Apologies for this long post.
@Mamashep I understand so well how devastated you must be feeling. At my regular eyetest in Oct 2017 the optic said,I had bilateral cataracts developing. Never having been blessed with good eyesight a new prescription affords me with what was at the time eyesight which was normal to me, having worn variafocals lenses for too many years to remember so I was happy that I could 'continue'. One of my RA meds can cause visual problems but I was assured that aspect was fine. Forward 6 months and I felt my sight had deteriorated, particularly for driving and my night vision plus when awakening I felt I had to 'peel' my eyelids open! I could still read and daily life was OK though hadn't done any sewing for years due to the RA.
So, urgent appointment with optician who said dry eye syndrome,- eyedrops will sort that, but your eyesight is "not legal to drive'. I live alone and the RA limited my driving but I had better days so I worked around them for appointments, etc. and when really bad I do have family who are supportive but they do work full time. But this was like a punch in the face and I reeled mentally, my freedom and independence gone.
I was quoted approx £2.500 per eye to have surgery privately, first operation 2 weeks for surgery. 29 weeks was the waiting time for an initial appointment at local NHS hospital and other hospitals within a 40 mile radius. I saw my GP who fully appreciated what this had done to me and she referred me for urgent appointment and I had the option to see a specialist at a local Private BMI hospital who undertook NHS treatment. First appointment late July and he made provision for the first op late October. Surgery went fine, 31/2 hours stay and home now waiting for 2nd operation which I believe will be early new year.
I didn't appreciate just how bad my eyesight was until after the first op (on what was always my 'bad eye'). Two days and I could see individual blades of grass and the frost on them! It's a tad disorientating with the odd vision but.
I'm adapting and I can drive I've also have managed to thread the needles on my sewing machines and thread the overlocker!
Do please ask your doctor for an urgent referral.
I remember so well the fabulous kilts you used to make and hope that you will one day be able to sew again albeit only when you can.
Pat.