My wife suffers from iritis and has been prescribed Prednisolone. Does anyone know if that is readily available in Belize? We expect to be living between Dangriga and Belmopan. Are there any ophthalmologists in those towns? Also, if there are, how long does it take to see one? In Canada it can be a month or longer to get an appointment, unless it is an emergency.

I know you can get prednisone quite easily in Belize.

You can usually get in to see an ophthalmologist within a week or so. If you are lucky even within 24 hours.

Thanks Amanda. That's good to know. Do you know if there are ophthalmologists in Belmopan?

I don't know but my guess would be yes as that is the capitol city of Belize.

Here are the 3 ophthalmologists I know in Belize City. I've been to the first 2 and consider them excellent.

I have just walked in without an appointment, but suggest you phone first as they tend to be busy. Consultation fee was BZ$50 to $60 a few years ago.

Dr. Hegar Amin
9 Daly Street
Phone: 224-5038 or 224-4840

Dr. Victoriano Valdez
corner Lizarraga Ave & St Thomas St
Phone: 223-5886

Dr. David Hoy
Hoy Eye Center
corner of St Joseph & St Thomas Streets
Phone: 223-0994

I also know a good ophthalmologist in Chetumal (MX$300 per consultation), but he doesn't speak English (let me know if you need the address).

I don't know any in Belmopan or Dangriga.

You said you need Prednisolone. Is that the same as prednisone?
Not only is prednisone readily available, but it's probably a lot cheaper than you're paying now wherever you are.

Thanks for the addresses and the recommendations. According to Wikipedia <<Prednisolone is the active metabolite of prednisone>> so I would assume it's the same thing. It's good to know that it's cheaper in Belize. Right now I get it for free since I have medical coverage through my work... but that will end when I move to Belize.

Are you retiring or quitting? If retiring do you have an option to keep your health care coverage? I did and I did and I go back once a year for my free medical care. My prescriptions, which are fully covered, are refilled every three months and my son has them sent to me. I sincerely hope you can do as well.
For regular – no big deal – care –like this rash – I see a doctor here on the island and the cost is reasonable and there is no waiting.

I am retiring early... so my pension won't be that great. I am not sure yet if I will work for pay, become self-employed, or just do volunteer work in Belize. We are planning on living very simply, so finances really shouldn't be an issue - but health coverage might cut too deeply into our budget. I will have to check that out.

Dr Valdez is incredable..I came down with Lyme desease and was so sick for so many months.No diagnosis. Spent over 20.K. was in hospitals here in Belize and up in the States with no diagnosis. Dr Valdez was able to give me a diagnosis that I then was able to back up. You can see so many health issues through your eyes. He was great,