Optical Express Eye Test: Is it really free?

Darkhawk

I am looking to have an eye test soon since it has been over a year since my last check-up.

From MSE's website I found that Optical Express were offering free eye tests but upon calling them to confirm I was told that it is only free unless you pay £50 for glasses/ contact lenses. Could anybody here please confirm this?

I need both an eye test as well a contact lens test - I used to wear contacts but I cannot anymore. I don't need them to teach me how to wear it again though, just checking why I feel uncomfortable wearing them and seeing if my prescription has changed.

I look forward to hearing from you! :money:

Darkhawk

I would greatly appreciate any replies!

Sazzie23

Can't help you with optical express but believe Tesco opticians all have free test. We used our local one and they were very good.

Darkhawk

Sazzie23 wrote: »

Can't help you with optical express but believe Tesco opticians all have free test. We used our local one and they were very good.

Thank you for your reply! The thing is that I need both an Eye Test and a Contact Lens check up. Is it okay to do each at separate places (If Tesco does not offer it).

Does Tesco give you your prescription without any fuss (Without pressuring you in any way to purchase glasses/ contacts there)

I look forward to hearing from you!

Sazzie23

Darkhawk wrote: »

Thank you for your reply! The thing is that I need both an Eye Test and a Contact Lens check up. Is it okay to do each at separate places (If Tesco does not offer it).

Does Tesco give you your prescription without any fuss (Without pressuring you in any way to purchase glasses/ contacts there)

I look forward to hearing from you!

Believe Tesco do contact Lens contracts etc but don't know what is cost involved for them. Regards prescriptions, yes handed over with no trouble, obviously they did want the business but were straight about it. Can only speak for our Tesco though....and may depend on the opitican on site on the day I guess.

pmduk

I wonder if the OP is confusing an eye test with the contact lens assessment. They are separate and usually charged separately.

nepuk

If you follow the links and investigate a "free" eye test with them but don't book then be prepared for the telemarketing calls from 0141 240 4850. I checked it out and closest clinic was over 80 miles away so no use to me but still they called and called and called :mad:. Booked with Tesco instead.

PaulieT

Apparently this means means the eye test costs £30.

I booked what I imagined would be a free eye test at Optical Express. When I arrived I was told they didnt do free eye tests anymore!

Imagine going into a restaurant for 'free garlic bread or dough balls' Picking the dough balls and then being charged.

I felt this was very dishonest of Optical Express - and walked out.

Very disappointing.

Janeyboo

Hello Darkhawk


My understanding is that Optical Express are in trouble over their 'hard sell' techniques re laser eye surgery, and because of this, I wouldn't trust them an inch. They have been using an outdated piece of equipment which has been causing eye problems. Now I know this doesn't directly affect your issue, but since they also seem to be in financial difficulties, I wouldn't put my eyes in their hands at all.


They had this 'competition' where the prize was laser surgery. I entered and had to put up with about 25 cold calls trying to sign me up for a 'free eye test'. I went along and had the test but there wasn't an optician present - it was all sell sell sell. When I mentioned that I might not be suitable for laser surgery as I'd had a previous infection in my eye, they brushed it off, such was their eagerness to get me to sign on the dotted line. I was furious and left. I later found out from Moorfields that I can't have the kind of laser eye surgery that Optical Express offers because my right eye has a scar on the cornea.


Long story short. Optical Express are to be avoided.

mikaela3884

Do extensive research about the offer. If I were you I ask my friend who undergo the same problem. To give you advice.

C_Mababejive

Lets be honest. I would recommend that you make an appointment with an independent optometrist or your eye test. There is no such thing as a free lunch.

If you actually use contact lenses they may ask you to pay more as the appointment is longer.

In my view this is reasonable. The NHS fee that optoms get for the standard eye test isnt very much.

I wear CLs and i have very open and honest conversations with my optom and i happily pay for the extra chair time which is needed for CL patients.


Because of the lowish fee for the NHS eye test, there is a strong driver to convert those eye tests into sales in the shop/showroom.

As an example, i foolishly went to a high street chain for an eye test as i was short on time and couldnt get to see my regular chap. They tried to upsell me complex multifocal toric CLs and variofocal/progrsssive specs.

After a lot of trials,i ditched them as they didnt work for me. Thankfully i hadnt paid anything.

My own optom said i didnt need them.