The 'Eyes' Have it!

A story of my life.

I have always felt that out of the three main senses �" 'Deaf, Dumb or Blind', the 'Eyes' have it. The others can somehow be compensated for, but not the ability to see the world, written word or even one's own family.

Most of us take that gift for granted. Even me, before today.

Today I had an appointment with my local optician. Prior to that, I often found myself squinting through old prescription reading glasses or even via cheaper versions I found whilst shopping around. It suddenly dawned on me that I really needed a proper eye check-up.

The process was daunting to say the least. They first blew air into my eyes which made me wonder why it did not exit somewhere else. Then I had to view a screen with a red dot but press a button each time I saw a white dot.

Being a computer gamer, I soon realised that each white dot came with a beep. So I found myself pushing the button on that beep alone. Just like pressing the 'shoot-button' everytime I heard a gunshot. I later admitted the truth so they did it all again but without the beep noise.

Then I had to go through the actual eye test. I was waiting for them to say read the card on the wall so I could reply, 'What wall?'

A lot has changed since way back then.

You see, during my past life I was the only one in my family �" mother, father and three other siblings that never had to wear glasses. I had 20/20 vision and was proud of it. Now alas, in my late sixties, things are much different. I do not know what caused it �" writing or gaming on computers, watching too much television or is it just simply down to old age?

I now need some help to see.

The optician put these weird glasses on me and changed the lenses so often. I suddenly realised such perfect vision that I had so long lost. It was like a miracle!

I then went for the final part. Choosing a frame.

You know, in all honesty I am not so vain. Whilst seated in a chair earlier waiting to be called, I looked upon passers by. I suddenly realised that I have never ever really taken that much notice of people wearing glasses or not. It did not seem that important to me.

I quickly chose a frame that was less prominent. Though my main concern was in the viewing rather than the aesthetic side of it. They are now on order for me to later pick up. I look so forward to it. Being able to view my television subtitles, read ticker-tape on my TV news, check up words in my dictionary or thesaurus and all without squinting.

This is all so very exciting for me and a very early so selfish Christmas present.