(Early (?)) Glaucoma - thoughts and experiences of the public and private systems

kangaroo

I went for my regular optician appointment in March. She's called me back twice since and has now referred me to an ophthalmic specialist as she is concerned I'm at risk of developing glaucoma in one eye (mainly from looking at the optic nerve but she previously said my blind spot might be bigger and I think I missed the odd one on a longer field of vision test she got me to do looking into a machine).

Anyway, I imagine there is a good chance I'm going to be in the system long-term so want to make an informed decision. I'm not sure how easy it is to move into the public system from the private system.

I have health insurance which covers me fully for the first two outpatient appointments and 50% after that (I presume this is each year). Have people any idea how many appointments one would generally have per year? Also what sorts of costs are involved. My family and I have some money if necessary.

I have severe ME and don't normally get to sleep till 4am or 5am so the morning-only first appointment in the public system wouldn't suit me. Also, I'd find it difficult waiting around for hours as I'm concerned might happen in the public system.

With the public system, one has to send in the letter and they send out an appointment and I'm concerned it could be a long waiting list.

Also in an ideal world, I'd like to be seen by the same doctor while perhaps that might not happen in the public system if one sees non-consultant hospital doctors. Perhaps this matters less with eye care?

Any thoughts on and experiences of either the public or private system welcomed. I searched the forum for glaucoma and read all the posts that mentioned it (not that much showed up).