My Forsyth Magazine Nov/Dec 2020

My Eyewear
At the age of eight, my mother took me to see an ophthalmologist after
a vision test showed that I need some help with my vision. I remember
traveling to the main island, Puerto Rico, on a two-engine plane, along
with seven other islanders.
A beautiful three-story building along the financial district of Hato Rey
housed the office of the gentle smart man who would become my
ophthalmologist for a little over 18 years. He was tall, handsome, and
soft-spoken. I only saw him once a year, but by the way we chatted you
would think we spoke at least weekly.
I remember the caring way by which he would start moving pieces of
equipment close to my eyes in order to test my vision. At age eight I felt
a little worried as he would move things around – from the phoropter (one
of the basic tools used by optometrists to measure the refractive error
and determine the eyeglass numbers of the patient) to the tonometry
test (eye pressure check). The tool my ophthalmologist used was a little
scarry – it looked like a compass moving over my eyeball.
I find myself getting a new frame style every year – as if the frame
gives me the opportunity to look at things from a different point
of view, a new perspective if you will. Since my prescription has
not changed for over seven years, I can look at my glasses and
pick the right pair to use for the day – the occasion. It is a matter
of perspective.
The ability to consider things in relation to one another accurately and
fairly – that is what perspective is all about. With more maturity and
experience, it is said that one will gradually acquire perspective.
This year has provided us all with a lot of time to consider things,
relationships, and perspective. I hope the lessons learned are as
accurate as the glasses I wear every day to see things clearly.
Stay well!
Besides the instruments used, what I remember was the kindness of my
ophthalmologist. His outlook on life and the work he did. How ironic that
an eye doctor taught me about outlook, and perspective.
Every year since age eight I get my eyes checked. Glasses have been a
part of my life for a long time.
JULIE BRENNAN
Publisher
julie@marketcomplete.com