[Dailydrool] Ophthamologists Costs can vary!

[Barbara Sorensen]

Wilbur, our nine-year-old baby, was diagnosed with glaucoma two weeks ago.  Neal 
noticed that one eye looked cloudy and he was squinting with both eyes.   We got 
him right in to our regular vet who confirmed that the pressure in the left eye 
was around 65 and the right over 40-not good.  Dr. Ken put in drops, which 
helped some and called to find an ophthalmologist who could see him right away.  
There was only one available, so we headed out to ophthalmologist A.   About 
$1000 later,  they explained several options, all very expensive and involving 
surgery of one sort or another on both eyes.   Subsequent visit-the bill was 
$300 including some very expensive drops.   After that visit,  Duncan and Copper 
had appts with beloved Dr. Bob, so Willie came along.   Dr. Bob told us he 
didn't personally know Ophthalmologist A, but could recommend Ophthalmologist 
B.   Very different story.  He gave us more options, including no surgery at 
all.   The prices for the same procedures were much less, though he didn't do 
the most expense one.   Meds were a lot less and he gave us perscriptions for 
three of the drops and advised us to shop around.  The one that could only be 
obtained at a vet,  he contacted the distributor so we can get it directly from 
them.   One of the drops that we paid $130 at the first place costs under $25 at 
Cub!
So far, Willie is doing fine on drops and an occasional pill.  He's pretty much 
blind in one eye, but it is clear and the pressures stay down, so we see no 
reason to remove it at this time.   I'm not going to give names here, but if 
anyone in the Mpls./St. Paul area is curious, they can contact me privately.

Barb, mom to Copper, Wilbur, Duncan and Buddy the not-a-basset and Max and 
Gretta (ATB)
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