Eye test novice! Help!

temba

Right, confession! I've not had an eyetest since I was about 5. I'm in my 30s and have recently noticed that I'm struggling to read in low light.
So... I'm going to get my eyes tested.

Where do I go? Are they all the same? Do I need to go to a specialist opticians, or is any spec savers or D&A good enough? Sorry if these are really obvious questions, but I seriously haven't got a clue.

Finally what do I expect to pay? Can I get an eye test for free from the NHS? I noticed D&A have a voucher on their website for half price eyetest. Is that a good deal?

I am sorry for my complete ignorance and welcome any advice.

Thanks, T

fran-o

good for you getting your eyes tested...
Ask a friend for a recommendation if you are not sure where to go, or use your voucher to make the choice!
If you work with computers you may be able to get an eye test voucher from your workplace so that the test is free - ask your HR dept. Mine are free so I can't comment on cost.

Just a warning - when I had my first eye test 5 or so years ago I was surprised at the bit when the optician comes up very close to look in your eye... if you have issues with personal space it will give you a shock! :eek:

GrammarGirl

You should pay around £10-20 for a test... Some offer extra services like photographing the back of your eye, but you don't have to have that done.

Like fran-o says, if you work with computers on a regular basis you're entitled to free eye tests.

You'll have a glaucoma test (you put your eye up to a machine and it blows air at you!), the optician will look at your eye with a light (really close, as mentioned) and you'll have to read the chart and maybe from a book if you're struggling with reading.

Remember, wherever you go (and you can go anywhere, all the big brands employ qualified optometrists) you're entitled to a copy of your prescription WITHOUT having to purchase frames from the place you had your test. Don't let them tell you otherwise!

Hope that helps.

Kaz2904

Actually this has raised a valid question for me.
We have been offered yearly occupational health check ups as we work nights. Should we not also be offered free eye checks too?
If it helps, I work in CCU, lights are dimmed at 10.30 and then we sit and do paper work and watch monitors all night. We also have to keep looking from bright computer screens to darkness. We are needed to do cannulation and taking blood etc (both involve looking at veins and getting them with fine needles often in minimal lighting).
We have to draw up drugs and closely examine syringes etc in very poor lighting too.

Perhaps I ought to raise this with my ward manager when I'm back from holiday espescially as I've been having difficulty with my long to short adjusting recently.

temba

Hi, thanks for the replies. Unfortunately I'm self employed, so noone is going to pay for my eye test! But... I think I will print off that voucher and go to D&A. Kaz, it definitely sounds like you should be entitled to an eye test.
T

pattycake

GrammarGirl, an eye test is currently £25 at my local independent optometrist. Seems a lot I know, but he has been my optician for a long time and I trust him. What price can you put on that?

I have bought glasses at SpecSavers (although not tested there) and have never been as pleased with the specs as when I buy from my tried and trusted optometrist.

GrammarGirl

pattycake wrote: »

GrammarGirl, an eye test is currently £25 at my local independent optometrist. Seems a lot I know, but he has been my optician for a long time and I trust him. What price can you put on that?

I have bought glasses at SpecSavers (although not tested there) and have never been as pleased with the specs as when I buy from my tried and trusted optometrist.

Sorry, I just estimated my prices on the places I've visited! I don't usually go to local shops as I find they take ages to turn a new pair around compared to the one hour promised by so many of the big brands.

I agree, you can't put a price on healthy eyes and if you've found somewhere you're happy with and the price is right for you, stick with it!

I think it's quite a personal experience - I've been having eye tests every year/2 years since age 11 and it doesn't bother me at all, I'll go to anyone, I'm used to it. But if you're nervous, try find an optometrist you're comfortable with. Like the dentist! (Not bothered about him, either!)

crankup

Definitely get a recommendation from a friend.
I had a test 10yr ago as one of my eyes was struggling to focus. The optician gave me a prescription to correct it. 6 months later I lost vision in it. The firm I worked for paid for me to have a private specialist look at it. He couldnt believe that the optician missed the real problem and had tried to sell me a pair of specs. So now I have one working eye to look after very carefully. I point this out to the different sales rep, er I mean optician, on every visit now.
In short, definitely get a decent optician who values your sight more than the sales figures.

frivolous_fay

crankup wrote: »

Definitely get a recommendation from a friend.
I had a test 10yr ago as one of my eyes was struggling to focus. The optician gave me a prescription to correct it. 6 months later I lost vision in it. The firm I worked for paid for me to have a private specialist look at it. He couldnt believe that the optician missed the real problem and had tried to sell me a pair of specs. So now I have one working eye to look after very carefully. I point this out to the different sales rep, er I mean optician, on every visit now.
In short, definitely get a decent optician who values your sight more than the sales figures.

How awful! What was the problem, if you don't mind me asking?

abby77_2

Hi Temba
If you're worried about how much it costs to go to the optician then you might want to think about a health cash plan. I get one through my company (HSA) but there are lots of providers out there. Martin has a great article on them on this site, which he has recently updated.
You pay an amount each month, and they give you money back on your glasses, visits to the dentist, physiotherapist and things like that.
For HSA, the lowest premium each month is £9.75 and you could get £77 back towards your glasses. But as I said, there are lots of companies, so if you search Health Cash Plans on this site, you'll find Martin's article.
Hope this helps.
Abby