I will relate the entire story. I visited the local Occulista here in Umbertide that I used once before for a checkup. She said I needed surgery because I have cataracts in both eyes. She recommended two doctors. I opted for Dotoressa Ricci who would give me an appointment in Città di Castello north of us a short distance. She gave me the option of getting in the queue for the operation in the National Health system (free), or to pay private. The differences were, for the public system 1) I would have to wait a year or more, and 2) I wouldn’t get a choice of the type of lens they implanted. For going private, 1) I get the operation now and 2) I get the exact lens that will correct my astigmatism and remove the cataract. I opted to pay private. The cost was €2,000 for all. Including follow-ups.
The operation took place this week on Tuesday in a private clinic in a town called Gualdo Tadino. It is a 50 minute drive, but it is a very pretty drive so… The actual procedure was not fun. I don’t know how it is done in the U.S. Maybe someone can tell me. It took maybe 20 minutes. And I went home to do drops for a month. I had to wear dark glasses inside and out.
Today was my “after surgery checkup”. This time in the Gubbio – Gualdo Tadino hospital. All of these facilities are unknown to me. I was surprised that the hospital was quite modern and new. It was also in what I would call the “middle of nowhere”. It is nice they have a good medical facility out there.
I had to wait for an hour for the doc to see me. But it was all good news. I can see well from this eye. I need to get my glasses refitted to have plain glass instead of prescription. I’m cleared to drive and do anything I want. One more post op checkup and I’m done. Second eye we will do in September. Summertime is fun time here. We are all going places and doing things. So no business to be done! I love this summer vacation mindset.
~~~~~~~~~
A little side step. I always loved, and used the Miracle Grow pellets back in the U.S. for my plants. But I just couldn’t find them here. Most things are liquid and you mix with water. I like the time release ones. Finally I managed to enter the right parameters and I found this…
Literally crescita miracolosa. Means … miracle grow!
Hi Judith, yes, it all went well. The right eye, corrected one, is very clear. But not to read. I always loved that I could always read without glasses. The left one which is not corrected is pretty good. I may opt to not correct it. I still need to have my glasses fixed with plain glass for the fixed eye. We will wait and see!
Glad you cataract surgery went well! I did mine in the US before moving over here. With insurance, I opted for the extra out-of-pocket cost for the laser surgery ($1500 per eye) and standard lenses — although I have astigmatism I did not choose the lenses to correct that. So your’s here was less expensive that the US with insurance! Couldn’t be happier with the results.
hi Rose Marie, Happy to share my find!
Thank you for the miracle grow product in Italian! I too was looking for it here in Carovigno,
Puglia. I could not find it anywhere. Perfetto!
Hi Louann, yes, happy for the surgery. I tested yesterday and can see both distance and to read so crossing fingers. I have never needed glasses to read and would be sad to have to. I agree, if one can afford it then they need to indulge themselves as young as possible. Once you’re older, you must accept so many limitations. I’m having a hard time doing that. Inside, I am still young. Enjoy while you can 💕
Hi Casey. I am noticing it’s much brighter! And so far, after testing yesterday, I can see both distance and to read, so I won’t need glasses. I’ve worn glasses for distance since my 20s so this will be very new! And night driving had certainly gotten difficult. Hoping that will be better too. Take care!
Hi Catherine! Thanks for the great comments. The surgery wasn’t awful, just uncomfortable. So I guess, I needed to set expectations. One more to go. I hope the table guy contacts me. He has not yet. Right now is the prettiest time of year in Umbria. Everything is highlighter green. Like I need to blink, it’s so bright. I was thrilled to find the posh miracle grow! ☺️
Congrats Nancy on successful eye surgery! I used to work in a procedure center (day surgeries) that included cataract removal. It took the surgeon exactly 10 min and patients were home immediately with drops. Such a wonderful opportunity to see again without glasses! Although it’s possible you may use readers at some point.
Thank you for your kind reply to my grieving in having to prepare myself for the eventuality of selling our house in italy. I wish we had been able to buy in Italy 20 years ago. I encourage others to take the plunge and buy their dream home earlier in life, not waiting until retirement! Best wishes and enjoy summer! We head back mid Sept but not before I take several plunges in the sea! It’s like bath water warm and only a 20 min bike ride to get there!!
Had the same cataract surgery one week apart in US this last January. Opted for distance correction with laser removal and new corrective lens. Glasses for close up work. Cost about the same 2k each eye. The world is very bright and night driving is much better for this 77 year old.
Your observations/photos on the Chinese Store – interesting/amusing. As for your surgery, I have not had this, but friends who have, here in Canada, said it was ‘easy peasy’…it was the follow-up drops for the month (?) that drove them crazy.
Good Luck with a better experience for the 2nd one. Nice of you to assist the gentleman who is hoping to get a unique, hand crafted table. Enjoy your photos a lot; this is such a great time of the year; well, if the Winter has ‘let go’…..as it has not yet done so here!!! The Miracle Grow was hilarious – sounds so posh in Italiano!
Hi Ken, that is about the same experience that I had. I found it uncomfortable.
As for your tables. I did a google and I found that what you’re looking for is similar to my table and the previous one in our old apartment. We spent about €1400 for the 100 cm table in a factory in Deruta which is the very famous ceramics town here just south of Perugia. So I don’t think $5,000 is reasonable. Please send me an email nancy22314@yahoo.com and I can help you get a nice table. I have a very good friend here who works with one of the factories where the artists create these lovely tables. Happy to help.
Hi Nancy. I look forward to and enjoy tour postings. I had cataract surgery done a few years ago in Washington State. I don’t remember any bad unpleasantness. It was just a little odd looking into the light as the procedure was being done. I just had to wear dark glassed for a few days.
On another note, I have a question for you. We are looking to buy what I believe are called lava stone tables. I’ve been looking at a store in San Gimignano (we visited there some years ago) and the price for the size we’re considering (100cm) is about $5,000 with base and shipping. Is that a reasonable price? Or are there better sources? Thank you for any input. Ken