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Optician dilemma

17 replies

tectonicplates · 15/08/2018 12:37

When I had an eye test about a year ago, they changed my glasses and I just couldn't get on with them, so I went back for another eye test and they got me slightly different lenses in them, free of charge. All was fine for a year or so.

A couple of months ago it seemed wrong again and one eye kept aching, so I went for another test and a contact lense check up (I go through phases of wearing glasses or contacts (daily disposables) depending on my mood, or sometimes wear glasses during the day and then put contacts in for exercise classes). So they did a test, changed my glasses and gave me some trial contact lenses. After a day or two I could tell they were both wrong straight away, so I went back for another test and they changed my glasses and gave me more trial contact lenses in this new prescription, again free of charge. They both seemed fine for two or three weeks, but now it seems wrong again, in the same eye as last time. My eye is aching and my glasses and contacts both seem wrong in that eye. I feel it's as if my eye has actually changed within a matter of weeks.

Should I go back to the same optician yet again? They have been very patient with me and didn't charge me any extra for getting things changed, but surely by now they're going to think I'm That Customer and will get annoyed with me. I don't think it's actually their fault that this has happened either - just that my eye won't settle. I feel like I'm causing a bout of a nuisance, but when I wear contacts that are wrong it makes me feel sick and then I get a neck ache.

They've already done all the other tests where they look at everything in your eyes to check there aren't any diseases or other problems, and they said there's nothing out of the ordinary.

I just want a quiet life!

OP posts:
cjt110 · 15/08/2018 12:49

Go to a different one.

I usually go to Specsavers. They had no appointments so I went to Vision Express. Gave them my glasses so they could get my prescription from the. Had all the tests and took the prescription to Specsavers to have the frames made.

The prescription was widely out. Specsavers re-tested and got a new, accurate prescription for me.

tectonicplates · 15/08/2018 18:52

The thing is that if I go somewhere else, I'll have to pay again and it's going to cost over £100 which is not great at the moment. I just wonder if it's my eyes that are the problem, rather than the optician?

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tectonicplates · 20/08/2018 16:01

Anyone else? Is this constant changing something that I should be worried about?

OP posts:

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IWannaSeeHowItEnds · 20/08/2018 16:08

Some specsavers have a machine which xrays/photographs the inside of the eye, so they can see all the layers of the eyeball. Having that done might help - it also means they can detect glaucoma earlier, which is helpful. My last test also did peripheral vision and pressures testing. I would pay for those kinds of tests if I were you (cost me £20).
Your optician can also send you to the hospital specialist, if they think your vision is changing more rapidly than is normal.

needyourlovingtouch · 20/08/2018 16:20

An opticical test is a healthcare procedure more than it is a consumer process but as we are paying we often forget that. They would much rather you return until your eyesight is satisfactory in the long run.

Theworldisfullofgs · 20/08/2018 16:23

The only time my eye felt like that was when the lenses was incorrect. That was through an online optician that re checker and changed it straight away. I'm not convinced they re getting your prescription right

Myimaginarycathasfleas · 20/08/2018 16:25

I'd also say persevere with your optician until they get it right. The ophthalmic optician (the one who tests your eyes, not sure what the new name for them is) is a highly trained healthcare professional. They will want to ensure your vision is corrected to your satisfaction and all eye health issues identified and if possible resolved.

tectonicplates · 20/08/2018 20:02

Okay I'll give them a call. I really feel like I'm being a nuisance though.

Already had periphery and pressure testing and it's all come out normal.

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tectonicplates · 30/08/2018 18:21

I've just been for another contract lense checkup at the same optician.

I don't think he knows what to do with me any more. He's given me a selection of sample contact lenses in four different strengths (each eye is different) and basically told me to experiment with them until I decide which ones work best for me. He won't change my glasses again until I sort my contacts out first.

What's the MN verdict on this? At least I didn't have to pay extra, but...

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tectonicplates · 30/08/2018 23:25

I mean surely this can't be right? Surely the point of going to an optician is so that they can tell you what prescription you need? If he's going to tell me to try them all out at home then why bother going to an optician at all? I can't work it out by myself - that's why I go for eye tests.

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tectonicplates · 31/08/2018 11:39

Really on the verge of giving up and finding a new optician.

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Gizlotsmum · 31/08/2018 11:44

I would raise your concerns. Did he explain why he wanted you to try them? Did he explain why it might have changed so quickly? Is it more obvious when you are tired/ in the evening?

tectonicplates · 31/08/2018 14:44

I just think he doesn't really know what to do with me because I can't answer the questions properly. As in he'll show me two different lenses and ask which one is better, and I just won't know. Each one has its pros and cons. The one that gives me a sharper view also hurts my eye more at the same time. I don't really see how I can answer the questions when I don't have definite answers.

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gobbin · 31/08/2018 14:54

I appreciate there’s a cost attached to going elsewhere but I really would. I went from single vision specs and lenses to varifocal specs over the years. I used to go to one branch of Specsavers who gave good service, went to a different one when we moved and never really had specs that I thought were perfect so I used a local Tesco optician and their varifocals were very good, had two pairs over a number of years. Needed a new pair last year and Tesco had no frames to fit my small head so I went to an independent.

Well, the difference was incredible. They picked up straight away that I needed a prism which resolved all my issues with eyes taking time to focus when looking down at a page then up again into distance. They also had extra scanners that neither chain had and they had loads of funky frames for my size head.

tectonicplates · 31/08/2018 15:16

Yeah I think I'm going to have to, aren't I. I can't go on like this. It's a shame as they are a local independent place.

What I really want to do is all the current guy for a refund, but I'm far too British and can't face it.

OP posts:
Gizlotsmum · 31/08/2018 16:40

I would see what the other optician says then maybe approach the original one for a refund

mrs2468 · 31/08/2018 16:45

I love boots opticians try there

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