A call to Torontonians re: eye doctors, and an Andrea Bocelli rant

[my_tw0_cents]

Has anyone had to go to an optometrist/opthalmologist (sp?) in town recently to get new contact lenses? I'm looking for recommendations for a good eye doctor who charges reasonable prices for contacts. Also, does anyone know how U of T insurance covers costs for contacts and such? I thought I heard that our student insurance does cover costs

Comments

[pittenweem]

Haha. I agree about Mr. Bocelli. As a blind person, I am rather annoyed by all the attention he receives simply because he is blind. If he had normal visio, I don't think he's get nearly as much attention. Plus, I consider him part of the "pseudo-classical" movement (Charlotte Church and Josh Groban are also included in this catagory for me). They're fine at what they do, but in no way should they be placed on the same level as the truly great classical singers.

I *love* my eye doctor in Toronto and have been going to her for four or five years now. Not having contacts, I don't know how much she charges. Her name is Linda Skrapits (416-968-2300); everyone in the office is super friendly and helpful. Our grad insurance pays for $75 (?) of an eye exam every two years and $125 or so for contacts or glasses.

Re: Andrea Bocelli

[my_tw0_cents]

Many thanks for the recommendation! I always feel a bit lost when looking for a doctor's office in town--most recently when trying to get a good dentist (remember my earlier post?). The dentist is fantastic, but the prices are just way beyond what I can afford. I'll look up Dr. Skrapits :)

Re: Andrea Bocelli

[pittenweem]

Also, I go to the Quen West Community Health CEntre to get my teeth cleaned. They are reasonable and good.

Andrea Bocelli

[anonymous]

Well, while we are ranting, let me say it annoys me when people say that if Maestro Bocelli could see he wouldn't get all the attention. Most didn't even know he was blind when they first heard him. His voice has been praised by renowned artists, producers and conductors alike, not to mention his millions of fans so I doubt your opinion means much to him. So don't wrap your head around him, there are plenty out there that do!

Re: Andrea Bocelli

[my_tw0_cents]

Fair enough--I know quite a lot of people, critics, others in the profession, fans, etc. have great things to say about him, and they're entitled to their opinion. I'm just stating mine, and people are free to disagree. Do me a favor though--if you're going to disagree with me, at least have enough spine to identify yourself. I think I'm mature enough to not hold it against you.

Also, next time you leave a comment, here or elsewhere, I'd leave the snarkiness out if I were you. Totally unnecessary and only works against you.

Bocelli

[andboc]

To all of you out there who think that Andrea gets the attention and adoration because he is blind. Well, you all must be deaf. That man has more talent in his little finger then the rest of you combined. Pavarotti said that Andrea was a better Tenor them himself. That Andrea was able to do things with his voice, and with the notes themselves that he was never able to do.
I'm guessing you either listen to top 40 crap radio, or think someone like Paul Potts or Russell Watson is what classical music is all about. I would also tell you about what Franco Corelli thought about him, but I'm sure none of you have ever heard of that wonderful Tenor.
Andrea's voice is heaven sent, and there is no reason for you all to go on about how terrible he is. If you don't like him, change the station when he comes on. But don't go on spouting crap you know nothing about !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: Bocelli

[my_tw0_cents]

Hi, if you're the person who left the anonymous comment earlier, thanks for commenting via your lj account. I do appreciate it, and I mean that without any sarcasm

Re: Bocelli

[pittenweem]

1. I have no time for Russell Watson; he is simply overrated. But I fail to see that listening to Top 40 radio means I cannot express an opinion about other types of music. I love music and listen to multiple genres with equal appreciation.

2. I never said Bocelli is without talent, I merely said I thought he is not as talented as others with whom he is compared. Also, see above regarding the blindness factor. As a blind person myself, I find it deeply offensive that, in my opinion, Bocelli's blindness is highlighted and commented on so frequently. I'm not saying he got famous because he is blind, but I don't like how they have emphasized this fact in marketing him. It doesn't matter whether he is blind or not; all that should matter is whether he can sing

Re: Bocelli

[my_tw0_cents]

Couldn't have said it better myself. May I also add: name-slinging is not cool. It makes you look like a bit of an arrogant prick, actually, and that really doesn't help your case.

[mediaevalrose]

This whole exchange is *special*. Seriously, who has the time to troll LJs looking for musical entries they disagree with?

Wow, my_tw0_cents, you unwittingly seem to have picked a winning topic for occasioning amazingness...

;-)

[my_tw0_cents]

Isn't it great? Who the hell goes around picking blogfights with completely random people??

[baerish]

Welcome to the interweb =)