For your eyes only

Senior citizen from Randburg writes:

I had to renew my driver’s licence recently. I am one of the older generation that mastered the transition from horse and buggy and have competently been driving a ‘motorised vehicle’ for more than half a century (without being a danger to the other dangerous, lawless drivers on our roads). I agree that drivers should have their eyes tested every few years, because there are a hell of a lot of blind drivers on the road nowadays – who are blind to the rules of the road! It is a terrible disease that cannot be cured by eye tests. But I think it is idiotic that veterans like us, who do not have this disease, will have to prove that we can actually drive a car safely by doing a driving test again in the future, if the powers that be have their way.

I was a bit apprehensive about the test because of the unpleasant experience I had last time around with the individual who was operating the new type of eye test machine. I will not honour him by calling him an Official or Civic Servant because he was not civil nor did he have the required respectful attitude of someone who is supposed to serve the public (who pay his salary). Suffice to say that his rudeness annoyed me so much that I felt like walking out halfway through the test.

But this time I had heard that the eye test could now be done free of charge by an optician who would supply you with a certificate to the effect that you are not in fact blind as a bat. As it turned out this information was wrong because the eye test is not free – but the certificate is supplied at no extra cost.

I suspect I needed new specs anyway so I set out to find myself a good optician – and the experience was a real eye-opener! After speaking to a number of ‘Optician’ businesses to enquire if they knew about the ‘free eye test’ for a driver’s license, the result varied from being told over the phone that they did not know what I was talking about, or if I walked in I was given a blank stare or a totally disinterested monosyllabic reply – No! To cut a long story short, after a few frustrating weeks I nearly gave up my quest.

Then a small miracle happened. I was out shopping and by pure chance I parked my car right in front of TORGA OPTICAL, at Blairgowrie Plaza on Conrad Drive. And what a pleasant surprise I got when I walked in. The staff were all friendly and Gina, the assistant who helped me, was an absolute delight who smiled and even laughed at my corny jokes about my trials and tribulations.

The optician Mr RAY SCHOEMAN is professional and funny. He gave me new reading and driving glasses which are both perfect. He kindly assisted me with a referral to an Eye Specialist for another matter and even made the appointment for me. And if you don’t have a ‘Medical Aid’ he does have a pensioner’s rate. So if you are looking for a good optician look no further – go to see RAY – he is a great optician!

I am happy to say this time my licence renewal was a pleasant experience. The optician’s certificate was accepted without question and I finished in half the time.

Editor’s note: letter published unedited.