Specsavers - what the hell?

[fretaway]

Specsavers in Stevenage are opening up more appointments for parents to bring in kids while schools are closed:

www.thecomet.net/news/specsavers-stevenage-announces-extra-sessions-for-child-eye-tests-1-6571444

Is there a worse idea? Enticing parents to bring their kids out into the public with the bribe of a free eye test and sit in an enclosed room with another person with no social distancing. FFS.

Another example of a corporate showing complete disregard for the public’s safety. Bring on the lockdown.

Opticians in Wales and Scotland were told to stop all non-urgent stuff last week, but for some reason England has lagged behind and this is the result.

OH is an optician for them and has been incredibly frustrated by the slow response. It feels like we've been a step or two ahead of the 'official line' all the way through. It's a franchise so directors are waiting for guidance from head office and there is little clarity although it's gradually getting better.

Today the practice where OH works had the doors locked; people only allowed in if they had emergency appointments, any glasses to collect were taken to customers at the door (possibly even handed through the letter box!).

Christ well that's their ratner moment.

Them and that hotel chain who chucked all the staff out.

@TheGreatWave What if I kiss them

WTF!?!

Err yes. When they are right up close looking in your eyes, a bit like at the dentist thinking you might clamp your teeth down.

Intrusive thoughts, I said. I don't actually want to, hence it being an intrusive thought.

It happens. OH knew more than one female optom when he was training who had patients who failed to resist the urge.

Remember that self isolation is still a customer’s choice so now is the to maximise absolutely every single opportunity available

If there’s a reason not to ever use them again it’s this.

From a few days ago but after the over 70/vulnerable advise was put out from BJ

I had a call today to cancel dd's appointment on the 4th, the woman sounded very stressed and flustered and seemed quite surprised when I just said 'ok'

Vision Express have closed all their branches for the time being, as have Boots. The optical bodies have advised only emergencies should be seen, cramming in hundreds of children is frankly irresponsible.

My sister runs an optometrists practice and been instructed to close for all but emergency appointments

Another gem from Specsavers

twitter.com/chiragpatelip/status/1268650362933858304?s=21

My Specsavers is doing emergency appointments and keyworkers only, which I was glad of as I needed replacement specs quickly a month or so ago. All seemed well organised and clean at my branch.

I'm confused. What's wrong with offering children eye tests?

I hope they open soon for eye tests. My mum went blind through glaucoma and macular degeneration and I'm worried about missing an eye test if they don't reopen. I also wear contact lenses and don't really like the idea of wearing them without a check.

They must be worried about business, now that Dominic Cummings has proved you can just drive to Barnard Castle to test your eyesight and Boris has confirmed that to be true.

Wow, overbooking appointments during a pandemic? I get they are expecting "no-shows' but seems like total disregard for their staff's wellbeing too as well as their customers. Shocking.

Thanks for sharing @fretaway I'd have never known about this. I've been with Specsavers for years but will be changing as soon as this is over even if I have to pay more!

@AwdBovril If you are after another optician try Asda opticians.

I had to phone Asda opticians yesterday because my contact lens prescription expires in a couple of months and I need to order more lenses.
The optician was there but confirmed they are only seeing people with emergency or urgent eye problems.
He did extend my prescription so I could get more lenses, which I knew they were doing after a telephone consultation rather than the usual examination.
They also offer free thinning on higher prescription lenses. I’ve had really good service there after defecting from Specsavers after they messed me around a couple of years ago.

The sad thing is, I’m not even surprised to read this. Shameful

My glasses needed some attention, phoned specsavers and they said to bring them in. I went, rang a bell, someone came to the door and took the glasses, I sat outside where there was a bench which was lucky. Sat and relaxed in the sun and someone brought repaired glasses out to me. They weren't seeing anyone for tests, not sure if it has changed.

My boyfriend is back to work next week. He does contact lenses at a specsavers store. He has been told the majority is to be done over the phone and video call but if he does need to see anyone it will be in PPE.

They want as little number of people in the store as possible. So I think at the moment it will carry on being emergencies and essential eye care only whilst they work to create the stores new normal and put processes in place.

I can't believe people need opticians when you can just jump in your car and drive around to check your eyesight

Good. I've got a child I'm fairly sure is struggling with vision - was due to be seen at the hospital (we're still post-squint surgery being monitored) in March, of course that was cancelled - and I think vision's got worse and worse and we're now in June with not a sniff of any intervention. So anything helping kids be able to see, especially with all the time they're being forced onto screens these days with e-learning is a good thing.

@doublecheeseburgermediumfries - can I ask your other half, does he think blurry distance vision causing headaches is classed as urgent?! I’ve been struggling on since March but it’s getting very frustrating! I can see close up fine but I can’t for example read the guide on the TV from my sofa.. or road signs when in the car (as a passenger, don’t worry!)