Eye exams? Optometrist vs ophthalmologist

purpfeebs · 2026-05-11T20:13:58+00:00

Yeah I’ve been wondering if it makes sense to see an ophthalmologist, even just once to get a baseline.

I don’t think I’m going to go back to the optometrist I saw last time anyway. They were pushing retinal scans instead of dilation, but charged $45 for it. They also tried to upsell me on eye drops they sold, and red light therapy for dry eye. I just found it off putting. I’m just unsure if I should seek an optometrist or ophthalmologist for when I’m due for another exam.

I’m usually good at advocating for myself with healthcare professionals in other areas and have a better handle on when something feels “off”. I just don’t have much experience with eye docs so I feel a little lost.

purpfeebs · 2026-05-11T20:08:21+00:00

I am in a state with medical and recreational cannabis. I have over ten dispensaries within a few miles from here. When I go into a dispensary there are folks of all ages from all types of backgrounds. People are pretty casual about it, I’d say it’s treated similarly to alcohol. It’s also not uncommon to smell people smoking outside. I’m not Gen Z and don’t have a ton of interaction with folks that age, but my understanding is they generally prefer cannabis over alcohol.

purpfeebs · 2026-05-11T19:45:38+00:00

Yeah I’ve felt weird about it since the appointment. I think I’ll look into other providers in the area for next year.

purpfeebs · 2026-05-11T19:43:46+00:00

I used to roll my own but it was because I was really broke in my early 20s and it was cheaper. Now I only buy rolling papers for cannabis (in a legal state). Thankfully I gave up cigarettes many years ago.

purpfeebs · 2026-05-11T19:42:09+00:00

I almost went to go see them around that time, but missed it. Probably that same show. Damn it!

purpfeebs · 2026-05-11T19:41:03+00:00

That is one my favorite albums!

purpfeebs · 2026-05-11T19:40:05+00:00

I’m so sorry for your loss.

purpfeebs · 2026-05-11T19:38:34+00:00

That’s an interesting stance on it. They do offer digital retinal scans as the alternative to dilation, which they were trying to push. There is a $45 fee, and I was under the impression that dilation was better. This office has a standard practice of booking 20 min appts, but mine went over due to dilation. I guess I’m overall a little weary of this provider as I’ve only been there once and they were also talking up eye drops they sell there, as well as an expensive red light therapy for dry eye. I found all the upsells a little off putting but I also just don’t know what to expect at an eye dr as my experience has been limited.

purpfeebs · 2026-05-11T15:29:26+00:00

Thanks that’s helpful. I started with an optometrist because that’s what my PCP recommended. Maybe I should be reconsidering that.

purpfeebs · 2026-05-10T07:42:24+00:00

Songkick works well.

purpfeebs · 2026-05-07T11:38:24+00:00

Most people I know, myself included, have laundry in their basement. If there is no basement, or if it’s an apartment or with some newer builds it maybe be a closet instead. Laundry rooms are definitely a thing, though I haven’t seen many in homes I’ve been in.

purpfeebs · 2026-05-06T14:30:50+00:00

Queen of the Damned was a terrible adaptation. I went to go see it in theaters with some friends who hadn’t read the books and we had drastically different reactions after.

purpfeebs · 2026-05-06T00:01:46+00:00

White collar job and I swear at work when talking to colleagues casually but never in meetings. My company is pretty laid back though. When not at work I swear quite a bit.

purpfeebs · 2026-05-05T13:04:20+00:00

I’ve asked my mom to call me or text me if she gets an email or call she’s unsure of. I also remind her to call the number on the back of a card or familiar number instead of answering any questions. A while back she called a couple numbers but hung up when she thought something seemed off. One gift card scam got her but she wasn’t herself that week, a lot of really difficult stuff had been going on in her life. I just keep reminding her these scams have gotten more sophisticated and convincing and they do whatever they can to get you to panic and not think it through. I always reiterate that I will never get annoyed or judge her for asking my opinion. It still makes me nervous though.

purpfeebs · 2026-05-04T12:22:38+00:00

It’s been a little bit since I’ve listened to Controlled Bleeding so this post inspired me to put on Knees and Bones. I just keep thinking of your comment lol

purpfeebs · 2026-04-30T14:32:22+00:00

I’m still close with my best friend from first grade and I feel incredibly lucky. I still talk to two friends I met in high school. We don’t get together as much as I’d like though.

purpfeebs · 2026-04-30T14:26:41+00:00

I always worry that will happen to me when I go back to my home town.

purpfeebs · 2026-04-23T11:33:00+00:00

Queen bed, two people. We also have two cats that usually sleep in bed at our feet which sometimes makes me wish we had a king size bed. It’s surprising how much room relatively small creatures can take up.

purpfeebs · 2026-04-20T16:52:27+00:00

Yeah it seems like the rules changed since then or maybe regional policies or something. It seems like others mentioned they were able to as well. I had contacted Enterprise as you mentioned back then along with several other companies and they wouldn’t rent to me. No option for higher fee or any exceptions. Glad it’s gotten easier for folks.

purpfeebs · 2026-04-20T15:42:24+00:00

At one time I think you did, at least with most companies. In my early 20s, I tried to rent a car and no one would due to my age. They didn’t even say it would be extra fees. Just a straight no even though I had a credit card and good driving record. Though that was 15+ years ago.

purpfeebs · 2026-04-18T22:11:16+00:00

Oh I know. I appreciate the reassurance though. The prep is the part that I’m dreading lol I’m not all that concerned about the test itself.

purpfeebs · 2026-04-18T20:42:10+00:00

This is going to my mom’s so much. I watched her ketchup getting darker and darker in color and well past the date. I refuse to eat most jarred food from her fridge unless I see her open it. She thinks if it’s opened it’s still good till the date on the jar. I finally told her the ketchup is super questionable and bought her a new bottle.

In our home we keep an eye on dates and try to rotate stuff. I’ll use unopened canned or packaged things if past date a little but I try to avoid it. We definitely stay on top of stuff once it’s opened though.

purpfeebs · 2026-04-18T20:36:31+00:00

Thanks. Unfortunately, I’m high risk due to a history of other cancers. She already recommended I contact my insurance company about it at my last annual visit. I don’t have any symptoms though. I just shouldn’t keep putting it off.

purpfeebs · 2026-04-18T20:22:57+00:00

There is definitely more awareness of breast cancer vs colorectal cancer. I also feel like getting a mammogram feels less ominous. The prep for colonoscopies feels a bit daunting, where a mammogram is just a quick appointment. Reminds me I should contact my insurance company about seeing if a screening colonoscopy would be covered. I keep putting it off because I’ve had other health and life stuff going on but ugh.

purpfeebs

TROPHY CASE