A high street or independent optometrist

kah22

Recently I had my normal eye checkup by a local independent optometrist, the same practise I've been using for years. Yes they do seem to cost quite a bit but then they are handy

Anyway since getting my new glasses my eyes have felt tired and uncomfortable part of the reason may have been an increase in long term medication. I'm just back from the optician for a recheck and was informed that there was no real change in my prescription but that I had two small cataracts but not developed enough that the NHS would consider removing them

It has been suggested to me that I get an independent view from one of the large chains on the grounds that they have more up to date equitement and it would let me judge one against the other. At this point in time I wouldn't be looking a new frame and while I am on the wrong side of 60 I appreciate that I'd have to pay for the eyetest as I've just had one done recently at the moment my nearest High Street optician would be Vision Express and at cc £28 it won't break the bank)

At the end of the day I'm wondering what advantages, if any the High Street have

Lorian

worth trying to see if this still works:

https://www.visionexpress.com/national-eye-health-week/free-eye-test/

SteveJW

Have a look at https://www.specsavers.co.uk/glasses/nhs-eye-test
Sixty and over free NHS eye test
Forty and over glaucoma in the family and free eye test
My local Boots even do a photograph of the back of the eye free of charge, they used to charge £10 for this service

Steve

knightstyle

The quality of the eye tests the big ones do is IMO very good. My recent test with Specsavers was free with a voucher and the tester was an independent who did tests for local optometrists as well as Specsavers.
So Yes get a free test done and check the results.

forgotmyname

Specsavers and bargepoles spring to mind.

Booked an appointment for a 70 year old disabled woman in a wheelchair. When booking I repeated several times that the person was in a wheelchair and would that be a problem. No they said no problem at all.

Arrived there before they were open and first in then they kept us waiting approx 20 minutes before saying the room is downstairs using a small stairwell.

Prinzessilein

I have just had my eyes tested...I have them done every year...

I went with Boots (I get a free test ...I am over 40 with a parent who has glaucoma....AND I am on ESA (support) so get an NHS voucher for test/glasses)

The test was VERY through - checking my eye health as well as my vision - lifestyle check was made as well to see what type of activities I do and which sort of glasses would be most appropriate...and a check on my meds was made to see if any of them affect my vision (I already know that one does, but it is good to have it confirmed and on my notes!)

I used my NHS vouchers towards new glasses (2 pairs - distance and readers)...there was a lovely assistant who went through all the options with me - including letting me know that my voucher will cover the cost of BOTH pairs of glasses if I go for the very basic frames/lenses options...and when I had made my choice she was very good at working out the cheapest options, making sure I had the full value of NHS voucher, and the offer-discounts on top.....when one frame I chose was not suitable for my lenses she went and collected half a dozen similar frames that WOULD be suitable....nothing was too much trouble.

I go back this week to collect my new glasses and have them fitted.

I would recommend a 'known' company as they have the equipment and staff for a thorough test.

pogofish

What exactly is the PVW aspect to this..? The Health Forum is the place for Optometry advice!

Valli

pogofish wrote: »

What exactly is the PVW aspect to this..? The Health Forum is the place for Optometry advice!

Now, be fair - OP is having vision problems!