"Poor service"

I  recently brought a cyst to the attention of my GP on the inner, upper lid of my right eye. They suggested that it is a chalazion and to try warm compresses on it three or four times a day. If it was still there after six months to contact them again and they would refer me to UHCW where the usual procedure is to drain/excise the cyst. I did this for three or four months but it did not drain.

I saw my doctor again and mentioned that it was still there and that although it was not getting any bigger it sometimes made my eye water. Possibly because it is so close to my tear duct. Especially in the Summer when I suffer with various allergies.

I was referred to ophthalmology and saw a nurse. It was a strange appointment. The nurse spent ten minutes explaining to me that my chalazion was caused by blepharitis, showing me photos of severe blepharitis and decided to prescribe me antibiotic eye ointment. They repeated the advice that the GP told me nine months earlier (warm compresses) and to leave it six months to hopefully clear up on its own.

After listening to this I pointed out to the nurse that they seemed to have diagnosed and worked out a treatment plan without even examining me. Quite a remarkable skill I thought! I had also already left it nine months before being referred and felt that I would prefer to have it removed. They then told me that there is a very long waiting list. I suggested that the sooner I was put on the list the better then as otherwise by the time I got it sorted it would have been there for nearly two years!

When the nurse did finally examine me they said that my eyes weren't as bad as the photos they had shown me.

I also mentioned that the latest advice from eye specialists is to remove the entire blocked meibomian gland completely otherwise the cyst is likely to reappear. They stated that they had never seen or heard of this in all their years working with eyes and that I should be careful what I read on the internet. I pointed out that this was from modern medical research papers.

I left the appointment with the understanding that I would be referred to the surgical list.

A few days later the nurse rang me to say that my prescription was ready to pick up. When I asked about the surgery waiting list they told me that I must be confused as that is not what was agreed! You would see me in another six months! I once again patiently explained that I wish to be put on the surgical list having already waited the NHS mandated six months before referral.

Having left it a couple of weeks I checked with ophthalmology and I still haven't been referred to the surgical team.

Quite frankly I feel that I have just been fobbed off! I've been given antibiotic cream when I don't and never have had an infection in the eye. I haven't even seen an eye specialist yet! At least not a doctor!

Basically I have been given exactly the same advice as my GP gave me nine months ago which hasn't worked!

Perhaps you could advise me how many years you usually leave a chalazion at UHCW ophthalmology before deciding to remove it so I can determine whether I would be better off going to another hospital?