Eye Exam

Since the beginning of the year, my grandmother has been losing her eyesight. Vision loss affects her capacity to watch her favorite TV programs, read the labels of her medications, climb the stairs, and write her everyday activities in her journal. Sounds awful? Sure, but blindness is just a common condition, among an array of ailments, that affects an 87-year-old lady, as my grandmother.

In March, I arranged for her a medical appointment with an ophthalmologist. The doctor had a busy schedule, so we have to wait until May to see him. Counting days, my grandmother waited anxiously the day of the appointment.

Finally, the expected day arrived. But, unfortunately, my grandmother failed the eye exam completely. She couldn’t discern any of the letters on the wall. Moreover, while looking at an empty chair, my grandmother asked questions to the doctor. I told her, “Hey! Whom are you talking to? The doctor is not there.”

In conclusion, the doctor diagnosed a severe case of cataracts. Treatment? Surgery in both eyes. But what was worst of all, the ophthalmologist was an old guy who hasn’t operated in 15 years. Wow! We wasted two months. The doctor prepared a referral to see another ophthalmologist, a friend of him. Quickly, I contacted the new doctor, but this time we have to wait only one month before the appointment.

To be continued.