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The time has come after probably putting things off for too long I need some help to see.
Are all opticians created equal? If not how do I find a good one, if there is even such a thing or non-thing?
Dont know anybody else that wears specs that aren't using existing prescriptions
Edinburgh based if anybody has any recommendations that would be great.
Thanks
We use the opticians in our local Asda, the optician us very good, but that may just be our optician. Ask what tests they do in a regular exam, should include things like peripheral vision checks and the air puff test as well as the usual sight tests. There's more to eye health than clarity of vision.
Boots. They were ok for me. Bizzarly my eyesight improved so had to get weaker lenses.
I used Vision Express a few years ago just when my eyes started to turn, but didn't use the glasses but now need to admit defeat and will have to go and get them tested again. Not got much to compare to but the Vision Express test was pretty comprehensive and the person doing it seemed competent and experienced. My wife used to use Boots before she got her eye's zapped.
I guess all the high street ones are going to offer similar service and ultimately depends on the individual.
I have worn glasses since I was six years old. In my experience a local independent optician that has been recommended by people I work with/socialise with is the best option. The only time I had a poor experience was with a specsavers eyetest. They are franchises and have a turn over of staff that means you often don't see the same person each time. Undoubtedly there are many good opticians in the large chains, but it is worth asking around.
You don't have to have any glasses made up by the optician who does the test, you can take the prescription eleswhere- they are obliged to give you a copy- but independents make their money on the dispensing not the eyetest fees.
I use Roger & Smalridge in Goldenacre and am happy to recommend them.
In 30 odd yrs of tests I have never had a bad eye examination*, although some definitely have a better “bedside” manner than others and your big chains I have felt a little rushed.
I prefer a small independent to a chain when it comes to picking frames and lenses - they don’t feel as though they are flogging as hard, (when I used to go chains everything was a headline price and then extras) and seem to be able to genuinely help you pick styles to suit (if you are as blind as me then you can’t see yourself without the correct lens in so cannot pick yourself - selfies on a smartphone help but aren’t exactly a mirror). The place I go just now is expensive but for something on my face for 18hrs a day, every day I am happy to pay prices like I paid for my first ever car!
*as in come away with lenses which did not appear to correct my vision properly
My mate Tim in Specsavers in Livingston knows his onions.
You’ll need to ring to ask to see him rather than book online.
If they offer OCT for a tenner take it.
I've used both small local opticians and big chains with great and crap results with both, irrespective of the price paid. Just don't be scared to go back and tell them if you aren't getting on well with your glasses. They will fix the problem for you.