Are all opticians equal?

Tom0 said:
I remember a story about a dads friends that went to the doctors and was told to visit the opticians immediately. They went to specsavers and were sold glasses. Still having the same problem went back to the doctors and were told "no go to a proper opticians". To which they did and were diagnosed with something that didn't require glasses but eye drops.

What the hell.
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You mean a Ophthalmologists as opposed to Optometrist.
 
I use local specsavers and find the opticians even within the branch vary. I once had to have my pupils dilated so one of them could inspect my eyes more thoroughly due to small pupils. Two years later I suspected I would need to have it done again but a different optician in the same branch just used a gadget to help her. I'm not saying one was good the other note, but clearly using different processes. If I knew my eyes could have been checked without using a chemical to dilate my pupils I would not have agree to the dilation.
I have pigmentation at the back of my eyes, well, around the peripheral, that some opticians see and show some concern about, others don't even mention it. They all do seem to these days but from the time it was first spotted (years ago) I think I have a few checkups one after another (for about 4 years) where it wasn't even spotted. Interesting they dont seem to be able to compare the current photo's to those taken years ago either (where are they?), instead just say "we'll keep an eye on it". As it was spotted years ago I suspect it's normal for me - it can be an indication of a disease(retinitis pigmentose or something like that) that eventually leads to blindness but have had no other symtpoms and I think most who have it lose a lot of vision by my age. Apparently I could be a carrier where it stays dormant - luckily have no kids as I'd be worried!
 
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Raymond Lin said:
You mean a Ophthalmologists as opposed to Optometrist.
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No idea. All I know is one is a small independent store on one side of the high street, the other side is a large nationwide chain store which is Specsavers. They both say "opticians" on the sign. One is wrong to assume otherwise?
 
Raymond Lin said:
You mean a Ophthalmologists as opposed to Optometrist.
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I doubt it, can't imagine there are many ophthalmologists working in opticians, I would expect most are in hospitals and require referring to be able to see.

The difference was likely that of a chain with corporate sales targets and a conveyor belt mentality versus an independent who need to maintain good service and excellent results to stay in business.
 
Years ago there used to be a distinction between "dispensing" and "ophthalmic" options with the view that generally if you wanted a medical level eye test you used the latter. These days the distinction seems to have blurred and they are all much of a muchness, they want to get you back out in the boutique looking at expensive frames. That said, last year I used a branch of Leightons (independent chain) for my test and had a very thorough examination done, no change to prescription though they did try it on by saying the existing frames on my driving glasses were getting tired. Missus went to Boots, formerly D&A, quick test and sold a pair of tacky cheap frames which are already wearing out after just six months.

Re the air "puff" if not already mentioned this is to check for glaucoma and needs to be done every year if there is a family history. As my late father suffered from this I always ensure it is done and also means you qualify for a free NHS check as opposed to paying £25 - £30 for the private fee.
 
I just had an eye test at Boots. They showed me the photo of my eye insides, they did the puff test (which I don't find bad at all), they did the peripheral vision test, they did the see the balloon test (I don't know what that is about) and of course the sight test. And because I get my contact lenses from them it was all free. They also fixed and upgraded the nose pads on my specs for free.
 
In the past I've used an independent, but there wasn't much choice in terms of frames, so my next few eye tests were at Asda, but again I didn't think there was a great choice of frames.
My eyes need testing again and was wondering whether to try my local Costco. Work colleague used Costco and was full of praise for it. Anyone else have any experience with Costco opticians?
 
It depends on the person doing the test rather than the company IMHO

I've had problems with various people, resulting in glasses that were twice as strong as I needed. Had another test last year and got a lower prescription, had another test a few days ago and the prescription was lower again.

The trouble is it's all quite subjective, my advice would be to wear those stupid glasses (with the slide in lenses) in the hallway outside the test room to get a better feel for them 'in the real world'.

Then when you've got your prescription get some cheap glasses online for a tenner to check before spending hundreds of pounds on a pair that look half decent ;)
 
Specsavers: quick test basically just involving reading. Discovered I have a stigmatism. Quick contact lens check, all fine on the cheap own brand lenses.

Vision Express: More thorough test. Digital retinal photography, looked at my eyes to check something (no idea what), put dye in them to check the lenses. No stigmatism. Oh, and the reason your contact lenses are itchy is because you have dry eyes. The lenses you had were inadequate and may have caused harm. You need better lenses (£££) and eye drops (more £££).

Vision Express were right. But I stopped wearing contact lenses. I still keep eye drops on hand though as my eyes get itchy at times because they don't self-lubricate very well.

I still go there now. Won't go back to Specsavers ever. However, I won't pay Vision Express's extortionate prices for glasses. I get mine in line instead.
 
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