3-year driving licence in place of the previous annual renewal application … Excellent!!
My experience with glaucoma was very difficult. However, the care, professionalism and attention of Mr. Goyal have been instrumental in saving my eye. I would definitely recommend him to any patient
I have been treated by Mr Goyal over many years and I can only speak very highly of him ,not only for his first class expertise in treating glaucoma but also for his friendly manner which makes always for a pleasant visit.
I don’t know how I could of coped without the superb care I have received from Mr Goyal keeping my Glaucoma under control
I feel very confident that l am receiving the best care and advice from Mr. Goyal who has been looking after me since l was diagnosed with high ocular pressure 5 years ago. He is always extremely professional and patient when explaining treatment options and his calm manner is very reassuring. Mr. Goyal always responds promptly to emails when l have any concerns and genuinely cares for his patients. He was recommended to me as one of the best glaucoma consultants and l feel very fortunate to be under his care.