Back From The Optician

[poliphilo]

 I don't like going to the doctor or the dentist, but I've always enjoyed trips to the optician.

I've been going to the same firm for nearly twenty years. Ailz has been going since 1981. They used to have a premises in grungey old Glodwick but now they've moved to rather more upmarket Lees. 

They stock nice magazines. Today I got to browse through Harper's Bazaar. I played a little game with myself , trying  to identify the huge faces in the beauty ads. I scored Juliette Binoche, Nicole Kidman and Penelope Cruz. 

How old is Sharon Stone?  About 50? So how come they've got her looking like she's 20 years younger? Actually I know the answer to that. Digital Retouching.

The actual eye test is like a game too- a series of games.  I particularly like the one where you get to say how many little lights you can see flashing on and off in the box. The one where they puff air into your eyes is fun too- in a ghost trainy sort of a way.

I like it how my optician takes what seem like infinite pains, and makes me feel important.

Her name is Gail. She looks a bit like my sister and a bit like Glenda Jackson.

The good news is my eyes are as good (or as wonky) as they ever were. The other good news is I get to choose some new specs. All for free- all on the National Health! What I've gone for this time is a pair with heavy, black, plastic frames- very retro, very sixties, very Michael Caine- which make me look remarkably like my grandfather.

Comments

[jackiejj.livejournal.com]

I dread that test with the lights even though I always pass, even though I think I over-click from tension.

Can't wait to see the photo of you in your new glasses! When do they arrive?

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

They're usually quite fast. I imagine I'll have them by next week.

[huskyteer.livejournal.com]

I hate going to the optician's! I worry about trusting my prescription to my personal judgement of whether the circles on the red or green background are more distinct - I wish it could all be done with computers and lasers.

Also, the last time I went the optician claimed he thought I was anaemic and unexpectedly pulled down my lower lip to look at my gums. Next time I shall go elsewhere.

dont miss it ...

[sahilaasma.livejournal.com]

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Re: dont miss it ...

[huskyteer.livejournal.com]

Hm, I wonder what keyword I accidentally used to trigger that?

Re: dont miss it ...

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Erm.....

Did you click the link? I'm afraid to in case it eats my computer.

Re: dont miss it ...

[huskyteer.livejournal.com]

I'm scared too - I'm at work!

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

I love all that stuff with the red and green backgrounds. Playtime!

Opticians have no business messing with your mouth. That's bang out of order.

[arielstarshadow.livejournal.com]

Heh...most US health insurance doesn't cover eye care at all, unless it's a specific medical problem. So yearly exams and glasses/contacts? Not covered.

[halfmoon-mollie.livejournal.com]

my insurance covers my exam. I'm going on Friday! I'm kind of looking forward to it as well, Tony!

Re: dont miss it ...

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Excellent!

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Ailz gets a yearly check because of her diabetes. I love the National Health Service!

[karenkay.livejournal.com]

Those tests are only fun if you don't have to take them often. I've had to do them four times this year. (They are trying to decide if I have glaucoma or not.) I have to go back Friday and do it all again.

As for Sharon Stone, she believes in plastic surgery.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Oh dear. That's a pain.

As for Sharon, I prefer 50 year old women to look like 50 yeard old women.

[mummm.livejournal.com]

I've never minded the eye doctor either. You are SO LUCKY to have the National Health plan. That would be so nice.

Sharon has probably also had plastic surgery or some kind of treatments. They all do!

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

The National Health Service is one of the great pluses about life in Britain.

[pondhopper.livejournal.com]

My eyes need a good going over this fall. I always thought that the optician was a fun visit, too, even the catching up with the magazines part.
:)

Sharon Stone can afford to look good. But yes, digital enhancement does miraculous things for a 50+ year old face.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't have recognised her if it hadn't been for the caption.

[pecosbill.livejournal.com]

As an American thinking about nationalized health care, I wonder what are your thoughts on socialized medicine? Does it work well there for you? Quality of care, waiting times, choices etc..

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

The NHS has been there all my life, so I've never experienced any alternative. It's not perfect- there are complaints about waiting times, lack of choice, underperforming hospitals- but it's always served me and mine very well.

Basically I think it's wonderful. I have a great doctor- and the local hospital (which saved Ailz's life a few years back) is up there with the best.