I wrote an email to my local eye hospital and told them they stink

[poppy]

I wrote an email to my local eye hospital and I told them to take their lasik ad off the air because it made me sick and I told them that they sucked and should treat dry eye patients properly.

Their doctors have already turned me away, so it can't do me much harm.

Perhaps we should all do the same, if we want to change things.

One email won't change things, but thousands might?

[paras1234]

I wrote an email to my local eye hospital and I told them to take their lasik ad off the air because it made me sick and I told them that they sucked and should treat dry eye patients properly.

Their doctors have already turned me away, so it can't do me much harm.

Perhaps we should all do the same, if we want to change things.

One email won't change things, but thousands might?

The best thing is going to Media and show them the reports/ complications against those doctors doin this stupid things.... This might change some things and warn the future ones who r doin it.

[Rebecca Petris]

It's a good step.

I think it's really important for those who feel up to it to write to medical practices about the inadequate care you have received.

It really can make a difference. Being a bit diplomatic about it can help with getting them to take the concern seriously... bearing in mind an old saying about flies, honey and vinegar.

I think we all have more potential to impact our doctors than we think we do. I have had many more calls in this past year from doctors saying "Well, I have this patient who seems to think XYZ has really helped him/her and I want to know more about it..." and that's all because of the work each of you are doing educating your doctors. For the ones that have been completely unhelpful or even incompetent, a letter outlining your specific concerns and why you left the practice might be a wake-up call that they need. I'd send it to the practice manager as well as the doctor.

[Mawsky]

I did not have LASIK surgery, so my dry eyes are not a result of it, but I was considering it, I know many people have had this and are fine, now that I know that this can cause DES, I cringe to think my son had LASIK, thank God he is ok. One very disturbing thing tho, the opthamologist who was seeing me for my severe dry eyes, office called me and tried to sell me on LASIK I was shocked, I will not be going to that practice again, frankly the impression I got from him and the office is they don't care, the bottom line is money, I know that peoples vision has been improved by refractory surgeries, but I'm sickens by the fact I had no idea that it could cause such devastation. The public does not know. Until they can perfect vision corrective surgery, they need to let everyone know what the outcome might be, I would love to lose my glasses, but dry eyes have completely controlled and changed my life. People need to be told!

[avalee32]

I did not have LASIK surgery, so my dry eyes are not a result of it, but I was considering it, I know many people have had this and are fine, now that I know that this can cause DES, I cringe to think my son had LASIK, thank God he is ok. One very disturbing thing tho, the opthamologist who was seeing me for my severe dry eyes, office called me and tried to sell me on LASIK I was shocked, I will not be going to that practice again, frankly the impression I got from him and the office is they don't care, the bottom line is money, I know that peoples vision has been improved by refractory surgeries, but I'm sickens by the fact I had no idea that it could cause such devastation. The public does not know. Until they can perfect vision corrective surgery, they need to let everyone know what the outcome might be, I would love to lose my glasses, but dry eyes have completely controlled and changed my life. People need to be told!

I had the same thing happen. The first specialist I saw specifically about my dry eyes basically ignored that problem and tried to get me to undergo LASIK. I was shocked and scared that he gives that advice to people. I have a new specialist now, but I think it is a good idea to write to the practices and let them know how you feel. I think I will do this for my original clinic.

[poppy]

I had the same thing happen. The first specialist I saw specifically about my dry eyes basically ignored that problem and tried to get me to undergo LASIK. I was shocked and scared that he gives that advice to people. I have a new specialist now, but I think it is a good idea to write to the practices and let them know how you feel. I think I will do this for my original clinic.

I have been thinking that we should also ask these kinds of doctors to put the awful advice/things they say to us in writing either to us or our GPs. With a sweet smile on our face. They may change their tune, back off or at least be embarrassed. Examples of things I've been told by bad eye docs that I can't imagine them putting in writing;

"This can't affect your vision" (ie there is no medical need/justification for care) - I have a clinically severe condition, with a history of corneal ulcers, chronic keratitis and other issues. Would this doc be willing to put this statement in writing (whilst at the same time refusing to give me any form of ongoing monitoring or care, or another referral?)

"If you get another corneal ulcer, just use genteal gel" (even though you've just told them you already use genteal constantly). Is that really what they teach these guys in med school?

"I'm not going to give you any further appointments" OK, can you please give me a letter stating that you have officially and permanently terminated me as a patient? No? OK, so you'll be happy for me to come see you again, great, I'll book another appointment for a months time then (even if it's just a threat, thats got to make them feel awkward).

Most of the awful and probably grossly negligent things eye docs have told me have occurred when I attended the appointment on my own (no witness). I guess that is another way we can protect ourselves - always have a witness present.