Optician Appointment

wilki

wilki

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I visited my local Vision Express in Lancaster on Thursday (I'd previously used them) for an eye test and OCT 3D scan. The test indicated I do need new glasses but I was also told I'm showing initial signs of cataracts in both eyes. The scan also indicated I am showing signs of subretinal fluid in my right eye. They made a referral to Westmorland General Hospital and on Friday morning the hospital called to make an appointment for next Thursday afternoon. I'm pleased to get an appointment so quickly but a bit nervous about what the scan found. Has anyone on here had this subretinal fluid issue and how was treatment?
 
my wife went in about a year ago to Specsavers and got told she had an anomaly at the back of her eye, she had complained slightly of occasional blurred vision, she also got refered to Halifax, fast forward 8 months and she has a replacement lens in one eye now , did a very good job. it was a detached retina.
 
Having some years ago contacted my wife's opticians - she'd been with them only a few months but was very impressed by their professionalism - because I'd got a floater which was like a black lace hanky drifting round I was quickly assessed and pretty much sent immediately to the local hospital and had my retina laser-stitched back into place I'm sold on the idea that eyesight is precious and that if a trained technician spots something you'd better take it seriously.

@wilki I hope everything goes well for you.
 
We have always felt impressed by the professionalism of the opticians in Specsavers. My wife has a very badly scarred retina in one eye and floaters in the other, so the annual scan is a great way to check if there has been any deterioration.
 
I've also felt impressed with Specsavers. Finally had to bite the bullet and get reading glasses, but the tests, explanations etc were all very professional and informative.

It was Specsavers who spotted a very slight detachment at the extremity of the membrane/retina or something, can't remember exactly. This resulted in 6 monthly appointments at the hospital of that big eye machine to make sure it was getting any worse. Fortunately it wasn't, they suspected it could have been from boxing when I was younger, hence not getting any worse. It was checked again just recently by Specsavers when getting tested for reading glasses as I opted for that extra 3D scan thing. It's really is a good and thorough service.

I do find it slightly amusing that the place who test your eyes also sell the glasses, kind of screams conflict of interest, especially when you book your test it then comes up with a link saying here's a selection of glasses we think you may like. Err, how about waiting until you find out that I need glasses or not first?!! lol
 
Specsavers spotted slightly raised pressure in my right eye and referred me to the local eye unit for further tests. Mild ocular hypertension which is now treated in both eyes with Lantanoprost. Pressures now back down and stable with no damage to sight.

Does mean that I now get my eyes "seen to" three times a year - normal sight test, intra ocular pressure (etc.) and Diabetic Retinopathy.
 
Off topic slightly but we have 6 Specsavers in the Kidderminster area.

Three of them are factories/warehouses etc though :) Very impressive places to visit.
 
gman said:
I do find it slightly amusing that the place who test your eyes also sell the glasses, kind of screams conflict of interest, especially when you book your test it then comes up with a link saying here's a selection of glasses we think you may like. Err, how about waiting until you find out that I need glasses or not first?!! lol
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You can get your eyes tested and then simply leave with your prescription and go elsewhere, I’ve friends that buy online at very cheap prices and are happy.
 
You have to ask for the prescription because they don't offer it. Some say why should they as they've done the test but those people miss the point. It's a legal obligation to hand over the prescription or a copy.

What annoys me when I buy new specs is the up-selling. Anti-dazzle..I don't drive at night and haven't done so for years, simply because we don't go out at night. Its too comfortable at home. Coat the lens with whatever that lets more light in which enhances vision. An anti-scratch film is not an addition these days, it's included. The person wasn't the optician but the one that deals with the prescription. Last time he was really persistant and I had to ask him to just stop. "Fine, no problem", he said. A lie,of course.,

Every couple of years I have my ears clearned out..suction not water..water is not good for the ears. The lady who did it has moved on so I looked round and found one not far away who give a free hearing test at the same time. How generous. You can rest assured you will need a hearing aid. I'll probably go there and whe it comes to the hearing test just say I don't have time, have to pick my wife up at the train station.
 
JohnC6 said:
You have to ask for the prescription because they don't offer it. Some say why should they as they've done the test but those people miss the point. It's a legal obligation to hand over the prescription or a copy.
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I have used Vision Express for a good number of years and at the end of every test I am given a copy of the prescription.
JohnC6 said:
What annoys me when I buy new specs is the up-selling. Anti-dazzle..I don't drive at night and haven't done so for years, simply because we don't go out at night. Its too comfortable at home. Coat the lens with whatever that lets more light in which enhances vision. An anti-scratch film is not an addition these days, it's included. The person wasn't the optician but the one that deals with the prescription. Last time he was really persistant and I had to ask him to just stop. "Fine, no problem", he said. A lie,of course.,
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I listen to the sales person and I, as you say get the upsell, but there are 'pushes' and I am specific in my requirements....as thin a vari-focal as possible, grey tint photochromic, and the last time this photochromic variant that goes dark in the car. Oh, and yes (bizarrely?) the blue tint but I refuse that because I mention I do photo editing and the blue tint is counterproductive for folk like me.
JohnC6 said:
Every couple of years I have my ears clearned out..suction not water..water is not good for the ears. The lady who did it has moved on so I looked round and found one not far away who give a free hearing test at the same time. How generous. You can rest assured you will need a hearing aid. I'll probably go there and whe it comes to the hearing test just say I don't have time, have to pick my wife up at the train station.
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Our GP surgery have offered micro-suction for the past 3-4 years. The kit was part funded by the "Friends of the surgery" fund raising.
 
I gave up on specsavers a few years ago , firstly every time I visited ( yearly appointment) it was a different optician , bit like taking your car to a different garage every service , .. they also didn’t listen to my needs the prescription for my reading glasses was for the wrong distance .i.e i have normal long range glasses and reading ones for computer distances , but don’t need glasses for close up or reading a book / I.pad etc . And finally the distance vision ones they prescribed one year made things worse not better .
I changed to a private opticians see the same guy every visit , no forced options to buy there glasses and he knows my requirements based on records .. saying that if I need a new frame I’ll visit specsavers for there reduced price ones .. or offers ..
if I just need new lenses due to prescription change I send the frames off to a lab and it’s usually sub £30 per pair with a few days turnaround
 
Box Brownie said:
I have used Vision Express for a good number of years and at the end of every test I am given a copy of the prescription.

I listen to the sales person and I, as you say get the upsell, but there are 'pushes' and I am specific in my requirements....as thin a vari-focal as possible, grey tint photochromic, and the last time this photochromic variant that goes dark in the car. Oh, and yes (bizarrely?) the blue tint but I refuse that because I mention I do photo editing and the blue tint is counterproductive for folk like me.

Our GP surgery have offered micro-suction for the past 3-4 years. The kit was part funded by the "Friends of the surgery" fund raising.
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Re Vision Express. My optician's branch closed about 2 months ago. I only know because my wife saw the 'To Let' notice outside and empty premises. I'd never do it but I'd love to get a felt-tip pen and put an 'i' after the 'o'..on these signs...lol.

They haven't written to me saying they'd transferred my records to the other branch. My wife went to Vision Express not long ago and said she was very impressed and there was absolutely no attempt at upselling so, in the New Year, I'll go there but I see you say they do try to upsell.I suppose they all do. The subtitles that sometimes appear on Youtube clips are slightly out of focus through my left eye. The time and score text re football matches is a bit oof,too. That sort of thing. I've been watching quite a few WW2 Youtube clips (where there are sub-titles by AI which makes some hilarious mistakes) about ordinary people coming up with life-saving modifications to their equipment which were against the regulations. One farmer from the US (fighting through Germany 1944) basically invented night-sights on his rifle. Crude then, but effective and saved lives. It was adopted immediately throughout the US army . One RN ASDIC operator ( British) developed a new system which ID'd U-Boats much further away as they grouped. These innovations were often classified and only came to light years later under de-classification reules. WW2 historians would dig them up during research and oftern tracked down those responsible .These people were often threatened with court marshall for 'interferring with equipment until it was shown they worked . They were often taken away from the front to train others...some received medals. Other clips are about the extraordinarily brave people who 'messed up' the Nazi war machine. Last night I watched the story of one German, who was a railway schedule clerk, and re-routed trains with amour for the Western Front ( re D-Day) into the Austrian Alps where they derailed because they were too heavy for the inclines and down slopes, and also southern Germany. Another was a Frenchman, who was safe mechanic (?) and worked in Gestapo HQ Lyon ..Klaus Barbie's(Butcher of Lyon) office included. They'd murdered his sister. He knackered the locking barrel sysytems so they wouldn't open after a short while .They contained all the local information ,especially re resistance groups. I'm taking two books on holiday about the SOE in France. Sorry..I digress. :rolleyes:

I don't think the NHS ,overall, do micro-suction anymore....not just my surgery. You're lucky it's funded by FOS. I payed £70 for a session and the lady said to have it done every 18 months and she also recommended not allowing water into the ears when showering, which I ensure.
 
JohnC6 said:
Re Vision Express. My optician's branch closed about 2 months ago. I only know because my wife saw the 'To Let' notice outside and empty premises. I'd never do it but I'd love to get a felt-tip pen and put an 'i' after the 'o'..on these signs...lol.

They haven't written to me saying they'd transferred my records to the other branch. My wife went to Vision Express not long ago and said she was very impressed and there was absolutely no attempt at upselling so, in the New Year, I'll go there but I see you say they do try to upsell.I suppose they all do. The subtitles that sometimes appear on Youtube clips are slightly out of focus through my left eye. The time and score text re football matches is a bit oof,too. That sort of thing. I've been watching quite a few WW2 Youtube clips (where there are sub-titles by AI which makes some hilarious mistakes) about ordinary people coming up with life-saving modifications to their equipment which were against the regulations. One farmer from the US (fighting through Germany 1944) basically invented night-sights on his rifle. Crude then, but effective and saved lives. It was adopted immediately throughout the US army . One RN ASDIC operator ( British) developed a new system which ID'd U-Boats much further away as they grouped. These innovations were often classified and only came to light years later under de-classification reules. WW2 historians would dig them up during research and oftern tracked down those responsible .These people were often threatened with court marshall for 'interferring with equipment until it was shown they worked . They were often taken away from the front to train others...some received medals. Other clips are about the extraordinarily brave people who 'messed up' the Nazi war machine. Last night I watched the story of one German, who was a railway schedule clerk, and re-routed trains with amour for the Western Front ( re D-Day) into the Austrian Alps where they derailed because they were too heavy for the inclines and down slopes, and also southern Germany. Another was a Frenchman, who was safe mechanic (?) and worked in Gestapo HQ Lyon ..Klaus Barbie's(Butcher of Lyon) office included. They'd murdered his sister. He knackered the locking barrel sysytems so they wouldn't open after a short while .They contained all the local information ,especially re resistance groups. I'm taking two books on holiday about the SOE in France. Sorry..I digress. :rolleyes:

I don't think the NHS ,overall, do micro-suction anymore....not just my surgery. You're lucky it's funded by FOS. I payed £70 for a session and the lady said to have it done every 18 months and she also recommended not allowing water into the ears when showering, which I ensure.
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I cannot recall exactly when but Vision Express were bought out by a (query on this) Greek or Greek Cypriot company and they re-fitted our local shop.

Yes, I would call it upselling but as noted IMO you just need to be aware of what you need and what you don't need. FWIW I have a Blue Light Card and that quite often has discounts including for Vision Express. Having said all that the last time I needed a change of prescription was in 2024....this year only slight change = no new lenses this year.

As for micro-suction........the recommendation has always been to use ear-drops for 2 weeks beforehand to help loosen the wax. In the past I have used Otex which is oil based. However, the nurse told me to please stop using the oil based one as when they do the suction it tends to mess up the device nozzle! However, when I went in for my Flu jab a few weeks ago I asked about the suction service and yes they still do it. I chatted briefly with that nurse and told her I had been advised to use the 'recommended' Sodium Bicarbonate drops. Her reply was that she preferred that patients used the Otex ones :headbang:

Whatever, I have the bicarb drops in the cupboard :)
 
Box Brownie said:
I cannot recall exactly when but Vision Express were bought out by a (query on this) Greek or Greek Cypriot company and they re-fitted our local shop.

Yes, I would call it upselling but as noted IMO you just need to be aware of what you need and what you don't need. FWIW I have a Blue Light Card and that quite often has discounts including for Vision Express. Having said all that the last time I needed a change of prescription was in 2024....this year only slight change = no new lenses this year.

As for micro-suction........the recommendation has always been to use ear-drops for 2 weeks beforehand to help loosen the wax. In the past I have used Otex which is oil based. However, the nurse told me to please stop using the oil based one as when they do the suction it tends to mess up the device nozzle! However, when I went in for my Flu jab a few weeks ago I asked about the suction service and yes they still do it. I chatted briefly with that nurse and told her I had been advised to use the 'recommended' Sodium Bicarbonate drops. Her reply was that she preferred that patients used the Otex ones :headbang:

Whatever, I have the bicarb drops in the cupboard :)
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I had the same experience after I put something like Otex in and it rendered the wax mush and she was unable to use her machine so I had to have the old water pressure. I can still hear ok. She said to use olive oil. I'll get it from Lidl as Andya700 said that store and Aldi are the best :)

Re add-ons. I don't need any.Just the straightforward bi-focal specs. Years ago, at Specsavers the young man..the dispencing optician..not ther optician really badgered me to go to varifocals. I read a lot of negative reviews about them. In the end I said I'd go home and think about it. Cheekly sod..about 21..said "no you won't you just don't want them" It's really bad. Also he took the prescription to one of staff members for me to choose specs. All very irregular.
 
I have been with the small local optician practice for over 30 years. I love going in, it is so entertaining!

Some years ago whilst I was waiting to be called the receptionists were discussing the cruise from which one had recently returned. "Was it one of those huge ships like the ones in the telly adverts" said one. "Oh yes," said the other. "Absolutely massive. It makes you realise how deep the oceans are that something that size can float on them."

This year I ordered a new pair of prescription safety glasses (lathe, grinder work etc.) When I went to collect them a young lady brought them out and explained that she would check the fit around my ears and then someone else would come to check the bridge. She put them on me, pronounced the fit at the sides to be fine and told me to look straight ahead and tell her if things were sharp. I held out my hand at normal working distance and said that they were fine. She said "Oh no, look right down the corridor - they are for distance aren't they"
 
Had my appointment yesterday afternoon at Westmorland General Hospital. My appointment was 13.00 and I was called exactly on time. I was given further examinations and scans and very shortly afterwards the specialist discussed my subretinal fluid problem in my right eye and the subsequent procedures required. She said there were no significant cataracts present.
I'm to have monthly injections into my right eye initially, and if all progresses well the injections will be less frequent. I was given anaesthetic drops in my right eye twice over a period of about 15 min before being called in for the injection. They put in more drops, flushed out my eye and used iodine as an antibiotic before carrying out the injection. It was painless and only slightly uncomfortable. They flushed my eye again, wiped away the residual iodine. I was advised not to drive for 24 hrs. I have had no reaction except a dry eye - I was told I may see floaters for a few days but I've had none.

I cannot praise the hospital enough, they were so professional, well organised and reassuring throughout.
 
mj4456 said:
You can get your eyes tested and then simply leave with your prescription and go elsewhere, I’ve friends that buy online at very cheap prices and are happy.
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Exactly this. For several years I've visited my local independent optician who are extremely good and thorough. Once we have settled on a prescription (and it can take a few goes for varifocal contacts....), they issue the prescription so I can buy online. They can't afford to stock the Oakley frames I like and can't get anywhere close to the price I pay for contact lenses so they just charge me a fair price for what they are good at.
 
The prescription you get from your optician provides about 3/4 of the info' required to make up your specs correctley. The rest is dependant on the frame / lenses you choose and is supplied by the dispensing optician, not the opthalmic optician who supplies the numbers...whether this missing information is relevant or benificial to you depends on the complexity of your prescription and the lenses you go for.
 
wilki said:
Had my appointment yesterday afternoon at Westmorland General Hospital. My appointment was 13.00 and I was called exactly on time. I was given further examinations and scans and very shortly afterwards the specialist discussed my subretinal fluid problem in my right eye and the subsequent procedures required. She said there were no significant cataracts present.
I'm to have monthly injections into my right eye initially, and if all progresses well the injections will be less frequent. I was given anaesthetic drops in my right eye twice over a period of about 15 min before being called in for the injection. They put in more drops, flushed out my eye and used iodine as an antibiotic before carrying out the injection. It was painless and only slightly uncomfortable. They flushed my eye again, wiped away the residual iodine. I was advised not to drive for 24 hrs. I have had no reaction except a dry eye - I was told I may see floaters for a few days but I've had none.

I cannot praise the hospital enough, they were so professional, well organised and reassuring throughout.
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When I read that..injections into your right eye..I appreciate under local anaesthetic ,it sent a shiver down my spine,as they say..certainly a reaction in my legs .:eek: I'm pretty stoic re anything medically required..but anything to do with the eyes terrifies me. I'm sure, and I certainly hope,it will be fine..nevertheless.
 
Cheers John. I was rather nervous but the opthalmic team were excellent.
 
My daughter is the sole Optometrist at the same small chain practice she has been at for a good few years.
Prides herself on giving straight forward advice and never tries to sell anything that isn't needed.
She has built up a loyal customer base some of who travel a fair distance to see her.
The eyes can provide the first warning signs of more severe conditions and its a good idea to have them tested regularly.
All Optometrists are regulated by the General Optical Council who also supervise the University courses.
I have seen first hand what is required to obtain the necessary qualifications.
You are being tested by highly trained individuals who have a high degree of responsibility towards their patients.
.
 
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My son in laws mum has been getting regular injections in her eye for a year or so, after the first one she was totally relaxed about the whole thing, I suppose if it seeing or not having the treatment, it’s no contest.
 
a few years ago I suffered from bouts of uveitis which is a swelling of the eyeball , a few times it was treated at length by steroids but on one occasion I happened on holiday in Egypt so couldn't get treated till I came home .. on that occasion I needed a injection in the eyeball , but the nurse never told me just administered anaesthetic and came back 20 minutes later and just did it .. .. the beauty of having NHS staff that don't speak a word of English .
 
Had my 2nd injection in my right eye at Westmorland General Hospital this morning. The Macular Dept. Was rather busy but the staff were again very professional, organised and reassuring. I have my 3rd injection in a months time and then a specialist will assess my progress.
 
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