What is eye care like for people with Glaucoma in the area.

Hello there. Opticians can test for glaucoma.  Unlike the UK you pay extra for that test.  Had mine tested last month by Sallas in Huércal Overa.  Cost was €40.  Had it done as glaucoma is also hereditary in my family.  Cannot comment on aftercare by any hospital.  Can say that there is an optometry department in Huércal Overa, but the staffing is almost non-existent.  Hope this helps a little.

Thank you for your reply it is helpful.

I have glaucoma and a a good consultant at uk hospital but I need to know if care here is as good as I’m getting 3-4 month hospital appointment checks at moment in Scotland.

If I take residency will eye care be as good.

I have glaucoma also.  The optician first pointed it out when I was changing my glasses, the glaucoma test was free. This was in Garrucha multi opticas.  They advised a visit to the doctor who then referred me to the hospital in Huercal overa. Have been going several years now, firstly a yearly appointment then (and,now) 6 monthly.  You will need to be on the 'system' to get care free of course but as your husband is a resident you should have no difficulty.  However there is a clinic in Vera which is private and run by Mariano Gomez.  I don't know his current costs but many years ago I went for check ups with him before transferring to the health system,only to find on occasions he works in the hospital also!!.   There was a problem with specialists but it is alot better now.  I certainly wouldn't go back to the UK for a test unless you go back anyway as a norm and are still on the NHS.  You can't be on both here and UK. Hope this helps. 

Hello Lyn and thank you for your very articulate concise message.

It makes me very happy and reassuring to know you are receiving good care, it makes me think taking residence would not be detrimental to my eye care.

I hope your pressures are under control.

Mine go up and down I was to have an operation  last month but when he did the pressure just the day before it had came right down so it was cancelled, which made me very happy . It was for high pressure 

It’s good to know you are being seen every six months.

Are you aware of any others in the area in a similar situation that we could all benefit from sharing information. I would love to keep in contact with  you if that is ok Lyn.

By all means keep in contact.  However most of my friends with eye problems are either cataracts or macular degeneration and they are very well served.  My husband had both eyes done for cataracts about 3 yrs ago and is fine.   I don't know about my pressures, they never seem overly concerned about it so I assume the drops I have are keeping me under control.  The specialist this time did change my drops but they didn't say why! I don't take a translator with me now as I have been so many times that I know the drill.  First the pressure test, then two more computerised ones, and finally the specialist.  I am usually there for about 2 hrs including waiting time.  Sometimes my husband comes with me and sometimes I drive myself, which really isn't to be recommended just in case your eyes water in the bright light.  I forgot my dark glasses last time which was stupid as I have to drive all the way back to Vera Playa.  I am over 80 now so no operation for me.  I think you should take residency anyway now Brexit has happened.  Better safe than sorry.  Regards Lyn

Thanks again Lyn it is reassuring to know you are well cared for.

Yes the light bothers me every day to different degrees.

The operation was simply to reduce the pressure behind the eye ad it had went so high.

As you know there is no cure for our condition only the drops as you say.

 I am on 2 different types of drops for pressure and one for dryness  but dry eyes is the worst problem the drops burn on application.

I would love to keep in touch to see how the situation develops and will let you know how things go. Thank you so much Lyn.

You are welcome.  Am  glad I could have been of  some assurance re health care. Lyn

Glaucoma runs in my family and I have annual pressure test at my UK opticians as well an annual check up with a UK hospital consultant.

My pressure readings used to be on the borderline and sometimes just above it. However, two years ago my hospital consultant recommended that I had an iridotomy in each eye through laser treatment in order to avoid any potential problems in the future. That treatment was the best thing that I ever had done 

Since then my readings have been normal. I still have an annual check up because there is a small possibility that the hole in my cornea could heal over   

On my advice my sister had her eyes checked out and on account of the high pressure readings in her eyes her consultant recommended an iridotomy. She also now has normal pressure readings and the risk of blindness is significantly reduced.

I don't know whether an iridotomy is suitable for all persons suffering from glaucomo but it is a simple laser operation which I would highly recommend to fellow sufferers.

Richard