To refuse to pay opticians "registration" fee?

[peoplepleaser123]

So I have been a specsavers customer for years but they've moved to a part of town with no parking and that I hate going to. So I went for an eye test at a local optician today who said I also need to "register" with them. So £25 for the eye test and then I have to go back on another day to see the main optician guy for a registration consultation for another £25. My prescription hasn't changed in almost 15 years. I wear glasses and occasionally daily contact lenses...all I want is to be able to pop in somewhere local every few months to get contact lenses. Am I being unreasonable to think the "registration" fee is a rip off?

So what is supposed to happen at this registration appointment that doesnt happen at the eye test? And cant you get contact lenses online or on a ‘subscription’ through the post from one of the other chain opticians?

YANBU - I've worn glasses (all of the time) for years and have never done that.

If I have gone somewhere new, they just take basic details at your first appointment and then you see the optician. They always check your eye pressure, look at the back of your eye etc. anyway and ask any relevant questions.

I'd go elsewhere. I have been using tesco the last few years and it has always been very good.

Sounds to me like the registration fee is actually the additional contact lens fit/ aftercare appointment. If so this is perfectly reasonable as it’s not part of a routine sight test. ( bit like dental check and then additional hygienist visit).