After 8 years and 3 eye tests later, I needed to update my prescription. Not really liking the new shape of spectacles (I keep thinking mildly Dame Edna Everidge) I asked if I could keep my current frames as I still really like them. Not a problem.

Well, I picked them up on Wednesday and boy oh boy what a difference. I almost don't need my hobby specs for hand sewing. So happy. With such a slow deterioration I hadn't noticed any sudden difficulty.

But a word of caution, he did remind me to always wear large sunglasses when outside (even though I have the darkening effect in my lenses) and to wear a hat in the bright sun. I have the start of a cataract as might a lot of us in our golden years.

Just saying.

Ali, you're very lucky having a frame that lasted eight years - you must have looked after them extremely well. Mine have made it to five, but I now need a new prescription so have reluctantly had to choose new frames as I am told that they are not in good enough condition to warrant replacing the lenses. It took me some time to choose a new frame, as like you, I much prefer my current ones.

Apparently we all have our quirky ways of putting them on and off, the most common being with one hand, resulting in the frame twisting over time and therefore sitting crookedly on our noses. ...and those stringy things that allow them to hang round your neck are apparently a no-no.

I'm picking them up today so hopefully I can put that off my list of things to worry about for another five years!

Regards,

Barbara Anne

In the last few months I went to S--- S----s and and wasn't totally convinced about my eyesight so then on to O--m.The first didn't check for cataracts the second did.Same money big difference.What were you trying to say anna89,I don't like clicking on links.

I think that was spam, Marylew which has now been deleted, so you were wise not to click on the link.

I am interested in the fact that you thought that Specsavers weren't very thorough in their assessment. I have always found them to be excellent, checking for cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma and changes in peripheral vision as well as any other changes since the last visit which may be indicative of other problems. They are also very good at explaining their findings. I have also found them to be very helpful when it comes to choosing frames, and in measuring and fitting them. The free check every two years with an AA (Automobile Association) membership is an added bonus.

When I say 'they' I am of course speaking about my local branch, however as they are a nationwide brand I would have expected standards to be the same wherever you go - maybe not.

BTW, I don't work for Specsavers or have any affiliation with them apart from being a very satisfied customer.

Regards,

Barbara Anne.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/31/2021 08:17AM by Barbara Anne.

Barbara Anne I have had a stroke and I have lost my peripheral vision in my left eye.When I left hospital the doctor advised me not to drive the car until my doctor said I could.I want to be independent so I went to Specsavers to get an eye test.The man did tests and then wrote down what glasses I would need.He said my eyes weren't too bad but never mentioned cataracts so I assumed he didn't check.I was about to leave and I told him I had had a stroke.He then suggested a field test and I obviously failed that because he said he would write to my doctor and tell her I can't drive.I was so dissappointed I wished that I had kept quiet about the stroke.I bought the glasses but not satisfied with the outcome I went to Opsm and the same outcome there when I told him later I had had a stroke but he mentioned that I did not have cataracts which I had not thought about when I was at Specsavers.He quickly said oh I will write to your doctor and tell her you can't drive.I bought his glasses too.Now I have lots of glasses but the best pair is my hobby pair from The Warehouse.I think overall that Opsm were more attentive than Specsavers for me personally and it can depend on the optician you get on the day.

Hi Marylew, I'm sorry to hear about your heath issues. It's still possible to retain your Driver Licence. Some people are able to drive with one eye only (i.e., no vision in the other eye at all). No doubt it depends on how good your eyesight is in your unaffected eye.

For example:
[www.nzta.govt.nz]
If you have sight in only one eye, or have only one eye (monocular vision) you’ll need to present an eyesight certificate.


[www.nzta.govt.nz]

Best wishes.

Sorry to hear about your stroke, Marylew! I hope you've made a good recovery otherwise.

Likewise Marylew, regarding your stroke and I hope you are recovering well.

I think with Specsavers it depends upon the optician you get. I had one test and he said cataracts may be a problem in the future, but nothing to worry about for now. Six months later I was having a lot of vision problems and thought it was glasses, I did go back to Specsavers and was told by a different Optician that I urgently needed to see a Specialist regarding cataracts. I can't believe in the space of six months that it went from a long term thing to be aware of, to needing to be done asap. The Specialist had to operate and do both eyes at once.

Since then I have been wary of them and now go to OPSM