Blind and Visually Impaired Community
↑
22
↓
Nonprofits Making It Hard To Get New Glasses (self.Blind)
submitted by matt_may
RP patient here with over 20 years of cane use and well adjusted to being visually impaired. Recently moved to new town. Under care of ophthalmologist who doesn’t write glasses scripts. He referred me to a glasses-mill optometrist that wrote me a garbage script that wasted a lot of my money.
In my old town, I saw a low vision specialist optometrist. I didn’t need anything special from them, they just did their actual job. So I googled around and found a local one. When I called the low vision optometrist in town, he informed me that he only sees patients “like me” through a local nonprofit. So I called them.
The nonprofit only offers appointments once a month and they’re booked for months. They cost $175, a lot more than my copays! At the appointment, they will evaluate my lifestyle and explain to me how to better adapt to being visually impaired. I didn’t make an appointment.
I called the state dept of the blind and they referred me back to the nonprofit. I need a pair of glasses, not social workers! I have insurance. Why can’t I get anyone to take my money? Sorry for the rant.
In my old town, I saw a low vision specialist optometrist. I didn’t need anything special from them, they just did their actual job. So I googled around and found a local one. When I called the low vision optometrist in town, he informed me that he only sees patients “like me” through a local nonprofit. So I called them.
The nonprofit only offers appointments once a month and they’re booked for months. They cost $175, a lot more than my copays! At the appointment, they will evaluate my lifestyle and explain to me how to better adapt to being visually impaired. I didn’t make an appointment.
I called the state dept of the blind and they referred me back to the nonprofit. I need a pair of glasses, not social workers! I have insurance. Why can’t I get anyone to take my money? Sorry for the rant.
GoBlindOrGoHome 9 points 1y ago
I have severe low vision (20/400) and I get my glasses through a normal optometrist. Not a chain, don’t go to Costco or Walmart optometry. Try making a regular appointment with a regular optometrist, I’ve never been turned away, they’re more than happy to take my money for evaluation and ordering new glasses, they also won’t have much to say in the way of coaching your lifestyle.
codeplaysleep 1 points 1y ago
Same here. I see a specialist for my various eye diseases/problems and my local optometrist for glasses and refractive stuff, minor injuries like corneal abrasion, checking my lens implant, etc.
carolineecouture 3 points 1y ago
Can you call your vision insurance provider? I don't know what a low vision optometrist does that is different or what special training they might have but I would hope there is more than one in your town. Good luck!
505Griffon 2 points 1y ago
I totally agree with carolineecouture. If you have insurance, I'd give them a call and have them tell you who is "in their network" of doctors than can treat you in your new location.
Sounds like your new location doesn't know or want to cater to specific cases that are out of their normal. Let the non profit deal with all the unusual drive through style places.
Hope you get the help you need.
Sounds like your new location doesn't know or want to cater to specific cases that are out of their normal. Let the non profit deal with all the unusual drive through style places.
Hope you get the help you need.
LearyTraveler 1 points 1y ago
It sounds like you found an optometrist who's contacted with the non-profit in some way. I would call your insurance and ask them to help you in locating a provider who accepts new patients.
This nonprofit website is run by volunteers.
Please contribute if you can. Thank you!
Our mission is to provide everyone with access to large-
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
©2023 HumbleCat Inc • HumbleCat is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Michigan, USA.