Spectacles

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Eine, you are extremely easily intrigued, if I may say so.

Any thoughts on examination fees yourself, as you clearly have much to say ( mainly offensive, not satirical ) on the optometric world ?

I cannot comment on fees as I get my eyes tested for nothing, in view of my late father's glaucoma. As for being offensive, I did not wish to do so and I unreservedly apologise for this.

What I reported in an earlier post was true. Even though the manager of the practice backed down, it shook my confidence in the profession, particularly as it followed their assessment of a family member's laser eye surgery as having "failed" at an assessment much too soon after the operation. They had to retract on this too, but not before it had begun a cycle of trauma that continued for some years.

On the question of being intrigued by the high percentage of eye staff wearing spectacles themselves, I'm not sure whether it indicates that 95% of the population should be wearing specs, but many don't for vanity reasons, or that they consider contact lenses to be a bad thing, or because some wear plain glass spectacles as a form of promotion.

[eighthobstruction]

under £20

...is it safe....

[ahinton]

Then, amateur, you will realise that trying to get a response about professional fees from the dear members, is like pulling teeth.

I've never before encountered an optician that does that.

Anyway, until the last time when I was advised that I no longer had a need to pay, I used to pay £25 for a sight test, although what the actual cost of it was and how much was paid for it I do not know.

[Anna]

I did post a reply, but as I don't wear glasses and therefore don't frequent opticians I deleted as I wasn't sure whether the question was about multiples (such as SpecSavers) who charge around £25-£30 according to their website which is presumably the basic NHS test or private practices but I'd still guess at under £30 and profits are made on the frames.
(Does Paul double up as an optician when he's not broadcasting?)

[Paul Sherratt]

The answer ?

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vD6NR8A3eEA/StqUi3GcICI/AAAAAAAAATw/b8YO1-YV2k8/s320/WHINING+MOANING+AND+BITCHING.gif

[Flosshilde]

Just spotted this thread. I don't pay test fees, but I don't know if that's because I'm over 60 or because the govt covers them, as they do prescription charges.

I have varifocals, & the lenses have to be 'thinned' because of the prescription. I also go for the best standard, giving me the widest reading area. I usually pay between £350 - £400, & that's having frames from the lower price ranges (about £60).

Most opticians offer a free 2nd pair, or discounts for over 60's.

[mangerton]

Just spotted this thread. I don't pay test fees, but I don't know if that's because I'm over 60 or because the govt covers them, as they do prescription charges.

I have varifocals, & the lenses have to be 'thinned' because of the prescription. I also go for the best standard, giving me the widest reading area. I usually pay between £350 - £400, & that's having frames from the lower price ranges (about £60).

Most opticians offer a free 2nd pair, or discounts for over 60's.

Our beneficent Scottish government has decreed that all UK (sic) residents will get a free eye test in Scotland.

I too have varifocals, with one lens 'thinned'. I got my specs replaced earlier this year, and got a 'free' pair of prescription sunglasses for driving. I don't think I paid quite as much as you did.