[QUOTE=JoannaP79;1235160]
Quote:
Originally Posted by JoannaP79
Hi en bloc/MAT,
I'm looking at private ophthalmologists near me. They charge a lot and I will have to pay myself. I am down the go's virtually every week so think I will have to chase this on my own.
To save paying a fortune for a consultation and then having to come back k again for a test could you let me know exactly what the terminology is. Am I right in thinking it's a Rose Bengal Eye Test to determine dryness of the eyes? I won't get to speak to them before I book the appointment so want the secretary to convey this so I can have it all done in the one extortionately priced appointment.
Am I right in thinking dry eyes could be caused by loads of things? And this test just shows dryness as opposed to anything more complex such as mechanisms causing dryness?
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I'm really baffled Joanna. Of course you don't need to do this privately? Any high street Boots or reputable optician can run the slit tear break up test or Rose Bengal. I've never even seen an opthamologist - only opticians. In the U.K opticians are mostly qualified to test for sicca and you see them on the NHS and then they can refer you to opthamology if need be. It never has been for me yet though. Try SpecSavers or Boots. Then you could ask your dentist for a referral to get a lip biopsy - also should be possible on the NHS. Just be cunning, calm and convincing with all the healthcare people you come across. That's all I can advise. If tests are positive then spend your money seeing Dr Elizabeth Price in Swindon privately. If the optician thinks you may have Sjogrens. Mine did but dentist didn't. Neuro symptoms can start long before dry eyes or mouth and most people in this boat are seronegative. Good luck. Mat x