Need an eye test but don't want to go to Boots or Spec Savers

[FlyBy2026]

I have just received a reminder for an eye test, and I don't want to go to my usual practitioner.

A couple of eye tests ago (Boots) the optician said I had a high reading on a pressure test, and that if it was high next time, I might need to go to the hospital. A year later, at the same place, it was fine.

Then 2 years ago I went to my local Specs Savers. They tested my eyes, then an optician came in, told me I needed 2.0 lenses not 1.5 and that my eye pressure test was too high and I would have to go to the hospital. It was something like 24. Then he did a total U turn and told me that his machine wasn't accurate and he'd do it again on a better one, and it was 17 and OK. Then I paid £120 for new lenses for my frames and I've not been able to use them as they are too strong. It seems like a production line money making machine.

Anyway, I've just got a letter from Spec Savers saying my eye test is due. I don't want to go back there. I want to go somewhere professional and I don't mind paying more. Also, they've flip flopped a few times about the pressure tests, and I don't want to bury my head in the sand if there is an issue. My brother has to have his eyes checked and have drops as a result of high pressure readings.

So my question is, if I am not prepared to go to Boots or Spec Savers, and I want someone with a decent machine, what am I looking for?

An experienced independent optician.

If twice I had been told that I might need to go to a hospital I would have booked an appointment with an eye hospital just to be safe rather than sorry and get a clean bill of health. Particularly as this has been going on for years and it sounds as if it runs in the family.

But if you just want a high street opinion then find an independent optician who has good reviews local to you.

Ten years ago I moved my home from the city I'd lived in for many years to the town I currently live in.
So when my eye examination was due I made an appointment with the local Specsavers.
I have very short sight, a history of vitreous detachment and various other problems, and I have a family history of glaucoma. So monitoring my eye health is very important.
And I absolutely hated the Specsavers method whereby you are passed from one person to another during your appointment and there is absolutely no personal " connection "or particular interest in your vision.

So since then I actually travel back to my opticians in my previous city. An independent opticians where the staff are lovely. I see the same ( woman) optician each time and she knows me and knows my eyes. And I trust her.

I honestly think you need to go to an independent opticians and hopefully you will get professional treatment for your eye condition and if you stick with that opticians you might hopefully build up a trusting relationship with them.

I have been wearing glasses for over 50 years and have regular eye tests. I have never been to Boots or Specsavers! There are lots of independent, local opticians. Many of them are family businesses. Just pick one - or maybe ask friends for a recommendation.

Does your brother have glaucoma? If he does and you're over 40 then you are entitled to a free NHS test. It may be worth having a OCT scan too. If possible keep going to the same place as they can then compare results with previous visits.

Can't believe you are asking such a basic question. Optomorists are very easy to find. You don't have the choice of just Boots versus specsavers.

My local Boots are wonderful, the staff are great. I have high pressures which were investiaged for over 20 years at the local hospital until new research came out and it turned out I have very thick corneas which give false readings, even at the hospital.
You wont find any high street optician that will give you a very accurate reading as they only seem to use the handheld pressure machines, you will only get that in a Opthalmic department, where they use a probe type thing touching your eye rather than the puff machine.

I go to Asda opticians. Ours is excellent

We all use a local independent optician in our town