My Visit to the Eye Doctor

The reason I consulted an eye doctor was because I have a psychosocial disability with multiple other medically undiagnosed impairments. Indeed, the NDIS has refused to acknowledge these secondary disabilities. I would love to hear from you if you have similar realities.

I have been complaining about blurred vision since 2017. My driver's licence was revoked because I cannot hold my gaze adequately. So, I said I either need my driver's licence reinstated or my visual impairment certified. This is my lived experience, both as a doctor and as a person with a psychosocial disability.

There’s something humbling about sitting in that darkened room, staring at dots of light to test your visual field, and watching letters on the wall as the eye doctor shifts lenses, asking, “Better here? Or here?” It’s a subtle reminder of how much we rely on clarity—not just visually, but in life.

Today, I attended an eye doctor’s appointment. As routine as it sounds, it was more than a simple check-up. It was a moment to pause and reflect on how I perceive the world, both literally and figuratively. For someone who often focuses on the inner workings of the mind, I found it grounding to shift my attention to the health of my eyes—the windows through which we experience so much of life.

The process was a blend of modern technology and age-old techniques. From the puff of air that startled me during the pressure test to the scans of my eyes, I was amazed at how far medical science has come. At last, I found someone who acknowledged the inconsistency in my results and recommended an MRI of my brain.

What stood out most was the discussion about false reassurance and how we often barely notice vision loss until the world starts to appear less vivid. It made me think about the parallels in life—how our perspectives subtly shift as we grow, often without us realizing it, until one day we look back and see things in a completely new light: the light of wisdom and understanding.

For me, this appointment wasn’t just about getting my driver's licence back. It was a gentle reminder of the importance of regular care and the gratitude I feel for all the ways my body supports me. It also reminded me that while I spend so much time addressing mental and emotional clarity, physical clarity is just as vital—especially in my situation, where my mind-body connection functions holistically, even if individual parts do not work as they should. At Sydney Pain Clinic, they asked me to choose one joint I would like to feel better in rather than my head-toe complaints. I replied, "I need both my knees and shoulder, you can choose which one you want to treat".

Our mind and body are a gift and taking the time to care for it is an act of self-respect and gratitude. Plus, you never know what new insights—both literal and metaphorical—you might gain from the experience.

Thank You for reading and understanding