Focus

Elon Musk advises us to spend an hour a day focusing on our main priority. I've got a lot of main priorities, but today I'll take "Not losing my driver's license in April of 2026."

About seven years ago I was advised of cataracts. The doctor referred me to a firm that would remove my cataracts. 

I said no, that he should adjust my prescription for glasses until I maybe get around to the surgeries he's prescribing.

He said no, that I probably won't even need glasses after the surgery.

Now I'm scared. He is not cooperating. I have no intention of having these surgeries until necessary. And he is obligated to report anyone to the Division of Motor Vehicles who does not meet vision requirements. With these old glasses of mine, I would never pass the vision test.

Now I proceed on tiptoe.

I ask, "Has my vision deteriorated to the point where I shouldn't drive?"

He replied, "You are borderline qualified to drive."

I said, "Okay, I will accept your referral. But please, in the meantime*, give me a certificate for DMV that says I am qualified to drive at this time."

He said okay, and I renewed my driver's license for 8 years by presenting his certificate. 

So here I am today, looking down the throat of losing my driver's license next April. I have suffered having to live with these old glasses of mine, but I have no intention of having dangerous cataract surgery until I think I need it. I'm 83, too old for frivolous surgery. I think I see fine.

So, what to do?

I think this fall I will visit a new optometrist and tell him what I want: A prescription for new eyeglasses. If he says no, I will visit another optometrist. If he says no, I will face the question of surgery or loss of my driver's license. I will choose the loss of my driver's license.

I live in the suburbs where there are no taxis. A bus will not work for me because I can't walk to the bus stop. I don't intend to ask friends and family to tool my carcass around. I think it may be time to become an activist for a local taxi service although that would be prohibitively expensive. Really, I see no solution ahead.

What do you think, Dear Reader?

*Not a lie! It will be a woman's prerogative to change my mind.