Dear Editor,
In 2019 I was diagnosed with glaucoma. I visited the ophthalmologist regularly and received regular updates. During my visits my main complaint was that I could feel my vision deteriorating. I asked for a more comprehensive study of my eyes and was just told to stick to the prescribed eye drops.
On April 15th, 2024, I woke up with a pounding headache and loss of vision in my right eye. Both my mother and I tried contacting the eye care center, explaining that this is an emergency. We both met with comments like; You need a referral letter, and everyone has an emergency. After reaching out to my doctor and getting a referral letter, my appointment was then set for June, two months later.
During this time, I took it upon myself and went abroad where I arrived, and got my appointment the next day and was tended to first thing in the morning. I was given a comprehensive diagnosis of my situation and a prescription. My doctor’s visit only cost me $85 including the prescription. I was told that I have a very aggressive form of glaucoma that could have been managed better had I gone to visit them sooner. The drops alone were not sufficient to effectively manage the situation.
Another issue that arose and is still present today is my sensitivity to light. Due to me now
only having one functioning eye, if it is overly stimulated by light (PCs, Phones, TVs, etc.) I
get headaches like the one I woke up to when I lost vision in my eye. I have done all that I can to deal with the situation. However, it does not feel like I am receiving the help I need to address this matter head on.
I have had to wait for appointments for longer than seven months while the referral letter is only valid for six. When I showed up with my new referral letter I was told that this is not the same letter and so the appointment will have to be rescheduled. After a bit of back and forth, I did not have to reschedule. I visited the neurologist who basically played a game of “head shoulders knees and toes” with me then told me my nerves are OK and sent me on my way.
My most recent experience was going to the ophthalmologist and having my session cut short due to the fumes from paint as the interior of the building was being repainted. That was May 23rd, 2025. I was told that the appointment would be rescheduled. After following up, I was informed that management has not given the go-ahead for them to reschedule anyone. Only was hearing it would most likely be the first or second week in August but on a Saturday.
There is no sense of urgency, they refuse to send me away, the medical industry in St. Maarten is very transactional. They do not provide care – it is a business. What is the point of being insured when access to medical professionals and services is limited and once received, mediocre at best?
Very upset and disgusted patient.
Name withheld at author’s request.
