Opticians Refusing To Disclose My Data

blargwork

I had an eye test paid for by my employer, and was also entitled to free glasses. As part of that service my pupillary distance was measured, something that allowed the glasses to be fitted properly.

By law, you are allowed to request a copy of your prescription to take elsewhere, to e.g. use a much cheaper internet-based glasses shop. But apparently the PD is not part of the prescription. When I asked for the measurement, because I want to get some non-crappy non-employer glasses they refused.

Do you think it would be churlish/unreasonable to make a Data Protection Act request and demand the info. as it is my personal information?

I can _sort_ of understand their refusing to take the measurement for free, but they already took it to measure for the free glasses, so it is already on my file :mad: and I believe I should be entitled to my information.

pimento

Take your own pupillary distance. I did mine with my sister's help. Put your glasses on and look straight forwards. Ask your helper to use a dry-wipe pen (like for use on white boards) to dot your glasses where your pupils are.

This gave me a perfect measurement and I then ordered my cheap glasses online.

Sagz_2

Well you could go down the data protection act route... or save some trouble and use the DIY method

blargwork

I am a bit obsessive and I doubt I would be able to trust the DIY method

newleaf

You can also send off an old pair of specs, with your prescription, to whoever you are buying your new non crappy, non employer ones from, and they can work it out for themselves.
I had the same row myself in Dolland & Aitchison last year and didn't get anywhere with them.

Paul_Varjak

If you go elsewhere for your glasses they will measure your pupillary distance (unless you are buying from the internet of course)

System

Does the pupillary distance actually form part of the prescription?
I am aware that it is needed for spectacles but have never seen it as part of the prescription itself. It is normally only ever measured when being fitted for specs.

Amanita_2

If you can read upside down it's quite easy!

I took my new glasses back to the optician to have the fit adjusted and could read the pupillary distances from my record card that they had out to check the prescription.

mrstrw

It's not part of the prescription, it's used for making the lenses and tells the person making them where to centre the lense (they are not flat) if you get it wrong you could be wasting your money and end up with sore eyes, headaches etc.

letsbehonest

Some opticians will leave the PD figure off of the prescriptions because they want you to buy the glasses from them, they should not refuse to give you this figure if you ask for it,I had a similar request begrudgingly given to me by D&A on my last eye test with them, (and it will be the last)

epatolles

why don't you get their free glasses and send them off to get your new ones?! it seems strange they won't let you have it I know lots of people who do this and get nice designer specs online etc