Eye Doctor

A little over two years ago Susan experienced a small tear on the retina of her right eye, and the eye doctor in Santa Fe told her that if she ever experienced "floaters" or other symptoms similar to what she had at that time, that she should get checked out ASAP. So last week she had some things in her field of view, and although she thought it probably wasn't serious, we decided that we needed to get it checked before heading home.

We asked around and found an eye doctor, Dr. Rene Cabrera, who speaks good English. My Spanish is getting a lot better, but when it comes to the specialized vocabulary that goes into something like eye examinations, I get lost quickly. Anyhow, we traveled over to his office just after noon, and explained why Susan needed an exam. He said to come back at 6:00 this evening, and he would check her out.

So at 6:00 this evening we were back in his office, and his assistant put Susan through her paces, checking her visual acuity and taking a brief medical history. Of course, all this was in Spanish, but we could cope OK at this point. Then we went in to see Dr. Cabrera, and visited while Susan's eyes finished dilating. He asked where we were from, and when I said "New Mexico" he replied that he had been to New Mexico as an exchange student when in high school. I asked what part of New Mexico, and he said "Espanola."

Our collective jaws nearly hit the floor, and we explained that we are from Los Alamos. He stayed with a family named Martinez for the 74-75 school year, and said that they now run an office supply store there. I will try to look them up after we return.

Anyhow, he then examined Susan's eyes and said that there was a tiny hemorrhage where a single capillary had ruptured, but that otherwise she was in great shape. He also said that the tiny hemorrhage was nothing to worry about, and that it should clear up fine on its own. We thanked him profusely, and I picked up several of his business cards to share with others here who are interested in finding an English-speaking eye doctor.

We then went out and asked the receptionist what the bill was for all this, and she said $30. I paid cash, and we went on our way. The whole visit, from arrival to paying the bill, lasted about half an hour, and that included several minutes of just visiting. We were treated royally.

Then on the way home, we saw this horse and carriage parked beside the street. I don't know what they were waiting for, but I asked if I could take a picture, and the driver smiled and said, "Certainly!"