In the continuing saga of unbelievable happenings at physicians’ offices before I even get to an exam room, buckle up, Buttercup. (Click here for More Painful Than The Mammogram.)
The receptionist who has been a wonderful help to me at this doctor’s office has left the practice. Her name was Amanda and she would always have forms ready for me to sign or go over, knowing I am unable to see them. I have been to this physician one other time since Amanda left, with no issues. That time, when I explained to the front desk person that I am legally blind, without missing a beat, she helped with the forms, taking me into an exam room to fill them out. The other day, however, a different person was sitting in the chair and once I gave my name she handed me an iPad to do some paperwork. I asked if the pinch-to-enlarge or Zoom feature was turned on, the answer – surprise, surprise – was no. “I am legally blind. I won’t be able to see the forms.”
Pause.
For quite a few seconds.
Without a word, she turned to her computer. I immediately heard a printer running. It was a Monday morning and the phones were ringing off the hook, the printer continually spitting out so many papers I pictured an empty forest in my mind. The next thing I knew, she handed me a clipboard with the forms on it.
“I can’t see those forms.”
“Oh.”
Pause.
For quite a few seconds.
“I guess I could read them to you.”
As I have mentioned before, I have received all sorts of reactions to my visual impairment, but foolishly, after almost 14 years, I still have blind faith, expecting better from the medical community. Instead, they are worse than any store, restaurant or stranger than I meet.
Dear Medical Community,
Forms used to collect information are necessary. But most important is the human form standing in front of you.
#SisterRain #ALittleSightALotOfHeart #LegallyBlindWriter #Blind #BlindnessIsASpectrum #LegallyBlind #LowVision #VisuallyImpaired #OpticNeuropathy #VisionLoss #BlindFaith
