This past Friday I had an appointment at the Fort Worth VA Clinic for new glasses. Let me diverge for a minute with some background. This past January I contacted the VA for an appointment to be fitted with new glasses. My current VA-provided glasses are approaching five years old and my prescription has changed; I need new glasses. At my initial contact with the VA, I was informed that the earliest appointment I could make was April 8, more than three months in the future. OK, I went with that, only to receive a call earlier last week that the doctor I had an appointment with had been called up to active duty, and now, the earliest appointment was in August.
This is obviously outlandish so I objected – politely, and was told there was an appointment available at 1020 on Friday which I took. I was informed, however, that my appointment was with an Ophthalmologist versus the optician who was called up. I was told no problem, he would take care of my glasses. OK so far.
Upon arrival at the clinic, some 33 miles and an hour’s drive from our digs, I was rapidly checked in and during my initial phase had dilation drops placed in my eyes. This was my first sign that yet another FUBAR was taking place. I have never in my 85 years had my eyes dilated for glasses fitting. When I was called in to so the doctor, I immediately questioned what was going on and it was I thought, FUBAR was at work. No one had informed him that I was in for only glasses and he proceeded to check me for cataracts and diabetic retinopathy as well as vision. He provided a script for glasses, I went down the hallway to the optical shop, and in less than 10 minutes had picked out new frames and completed all the paperwork required. I should receive new glasses in the mail in my lifetime, hopefully.
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