"A cataract operation at the Sydney Eye Hospital"

I have nothing but praise for the staff I saw at the Sydney Eye Hospital when I had my procedure. I felt that from the time I went in to the time of discharge I was looked after in a friendly, caring and very professional manner. As a medicare patient I doubt that you could get better in a private facility.

In my follow up consultation I was treated in exactly the same manner, except for an issue outside of their control which was the waiting time due to reduced staff numbers on the day.

My only real complaint, one that I believe is probably shared by almost all patients in my position, was being told that there would be at least a twelve month wait before my other eye could have the same procedure unless I wanted to have it done privately. My surprise at the cost of doing so was met with the doctor commenting, I recall, well at least you had this one for free. I did remind them that having paid taxes and Medicare levies all of my working life and having minimally used the hospital system I felt there was a deal of credit on my account.

If my overall experience is how the public system operates I feel it is to be commended and I believe our various governments need to fully support it so that those who cannot afford expensive health policies are looked after in a timely manner, as I pointed out, they have paid in as required and should not in my opinion be made to feel like second class citizens.