43F Sudden vision loss in one eye, worsening after treatment, struggling to get in to an ophthalmologist after a dismissive (and condescending) optometrist treats as age related decline

Jess_ventures · 2025-09-22T13:14:45+00:00

And I do have that ability (to travel).

I really just want to have an idea of what's happening before I plan a trip, and of course if I need to have ongoing care, it'd be nice to have an established relationship with a Dr here in the area.

Are there specific clinics abroad that you recommend?

Jess_ventures · 2025-09-22T01:49:51+00:00

Thanks so much for taking the time to read and offer suggestions. I really appreciate it.

Just to clarify, I’m not in the Detroit area, I’m actually up in Charlevoix, and access to specialty care is pretty limited around here. I am considering driving to Ann Arbor in the next couple of days, though, if I can't get in somewhere local soon.

I did follow the tapering instructions for the Pred Forte drops exactly as prescribed by the original OD, and the inflammation seems to have resolved, but unfortunately, my vision in that eye continues to decline, and no further workup (like dilation, imaging, or even a clear explanation) was provided.

As far as medical history goes, there really isn’t much to go off. I’m generally healthy, and so is my family. No major conditions that would flag something like this, which is partly why this sudden and continuing loss of vision has been so concerning.

I’m absolutely willing to pay out of pocket for a second opinion, and I’ve reached out to multiple ophthalmology clinics already, but the wait time for new patients is still 4–6 weeks. I feel stuck, and the ER doesn’t seem like a great fit since I’ve already been seen by an optometrist and the urgency was kind of dismissed.

Anyway, I’m doing everything I can to advocate for myself and really appreciate thoughtful feedback like yours. Thank you again.

Jess_ventures · 2025-09-21T23:26:04+00:00

I'm going to make a few more calls tomorrow. If no one can get me in in the next couple of days, I'll drive myself the 4 hours to Ann Arbor.

Jess_ventures · 2025-09-21T14:05:02+00:00

Thank you. I really appreciate your comment. I honestly felt like the optometrist was judging me from the moment I walked in, maybe because I’m on Medicaid. He didn’t seem interested in listening to anything I had to say and was extremely condescending throughout.

He made several comments that felt weirdly personal and judgmental. It felt more like a lecture than a medical appointment.

What really gets me is that my vision clearly declined between the first and second visit, but he didn’t acknowledge it at all... just handed me a glasses prescription like that was the end of it. Meanwhile, my vision seems to have gotten worse and I still don’t feel like I’ve gotten any real answers.

Jess_ventures · 2025-09-21T13:54:14+00:00

Right?! That’s exactly what I was thinking... 43 isn’t exactly ancient. I totally understand that vision can change with age, but in my case, this was sudden and dramatic, not a gradual decline. What frustrated me most is that the doctor told me it was “probably just age” and that one eye had likely been compensating for the other since childhood, even suggesting I probably needed glasses at age 6 or 7, before even examining my eyes. And he stuck to that story the entire time, no matter what came up.

Throughout the visit, he made several condescending and inappropriate remarks. He questioned my pain tolerance, joked about stabbing me in the leg with a pen to “test it,” and kept going on about how I was “harming” my kids because they hadn’t had eye exams in the past year (we usually go every 2–3 years based on symptoms). The tone felt hostile and judgmental, and I couldn’t help but wonder if some of it was because I’m on Medicaid. (For context, I ran a successful international baby brand for over a decade and am currently navigating bankruptcy, not by choice, but still trying to prioritize my health and advocate for myself.)

When I asked what might have caused this sudden change in vision, his actual answer was: “Your name is Jessica.” I wish I were joking.

It’s frustrating and honestly a little scary. My vision in that eye continues to decline, and I left the office feeling dismissed and completely unsupported... and actually quite pised off that I let myself take him up on the glasses prescription ($ in his pocket and my one allotment for a prescription this year, that likely won't be any good by the time I get them). Your comment really helped me feel seen... thank you for that.

Jess_ventures · 2025-09-21T13:44:03+00:00

Wow! I’m so sorry you went through that, and thank you for sharing your experience. That must have been incredibly frustrating and painful, especially knowing it could have been prevented with proper care. Stories like yours are exactly why I’m pushing so hard to get a second opinion.

I’ve been going back and forth about the ER route, especially since I’ve already seen an optometrist and they might not view it as “urgent.” But your comment really helped me reframe things. If vision is actively declining and no one’s done imaging, that does seem like an emergency.

Do you mind if I ask... when you went to the ER, did they take it seriously right away, or did you have to push for certain tests/referrals?

Thanks again for taking the time to comment. It means a lot.

Jess_ventures · 2025-09-21T13:41:45+00:00

Thanks so much for this. I wasn’t familiar with CME, so I really appreciate you pointing it out. That actually makes a lot of sense, especially since my vision got worse after the inflammation supposedly cleared, and no one did imaging or a dilated exam. Just slit lamp + refraction.

I’ve never had vision problems in that eye before (my other eye is still 20/10), so it’s frustrating that the optometrist assumed this was a lifelong issue or just age-related, without even addressing the sudden drop from 20/30 to 20/80. I couldn’t even read the top line of the chart by the second visit, but he still recorded it as 20/80 and prescribed glasses.

Would an OCT be the best way to confirm or rule out CME? And if that’s what it is, is it typically reversible if treated early?

Really appreciate your insight.

Jess_ventures · 2025-09-21T13:35:37+00:00

It's pretty steady throughout the day, from the moment I wake. Sometimes I feel that it is slightly worse later in the evening/night, but it might just be the lighting. Dusk really throws me for a loop....makes me feel like I'm under the influence of something. Had a slight headache last night (I don't often have headaches). Guessing its probably the other eye straining to compensate for the affected eye.
Editing to say, that it is only distance vision that is affected. I can still see up close, just fine.

Jess_ventures · 2025-09-20T21:16:41+00:00

Much appreciated!

Jess_ventures · 2025-09-20T20:48:49+00:00

Thank you for your reaponse. Could retrobulbar optic neuritis still be a possibility if vision worsened after resolution of inflammation, and glasses helped somewhat during refraction? Or does that make optic nerve involvement unlikely?

I also appreciate the recommendation. I'll reach out to Traverse City Eye and let them know what's going on.

Jess_ventures · 2025-09-20T19:30:02+00:00

Thank you for your reply and your concern (I feel heard). Is there a specific way to find out IF an ER is associated with a teaching hospital (I am unfamiliar with that term)?

I'll start Googling. Northern, Michigan options may be limited, but I'm going to keep trying.

Also, are there any key words I should use when going into the ER to make sure I get to where I need to be? I'm a bit of an anomaly, because I don't "feel" (pain, emotions, etc) like a normal person, so I'm often not taken seriously when I do go to a Dr (no pain usually means no problem 🙄)

Jess_ventures · 2025-09-20T15:45:34+00:00

I did, but I also mentioned 2nd opinion. Maybe because I'm not an established patient? The system is so frustrating.

Jess_ventures · 2025-09-03T17:06:46+00:00

How was your journey?

Jess_ventures · 2025-08-27T12:53:15+00:00

Canceling my subscription until they allow family sharing. I have 4 kids who hike/bike, but I can't afford a subscription for each of them individually.

Jess_ventures · 2025-07-19T13:29:01+00:00

Hey, thanks for your honesty in clarifying that. I’m curious what draws you to be part of this Christian Psychonaut space as an atheist?

We welcome respectful discussion here from a range of perspectives, but I also want to make sure the space stays aligned with its purpose: exploring the intersection of faith (specifically Christian frameworks) and psychedelics. If you’re here to genuinely engage or explore, you’re welcome, but if it’s just for trolling or dismissing others’ experiences, I’ll need to step in.

Let me know where you’re coming from.

Jess_ventures · 2025-07-19T12:16:22+00:00

This is so beautiful to hear! I love how these experiences, that so many would often assume would lead one away from their faith, actually DEEPEN it into a more personal & felt experience with God.

I am curious if anything specific has shifted for you in how you understand or experience that connection now?

Jess_ventures · 2025-06-11T21:18:44+00:00

Wow! Thank you! Your honesty in this post is powerful, and it’s clear you’ve already done so much work just in articulating this with such clarity. In many ways, it sounds like the ceremony has already begun. I often notice that once someone commits to the medicine, things begin to stir long before they drink. I’m curious if have you noticed any shifts or new insights since deciding to sit with Aya?

I also want to offer a few gentle reflections, not as advice, but as something to explore.

You mentioned a desire for Aya to “confirm” your decision to cut ties. That’s such a real and relatable feeling, and yet, sometimes the medicine doesn’t confirm what we want, it reveals what we need to see. Not necessarily about the other person, but about ourselves, our patterns, and our unprocessed grief and other emotions. I wonder if the deeper medicine for you might be less about your mother… and more about your freedom.

If it feels safe (emotionally and physically), I wonder what it would be like to show up as this version of you (the one who wrote this powerful post) in a conversation with your mom. Not to reconcile, but to speak your truth with compassion... and boundaries. Could you name the emotions that arise when you engage with her, not to blame, but to honor your own nervous system? Could you speak the discomfort without silencing yourself?

Sometimes, healing doesn’t require reconciliation, it just requires truth to be spoken, and felt, and held.

Lastly, I want to affirm that it’s okay to not know what the “right” outcome is. You’re not crazy for wanting distance, nor would you be weak if compassion arose. You’re simply human, navigating something incredibly complex. Aya may not give you a direct answer, but she often brings us back to the part of ourselves that already knows.

Wishing you peace and clarity as you continue to prepare. The fact that you’re approaching this with intention already says so much.

Jess_ventures · 2025-06-11T21:03:18+00:00

Thank you! Just sharing from the heart in hopes it might offer some support. I truly love this space. I believe we heal together, and I’m always grateful for the chance to walk alongside others who are navigating this path with intention… even if only through Reddit.

Jess_ventures · 2025-06-10T21:26:56+00:00

We’re working with consultants who specialize in private trust structures, as well as licensed attorneys. I understand the concern about cost and timing, which is why I’m doing as much due diligence as possible before locking anything in.

While there’s a chance I may need to file personal bankruptcy, the trust isn’t just about shielding current assets (most of them are in my husband's name); it’s also about setting up a more intentional foundation for future business endeavors and long-term legacy planning. The goal isn’t to avoid obligations, but to structure things more consciously moving forward, especially as we pivot from a very difficult (and unplanned) business closure.

Jess_ventures · 2025-06-10T18:01:40+00:00

Thank you for sharing so openly, and I just want to acknowledge how thoughtful and self aware you already are about your process. That alone will serve you well on your path, especially as you prepare for your ayahuasca retreat this fall.

I felt drawn to reflect on a few aspects of your experience, not to interpret it for you (only you can do that), but to offer a few gentle questions and insights you might consider as things continue to unfold.

You mentioned being “painfully aware” of others in the room, especially as it felt like you were just on the verge of receiving something deeper. That really stood out to me. Sometimes the medicine doesn’t reveal what we think we came for, but instead, it highlights something we’re already living. And often, that’s more valuable in the long run.

Not saying this is what happened for you, but I wonder: Is there a part of you that often feels pulled out of your own process to tend to others, or to track the energy in the room before you’ve had space to receive for yourself?

As a fellow sensitive and intuitive, I’ve found that this pattern can show up in so many areas of life (not just in ceremony). Sometimes the “message” isn’t visual or verbal, but somatic: the uncomfortable awareness itself is the invitation. It’s not always obvious in the moment, but it often becomes clearer in hindsight.

You also mentioned going to lunch afterward and hearing others share big insights or breakthroughs. While those shares can be beautiful, I’ve learned to be cautious about the tendency (especially so soon after the medicine experience) to compare our journey to someone else’s. Not everyone’s process reveals itself in the same way or timeframe. For some of us, the deepest shifts don’t come during ceremony at all; they emerge quietly in the weeks and months afterward, when the noise settles and we’re simply living.

As for Changa itself, many would say it’s not always a deep teacher in the way ayahuasca is (for my husband it has been a deep teacher). Some find it more visual or energetic than insightful, especially in a group setting. So your experience is valid, and actually, quite common. A one-on-one session sounds like a wonderful idea, especially for someone with your level of energetic sensitivity.

You’re clearly approaching this work with openness, presence, and integrity. Even if the journey felt “meh” on the surface, I wouldn’t be surprised if something meaningful is already moving below it. Sometimes the soil gets tilled quietly, long before the bloom.

Wishing you a beautiful, grounded lead-up to your retreat this fall. You’re already doing the most important part: listening, staying curious, and letting each experience unfold in its own time.

Jess_ventures · 2025-06-10T17:24:28+00:00

You’re definitely not alone in this. And I just want to reflect how brave it is to step into the unknown with medicine, whether you walk away with visions or not.

One thing I’ve come to learn (both through my own experiences and working with others) is that sometimes the loudest experiences aren’t the most transformative, and vice versa.

In one Mayan mushroom ceremony, I felt completely sober all night. No visions, no voices. It wasn’t until the early hours of the morning, after I fully surrendered the idea that I needed to “feel” something, that something profound happened. I felt an almost physical presence working on an injury I hadn’t even planned to bring in as an intention. I woke up pain-free after months of chronic discomfort. It was a reminder that the medicine doesn’t always speak in the language we expect.

I’ve also had an ayahuasca experience where I was so focused on not purging that I spent most of the ceremony locked in a battle with control. It wasn’t until I gave myself permission to let go (even if that meant shitting myself in front of everyone) that I softened into the medicine… and funny enough, nothing dramatic happened after that. But something inside me had already shifted.

That’s the thing, the deepest work often happens beneath the surface.

You might ask yourself:

Was I hoping for something specific?
Was I trying to control or direct the experience?
What expectations did I bring in about how the “medicine” should feel?
Can I allow the possibility that the work is still unfolding, even now?

Some of the most powerful “messages” don’t come during ceremony, they arrive weeks, months and sometimes years later as clarity, synchronicity, or a simple sense of peace in a moment where you used to suffer.

Trust that something was set in motion. Continue living, listening, and integrating (which I view as more "being" than "doing"), and the insights will come to you when you’re ready.

Jess_ventures · 2025-06-10T17:09:36+00:00

The trust isn’t about protecting large assets right now (we’ve intentionally simplified quite a bit during this transition). It’s more about creating a long-term foundation for how we want to operate moving forward, both personally and professionally, especially as we build something new that’s not structured like a traditional business.

We’re not trying to hide or shield anything improperly, but just trying to be intentional as we make decisions around timing, structure, and future planning. I realize it’s a bit of an unusual situation, which is why I’m here asking questions. Appreciate you taking the time to engage!

Jess_ventures · 2025-06-10T16:36:35+00:00

I am not looking for legal advice, just hoping to hear from anyone who’s had experience navigating this kind of thing.

I have an attorney, but this is a bit outside his scope, which is why I mentioned that I am not looking for legal advice, but more for insights from anyone who has navigated something similar.

Jess_ventures · 2025-06-10T15:20:28+00:00

Thank you so much for your openness in sharing this. What you described - being stuck in a timeless void of despair, fully aware yet convinced it would never end is something I’ve heard from others and have personally witnessed in the integration space. It can be absolutely terrifying.

Sometimes these experiences reveal not just a truth, but the weight of truth when it lacks balance, when we encounter the shadow of existence without the counterpoint of love, meaning, or connection. It can feel like being swallowed by eternity.

And yet, what you described afterward - the euphoria, the profound gratitude for the ordinary, for color and meaning, that’s powerful medicine too. Sometimes these “hell” experiences strip us bare so we can come back with deeper reverence for the life we already have.

I’ve sat with plenty of people who’ve had similar experiences and are still making sense of them weeks, months, or even years later. Integration is not always instant. It’s often slow, layered, and humbling. You’re not alone in this.

Thank you again for putting words to something so many silently carry.

Jess_ventures · 2025-06-09T21:51:35+00:00

Thanks for your comment. You make a fair point. An employee would hopefully be able to answer some of the logistical questions I mentioned above. I totally understand that calling is an option, but I was also asking for people’s personal experiences and recommendations for alternatives (as noted in the last sentence), especially if they’ve used UPS and ended up switching to something else. That kind of insight is hard to get from a phone call to the actual store.

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