ESL Podcast 234 – Seeing an Eye Doctor

I’ve been getting a lot of headaches the past few weeks and my co-worker suggested I go see an optometrist¹.

Dr. Olho: Okay, let’s take a look. Do you wear glasses or contacts?

Virginia: I used to, but I had laser eye surgery three years ago and I don’t wear them anymore.

Dr. Olho: I see. Well, let’s check your vision. It may be that even though your vision was 20/20 after the surgery, it’s changed and you are now either near- sighted or far-sighted. Cover your left eye and take a look at the eye chart. Read the last line that you can make out.

Virginia: I can read the fourth line down – X, C, D, O, M, A.

Dr. Olho: Hmmm...okay. Cover your other eye and do the same. Good. I’m going to have you look through this machine and I want you to tell me if A or B is sharper and clearer. Okay, A or B, A or B?

Virginia: A is a little blurry². I think B is better.

Dr. Olho: Okay, I think that you’ve developed some far-sightedness and will need reading glasses. I’m writing out a prescription³ for you. When you’ve pick out a frame, give them the prescription and they’ll make your lenses. Any questions?

Virginia: So, do you really think I need reading glasses? I’m not that old.

Dr. Olho: I’m sorry to say that you do. Some people have to get them earlier than others. At least you’re not having any serious eye problems like glaucoma.

Virginia: Yeah, I guess that’s one thing to be grateful for.


Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

1 optometrist   

n.验光师，配镜师

参考例句：

• Where can I find a good optometrist?我在哪里能找一个好的验光师呢？
• If you need glasses,you should see an optometrist.若是你要配眼镜，你要找去验光师。

2 blurry   

adj.模糊的；污脏的，污斑的

参考例句：

• My blurry vision makes it hard to drive. 我的视力有点模糊，使得开起车来相当吃力。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• The lines are pretty blurry at this point. 界线在这个时候是很模糊的。 来自《简明英汉词典》

3 prescription   

n.处方，开药；指示，规定

参考例句：

• The physician made a prescription against sea- sickness for him.医生给他开了个治晕船的药方。
• The drug is available on prescription only.这种药只能凭处方购买。