r/Assistance • u/WyattCo06 • Apr 07 '26
REQUEST Going Blind
Hello kind redditors. The basic rundown on my situation is I'm going blind. I have no insurance and I keep getting the runaround with Medicaid but still trying.
I'm trying at least get to the eye doctor for a diagnosis and assessment. The vision in my left eye is gone. The vision in my right eye is going.
The appointment will cost $125.
Please help me get to the eye doctor.
Thank you in advance.
Request is for $125.
14
u/ImMr_Meseeks Apr 07 '26
You’ve got to finish the Medicaid application. If you had the money today for the eye exam, at best that would get you a diagnosis, although they may need additional tests. How would you pay for treatment? Sometimes you can ask a librarian for help filling out such an application
8
u/Blossom73 Apr 07 '26
Sometimes you can ask a librarian for help filling out such an application
I second this.
6
u/TheSparklerFEP Apr 07 '26
I saw you’re in NC, have you contacted division of services for the blind?
-2
7
u/CopperSteve Apr 07 '26
What does the runaround mean? Also can you provide location?
0
u/WyattCo06 Apr 07 '26
Runaround as far as call this number, call that number, I've invested hours in phone calls thus far.
I'm in NC
5
u/CopperSteve Apr 07 '26
Sorry to hear that, in the meantime have you tried this resource: https://www.nceyes.org/visionnc if you provide more information I can look into more local options but no worries if you can't.
-1
u/WyattCo06 Apr 07 '26 edited Apr 07 '26
I actually tried that as my Aunt recommended it. Closest was 1.5 hours away and my aunt is my transportation and is a cancer patient.
4
u/Blossom73 Apr 07 '26
Have you already applied?
0
u/WyattCo06 Apr 07 '26
I've been trying.
11
u/Blossom73 Apr 07 '26
Apply here:
https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/apply
No need to call. Are there questions about Medicaid I can help you with? I'm a Medicaid eligibility worker, although not in NC.
1
u/WyattCo06 Apr 07 '26
That's what I've been on......for a week.
4
u/Blossom73 Apr 07 '26
Are you getting an error message?
1
u/WyattCo06 Apr 07 '26
Sometimes yes. Sometimes information doesn't get saved or the page will freeze. Sometimes it will not let me correct information so I have to delete to application and start a new. I'm still trying though.
6
u/Blossom73 Apr 07 '26
Ugh, sorry to hear that.
There's a paper application here.
NC also has health insurance navigators, who can help you apply.
6
u/NoRecommendation9404 Apr 07 '26
Apply online. Once you do they set up a phone call.
4
u/Blossom73 Apr 07 '26
Once you do they set up a phone call.
Medicaid doesn't require an interview. Only for SNAP.
2
u/WyattCo06 Apr 07 '26
I've been working on that for a week also. I'm just having a hard time with it.
3
6
u/Royal_Tough_9927 REGISTERED Apr 07 '26
Have you applied for disability ? Social security covers blindness.
1
u/WyattCo06 Apr 07 '26
I have to have an assessment first. I can't just say "I'm blind".
8
u/Blossom73 Apr 07 '26
The SSA should schedule a free eye exam for you if you apply.
-3
u/WyattCo06 Apr 07 '26
I've been through all that. The closest is 1.5 hours away. My aunt is my transportation and she is a cancer patient. I cannot drive.
3
u/Blossom73 Apr 07 '26
I'm sorry.
2
u/WyattCo06 Apr 07 '26
It'll be ok. I'm still working on the medicaid thing. I'm just getting scared and aggravated.
1
u/Blossom73 Apr 07 '26
Understandable.
2
u/WyattCo06 Apr 07 '26
Yeah, I started having mild cloudy issues with my left eye back September or early October of last year. By January, it was "done". By then my right eye started getting cloudy and has been diminishing ever since.
I'm a 24/7 caregiver for my father who has Alzeimers. I have to see!!
3
u/Blossom73 Apr 07 '26
I know that's frightening.
Please look into Medicaid waiver programs for your Dad. If he's eligible, they'll provide in home care assistance for him.
1
u/WyattCo06 Apr 07 '26
As long as I'm able, I will do the job myself. I've been doing it 7 years now alone. I'm determined to be able to get some vision back. I will prevail.
2
u/Royal_Tough_9927 REGISTERED Apr 07 '26
You can apply for disability online and over the phone. Any doctors appointments they make you , you will receive notification to go. Then you just have to make arrangements to go get evaluated.
3
u/Royal_Tough_9927 REGISTERED Apr 07 '26
By any chance are you a diabetic or have blood sugar issues. I would strongly recommend that you address your problem immediately if this is the cause. If you are not sure about having diabetes , I still recommend having your sugar and vision checked immediately. I have seen people go blind very quickly due to this issue and it's not one to take lightly. I'm sorry your family member has cancer. My mother dealt with it for 20 years. If the best you can do is go to the ER do that. If you need assistance with Medicaid or Disability , please reach out to any person that can help you physically open up the browser and apply. Or take the steps to call someone. Now , not later.
-6
u/WyattCo06 Apr 07 '26
I am far, far from being a diabetic. I just have cateracts.
5
u/Royal_Tough_9927 REGISTERED Apr 07 '26
Cataract surgery is the single greatest surgery I ever had. Being blind and having cataracts are two very different problems. Cataracts can be dealt with. Being blind , not so much.
-8
u/WyattCo06 Apr 07 '26
One causes the other. Ask me how I know.
8
u/Royal_Tough_9927 REGISTERED Apr 07 '26
Surgery will take care of the vision issues caused by the cataracts. If you are lucky you will never need a second cataract surgery. You will have great vision. Your posts imply you are blind as ,cannot see and close to losing your second eye. Blind as , cannot see , need Braille reader , a cane and a seeing eye dog. Vision difficulties from cataracts can be surgically corrected. And I stand by my stance there is a difference. You need an ophthalmologist and not an optometrist for a vision test.
-1
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