Macular Degeneration

[EDWARD DANISZEWSKI]

I have that disease and would like to know if there are Optomologists in Ecuador that could treat the disease by injections. I would like to know that before I make my decision to move to Crencea, Ecuador. Thank you, Ed Daniszewski. edaniszewski@comcast.net

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Ed, are you planning an investigative trip to Cuenca prior to actually moving? If so I could give you the name of my wife’s ophthalmologist as a starting point. Answering this kind of detailed personal question should be part of your research while you are here.

[SUZAN HASKINS]

Hi Edward, there are specialists at Hospital Metropolitano that treat this. One is Dr. Gustavo Alvira, Another is Dr. jose Pitarque. They inject Avastin and it costs about $500 per injection, as opposed to $2500 per injection in the US.

[EDWARD DANISZEWSKI]

Thank you Edd;Susan Haskins replied giving me Doctors’ names and great information. I thank you for your help; also I’m planning a trip to Ecuador but I don’t know exactly when, it has to be between my 5-6 week injection dates. Sorry; I missed the escape to Ecuador get together you all had on Feb.5-9th, but I can still get it on C.D.

Thanks again, Edd Daniszewski

[EDWARD DANISZEWSKI]

Hi Susan;

I’m presently paying $25.23 for both eyes injected with Lucences every visit which varies 5-6 weeks. The Doctor also takes pictures and of course exams both eyes. Since I’m 69 years old and on Medicare(primary insurance) and Blue Cross/Blue Shield (secondary) I’m lucky to have these benefits but I understand Ecuador has a senior medical insurance plan that you can purchase for about $100.00 a month, something like our Medicare program, am I not correct? That would help waylay the cost maybe? As I told Edd Staton I want to visit Ecuador, mainly Cuenca area I just don’t know exactly when. But thanks to you; Edd, Jackie Flynn and the International Living staff, the trip will be sooner rather than later. I’m really exceited about it and when I’m there I can research the insurance program. Sorry to miss The Fast Track package but my eye appointment was scheduled for that period.

Thank you again for your reply and information, I hope to see and meet you later in the year. Eddie Daniszewski

[SUZAN HASKINS]

HI Ed, it appears that just yesterday the government backtracked on its decision to allow expats to participate in IESS. So that public option will not be available to you. You may be able to get some kind of private plan or a hospital-based plan, but those are also getting stricter about accepting people of retirement age. If at all possible, you might want to keep Medicare and go back to the States for your injections — you wont beat that price here in Ecuador.

[EDWARD DANISZEWSKI]

Hi Suzan;
I can’t thank you enough about the information you gave me about IESS. I don’t know if flying back to the states every 6 weeks for injections would be benifecial, maybe it would be cheaper and more time wise to have the injections in Hospital Metropolitano such as you suggested previous and still be able to live the good life!! It will take some thought on which way to go. Thank you again for all your help, please say hello to your husband Dan for me.

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