Optician problem

bundly

I need specs just for reading and for the PC monitor.

I took advantage of a free eye test with Specsavers but I didn't like the way the dispenser was repeatedly trying to persuade me to buy the most expensive glasses so I left and popped into Asda where I handed over my prescription and bought two pairs of varifocals for £99.

I collected my new specs and to my dismay the text on my PC monitor is blurred! I used them for a day to see if I could get used to them, after all, they have been made up specifically for my eyes, but after a while I actually felt sick. I put on a pair of £1 +2 specs from Poundland and now everything on the screen is sharp.

I told the Asda dispenser and she said they made up the lenses according to the prescription so it's not their fault.

What rights do I have vis a vis Specsavers, who gave me a free test?

Bundly.

worried_jim

No such thing as free! I share your frustration with opticians.

meer53

It will probably take longer than a day to get used to new varifocals, i'd persevere for a bit longer.

agrinnall

worried_jim wrote: »

No such thing as free! I share your frustration with opticians.

There is in Scotland - well, the taxpayer pays, but it's the same test that you would have got if you were paying for it yourself in England. I had mine done (in ASDA as it happens) before I relocated, I felt the optician there was one of the best I'd had for years, and the glasses I bought were very reasonably priced.

dj1471

Did Asda actually test the lenses and confirm that they match the prescription? I've had incorrect lenses before (from Specsavers in fact).

You can probably persuade Specsavers to re-test you for free, assuming the prescription is wrong then you can go back to Asda and have them re-glaze the frames, you don't need to buy new ones (they may or may not offer this service, not all opticians do).

Then try writing a formal complaint to Specsavers asking them to cover the cost of the new lenses and re-glazing - I think your chances are slim, but it's worth the cost of a stamp.

Keep_pedalling

If you only need them for reading why varifocals?

rustyboy21

Keep_pedalling wrote: »

If you only need them for reading why varifocals?

I only need reading glasses now, but have varifocals made, so I can see the dashboard instruments and hands free kit clearly, whilst driving.

They are Plano at the top and +2 at the bottom.

Not thought of that?

munchpot

Similar thing happened to me. Apparently the lenses used in the cheaper Asda varifocals are not the best and have a very narrow field of vision.
I tried them for a couple of weeks and just couldn't use them, but to be fair to Asda they refunded my costs and I went elsewhere.
Turns out even with better quality lenses varifocals aren't for me. Have one pair for reading and computer work and one pair for distance. Actually worked out cheaper then high quality varifocals anyway!
I would also say that if I went somewhere else for lenses I would get them to test me again, that way you usually have some comeback if the prescription isn't right for you

bundly

Thanks for all the replies.

The reason I have varifocals is that I have a different need for reading (looking downwards) than for looking straight ahead at my PC monitor, and to save keep putting them on an off all the time the top part is clear so I can still see over the monitor and to the outside through my window, or can speak to someone who comes into my office without them being all blurry.

So, the lenses have three sections.

JJ_Egan

Optician just told me not to use varifocals for PC .
Something like 1.5 for PC and 2.0 for Reading .

bundly

JJ_Egan wrote: »

Optician just told me not to use varifocals for PC .
Something like 1.5 for PC and 2.0 for Reading .

Oh bleedin' ell.

So I just need two pairs of Poundland specs? £2!

The thing is, I don't want to have to be constantly changing specs as I flick from desk paperwork to monitor.