It honestly didn't matter that much. My prescription is over 10 years old. It was time to get my eyes rechecked.
My husband did a bit of research and found an English speaking optometrist in Nerima. Kouseikai Clinic is located on the third floor of a business complex just steps from Nerima Station. My husband called to confirm they would be open. We had reservations at the fugu restaurant at 5, so we needed to be done before that. They don't take appointments for first time patients, which is pretty standard practice in Japan). Patients just have to show up during certain times and wait to be seen. Unfortunately, the English speaking doctor was not working that day, but since my husband was going with me it didn't really matter. I was just grateful to be able to go on a weekend when he could go with me!
The elevator to the office is located outside on the ground floor. Once it arrives onto the 3rd floor, it opens directly into the office. We were greeted by three women wearing pink nurses uniform dresses and white cardigans. The medical uniforms here always remind me of movies set in the 1950's.
I was offered a form in either English or Japanese. They took my insurance card and had me take a seat.
After a short wait, my entire family was invited into the back room to start my appointment. I sat at a couple machines where they looked into my eyes. I hate getting the little puff of air blown into my eyes, as it is always so weird. After a test which required me to point in the direction the C was open, the assistant had me try on several lenses and then confirm if the letters were more or less clear.
The assistant did not speak English and required my husband to translate. However, all the machines were what I have used in the US, so if he wasn't there we would only have trouble with the details.
We then waited for the doctor back in the waiting room. When I entered she asked if I spoke Japanese. When my husband said I did not, she tried to speak English with me. I really appreciated her effort and was able to understand everything she told me.
She completed a couple more tests and then told me she would be providing me with a prescription My husband asked a follow up question and then proceeded to laugh. "She said you have old eyes and this prescription is to be expected." I was not impressed. I am 39 years old. My eyes are not old. She explained to me that I have perfectly normal eye strain and can use my glasses whenever I feel the need to. But it was too late to avoid the teasing of my 42 year old husband. I have been branded "old" and he was completely humored by this.
I went to the front desk and paid my portion of the bill (¥2700/$25) and received my prescription. Up next, I need to go find some frames at a different shop. They don't sell glasses at the optometrist here.
No comments:
Post a Comment