FADE IN
Act 1
PETER wakes up.
PETER (V.O): Today is an important day in several months. I'm going to consult my doctor. I need his guidance for my well-being.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): I'd report to him that I got Covid again in Jan this year. I didn't take any drugs and felt myself fully recovered in weeks.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): I'd seek his referral for me to consult an ophthalmologist, as an optometrist told me a week ago that I had cataract in one eye.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): As I'm turning 70, I need a medical exam cert to renew my driving licence. I don't know if my Doc would provide such a service.
Act 2
INT. WAITING ROOM, FAMILIES CLINIC - 14:30
Chits in hand, Peter sits in a sofa.
PETER (V.O): Actually, my original purpose of coming here is to get Lipitor - a cholesterol lowering drug.
Recalling.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): When the drug was first suggested to me, I was hesitant as I worried about the possible side effects.
Recalling.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): But I was persuaded that I should prevent cardiovascular disease.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): One definite upside of taking the drug has been that I'd come to consult my doctor once in a while.
Peter checks his chits.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): My blood pressures are reasonable at my age. My body mass index (BMI) are normal. I believe I'm reasonably healthy.
INT. CONSULTATION ROOM - 14:45
Entering, Peter begins to engage with his DOCTOR cheerfully.
PETER: Doc, I got Covid for a second time...I didn't take any drugs...
.
DOC: You did well..
PETER: I don't think I need any more doses of vaccination...
DOC:...my Dad researched in vaccines...but he had never been vaccinated himself...
PETER (eyes wide open): It's his personal choice.
DOC: Let me also tell you about the late Prof David Todd, who educated the older generations of doctors in Hong Kong...
Peter leans forward.
DOC (Cont'd):...When he was hospitalized, doctors were curious what would appear in his drug list. There was nothing.
PETER: Humans possess inherent self-healing capabilities. But it seems that the cataract in one of my eyes won't go away by itself...Surgery is the only solution.
Using a specialized microscope, Doc shines a thin beam of light onto Peter's eyes and examines the cornea, iris, lens and other structures...
DOC: Your cataract is immature. Does it bother you in any way?
Peter tries to think of an answer.
DOC (Cont'd): Since you're concerned, I'd write a referral for you to see an ophthalmologist.
Having hit the keyboard of his computer, Doc looks up.
DOC (Cont'd): I've retina detachment in one of my eyes that affects my vision.
Peter's eyes wide open.
PETER(V.O): I've never observed there's anything wrong with any of my Doc's eyes.
DOC (Cont'd): Surgery is one choice. But I'm grateful that my other eye still functions well!
PETER: I see...How about the prospect of certifying me fit to drive as I turn 70?
DOC: We used to do that. But then, the senior management has second thoughts about this non-essential service.
PETER: I know private practitioners provide the service. I just thought you knew my health conditions well as you're the only doctor I've been consulting for the past 10 years.
DOC: Ha! That explains why I don't see any health records of yours from other doctors! Thank you for your trust!
Doc passes Peter two chits.
DOC (Cont'd): What I can give you today are packets of Lipitor, and a referral. But remember, you still have one eye functioning well!
Peter exits with a thankful smile.
Act 3
INT. BEDROOM - 22:00
Peter inserts an AI drawing entitled "Challenges & Choices...." to a text.
PETER (V.O): Life is full of challenges. Apparently, the choices are to fight or flight, breakthrough or breakdown.
Thinking.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): We all face challenges in healthcare and the choices can be hard to make, as they may not be just black and white.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): As life doesn't always give me second chances, I've learned from my Doc to appreciate the blessings I've in the midst of my health challenges.
FADE OUT
THE END
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