Vision Express eye photo: useful or a gimmick

LizD_2

My last optometrist routinely took digital photos at each eye exam, at no extra cost. I assume every patient had them, but I wear contact lenses, so it may have been because of that.

nedmundo

Running_Horse wrote: »

It is a complete and total rip off.

If it was found that an registered Opthalmic Optician did not detect a serious eye condition during an eye examination when they had the equipment to do so, but didn't because they wanted an extra £10, they could be struck off by the GOC.

Next time they do this, demand the service for free, especially if you think you may be in a high risk group.

I think you have just contradicted yourself! In your first post in this thread, you were cussing this attempt to move away from subsidising services from dispensing. You can't have it both ways!

Try answering the question specifically asked- how do you propose digital photography is funded if we can't charge for the extra service?

I would add that yet again, you are tarring all Optometrists with the same brush. We don't all do free tests and BOGOFs, but I would agree that your comments do apply to certain corporate monsters!

Running_Horse

nedmundo wrote: »

Try answering the question specifically asked- how do you propose digital photography is funded if we can't charge for the extra service?

I don't have to answer your demands. Read the post just before yours.

You could say the same about almost anything in the practice, from labs to pre-screening to dispensing computers. It is up to you to decide how your store is or is not equipped. Or is every single service to be totted up as the patient progresses through your store? Use the till? That'll be £5 extra. Tills cost money you know.

nedmundo

Some things in practice are essential in order to perform a comprehensive eye examination as required by the GOC and Opticians act etc and in order to comply with legal trading requirements such as accounting and producing receipts etc.

Other items such as fundus cameras are non-essentials but useful things to have in order to complement and enhance the core services offered.

Currently, fundus imaging is not a requirement of the applicable regulations and is therefore viewed as an enhanced service. As previously explained, the financing of the service must come from somewhere - either cross-subsidy from optical appliances dispensed (presumably like the post previous to mine which you refered to) or from increased/additional professional fees. Which would you prefer?

Running_Horse

That is your opinion.

My opinion is a sight test should be exactly the same quality for everyone, regardless of income.

nedmundo

It is not opinion, it is fact. I know the regulations as I have to work with them .
I agree with your ideals. Unfortunately, the real world does not at present allow for them. I think as a profession, Optometry is starting to realise what direction it should take and it is certainly not helped by multiples devaluing what we do.

You keep pushing from the consumer point of view and I'll keep pushing from my end. Hopefully, one day, these ideals will be achieved.

PaulE_2

mkbean wrote: »

according to my optometrist sister, nice to have but not necassary below age 40

Not necessarily true, I work in optics also.
The photograph allows any optical staff member to monitor the progression of any pathology of the eye.

Specsavers, As I am aware carry out this procedure on EVERY patient, for free.

PaulE_2

Running_Horse wrote: »

I don't have to answer your demands. Read the post just before yours.

You could say the same about almost anything in the practice, from labs to pre-screening to dispensing computers. It is up to you to decide how your store is or is not equipped. Or is every single service to be totted up as the patient progresses through your store? Use the till? That'll be £5 extra. Tills cost money you know.

As i DO understand, and somewhat agree with your post, I also agree with the post prior to yours.

Most fundus cameras cost in excess of £12,000.
The Canon EOS-5D/1D that is on the back of many of these cameras costs in the region of £2000 itself, including the appropriate lens.

The (mainly) Nidek body, then costs around £9000.

When petrol goes up, taxi fares go up.
When equipment is purchased in store, instead of increasing the prices of EVERYTHING, the cost is just increased on those willing to pay for this service.

I however, work for a MAJOR chain, and the fundus photography is free to all customers.

lolly5648

Why on earth has this thread been resurrected? The last two posts by Newbie PaulE have not really added anything to the discussion except a plug for Specsavers.

sillyvixen

just a quick question for paulE how may mins would you expect a sight test to take at specsavers excluding the fundus photography, visual field check and pressure check ie actual chair time?