Eye Test Refusal

mcdolf81

Good Morning

Can an optician act as this one did????
I received messages from Specsavers advising me that my eye test was due. At the time I was in Asia but on my return on 08/10/2022, I booked an appointment on 09/10/2022.The appointment for an eye test was made for 09.40 on the 11/10/2022. 

At 09.20 on the morning of the test , 20 minutes before I was due in store I received a text message  from phone number +44 ********** which reads as follows " I understand you have an appointment booked this morning. You`re not welcome in the store. I`ve asked that you been turned away and cwmbran security have been informed. If you have a problem with your eyes, please go to a different opticians. *****

That is quoted word for word  from the text message which i have kept.

My crime to warrant this expulsion. His mother in law has started divorce proceedings against me.

I feel that the actions taken are excessive and totally unprofessional when I have done absolutely nothing wrong and have always purchased my glasses from Specsavers. I have never caused a problem.

After this I then received further messages saying sorry you couldn't make the appointment please rebook
i have written to Specsavers but expect to get a message saying branches are Franchised so each can decide. Can I make a complaint to a Governing body and is there one?
Peter

unforeseen

 Can I make a complaint to a Governing body and is there one?

No you can't because there isn't. 

Undervalued

unforeseen said:

 Can I make a complaint to a Governing body and is there one?

No you can't because there isn't. 

Optometry is a profession regulated by the General Optical Council https://optical.org/

The behaviour the OP describes could potentially be a fitness to practice matter.

I would suggest contacting the GOC to at least discuss the implications.

More information here

https://optical.org/en/raising-concerns/raising-concerns-about-an-optician/how-to-raise-a-concern-about-an-optician/

Martin_the_Unjust

I suspect there is more to this matter.

unforeseen

Undervalued said:

unforeseen said:

 Can I make a complaint to a Governing body and is there one?

No you can't because there isn't. 

Optometry is a profession regulated by the General Optical Council https://optical.org/

The behaviour the OP describes could potentially be a fitness to practice matter.

I would suggest contacting the GOC to at least discuss the implications.

More information here

https://optical.org/en/raising-concerns/raising-concerns-about-an-optician/how-to-raise-a-concern-about-an-optician/

I would say its more a case the optometrist or the manager attempting to prevent a conflict in their shop. As it seems there is a lot more to this, possibly an acrimonious divorce situation, do you really think that the optometrist could act impartially. They have taken a sensible approach and decide they do not want to deal with the OP. You cannot always keep work and home separate. 

marcia_

 The optician predicts a confrontation and is stopping it before it happens? 

 Just book somewhere else. 

pinkshoes

It's a private business so they can ban who they like. Sounds to me they're trying to avoid a potential conflict or prevent a member of staff feeling uncomfortable with you being there.

Just book with a different optician.

Aylesbury_Duck

I agree, just book elsewhere.  If you're not prepared to do so it suggests you're looking for trouble.

I certainly wouldn't want to have my eyes/teeth/hearing/blood or anything personal tested by someone with whom there's a difficult family situation unfolding. 

Undervalued

Aylesbury_Duck said:

I agree, just book elsewhere.  If you're not prepared to do so it suggests you're looking for trouble.

I certainly wouldn't want to have my eyes/teeth/hearing/blood or anything personal tested by someone with whom there's a difficult family situation unfolding. 

I certainly agree with the second paragraph, if that is indeed the situation. As other have said there is obviously far more to this and we do not know the full story.

However, if the OP genuinely feels the optician has acted improperly in a professional capacity then they should certainly at least discuss the matter with regulator.

TELLIT01

I think the wording of the message could have been less confrontational, but that doesn't prevent a private business serving, or not serving, anybody as they see fit.  Simple wording along the lines of "It has been necessary to cancel your appointment of x date and will not accept any future bookings in your name.  We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause".

The way the message is worded certainly suggests there is deep animosity toward the OP.

prowla

Presumably "he" is the optician in the store and he feels that he doesn't want to be in close contact with you.

That's fair enough from his perspective; however, the wording of the cancellation is too strong and it is quite unprofessional to let personal matters encroach on business.

That said, though, there's no gain to be had in taking it any further and the best option is to shrug and walk away.