I3 - IU Eye

This morning we made a "once-every-six-months" trip to Carmel to see my eye doctor, Dr. Cantor. He is located in the building called IU Eye, or maybe it is now called The Glick Eye Institure. I'm not sure, but the Glicks seem to finance many things that happen in Indianapolis. Anyway, Dr. Cantor is a glaucoma specialist and a teacher with Indiana University. He always has a resident along with him so that I get at least two, if not three eye exams all rolled into one.

Today's accompanying doctor was introduced as a "fellow", although she is definitely a woman. I guess "fellow" means she is one step higher in the educational process than a resident. She wore a regular Dr's jacket like Dr. Cantor's that said she is
Dr. Arnold. Interesting that she is a black woman who said her home is in central Asia. She did her medical schooling in Moscow, Russia, and further education in Northern Minnesota where she will be returning to take up her career. She defies all stereotypes.

These accompanying Drs. give you a really thorough eye exam, keeping those blinding, painful lights flashing in your eyes much longer than is comfortable. Then they write, write, write in your folder, leaving you wondering what they have found so note worthy. Then when Dr. Cantor comes in, he is Mr. Smooth when it comes to flashing lights. His exam is quick and painless. Either he really knows how to do the exam, or he really relies on the more thorough exam of his students. But I always appreciate that he is very positive about my poor eyesight. Today they told me that everything looks the very same, that my eyes have gotten no worse, and that everything looks good. WHEW! I am always expecting some dire outcome.

I do always half learn more than he intends by listening in on what he tells the resident or fellow. A year or so ago he told the resident that I had a "Leak in the roof of my blip or bleb or something." He had told me that there was a small leak where my new duct was, and I used antibiotic ointment for a year until it healed. But it has been a lot more fun to tell people about the leak in the roof of my blip.
I have NEVER met anyone with that same condition!

Today he told Dr. Arnold that he should probably do a ten dash two to my left eye, but that I still had a small area of vision there that is pretty clear. Now I am wondering - just what is a ten dash two? And do I really want one? I guess I should have asked, but I was pretty happy to hear that my eyes are holding their own, getting no worse, and that I didn't need to return for six months.

I always go away feeling much appreciation for Dr. Cantor and his skills. I also appreciate the good people who keep his office running so efficiently. They are all such capable and friendly people. With something as important and delicate as one's eyesight, it is a great relief to put its well-being into such capable hands.