Do opticians mins if you go elsewhere for glasses after an eye test?

[AutisticID]

Just that really - do small, independent opticians mind if you go elsewhere for your glasses (taking advantage of 2 for 1 offers etc at places like Specsacers) after paying them for your actual eye test?

It’s entirely normal,

I’m sure they’re not delighted about it and I wouldn’t shout about it, but they can’t really stop you. I know they have overheads but the prices at my local independent one are shockingly high, and after one time when I got poor customer service from someone when I asked her to help me choose as it was a bit overwhelming, I went to glasses direct online and was very happy.

They probably would rather you didn't but there's not much they can do about it.

They do.

They're underpaid by about £17 per NHS sight test so they lose money if they only do your sight test. They cannot survive on sight tests alone. The glasses sales compensate for this. Big chains survive because of mass sales and are more likely to tell you to update your glasses when not really necessary because of this.

Having said that it's perfectly legal to go elsewhere just don't expect the independent opticians to help you if you can't get on with the new specs. The big chain opticians will blame the independents prescription and the independent opticians will blame the big chains measurements and lens products. You'll never know who's telling the truth and neither will feel liable for correcting the issue.

They cannot stop you taking the prescription elsewhere however I’m sure most would prefer you to have your eyes tested at the same place you buy your spectacles.
The College of Optometrists actually do advise that you have your eyes tested at the same place you want to purchase spectacles from.

The optician that tests your sight will be aware of lifestyle requirements, best corrected vision and any eye health issues all of which influence advice on the best correction for you.
The eye exam fee nowhere near covers overheads even for the large chains so you’d also be doing the independent a favour going to the 2 for 1 place for your eye test too.

Thanks for the replies. My children have been going to a small independent for a few years (and getting their glasses there too) but it’s time for me to get new glasses so it’s easier to book us all in. I’m just in a low income so am concerned I can’t afford their high prices for 1 pair of glasses when I normally scratch/lose a pair so always have a back up pair.

I went to the optician for an eye test last week. An independent in town. DH was waiting for me and looking at the racks of frames. He said some of the frames were over £900. When you add on lenses, thinning, coatings etc, you’re moving towards £1500. For a pair of glasses that might need changing in a year.

Well mine tried to sell me glasses costing £480 and I just couldn't afford that so I took the prescription to Asda where I got 2 pairs for £120. Still can't bloody see out the damn things wither way.