Glasses - how do I know for sure whether I need them or not?

[GreenGables]

As I understand it, a large proportion of the tests the optician uses are objective, so the onus is on the patient to know what feels more comfortable. Therefore, how do I know for sure that I need glasses?

So, I constantly get awful migraines, keep finding myself leaning into the computer/my book/ squinting.. I correct myself, when I notice, but keep slipping back. Is this more likely to be a bad habit, or bad eye sight?

Well, considering that the objectiveness is your own, i.e. they put lenses in front of your eyes and ask you if you see better, I would say to go the optician and see if you see better with corrective lenses in front of your eyes.

And if you have to squint to see? You probably need glasses.

go to a GP and an optician especially if you are having migraines

Actually last time I went to the opticians, they used a machine which automatically assessed my vision and then the optician followed up with the standard tests. So it will know whether you need glasses.

I've been to the GP about the migraines, GP gave me a prescription of Migraleve (sp!). Tee, I always feel like I am on the spot in the Opticians chair, so I would like to know if there is a way I could add weight to the yay or nay debate with myself, before I go in.

That's interesting Spice, which opticians did you use?

Ok so moving on from 'objectivity', to 'what do I look for in a good optician?' ...I am on a very limited budget, so i can't afford to go to an expensive optician, on the other hand I can't afford (if needed) expensive glasses. Where can I go to get the best deal, but still receive good care?

??

I'm not entirely sure what you mean by 'objectivity'. Do you mean, it's hard to tell, and entirely up to you? (In which case, I'd say 'subjectivity', not 'objectivity', I'm afraid.)

Eye tests are pretty clear-cut. These days, if they don't use a machine to assess your eyes, they show you things and get you to say which side (red or green) is clearer.

It does sound like you have a vision problem. Can you get an NHS eye test? I think opticians are all equally qualified, and eye tests are not that expensive. Glasses are maybe cheaper at somewhere like Specsavers, than elsewhere?

I know there's at least one optician who posts on here, hopefully she'll get involved.

Thanks Cockney, hopefully she will, but I've decided to make an appt. anyway.

...hmm yes perhaps you are right - I'll look into that...

Specsavers

The eye test was free. I think they often are. You can get really cheap glasses online - do a google. An optician has to give you a copy of your prescription and once you've got that, you can go anywhere to get the glasses

SpiceMonster!! Thank you!

Hi an optician (optometrist) here :

We do a mix of objective (we use a test to look for the result without your input) and subjective (this is the bit where we ask you the questions) tests.

On some patients such as for instance younger children and patients with some learning difficulties we rely almost entirely on the objective tests.

The main objective test is retinoscopy although the machine that it was mentioned Specsavers used (and lots of other opticians do also) is an autorefractor which is similar although looks more modern but is not actually always as accurate.

We refine these measurements using the answers you give in testing.Alot of the questions we ask are checking an answer you just gave to see if it is reliable such as the duochrome red and green test which relies on the different wavelengths of these two colours to check if you are under or over corrected.

The test where we ask you is it better 'one or two' is to check for astigmatism (rugby ball shaped).

It your answers are inconsistent we ignore them and try other tests or rely much more on the objective tests.That is the skill really, to obtain the correct prescription from a variety of different tests.

All opticians follow the same training and have to do mandatory continuing education to stay registered.We do three years at University to get an optometry degree then a year pre registration where all our work is under the supervision of another optometrist while we obtain our professional qualification which is quite tough so we are able to do our job well.

Like all professionals within a field we do differ and you will find some may have an approach that suits you more.We should communicate clearly so you understand why you need spectacles and show you the difference in the prescription in terms of how you see with it.It shouldn't just be alot of confusing tests but an explanation of what we are doing and why and then explaining the end result giving you the opportunity to ask questions.

You may get an NHS test.Lots of the big opticians such as Specsavers,D & A,Boots often do promotions where you can get a free eye test even if you don't qualify under the NHS.However, don't just base booking in somewhere on this alone if you have been a bit unhappy in the past go in a few opticians see if they seem helpful and ask for their recommendation of one of their optometrist who will take their time and can explain things well to you.

It does sound as if you would benefit from an eye examination by the way.

Hi thatoldchestnut, thank you for taking such time to explain things so clearly! ...I always thought the Optician was using the light to look at the back of the eye (for signs of illness etc.)! I much prefer knowing what is going on!

I saw an optician yesterday, and I have a prescription for (what I presume to be) reading glasses. And there was a sale on the frames, so I have ordered a pair of relatively inexpensive glasses.

Thank you all very much for your input - it is very much appreciated!

Hi Greengables,

You are right there is another light where we look in the eye ophthalmoscope although this one we usually get quite close so we can see in through the pupil clearly.We also use a machine now which takes a digital photograph of the back of the eye for the same purpose.

Alot of the eye examination is to detect any problems with eye health and general health and it is unusual if we don't refer some patients each day.

Glad all went well for you anyway.Hope the spectacles do the job.