Dog scared of dog food?

Seriously! I have 2 full blooded shih tzus. The female is fine, but my male will not eat out of a bowl or off of a plate, he did fine until about 2 months ago. He acts like he is scared, but some times he acts like he cant find his food, and it has been in the same place for 4 years (he is 4) I wonder if he may have cataracts , I hand feed him other wise he dont eat, for water he goes to the area where it is, and whimpers, I have to put my finger in the water and put it on his nose and scoot the bowl closer, and he will drink out of it, but I cannot get him to eat out of his bowl. Please help. he has his yearly vet appt in 2 weeks, and I will have is eyes checked. but in the mean time how can I help him.. they are as precious to me as my son,,, I want to help him!!!!! any ideas?