What should I do about this (medical/health question)?

Question

I am a glasses/contact lens wearer (although I mostly depend on my contacts lenses). I get my annual exam and prescription each year.

Last year, I got my eyes examined and the doctor gave me the prescription for my contacts. I received 6 pairs of contact lenses that he said would last the entire year (replace the pair every 2 months). I followed his instructions, not knowing that they were wrong. It was only a three month supply that he told me that would last a year.

So I've been experiencing this irritation with my eyes over the last week when I wear contact lenses. The pain became unbearable today and I couldn't perform my job duties. I had to leave work to take care of the matter. I immediately went to a different eye doctor. He examined me and educated me about what was wrong. I'm now being treated for it.

Should I file a complaint/take action? I'm really lucky that it was something that wasn't too serious but they could have caused me a lot more stress.

OR

Answer 1

Don't blame yourself.  It is one of those cases where you are at the mercy of the doctor and none of us know when something like that will happen until it actually does.  I certainly wouldn't let it go.  Will the new doctor you saw back you up if you do try and do something about the way you were made to suffer?  If the new one will stand behind you, you can probably get something done.  If not, you can still at least let that doctor know how stupid he was and that you will not be back to see him again.  Then you can tell all you meet about how you were mistreated there and the word of mouth is pretty strong.  At least you have it straightened out now.  A pair of uncomfortable contacts is about the worst discomfort I can think of!  It is indeed a shame that you had to leave work with things the way they have been for you there.  Let's hope it gets better from here on!

Answer 2

Most eye doctors would rather sell more, not fewer, boxes of lenses.  Though most brands have a specific replacement recommendation, there are brands on the market that have a replacement schedule to be determined by the doctor.  For example: http://www.bausch.com/en_US/ecp/visionca...

So, you could be told 3 months by one doctor or 2 weeks by another.  I am not fond of this generalization as it can cause confusion such as what you are experiencing.  I tend to lean toward the two-week replacement schedule myself.  It is always healthier to replace a lens more frequently, but this does not technically make your doctor wrong if he prescribed a lens such the one referenced in the web-site above.  It just means it is not sufficient for you and your situation needs to be altered.  Hope this helps.

Answer 3

I don't understand.  Was it simply the supply that was wrong? Or was the prescription wrong?

I think if it turned out to be nothing too serious, you should let it go.  Perhaps write your previous dr. a letter and explain what happened so you have it documented that you spoke to him about the mistake he made and it's only fair that he be made aware of his faulty diagnosis or whatever.  If you paid for a year's worth of contacts that you didn't receive then respectfully ask for a refund.

Doctors do make mistakes and that's why it's always good to get second opinions.  Did he prescribe daily contacts and told you to wear them for longer than they were prescribed for?  I'm sorry... I don't fully understand your question.  But if it wasn't something serious, I would let it go.  The process of filing a complaint, etc. will only prolong the stress for you.  Be glad you were smart enough to go to a different doctor when you did and things turned out okay.