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Original poster

I went to the opticians today - £133!

89 replies

WalkLong · 04/04/2023 20:25

And I didn't buy any glasses or contact lenses!

They're a very reputable independent practice that I've been going to for 40 years. I've always know I could get it cheaper, but I'm happy to support this business where I've always had excellent service. E.g. when in pain in the early weeks of lockdown they opened up specially for me. However, I think they saw me coming today.

I had sight test - £35
Contact lens check -£55

Then to treat my dry eyes I needed

  • Eye drops £14 (I know the same ones are £13 on Amazon, that's where I'll get the next lot, but support the local business...)
  • Lid cleaning wipes £9.50 for 20 to be used daily! . Who knew there was such a thing but apparently I have a build up of microscopic dust on my lashes that is contributing to the dry eyes and that only these will shift.
  • A heated eye bag £20. A thing that goes in the microwave to warm my tear ducts daily. Apparently way better than anything else you can buy because it's made to fit the eyes and will mold to shape better.

I've always trusted them to give good advice more than the big chains, but I fear I was properly upsold today, unless any one can tell me lash dust is a real thing and requires specialist cleaning?

OP posts:
Xrays · 04/04/2023 20:28

If your eyes are that dry they should be referring you to the specialist for tests for sjogrens. (Or see your GP for referral to a rheumatologist). I have sjogrens and lupus and I get eye drops on prescription, which are free as I have a medical exemption certificate due to the other issues I have, but even so it would be cheaper for you as they could prescribe better drops and in bulk for you.

Rowthe · 04/04/2023 20:33

Sounds like you went to have an eye issue checked and the sold you the treatment.

Blepharitis does cause very dry lids which if cleaned properly helps.

Original poster
WalkLong · 04/04/2023 20:35

Rowthe · 04/04/2023 20:33

Sounds like you went to have an eye issue checked and the sold you the treatment.

Blepharitis does cause very dry lids which if cleaned properly helps.

No I went for my regular check up, blissfully unaware that I suffered with dry eyes.

OP posts:

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General health
Rowthe · 04/04/2023 20:36

Ok.

If you didnt have symptoms it was a bit of overkill then

Applesinmyhouse · 04/04/2023 20:37

Oh I go to Boots optician. I’m on the contact lens rewards scheme so tests and check ups are free. I just pay monthly for my lenses (and new glasses every 3/4 years).

JellyBellies · 04/04/2023 20:43

Wow, that's expensive! I am on the contact lens scheme with Vision Express so eye tests are free every 2 years and contact lens checks are free too.

I was also told about dry eyes and bought the eye mask thingy. They did say you can buy drop from anywhere and never lid cleaning wipes ( didn't know they existed).

Coxspurplepippin · 04/04/2023 20:45

Say what......?

ExtremelyDetermined · 04/04/2023 20:49

I have mild dry eyes and use the heat thing plus wipes, I buy the wipes from Amazon hut did get the heat pad from the optician. They are a business, they are hardly likely to tell you to go and buy it all from Amazon and some people will prefer to buy on the high street.

Do your eyes water, that's the only symptom I get, I only have to do the heat and wipe thing for a couple of days then I'm good again for a few weeks or months.

Dinoboymama · 04/04/2023 20:50

Do you not get free eye tests?

In Scotland I've never paid for an eye test.
Glasses can start at £15 but I always tend to get more expensive ones under a 2-1 offer so I can get sunglasses to.

ExtremelyDetermined · 04/04/2023 20:51

I also use the lens scheme, mine is £17 a month for silicone hydrogel lenses plus twice yearly contact lens check (I get my sight test free on the NHS due to a complex prescription), might be worth considering.

LuckOfTheDrawer · 04/04/2023 20:51

Oh, what's this about watering eyes? I get this sometimes, and my optician said something about having dry eyes from using a PC a lot. He didn't try to sell me anything though. I did buy some eyedrops from Boots, but they're a bugger to use so I've only used them a couple of times.

PatChaunceysFruitCake · 04/04/2023 20:59

Hmmmm, I was with an independent optician for years. I really thought I was getting a better service than Specsavers. Switched to Specsavers direct debit scheme about ten years ago and have never been disappointed. They are so much cheaper. Sorry OP, I think you overpay.

OhcantthInkofaname · 04/04/2023 20:59

They saw you coming. Somebody made a great commission today.

LuckOfTheDrawer · 04/04/2023 21:03

ExtremelyDetermined · 04/04/2023 20:57

Thanks! That does mention 'cleaning your eyelids' 😄; I wonder whether was king your face counts.

LuckOfTheDrawer · 04/04/2023 21:03

^washing 😄

FatAgainItsLettuceTime · 04/04/2023 21:05

I'm really sorry but you've been had.

The drops will be no better than ones you can buy in a supermarket, was it the Hycosan ones? They try to flog those in Specsavers too.

If you really need eyelid wipes then Superdrug has them for 4.99 but you can clean your eyelids with cooled boiled water and a cotton pad and get the same effect.

And heated eye masks are available online for about £5, even vision express sells them for less than £10.

ihatethecold · 04/04/2023 21:06

Blephasol is very good at helping dry watery eyes.
I buy it from Amazon.
thanks to menopause my eyes are very dry.
HRT helps immensely also.

MarshaMelrose · 04/04/2023 21:13

Dinoboymama · 04/04/2023 20:50

Do you not get free eye tests?

In Scotland I've never paid for an eye test.
Glasses can start at £15 but I always tend to get more expensive ones under a 2-1 offer so I can get sunglasses to.

That's why your education system is in such a poor state. They're spending the budget on eye tests. 🙄

LuckOfTheDrawer · 04/04/2023 21:14

I bought Hycosan eyedrops but find them really difficult to use due to the bulky applicator.

name985 · 04/04/2023 21:17

This reply has been deleted

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tryandfindmenow · 04/04/2023 21:21

You've been had.. 😵‍💫

MarshaMelrose · 04/04/2023 21:23

This reply has been withdrawn

Message withdrawn as it quotes a deleted post.

Floralnomad · 04/04/2023 21:25

What did they do for the £55 contact lens check , surely if you wear contacts it’s just have an eye test and get the right prescription ie an eye test .

MarshaMelrose · 04/04/2023 21:28

Floralnomad · 04/04/2023 21:25

What did they do for the £55 contact lens check , surely if you wear contacts it’s just have an eye test and get the right prescription ie an eye test .

TBF, they do more for a contact lens test. There's a lot more to do with fitting and health of the eye. But £55 does sound like a lot.

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