Parenting is never plain sailing nor like it says in the guidebooks. There are always ups and downs. It is always worrying when you child is not 'normal'. Ms C has been diagnosed with myopia and astigmatism since she was two. Since then, we have been to the Samuel Johnson Community Hospital every two to three months for a check-up. Each time Ms C will say she can't see when the word is too small. We have been seen by the consultant, optician and orthoptist. Two months ago, we finally got an appointment at Birmingham Hospital to do an eye scan and eye X-ray to rule out any abnormalities. We waited quite a while before our turn to see them. When it was our turn, we were walked into a narrow corridor and into a dark room. While we were there, I was asked to sit with Ms C on the special chair with her. Then the technician placed a lot of gel onto her hair and stuck the electrolytes on.After Ms C was prepared, the doctor came in and did the test. It did not take long to complete the test. It was quite fun for her as she was asked to look into the old fashioned television with a lot of black and white square boxes flashing at her. Then the technician held a huge light bulb flashing at her face and asked her to watch it. I was almost blinded by all the flashing lights!!! Next we went to do an eye x-ray where she was asked to put her face into the machine. It is not easy to place her head on the top of bar with her chin on the rest bar. She was not allow to move too. Luckily it didn't take long to complete that. Soon the eye consultant said that her eyes were fine and nothing to worry about.Last week, we went for a follow up by the Orthoptist. Again, Ms C said she couldn't see it if it was too small or too far. In prior tests, we always thought that it was hard for her as she had not learnt her alphabet yet. But now it seems her outcome is always the same result. She was not able to see to get 6 out of 6 even with her glasses. So the bad news is she might not be able to drive a car or machinery when she gets older. She is also referred to an eye therapist and they will speak to her school as there will be more arrangements to be made. She may require papers with bigger fonts to read in future. But we will never know what the future will hold for her. I will keep you updated.
