Eye Test Prescriptions

[jocon]

If I need separate glasses for distance and near sight do I need two separate prescriptions? I am thinking of getting online specs but am not sure what would be required - also, any advice on who to get them from would be appreciated.

[Calicogirl]

I can;t see it matter tbh where you get your eyes tested, it will be an Optician who does it not a checkout assistant :) x

[sherrardk]

CallieB - you have no idea how qualified and experienced the optician staff are at Asda’s (or anywhere else come to that). You talk like you’re expecting to have your eyes tested on the bacon counter.

[CallieB]

That's a bit condescending. I'm quite aware a qualified optician will do the test at a supermarket. There's qualified and there's experienced. I'm merely stating my preferences, is that ok with you?

[sanmac]

I believe that an optometrist is the person who actually does the eye-testing, and opticians fill the prescriptions for the lenses, fit the lenses into the chosen frame, and make minor adjustments in fitting the glasses to the customer. I really can't see a supermarket hiring optometrists.

[CallieB]

Thank you sanmac. My optometrist has been doing his job for 25 years and I don't think Asda could afford his wages somehow ;-)

[Mamyalynne]

https://opticians.asda.com/info/having-an-eye-test

[THECORBYLOON]

Asda does eye tests so it must have optometrist in its opticians.

[Mamyalynne]

They do indeed employ qualified optometrists.

[ladybirder]

I take your point gingeb. Yes, had I known about Asda Opticians before I had my eye test then I would have used them as I agree it is best to use one optician for both test and specs. Yes sqad, they do eye tests as well. You need to check your local Asda does have an Opticians attached although at the price it's probably worth travelling to the next town if you have to. The lady who fitted my glasses was wonderful and took a lot of time and care ensuring my varifocals were spot on. I bought only the one pair as I have never used the second pair in my life when buying two for the price of one. And if I did lose my current ones I could go back to Asda and get another pair for £110 so quids in. The lady who fitted my glasses said they get their materials from exactly the same place as all the High Street opticians. I think we are truly being ripped off by our HSOs.
The one thing I should mention is that you probably don't get such a large range of frames from which to choose.

[THECORBYLOON]

CALLIEB, would your current optometrist not havce been inexperienced twenty-five years ago?

[ladybirder]

Looking at your link Mamya has reminded me that included in the £110 were the thinner lenses which I was paying a bomb for in the high street opticians. I was sure it would be an extra but it wasn't. I would look like Olive Oil in bottle bottom specs if I didn't get thinner lenses.

[sherrardk]

CallieB - I think Asda could afford your optician and a fair few others, they could take it out of their £735 million profit.

[Mamyalynne]

I know that feeling LB, I am partially sighted so my purchasing new glasses is an expensive business even with the accompanying NHS voucher.

If mine aren't done in the thinnest lens possible they fall off my face.

I've never used ASDA, my daughters both have and been happy.

[ladybirder]

My daughter has to come with me mamya as I can't see what I look like, when trying on frames, without wearing my current specs. She said she will definitely use Asda next time she has to replace her own.

[Mamyalynne]

A lovely lady at D&A (as was) used to take my picture to show me how they looked.

Sadly once they have my weird lenses in they don't look as good but it's something.

[ladybirder]

Been there done that mamya. D&A were brilliant but once Boots took over and the D&A staff disappeared I thought they went downhill. I remember the screens. Come to think of it I think the chap in Asda took photos for me of me wearing my favourites so I could make a final choice. Must check with my DD.

[jocon]

Many thanks for all answers and comments - I was surprised by the amount of interest. I have tried but cannot get on with varifocal or bifocal lenses - hence my reference to distance and near sight glasses. My query here on AB was to get some info on less expensive opticians than my local practice - I'll give it some more thought, but it will probably be Specsavers for the test and the glasses.
Thanks again.

[ummmm]

Specsavers do buy one get one free. I have 3 kids who are all considered blind in one eye.

I have 2 pairs, close up and vario focus. £138 for 2 pairs including the extensive eye test.

[Hopkirk]

I use Specsavers, and am very happy with them. If you don't want to take up the two for one offer, they will give you a discount instead.