Driving into the city on a weekday after 7 o’clock in the morning is generally manageable. Typically – that is, for old folks – I have a medical appointment of sorts this afternoon. Specifically  the meeting is with that very esoteric breed of professionals called ophthalmologists.  About a week ago I received an unexpected email from their office – Focus Eye Centre, 1105 Carling Avenue – inviting me to participate in a post-operative review of my current state of vision. I had had cataract surgery from them several years ago.  Predominantly my vision has since been Okay though I have on numerous – but not persistent – occasions found my sight to be obstructed by fleeting clouds. As a result – and maintaining as I do that technology is always improving at a rapid rate – I happily agreed to undertake the examination.  After the office had called and booked the appointment they subsequently asked me to bring my Health Card and a list of medications – plus they interjected that the meeting could last up to 2 hours.

Accordingly I am of the opinion that this enterprise is not only designed to diagnose my current visual condition but may also be a platform upon which the office may assess its prior venture with me and what if anything they can learn as a result to improve their stratagem. Somewhere in the conversation they indicated that, because I am a former client, there is no need of a referral for any reason from my existing optician’s office in Carleton Place (where I routinely have my eyes examined).  For the past two years I have commented to my Carleton Place practitioner that I have minor difficulty with my vision.  He has acknowledged there are indications of the flighty films I have mentioned; but in both instances he has dismissed the need for any immediate action.  I feel that today’s attendance may precipitate further direction in that regard.  It may be as simple – as my practitioner has suggested – as some laser action on the blur element of the eye.  Whatever it is, if anything, I am confident that the evolving technology may be of some assistance.

Meanwhile we’re fulfilling that mandate in the lives of the elderly to preoccupy the medical community. I shall enjoy the drive into the city.