After getting glasses at a young age, Dr. Hogue noticed the startling improvement that vision correction can make. This early experience propelled him to pursue a career where he could make an immediate, positive impact in people's lives. Dr. Hogue graduated summa cum laude from the University of Tennessee with a degree in chemistry. He then earned his Doctorate of Optometry (OD) and Master of Science (MS) from New England College of Optometry. Following graduation, he completed a residency in Ocular Disease at the State University of New York's College of Optometry. Read more: https://www.myeyephysicians.com/nyc-optometrists-ophthalmologists/william-hogue-od/ Eye Physicians 110 Lafayette St, Suite 503 New York, NY 10013 (212) 292-4814 Fax: (212) 628-0698 https://www.myeyephysicians.com/ Working Hours: Monday: 8 am–5 pm Tuesday: 8 am–5 pm Wednesday: 8 am–7 pm Thursday: 8 am–5 pm Friday: 8 am–5 pm Saturday: 8 am–5 pm Sunday: Closed Payment: cash, check, credit cards. Map and directions https://maps.app.goo.gl/voTsRDJTbzWsSdkEA https://plus.codes/87G7PX9X+8M New York, USA Nearby Locations: Lower Manhattan | Little Italy | Chinatown | Civic Center | Tribeca | SoHo 10013 | 10012 | 10007 | 10002

Dr. Spaide specializes in diseases of the retina and vitreous. His particular interests include retinal surgery, Macular Degeneration, Macular Holes, Macular Pucker, Diabetic Retinopathy, and intraocular inflammation. He has published more than 300 articles and 50 book chapters and 9 books about the diagnosis and treatment of Retinal Diseases. He has given lectures around the world. About He has a remarkable number of “firsts” in retinal diseases including the development of autofluorescence imaging using a fundus camera and the first practical method to image deeper structures in the eye with optical coherence tomography. These imaging methods now are used around the world. He has described many new findings and diseases of the eye and helped develop many novel treatments. He has developed numerous surgical instruments that were named after him and holds patents for ophthalmic inventions. Awards He is the recipient of the Richard and Hilda Rosenthal Foundation Award in the Visual Sciences, the Senior Honor Award from the American Society of Retinal Surgeons, and the Senior Achievement Award from the American Academy of Opthalmology and the Prix Soubrane de la Recherche en Ophthalmologie, Award of Merit from the Retina Society, the Henkind Award, Coscas Award, Nataraja Pillai Award, W. Richard Green MD Award, George Theodossiadis Award, Founders Award, American Society of Retinal Surgeons, Life Achievement Honor Award, American Academy of Ophthalmology, and the Simon Gratz Award, Thomas Jefferson University. Dr. Spaide was chosen as the 2016 recipient of the Roger H. Johnson Macular Degeneration Award and the America's Best Eye Doctor 2022 Award. This is given every 2 years to an individual making a substantial contribution to the understanding, diagnosis, or treatment of macular degeneration, and is one of the most prestigious awards in macular degeneration research. Author Dr. Spaide is the first author with the most articles in the top 100 list. According to the Web of Science search, the most cited article published from 2010 to 2020 was “Retinal Vascular Layers Imaged by Fluorescein Angiography,” published in Jama Ophthalmology, written by Dr. Spaide. Medical Boards Dr. Spaide is on medical boards of a number of institutions and has been mentioned in multiple Who's Who and Best Doctors lists. He is a past executive editor of the American Journal of Ophthalmology and is currently associate editor of the journal Retina. He is on the editorial board of numerous journals. Education Undergraduate: Muhlenberg College Medical School: Jefferson Medical College Ophthalmology Residency: St. Vincent's Hospital and Medical Center of New York Vitreoretinal Surgical Fellowship: Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital Academic Appointments Clinical Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology, NYU Innovations Developed autofluorescence imaging using a fundus camera Created the first practical method to image deeper structures in the eye with optical coherence tomography Invented a system of instruments for vitrectomy surgery to improve surgical procedures and provide solutions for issues with prior components Google maps: https://goo.gl/maps/V69qfU2eHGCS8p337 https://plus.codes/87G7PX9X+7J New York Nearby Service Locations: Tribeca, New York, NY, USA Gramercy Park, New York, NY, USA Ukrainian Village, New York, NY, USA Alphabet City, New York, NY 10009, USA Lower East Side, New York, NY, USA Chinatown, New York, NY, USA Peter Cooper Village, New York, NY, USA West Village, New York, NY, USA Bowery, New York, NY, USA Greenwich Village, New York, NY, USA East Village, New York, NY, USA NoHo, New York, NY, USA Civic Center, New York, NY, USA Lower Manhattan, New York, NY, USA Union Square, New York, NY 10003, USA SoHo, New York, NY, USA Seaport, New York, NY 10038, USA Nearby Service Zip Codes: 10012, 10002, 10013, 10278, 10007, 10282, 10279, 10271, 10038, 10005 Working Hours: Monday-Friday: 8am - 5pm Payment: cash, check, credit cards. Vitreous Retina Macula Consultants of New York 110 Lafayette St, Suite 502 New York, NY 10013 (212) 234-3367 (212) 861-9797 Fax: (212) 628-0698 https://www.vrmny.com/ https://www.vrmny.com/locations/downtown-manhattan

Dr. Yannuzzi is founder of VRMNY as well as vice-chairman and director of the LuEsther T. Mertz Retinal Research Center of the Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital. He is also founder and president of The Macula Foundation, Inc., which has distributed several million dollars to eye research across the country. Dr. Yannuzzi has made numerous innovative and lasting contributions in imaging, drug development, and therapeutic modalities. He was the first to use oral non-steroid anti-inflammatory medication for the treatment of cystoid macular edema and developed an eye drop to treat this condition. He has described new diseases as well as new associations and manifestations of established entities and photosensitization. He has published over 400 scientific papers and 13 books, which have earned him respect and admiration in the ophthalmic-retinal community. He is well recognized as a devoted and excellent educator, a superb clinical diagnostician, and a prolific organizer of retinal meetings worldwide. Dr. Yannuzzi is the recipient of numerous awards, including an honorary doctorate by the University of Ancona, the Michelson Award for Retinal Vascular Disease, a Distinguished Alumnus Award by Boston University, the Henkind, Gass, and Patz Medals by The Macula Society, the Alcon Research Award, the Herman Wacker Award of the Club Jules Gonin, the Arthur J. Bedelle Award, the Retinal Research Award and the Gass Medal of the Retina Society, the Bietti Medal, the Pisart Award from the Lighthouse International, and the Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Vitreous Retina Macula Consultants of New York 950 3rd Ave 3rd floor, New York, NY 10022 Tel.: (212) 861-9797 Fax.: (212) 628–0698 Web Address: https://www.vrmny.com/ https://www.vrmny.com/locations/manhattan/ Our location on the map: https://goo.gl/maps/v9rE1BWBd6tsFgPaA https://plus.codes/87G8Q26J+3R New York Nearby Locations: Manhattan, NY Lenox Hill | Upper East Side | Midtown East | Upper West Side 10021 | 10022 | 10023 Working Hours: Monday-Friday: 8am–5pm Payment: cash, check, credit cards.

World-class optometry and ophthalmology care and cutting-edge technology distinguish Eye Physicians. Our New York City ophthalmologists and optometrists Downtown trained and served as educators at some of the world's most esteemed and highly regarded academic institutions. NYC Eye Physicians are proud to be on USA Newsweek's list of 350 best optometrists NYC and ophthalmologists. Using the latest advancements and techniques in optometric practices, our doctors offer a full range of Optometry & Ophthalmology services, from eye exams and treatment for dry eyes, burning eyes, and eye stye to an accurate assessment of refractive errors, like nearsightedness/farsightedness/astigmatism, and eyeglasses or contact lenses. At Manhattan Eye Physicians, you'll find the individualized, compassionate and patient-centric Optometry & Ophthalmology care you need in the safe, reassuring hands of eye experts. To provide more comprehensive eye care, our optometrists use the newest diagnostic equipment available in the USA, such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), Digital Slit Lamps, Automated Phoropters, Zeiss Visual Field Analyzers, VT1 Vision Screeners and Retina Cameras. These technologies offer earlier detection of various eye-related conditions and improved patient outcomes. Conveniently located in the NYC Downtown, the Eye Physicians centers boast state-of-the-art, certified, and approved optometry and ophthalmology facilities. Visit our office near you and meet our eye specialists Downtown Richard F. Spaide, MD, Michael J. Cooney, MD, MBA, and William Hogue, OD, to experience skill, knowledge, and compassion. For excellent patient care, make your appointment today at (212) 292-4814. Eye Physicians 110 Lafayette St, Suite 503 New York, NY 10013 (212) 292-4814 Fax: (212) 628-0698 https://www.myeyephysicians.com/ Working Hours: Monday: 8 am–5 pm Tuesday: 8 am–5 pm Wednesday: 8 am–7 pm Thursday: 8 am–5 pm Friday: 8 am–5 pm Saturday: 8 am–5 pm Sunday: Closed Payment: cash, check, credit cards. Map and directions https://maps.app.goo.gl/voTsRDJTbzWsSdkEA https://plus.codes/87G7PX9X+8M Nearby Locations: Lower Manhattan | Little Italy | Chinatown | Civic Center | Tribeca | SoHo 10013 | 10012 | 10007 | 10002

When you're in an accident or experience sudden, alarming symptoms in your eyes, find an emergency eye doctor near me in New York City who can handle the situation and help you avoid further complications. No matter what kind of trauma, sudden pain or vision loss occurs, seek emergency eye care at Eye Physicians in Downtown Manhattan. We have an emergency optometrist on call 24/7 for you and your family. What Is an Eye Emergency? An eye emergency is defined as any sudden or severe eye issue that requires quick attention from your emergency eye doctor. These emergencies may include eye injuries, unexpected visual changes, extreme eye pain, foreign objects in the eye, chemical exposure, the sudden appearance of flashing lights or floaters, or any other condition that causes significant pain or vision impairment. An infection like conjunctivitis is one example that results in pain, redness and discharge, and which could cause an eye emergency. The initial step in your visit involves an in-depth look by your emergency optometrist to determine the type and severity of the problem. This examination may involve inspecting the eye using specialized equipment, such as a slit lamp, to detect any injuries or abnormalities. Depending on the findings, treatment may include drugs, eye drops, irrigation, patching or surgical treatments. When you need an emergency eye doctor near me in Manhattan, find the family eye experts at Eye Physicians in NYC. They are available at the NYC walk in eye clinic to provide treatment for adults and children. Read more: https://www.myeyephysicians.com/emergency-eye-care/ Eye Physicians 110 Lafayette St, Suite 503 New York, NY 10013 (212) 292-4814 Fax: (212) 628-0698 https://www.myeyephysicians.com/ Working Hours: Monday: 8 am–5 pm Tuesday: 8 am–5 pm Wednesday: 8 am–7 pm Thursday: 8 am–5 pm Friday: 8 am–5 pm Saturday: 8 am–5 pm Sunday: Closed Payment: cash, check, credit cards. Map and directions https://maps.app.goo.gl/voTsRDJTbzWsSdkEA https://plus.codes/87G7PX9X+8M Nearby Locations: Lower Manhattan | Little Italy | Chinatown | Civic Center | Tribeca | SoHo 10013 | 10012 | 10007 | 10002

The Downtown ophthalmologists and retina specialists at Vitreous Retina Macula Consultants of New York are internationally known leaders in diagnosing and treating retinal diseases. The VRMNY retina doctors in the Lower Manhattan are world-recognized retina experts in difficult-to-diagnose and rare conditions. They offer the latest treatments for retinal diseases, focusing on treating macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal tears and detachments. This exceptional and unique expertise, joined with their attentive, empathetic concern and careful approach means that even expert Manhattan ophthalmologists turn to Downtown Manhattan retina doctors first when they or their families need care. VRMNY retina doctors have trained and taught at some of the world's finest and most respected academic institutions. The physicians who comprise the best retina specialists in New York are experts in vitrectomy surgery and hold academic appointments at Lenox Hill Hospital, New York University, and the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary. Our ophthalmologists in Downtown specialize in treating all medical and surgical retinal conditions, emphasizing macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, the two leading causes of retinal vision loss. With state-of-the-art New York ophthalmology center in Downtown, Manhattan, VRMNY is the largest retina vitreous center in the New York Metropolitan area. Our Downtown, New York ophthalmologists and eye doctors publish more in the foremost peer-reviewed journals than any other private or academic group in the United States. The practice devotes its time and resources to research and developing new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Many current concepts in retinal disease and treatment recognized worldwide were invented at VRMNY. The attention, empathetic concern, and careful approach of the eye care specialists and their support team of retina surgeons explain the success of VRMNY. The over 60 member staff provides a full range of educational, medical, and surgical services. With an emphasis on patient education, the staff delivers compassionate and empowering care. For more information about the Vitreous Retina Macula Consultants of New York, our doctors, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Richard F. Spaide, please contact our ophthalmology practice by number: (212) 234-3367. Google maps: https://goo.gl/maps/V69qfU2eHGCS8p337 https://plus.codes/87G7PX9X+7J New York Nearby Service Locations: Tribeca, New York, NY, USA Gramercy Park, New York, NY, USA Ukrainian Village, New York, NY, USA Alphabet City, New York, NY 10009, USA Lower East Side, New York, NY, USA Chinatown, New York, NY, USA Peter Cooper Village, New York, NY, USA West Village, New York, NY, USA Bowery, New York, NY, USA Greenwich Village, New York, NY, USA East Village, New York, NY, USA NoHo, New York, NY, USA Civic Center, New York, NY, USA Lower Manhattan, New York, NY, USA Union Square, New York, NY 10003, USA SoHo, New York, NY, USA Seaport, New York, NY 10038, USA Nearby Service Zip Codes: 10012, 10002, 10013, 10278, 10007, 10282, 10279, 10271, 10038, 10005 Working Hours: Monday-Friday: 8am - 5pm Payment: cash, check, credit cards. Vitreous Retina Macula Consultants of New York 110 Lafayette St, Suite 502 New York, NY 10013 (212) 234-3367 (212) 861-9797 Fax: (212) 628-0698 https://www.vrmny.com/ https://www.vrmny.com/locations/downtown-manhattan

While the basics of eye care are well-known, these are some unconventional tips that can fo a long way in maintaining optimal eye health; The 20-20-20 rule For those who spend hours in front of screens, take a 20 second break to look at something 20 feet away every 20 minutes to reduce eye strain. Cold compress for puffy eyes Applying a cold compress made with cucumber slices or tea bags can soothe tired and puffy eyes, reducing inflammation. Blink mindfully Blinking helps distribute tear film, but prolonged screen time can lead to reduced blinking. Make a conscious effort to blink fully and frequently. Hydration and diet Proper hydration and a diet can support eye health. These unconventional care tips can help you maintain bright, healthy eyes. You can also seek help from the Best Eye Hospital in Punjab, Mitra Eye & Lasik Lasik Hospital. Mitra Eye & Laser Lasik Hospital Mitra Eye & Laser Lasik Hospital, New, adj. RBL Bank, Patel Nagar, Phagwara, Punjab 144401 Contact:- 9501116997 Website:- https://punjablasik.com/

If you want to maintain and enhance eye health, consult the best Eye Doctor in Punjab. They provide complete guidance regarding eye health so you can improve your eye health. For example, an eye doctor finds the root causes of weak eye health. They provide the treatment and follow the procedure according to instructions. If you are wearing vision glasses, you must check your eyes timely with an expert doctor. If you want to manage your eye health, you should eat a healthy diet with a rich amount of nutrients. It helps to improve your eye health. When you go outside, you wear glasses to protect your eyes from environmental exposure. Wash your eyes with cold water in the morning and evening, change your lifestyle, and it helps to improve your eye health. If you want to adopt eye surgical treatment, contact Mitra Eye and Laser Lasik Hospital. Best Eye Doctor in Punjab | Mitra Eye & Laser Lasik Hospital Address: Mitra Eye & Laser Lasik Hospital, New, adj. RBL Bank, Patel Nagar, Phagwara, Punjab 144401 Contact: 09988833379 Website: https://punjablasik.com/ Map: https://goo.gl/maps/r8sg9Mq85ZLbe52r8

This problem usually occurs in the child's eye. There is no fixed age limit for this kind of eye problem. You can get this eye problem at a very young age too. If you or your child cannot see correctly, you must seek help from the best eye doctor in Punjab. Doctors will guide youtube better to make proper alignment of your eyes. If needed, they will suggest you use some corrective lenses. The corrective lenses help improve focus by adding a layer of clear vision through lenses. If your squint still needs to be managed. If it is causing you sighting problems, you must seek treatment at the Best Eye Hospital In Punjab, like Mitra Eye Hospital. Mitra Eye Hospital & Lasik Laser Centre Address: Patel Nagar, Hargobind Nagar, Phagwara, Punjab 144401, India Phone: 09501116997 Website: https://www.mitraeyehospital.com/ Map: https://goo.gl/maps/4Wr7MK49fQoyYtKD8

Last night I dreamed about my foster mother. She was wearing a white sari with a blue border, and she looked sad. She passed away in 2008. It has been almost 15 years; I have not forgotten her for a moment. I lost my biological mother when I was only nine months old. My mother's stepmother, Mariyam, took me in her care and became my foster mother. Ten children were born in my foster mother's womb, but unfortunately not a single child survived. After my mother passed away, my maternal grandfather took me from my father, and then gave her the responsibility of raising me. When I was a child, I used to call her ‘mom,' later, due to everyone's continuous reminder, I began to call her "Didi". I did not see my maternal grandmother. Because she died before I was born. So, Didi was my mother and grandmother both at the same time. Didi was medium tall and an incredibly beautiful woman with a pair of deep-black eyes, and thick eyebrows. She had wavy-long hair, a pointed nose, thin lips, fair skin, and a betel leaf shaped small face. She always wore light colored cotton saris. She was used to chewing paan (betel leaves) with lime, betel nut, and tobacco leaves. Her lips were always red because of betel leaves juice. A sweet smell came out from her mouth when she spoke. She was kind and generous, and always tried to make others smile, even when she was sad. I get upset all day when I see Didi in my dreams. Didi's life story was full of sorrows. Her parents died when she was young, but she had a sister. Her sister got married at an incredibly early age, just like other Bangladeshi girls were married in 1940. Two years later, Didi's sister was killed by her husband for his second marriage. Didi's father had a huge land, but her cousins possessed all of those. As a result, Didi was mentally depressed all the time. Didi has brought me up with utmost love and care. Her love was unconditional. When I was young, I was often sick, and Didi had to face a lot of suffering for me. When I was nine years old, my father took me to him for my bright feature. At that time Didi always cried for me and became almost mad. After my marriage, most of the time Didi stayed with us and took care of my children. She raised my children in the same way she raised me. Didi always looked stunned and upset because of losing her parents, sisters, so many children, and finally her husband. There were also various age-related diseases. As a result, Didi became very weak and could not remember anything. She could not walk properly. Her arms and legs were shaking always. After the age 60th, she became anxious for death. She wanted to die in her husband's house. She did not want to stay with us anymore and moved to her husband's village home. There she lived with her husband's youngest son Altaf, whom she raised. She lived almost 70 years. But her death was very tragic. One night there was load shedding at home. A cup lamp was flaming on the floor. Didi got down from the bed to go to the bathroom. It was winter. A shawl was wrapped around her body. Maybe a part of the shawl was hanging inadvertently, and suddenly the hanging shawl attached to the fire. She did not understand anything at first. At one point, the fire started blazing. Didi's whole body was burnt in the fire, and she died on the way to the hospital. The next morning, my aunt gave me the news of Didi's death over the phone. My uncle's house is about 15/16 hours' drive from Dhaka. It was not possible to keep Didi's half-decomposed body in the village environment for so long, moreover, I did not want to see her burnt face. I wanted to keep Didi's acquainted face in my mind. So, I did not go. But I went with my family to make her exequy's program after forty days. Before that, when I went to my uncle's house, Didi was always busy taking care of me. Although recently she could not do it herself, she gave instructions to my aunties. The house, without Didi, reminded me more of her. My heart was crying for her. In my life, there are lots of memories of Didi and I will never forget those! Didi passed away in 2008. It has been almost 13 years; I have not forgotten her for a moment. She is present throughout my being. When I think about the sufferings of her whole life, my eyes fill with tears. God seems very one-eyed then. He floats someone in the sea of happiness, and floats someone in the tears from birth to death. Why did not make Didi's life a little happier! I believe Didi is living in a better place than before. God, please... please keep my Didi always happier in heaven.

The Coronavirus outbreak that swept the planet showed me humanity's true colors. I saw the news stories of doctors and nurses living in their garages to protect their families. I watched interviews and live feeds across social media praising teachers for finding ways to continue teaching. I watched communities come together to take care of each other with free mini libraries and food pantries. I saw neighbors put up signs thanking frontline workers, while others put out drinks and snacks for their delivery drivers. And yet, despite all that bravery and love, I became bombarded with what can only be described as my breaking point. Videos of frontline workers being assaulted filled social media feeds. Heartbreaking stories emerged of people attacking hospital staff in parking lots. Customers fighting in shops for “necessities”. Infamous Karen videos became the norm. The world had become a violent terrifying place. Not only were we fighting an invisible virus; we were trying to survive against the losing battle of self-importance and entitlement. My parents instilled in me the belief that every single life matters and thus deserves nothing less than the utmost respect. The janitor mopping the floors deserves to be treated the same as the CEO, as one without the other could not succeed. I always held this belief in my heart, and it crushed me to see that this was not a universal belief. Being a retail worker myself at the time, I was afraid. Every time I left my house my body was preparing for fight or flight. In my head I would come up with ways I could defend myself physically if someone came at me; my go to was a pen in my hand at all times. I had only a mask at the time to keep me safe from a virus coming for me… It would do little against a fist. Taking the TTC; the Toronto public transit system, I had to keep a close eye on those around me. Backing away from those who refused to social distance, and biting my tongue until it bled under my mask when people would take theirs off. Sometimes I would speak up, but I always knew the risk I took doing so. Someday someone would come at me, and I wouldn't be able to physically defend myself. I reached a point where I no longer cared. I was tired of fighting an uphill battle. All I could think of was my family and of families like mine; who were doing everything in their power to make things safe; taking care of each other in such trying times. I would stare at the mask less, proudly smirking because no one could tell them what to do, as they would yell out in victory, “We won't be controlled.” and “I'm not wearing a muzzle!” My hatred for them grew every day; the more bare faces I saw the more frustration built. Why were they more important than my mother? My father? My sister? Why couldn't they get that this wasn't a political issue? No one was trying to silence them. They were free to believe whatever they wanted. Policies were made to prevent the spread. You don't want to wear a mask? Then don't. But then you can't complain online, or scream at employees when you're denied entry. You can't scream that your freedoms and rights are being violated when stores have the right to refuse service, while police remove you from private property. They wanted others to follow the rules so that they could be safe, but then turned around and refused to do the same for others. Time and time again I was baffled by their selfishness. Why is your comfort more important than someone's life? How can anyone be so cruel? Did they have hearts of stone? How could you see the footage of bodies being pulled out of long term care homes and pretend it's normal? How could you watch videos of exhausted nurses barely able to take off their PPE gear while tears rolled down their cheeks, from hours of calling codes? How could it not crush your soul to hear the cries of families mourning their children. We were losing mothers, fathers, sisters, daughters, aunts, uncles, grandparents, best friends, and yet they still didn't care, because it wasn't them. My family should have been safe, protected by you and yours, just as we did for you. But in your eyes, we weren't worth the inconvenience. Our lives didn't matter. The pandemic not only taught me I can't trust others to do the right thing, but it stole a future from me. I lost my faith in humanity, and with it, my dreams of ever becoming a mother. There is no sense to bring another life into this world just to witness this exact scenario in the next pandemic. For them to feel the fear, disgust, hopelessness and rage I felt. That so many of us felt. This isn't a world I want to make another suffer through.. So in a weird way, I have a pandemic to thank for showing me humanity's true colors. It took so much from us; years, resources, loved ones, but, it confirmed that we will always be creatures of habit. And even in the most dire of circumstances, people won't ever change.

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Love on the Yellow line Coming Soon... Go follow @taylormademosley

“Serna, you sit there,” my 2nd grade teacher said as she gestured her manicured hand to a light – blue desk at the far end of the classroom near the exit door. It was the first day of school and she was arranging our seats by alphabetical order of our family names. Mine starts with the 19th letter of the alphabet therefore, it was expected that I would sit at the back. I remember putting my bag and belongings on my desk and acquainted myself with my new seat. Upon facing front, it was then that I noticed something unusual. There were illegible scribbles written all over the chalkboard. However, to my surprise after squinting my eyes and leaning a bit closer, they were actually fractions and numbers for our Math class. It was weird but I just shrugged off the experience thinking it was just an effect of sitting at the back of the class and delighted myself with my new school supplies. That was the first memory that comes into my mind when I try to recall the moment I started to have a blurry eyesight. Myopia, nearsightedness or shortsightedness is an eye condition in which light focuses in front of instead on, the retina. It makes the distant objects appear blurry but become normal when they are close. As a person who suffers from this eye condition, the world becomes like a pixelated low quality movie. “Struggle is real.” This line from an Internet meme perfectly sums up my experience as a nearsighted person. Oftentimes, I would find myself into embarrassing situations like getting lost in public places, walking straight into glass doors or waving to a person who is actually waving to the person behind me much to my mortification. In classes, the PowerPoint presentations and visual aids of my classmates are not much of an aid at all and the words on a chalkboard look like squiggly worms doing a dance routine in my eyes that trigger a pounding in my skull. I actually wear prescription glasses that help me focus my eyesight in looking at distant objects. However, wearing one is a nightmare itself which is why I often take it off whenever possible. I hate the sensation of metal and glass jutting out of my eyeballs, the way it leaves deep indentations on my nose bridge and the never absent fingerprint smudges on the lenses. But still, I always get a “mini – heart attack” whenever I misplace them. Nothing compares to the anxiety when a myopic person forgets where she puts her eyeglasses not only because she cannot see clearly but because it is very clear how much a new pair can burn a hole in someone's wallet. However, despite the downsides of not having a crystal clear vision, my blurry vision has given me a different perspective in seeing the world. I may not easily see details but I have come to see little things like the bounce of a classmate's step as she walks down the hallway, the way a friend's hand always strays to her backpack strap or the way a person scratches his head in confusion. I have come to see the people around me not on the way they look but on their nuances that give away who they really are. While images and the outward physical appearance of people appear blurry to me, I see more clearly than how people think I do. I will not deny that I do get jealous of normal sighted people sometimes. They will never feel the burden of having an annoying contraption in front of their eyes for the rest of their life or accidentally poking their irises trying to put on contact lenses every day while running late. They will never always have to sit at the front row during class discussions. They will never experience the constant fear of breaking an eyewear during sports in Physical Education. Yet, I am grateful for the sight that I have for I learned to look at the world not as what it is but for the things that make it what it is. “Nixie!” a high – pitched voice calls me. I look around the hallway and see a figure coming towards me. Her face is a blank canvas yet to be painted of its features by my eyes for she is still far away but there is no mistaking of her gait, the rounded shoulders and the curves that hug her body. Without hesitation, I raise my hand in a wave and smile at my friend.

Its like honey. The way the sun drips into your eyes. I look at you and you're just smiling. I think my favorite part about you is the crinkle in your eyes when you smile and the blast of color that shows with it. I'm content, I've looked for this feeling my whole life and now its standing right in front of me, staring me down. you bring warmth in seconds and take my shallowed breath away.