Talk to me about... Opticians.

tek-monkey

wanna see my snake?
Where local is any good? I'm having some issues with one eye, visibility has dropped noticeably over the last 12 months and drastically more recently. I've had blood tests done as my sugar levels are high, wasn't sure if that could affect vision, I need to go back to the doctors to discuss results next week but she said best to get a thorough eye check up.

So I want somewhere that does the whole lot, eye photography n stuff, and not just a place that tries to sell me glasses as I've had dealings with in the past (any place that tries to put your prescription on file rather than hand it over after you've paid for the test can feck right off!). With covid it's been a long time since I got them checked out, can't even remember who I used last, so any recommendations will be gratefully received.
 

DoggedWalker

Well-Known Forumite
Boots Opticians on Gaolgate Street were great when I used them recently. I paid a small additional fee for a clever scan of my eyes that produced a 3D type image of my retina which was impressive. The optometrist chap was very friendly too.
 

Glam

Mad Cat Woman
Where local is any good? I'm having some issues with one eye, visibility has dropped noticeably over the last 12 months and drastically more recently. I've had blood tests done as my sugar levels are high, wasn't sure if that could affect vision, I need to go back to the doctors to discuss results next week but she said best to get a thorough eye check up.

So I want somewhere that does the whole lot, eye photography n stuff, and not just a place that tries to sell me glasses as I've had dealings with in the past (any place that tries to put your prescription on file rather than hand it over after you've paid for the test can feck right off!). With covid it's been a long time since I got them checked out, can't even remember who I used last, so any recommendations will be gratefully received.
Youngest has just come back from Specsavers. Had a full test and 3D scan done, think he said he paid £25 for the test and £10 for the scan. Due to him having the lazer eye surgery 6 months ago, his eyes had obviously improved an enormous amount. Was told that one eye was slightly 'off' and for that tried to sell him glasses, that was a no go.
He only had his final test at Optegra last week and got a full bill of health.

He's only had the test today to prove a point with the Opticians.
 

tek-monkey

wanna see my snake?
Youngest has just come back from Specsavers. Had a full test and 3D scan done, think he said he paid £25 for the test and £10 for the scan. Due to him having the lazer eye surgery 6 months ago, his eyes had obviously improved an enormous amount. Was told that one eye was slightly 'off' and for that tried to sell him glasses, that was a no go.
He only had his final test at Optegra last week and got a full bill of health.

He's only had the test today to prove a point with the Opticians.
Specsavers was who tried to hold onto my prescription, even though I paid for it.
 

Thehooperman

Well-Known Forumite
High sugar levels can affect your eyesight.

I use Mincher Lockett for my eyesight tests and have to use the NHS place at Riverside for my retina screening tests.

I think most opticians are much of a muchness but if you need new glasses then I've found paying a bit extra is worth it.

Specsavers glasses fall apart after a while and they never have the same size frames if you need to swap a lens.
 

GNM67

Well-Known Forumite
I've used Mincher Lockett for years very good and they have all the kit, can also do retina photography (without eye drops)
 

Lucy

Well-Known Forumite
I would also recommend Specsavers, they spotted something in my eye that meant I had an emergency hospital appointment (all okay), and I've had the full works with them. They have always given me my prescription if I asked.
 

tek-monkey

wanna see my snake?
Maybe I got unlucky with specsavers, was years ago but the woman was quite insistent that I leave the prescription on file and come back to buy glasses. Even when she finally agreed to give it me she kept me waiting for a while, I got the feeling they had sales targets TBH!
 

Wormella

Well-Known Forumite
Me too .Specsavers always given me good service.
My prescription is pretty strong and there's an outside chance my retinas might detach (they haven't yet - whoot) the last time I had an eye test I paid for the extra fancy one and had a really detailed description of the scan (he even let me see one of a 'normal person' for comparison - I'd be hesitant to go elsewhere for my eye tests - but I used to take my prescription and buy cheap frames on-line when I could still easily get them. I'm sure they do have sales targets, but they also have always been fantastic at helping me pick out frames that suit my budget, and fixing them if I need them.
 

Gramaisc

Forum O. G.
Like pubs, places may come and go.

My Specsavers experience was a good while ago - I can't be sure when, as my prescription never made it into my hands, so I have no record of it. They were also, at that time rather more expensive, for me, than Mincher-Lockett ever were.

Some 'chain' opticians may be run effectively as franchises and experiences may vary.
 
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