Visit to the Eye Doctor in Still Listening to Spirit

So, two years ago Hub and I were eligible for free eye exams and prescription glasses A state program, a blessing. Basic glasses, about 30 frames to choose from, very basic frames. Lines in the lenses if one needs bi or tri-focals. Tint, other frames, transition lenses, all charged extra. A very nice program and we are grateful, very grateful. I qualified because of the diabetes. Once those with diabetes were scheduled, if there were any appointments left over, others of financial need were called to get the same service.

So, today was the much anticipated day for both of us to once again avail ourselves of this program. Hub was at 10am, I scheduled for 3:30p, after work or close to it. Hub brought home a prescription as well as picked out Flexon frames which are his preferred frames. He decided that he wanted transition lenses and tinting for the sun. He took a prescription with him for the lenses. Everything is in the eye doctor's computer so he can order when he deems he has the funds. Total for glasses will be out of pocket around $350.

Business was very, very slow because we only had 1 ship in town. Most of the popcorn and coffee help was put on clean/organize duty to get the back areas of the storage room could be finished. A place for everything and everything in its place.

I was allowed to leave a wee bit after 1pm because my computer and desk were occupied the whole day by our IT guy and that wasn't going to change. Thank you Boss!

I took a short nap and at 3:30 I presented myself to the Clinic. Check in was easy, the assistant and computer person was efficient and I didn't have long to wait. I have suspected I have a cataract in my right eye for a couple or 3 (or 4) months. All is seen through that eye as a cloudy blur.

After initial exam, discussion, etc. my pupils were dilated and I spent around 10 minutes in the waiting room waiting for it to take effect. I definitely have a cataract and what the doctor termed a 'fairly fast growing' one. My left eye has very little change in vision and there was no reason to make me a new pair of glasses.

Surgery he said is $3000 to $5000 and if I have no insurance but have cash, due to the number of doctors who do this surgery, it would be possible to play "Let's Make A Deal" and get a better price (much like the dentists in Juneau did for Hub). The surgery is not available in Juneau so my choices are Seattle (always mentioned first) Anchorage. I mentioned Fairbanks and he agreed that would be a good place to go also.

I also asked if going way down south would make it more affordable and he said the more competition there is in a given city, the lower the cost, which can be lowered further with cash.

Hub was blindsided and knocked off his mental pins by the news that I am blurrily blind in my right eye. He hadn't a clue and I hadn't mentioned it to him during the winter because why bother until I knew for sure. I so far am calm and accepting.

"We have to do something about this, figure something out," said Hub. I said "Not today, not tomorrow, we will put this on the back burner and not think about it until Fall." I reminded him I seldom made a statement that is this definite and not up for discussion but this time is different. I need to work, I can work without the surgery.

So there is the 'bad' news other than the doctor warned that if I was unlucky enough to develop one in the left eye, I should race to get the right eye done immediately so as not to be left with blurry-blindness.

I have been working, then coming home to sleep for 3 to 4 hours, wake for 2 or 3 and then sleeping the rest of the night until around 5am. This will change as it always does. If it doesn't, I am okay with this and so is Hub. He has not stepped up to do dishes or run the vacuum. I'm okay with that too. It will all get done or it won't.

All IS well, definitely very well. Blessed be!