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| Bill takes his eye test at the Delaware DMV this morning |
This morning, Bill got his driver's license back!
Oh what a wonderful day!
Last June, Bill failed his eye test during a routine visit to the Delaware DMV to renew his driver's license. Thus began a year long odyssey to get his driver's license back.
First we had to get an eye examination. Bill uses the VA for his medical needs. Anyone who has dealt with the VA knows what an onerous process this was going to be. I won't take you through all those torturous steps but the first one was to get him in the Veteran's Choice program. I missed the first step and we had to pay the $180 for the eye examination. Bill was approved for the Choice program but I didn't have the authorization number to give when I scheduled Bill's eye examination and the Choice program doesn't back date. Okay, lesson learned.
I had the Choice authorization number and scheduled Bill for his cataract surgery. Then came the need for Bill to see a heart doctor. Thus another application for a Choice authorization number. More delays.
Bill had his scheduled date for cataract surgery in December. Yes, Virginia, it took THAT long to get the Choice approval but I'm not complaining. It's working now and they have been very accommodating and paying.
Then Bill had his emergency room visit. His ulcers had hemorrhaged. A stay in the hospital and more interaction with the VA to pay for Bill's medical bills. After several months, we finally settled the bills. Of course I dread checking the mail even today because you know these medical bills are like zombies, never completely dead.
Then finally we began Bill's cataract surgery. Drops, visits to the doctor, etc. We were both glad Bill didn't have three eyes.
We got a new prescription for eyeglasses for Bill. We picked them up last week.
Bill wanted to get used to wearing the glasses before he took his eye test.
This morning I decided that today was the day we go to the Delaware DMV and take his eye test.
Bill was nervous. Edgy. Short tempered. He didn't think he would pass.
We arrived at the Delaware DMV early this sunny, warm summer August morning. Thank goodness the DMV wasn't crowded.
We got our ticket number (12) and were called immediately. 'Danielle' was waiting for us.
So thankful Danielle was nice. I explained that Bill had lost his driver's license last year because he failed his eye test and had cataract surgery to improve his vision. She was receptive and sympathetic to my explanation.
At first Bill wasn't reading the chart right. Bill must be dyslexic, he was reading from right to left! Several times he put his head in that machine, nervous, and read. Danielle was trying to be helpful, thank goodness she didn't dismiss him right away. She was patient. Bill tried again. Same result. Didn't get one right. Then on the third try she said 'Read from the LEFT to right.' Bill said 'Oh!' Now I know why I have so much trouble explaining to Bill how to use his iPad. I've often told him his brain is wired backwards. Now I know it is!
Bill read the chart again. He passed!!
Danielle was issued his driver's license good for the next eight years.
Thank goodness and thank you Danielle!
