glaucoma: are Evolutio (NHS) eye clinics any good? Or Moorfields private?

[Shirtyllama]

I've got suspected glaucoma and have been given an NHS appointment at a local Evolutio eye clinic near me in London in the summer.

I was originally told there would be a long wait to be seen, and because I really don't want to take any chances with my eyesight if I have a condition that could potentially lead to serious sight loss, I had booked a Moorfields Private appointment for next month. I couldn't afford private long term but I thought I'd do that first, and then ask GP to refer me to Moorfields NHS (even if long wait) if I need ongoing treatment.

Has anyone got experience of Evolutio for eye problems? I've got it in my head that Moorfields would be best place to get eye problems diagnosed (and I actually live not far from Moorfields, so it would be practical to go there in the future, whether as private or NHS patient)

Not sure what to do!

I can’t help with your question about the eye clinics but I do have Glaucoma, first of all try not to panic. mine was picked up during a routine eye test about ten years ago. I have normal pressure Glaucoma as opposed to high pressure G, it’s rarer apparently.
I had a brain scan to examine the optic nerves and a scan of both eyes, field vision tests, lots of lights shining in my eyes, lots of pressures taken.
I do have some sight loss to my peripheral vision in my right eye, but I’m not aware of it. Apparently my brain compensates for it in some way. Imagine a clock face..During a field vision test a couple of blank areas showed up in the twenty past four position.
My sight is pretty good now, -2. I on the left eye. And -2.25 in the right after cataract surgery last year, I was -9 and -9.5 previously.
My husband also had suspected glaucoma and went to the Nuffield for his initial appointment, in his case it turned out to be borderline, he had two follow ups and his pressures went back to normal and have remained so.

Thank you so much for replying! I have been worrying about the possibility of having it, with no family history (although also plucked up courage to read about glaucoma and it's as you say, well treated and controlled if picked up early, which is a huge relief).

I'll have a think - I probably should cancel the private and trust that the NHS appointment will take care of it just as well. I think it's because a family member has had really bad luck with eyesight (completely different condition from glaucoma) and I'm panicking for the wrong reasons!

i'm scheduled to have laser tx for narrow angle glaucoma on the 22nd. my pressures are normal and i have no vision loss. i'm told the quick laser procedure (drops will be used) is both painless and preventative. but i need a driver to take me home.
both the optometrist and the specialist have made no fuss or offered any major explanation, someone mentioned it could be genetic but really nonchalant about the whole thing.
sooo my point is don't worry if no one else is. btw the dr monitored my pressures for over a year.

Thank you! I don't know anyone in real life who's got it, so this is really comforting to hear

It can be genetic, I’m the only one in my family to have it. My two daughters have been tested for it and neither of them have it.
The brain scan showed the optic nerve in my right eye isn’t straight, it comes in at an angle. The consultant thinks it’s been like it since birth so he’s not too worried about it.
The cataracts caused me more trouble to be honest. I had the first op done in March 2020, the left eye. And was due to have the right eye done a month or so later but due to lock down it didn’t happen until November 2020, by that time the cataract had thickened so much it increased the pressure in that eye.I had hardly any vision in that eye yet the vision in my left eye was amazing, the surgeon told me the second operation was challenging, I guessed as much as it took three times longer than the first one. A cataract op takes about 15/20 minutes but this one took over an hour.
Anyway the pressure went back to acceptable levels and my vision is amazing now.

My DDad had glaucoma as he got older. His eyesight remained ok to drive into his 80’s. He just needed eye drops. My eldest brother has now been diagnosed too and so far it’s not been a problem.

Feeling so much better after seeing all your posts! Thank you

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