For context, I went to a clinic in Yokohama, got referred to St Luke's ophthalmology. Then, on my 2nd visit after I did my best to prep them with my condition and treatment during my 1st visit (gave them my doctor notes from US and all, pointed out the medication, etc), basically said, "I'm sorry, I misunderstood. I've never heard of this drug until now and we don't have this. I think you should go to Todai Hospital."
While my condition is urgent due to possible vision loss/retina damage, it's not life threatening. And St Luke's was kind enough to get an appointment for next Tuesday and am required to bring a translator with me. My Japanese is ok to get by daily but not for medical specifics, as I've clearly experienced at St Luke's.
To mentally prepare for this visit at Todai Hospital, I want to ask for people's experiences. Good or bad.
As a side note, I'm not here to shit talk Japanese doctors, etc. This is a different country with a different approach to treatment after all. But I did my research before moving and confirmed which of my medications would be substituted for others and which were available. This one is definitely available, but I guess St Luke's ophthalmology department is not as advanced or specialized enough.
by akerad