I have been a patient of Consulting Ophthalmologists in Glastonbury, CT for many years for the management and monitoring of glaucoma. At my last visit approximately six months ago, my eye pressure was well controlled, and there were no significant changes. I use two glaucoma medications daily and understand the importance of regular follow-up. Unfortunately, after missing a recent appointment, I called to reschedule and was told that the earliest available appointment was at the end of December. I asked whether I could see another provider within the practice sooner, but was told that no earlier appointments were available. I found this extremely disappointing. As a long-term patient with a chronic eye condition that requires ongoing monitoring, I expected better access to care and greater consideration for established patients. What concerns me most is that a practice should not accept more patients than it can reasonably care for. When long-term patients cannot obtain a follow-up appointment for many months, it raises serious questions about access to care and patient service. This experience left me feeling frustrated, undervalued, and disappointed. Rather than waiting until December, I have decided to look for another ophthalmologist. I hope Consulting Ophthalmologists will reconsider how it manages follow-up care for long-term patients with chronic eye conditions such as glaucoma.
