Last updated on November 26, 2023
Editing the transcripts for The Autistic Me Podcast was a cruel reminder that I need new glasses. The automatic transcription service Descript using AI, which means the transcription is imperfect. Plus, I edit the transcripts for clarity because I believe verbatim transcripts often impede understanding.
I’ve needed glasses since a winter in Minnesota contributed to corneal tearing and wrinkles. I had to have several out-patient eye procedures, including scrapings. Though I could adapt to other methods of input, I like reading and writing words.
For several months reading and working on the computer have been difficult. Consider how much we do that requires reading a page or screen. It seems I’m always reading something.
Today, I had an eye exam and ordered three pairs of glasses. Though I am using two existing frames, and we have insurance, the cost shocked me.
It was over $1000 for glasses, supposedly “on sale” and with the insurance coverage.
If my wife did not have a good job and insurance, I wouldn’t be able to type, work on websites, or edit videos. Everything I do is related to visual media, so my eyes are a tool that I need. I cannot think of any freelance work I do that doesn’t involve vision.
Even editing audio, which wouldn’t seem like a visual task, uses the waveforms of speech to catch the “um” and “ah” sounds. I visually recognize the sounds of breathing and the “pops” that need to be removed from an audio track. To work on the podcast, I need to see the audio files, read the transcripts, and prepare artwork.
To drive, I need glasses, and I’m “Daddy Uber” for our girls. I take them to school, to various appointments, and I run any errands required during the day. Since the Department of Motor Vehicles declared I need eye correction, I’d rather not break the law. I cannot drive at night without glasses because the glare is so bad.
Self-pity is never attractive. I have many friends with hearing and vision challenges. Some are Deaf and a few are blind. They manage to be productive, employed, and independent. They adapted and learned to navigate the world. They have shaped their careers around strengths.
My Deaf and blind friends also have to buy adaptive technology, which costs more than my glasses.
Most people need glasses as they age, but they can be prohibitively expensive. Imagine needing technologies costing several times what a pair of glasses costs.
Needing new glasses has reminded me that disabilities cost money. If you don’t have a good job or insurance, you must depend on someone else or other supports. I have to rely on my wife’s income and insurance. Glasses remind me that I’m dependent on my wife. I’m the first to admit how lousy that makes me feel. If I had to accept charity or government aid, I’d be more depressed.
Anyway, I need glasses and they are now on order. Within two weeks, I should be able to see my computer screen much better.
Thanks, Susan.