Discussion
Has anyone had an eye test and new glasses during Covid ? I had a test about 3 weeks ago, which was fairly normal, but the rest of the procedure was very rushed. Luckily, I had been browsing frames online, so knew pretty much what I wanted, but I wasn't allowed to move round the shop to check out any other ranges (there was only one other customer in the shop) and the consultation was very half hearted. Collecting the new glasses was just a doorstep handover, with no fitting or option to even try them on.
The reason for the test was my vision has changed in one eye after an op, so needed new glasses to correct it. However, vision in that eye is the same with the new glasses as with the old ones. Also, the varifocal part is way too high, despite them having the records for my current glasses.
Obviously I'm going to have to take them back, but I'm curious to know if others have had the same issues due to Covid, or I have just been unlucky. I believe Specsavers have a 100 day return policy, so I am tempted to hang on in the hope restrictions are eased slightly and I might get better service if others are having similar issues.
The reason for the test was my vision has changed in one eye after an op, so needed new glasses to correct it. However, vision in that eye is the same with the new glasses as with the old ones. Also, the varifocal part is way too high, despite them having the records for my current glasses.
Obviously I'm going to have to take them back, but I'm curious to know if others have had the same issues due to Covid, or I have just been unlucky. I believe Specsavers have a 100 day return policy, so I am tempted to hang on in the hope restrictions are eased slightly and I might get better service if others are having similar issues.
Yes, I have had an eye test and purchased new glasses during the COVID-19 restrictions (though not from Specsavers, from a local independent optician). Myself and my OH had been to them previously, and were impressed with their service.
Although all the precautions you would expect were in place (restrictions on the number of people in shop, screens, masks, hand sanitiser, etc) the eye test was every bit as thorough as previously, there was no sense of being rushed. Choosing frames was different in that I wasn't allowed to walk around the shop browsing; the assistant asked what style of frames I was interested in and brought me a selection to try on. That was fine, I still found some I was happy with.
They called a couple of days later to say my glasses were ready and made an appointment for me to come in and have them fitted. Again, I was not rushed and they adjusted them carefully (both pairs) and made sure I was happy with them. I was also told to come back if they needed further adjustment.
So apart from the precautions in the shop, no change to their excellent service.
Although all the precautions you would expect were in place (restrictions on the number of people in shop, screens, masks, hand sanitiser, etc) the eye test was every bit as thorough as previously, there was no sense of being rushed. Choosing frames was different in that I wasn't allowed to walk around the shop browsing; the assistant asked what style of frames I was interested in and brought me a selection to try on. That was fine, I still found some I was happy with.
They called a couple of days later to say my glasses were ready and made an appointment for me to come in and have them fitted. Again, I was not rushed and they adjusted them carefully (both pairs) and made sure I was happy with them. I was also told to come back if they needed further adjustment.
So apart from the precautions in the shop, no change to their excellent service.
I had an eye test and new glasses made by my local spec savers last September/October time. There was no difference to the normal experience other than wearing masks and when trying on glasses I couldn’t put them straight back on the rack, they had to go on a tray to be cleaned.
When collecting my glasses they were fitted and adjusted just as before.
I’d suggest going back and getting your m money back and trying a different branch or opticians.
When collecting my glasses they were fitted and adjusted just as before.
I’d suggest going back and getting your m money back and trying a different branch or opticians.
Thanks chaps. I will give them a call in the morning and arrange to get them looked at. I think one chance to fix them and I will get a refund and go elsewhere. I'm just surprised at how far out these glasses are and I've been wearing specs for quite a while now (just thought about it and it's probably 50 years now !)
I had a cataracts operation in about Feb 2020.
Went to Specsavers in about June 2020 and to be fair they were great. A set of varifocals ordered and no issues. At that time I was able to browse their range in the shop but they would only let you in if you had an appointment - so no general public. They also arrived in a reasonable time too.
Went to Specsavers in about June 2020 and to be fair they were great. A set of varifocals ordered and no issues. At that time I was able to browse their range in the shop but they would only let you in if you had an appointment - so no general public. They also arrived in a reasonable time too.
mike9009 said:
I had a cataracts operation in about Feb 2020.
Went to Specsavers in about June 2020 and to be fair they were great. A set of varifocals ordered and no issues. At that time I was able to browse their range in the shop but they would only let you in if you had an appointment - so no general public. They also arrived in a reasonable time too.
Did you get proper vision back in the eye that was operated on ? The optician implied they wouldn't be able to fully correct the vision in the eye I had the vitrectomy on. I was expecting it to be better with the new prescription, but it's exactly the same. Bit disappointed actually.Went to Specsavers in about June 2020 and to be fair they were great. A set of varifocals ordered and no issues. At that time I was able to browse their range in the shop but they would only let you in if you had an appointment - so no general public. They also arrived in a reasonable time too.
Red9zero said:
mike9009 said:
I had a cataracts operation in about Feb 2020.
Went to Specsavers in about June 2020 and to be fair they were great. A set of varifocals ordered and no issues. At that time I was able to browse their range in the shop but they would only let you in if you had an appointment - so no general public. They also arrived in a reasonable time too.
Did you get proper vision back in the eye that was operated on ? The optician implied they wouldn't be able to fully correct the vision in the eye I had the vitrectomy on. I was expecting it to be better with the new prescription, but it's exactly the same. Bit disappointed actually.Went to Specsavers in about June 2020 and to be fair they were great. A set of varifocals ordered and no issues. At that time I was able to browse their range in the shop but they would only let you in if you had an appointment - so no general public. They also arrived in a reasonable time too.
Since then, I have had cataracts operations in both eyes and my vision is better now than it ever was.
I was very short sighted and now only need glasses for reading. I like varifocals with zero prescription so I can quickly go from a tablet screen to the telly.
If you are worried, I would see your consultant rather than a high street optician. My local eye clinic have been excellent through COVID helping with a couple of issues (essentially putting my mind at ease).
Edited by mike9009 on Sunday 18th April 21:28
mike9009 said:
I had a vitrectomy in 2007 on my left eye. Absolutely no changes to my vision then. I understand your vision can change if the pressure put in the eye after the vitrectomy is not quite correct. Since then, I have had cataracts operations in both eyes and my vision is better now than it ever was.
I was very short sighted and now only need glasses for reading. I like varifocals with zero prescription so I can quickly go from a tablet screen to the telly.
If you are worried, I would see your consultant rather than a high street optician. My local eye clinic have been excellent through COVID helping with a couple of issues (essentially putting my mind at ease).
Good point about seeing the consultant again. I will speak to Specsavers in the morning as the glasses definitely aren't right, but a check up with the consultant would be a good idea. Thanks !I was very short sighted and now only need glasses for reading. I like varifocals with zero prescription so I can quickly go from a tablet screen to the telly.
If you are worried, I would see your consultant rather than a high street optician. My local eye clinic have been excellent through COVID helping with a couple of issues (essentially putting my mind at ease).
Me and my wife had an eye test two weeks ago at specsavers in Derby. I didn’t feel the test was rushed although it did feel weird sitting that close to someone after all this time.
My wife went to collect her glasses and get them fitted last weekend, no issues there. I went yesterday to collect mine and get them fitted, again no issues.
I may be wrong on this but I’m sure they are like a franchise so the service they offer may be slightly different from branch to branch.
My wife went to collect her glasses and get them fitted last weekend, no issues there. I went yesterday to collect mine and get them fitted, again no issues.
I may be wrong on this but I’m sure they are like a franchise so the service they offer may be slightly different from branch to branch.
Red9zero said:
mike9009 said:
I had a vitrectomy in 2007 on my left eye. Absolutely no changes to my vision then. I understand your vision can change if the pressure put in the eye after the vitrectomy is not quite correct. Since then, I have had cataracts operations in both eyes and my vision is better now than it ever was.
I was very short sighted and now only need glasses for reading. I like varifocals with zero prescription so I can quickly go from a tablet screen to the telly.
If you are worried, I would see your consultant rather than a high street optician. My local eye clinic have been excellent through COVID helping with a couple of issues (essentially putting my mind at ease).
Good point about seeing the consultant again. I will speak to Specsavers in the morning as the glasses definitely aren't right, but a check up with the consultant would be a good idea. Thanks !I was very short sighted and now only need glasses for reading. I like varifocals with zero prescription so I can quickly go from a tablet screen to the telly.
If you are worried, I would see your consultant rather than a high street optician. My local eye clinic have been excellent through COVID helping with a couple of issues (essentially putting my mind at ease).
The vitrectomy is not intended to improve the prescription of the eye. In my case it was to protect the retina from bleeding (diabetic retinopathy) which will eventually lead to blindness. Are you diabetic??
A cataracts operation will improve the prescription by replacing the lens at the front of the eye.
Quite often, having a vitrectomy will necessitate a cataracts operation after a few years.
I am only explaining my understanding, I am not a professional - so a visit to the hospital would be worthwhile.
Had an eye test and got new glasses a few weeks ago (as did my daughter). Test was the same as usual except I was wearing a mask. Selecting frames was the same as usual except that any I tried on and didn’t like went into a box to be wiped down rather than back on the shelf. Fitting of new glasses took a little longer as the assistant refused to physically check the fit herself to was tweaking things a little at a time. Across 4 pairs of glasses i was in there longer than expected but no major issue.
Turn7 said:
Totally and utterly screwed my last precsiption of Essilor Physio3 varifocals, denied anything wrong.
Finally got sick of them not being right so went to a new local Indie and he said they are totally ground wrong.
New set of Essilors on the way at a cost of £500 to me........
That’s a bit odd - my last two pairs (Bogof) of varifocals were made differently to the pairs I’d before (something about a split prism) and I couldn’t ‘tolerate’ them and they unhesitatingly remade both pairs.Finally got sick of them not being right so went to a new local Indie and he said they are totally ground wrong.
New set of Essilors on the way at a cost of £500 to me........
mike9009 said:
Sorry, I edited my post after you replied.
The vitrectomy is not intended to improve the prescription of the eye. In my case it was to protect the retina from bleeding (diabetic retinopathy) which will eventually lead to blindness. Are you diabetic??
A cataracts operation will improve the prescription by replacing the lens at the front of the eye.
Quite often, having a vitrectomy will necessitate a cataracts operation after a few years.
I am only explaining my understanding, I am not a professional - so a visit to the hospital would be worthwhile.
I was told the vitrectomy could change my prescription, which it seems to have done. I was also told it increased my chances of getting a cataract in that eye. I am type 2.The vitrectomy is not intended to improve the prescription of the eye. In my case it was to protect the retina from bleeding (diabetic retinopathy) which will eventually lead to blindness. Are you diabetic??
A cataracts operation will improve the prescription by replacing the lens at the front of the eye.
Quite often, having a vitrectomy will necessitate a cataracts operation after a few years.
I am only explaining my understanding, I am not a professional - so a visit to the hospital would be worthwhile.
Thanks again for your help. I have already messaged my healthcare provider to arrange to see the consultant for his advice.
Sheepshanks said:
Turn7 said:
Totally and utterly screwed my last precsiption of Essilor Physio3 varifocals, denied anything wrong.
Finally got sick of them not being right so went to a new local Indie and he said they are totally ground wrong.
New set of Essilors on the way at a cost of £500 to me........
I suspect the issue was I didn’t let them use theFinally got sick of them not being right so went to a new local Indie and he said they are totally ground wrong.
New set of Essilors on the way at a cost of £500 to me........
Cheap crap stock lens and agreed to pay a considerable extra chunk to get to them to order
Essilors In.
That’s a bit odd - my last two pairs (Bogof) of varifocals were made differently to the pairs I’d before (something about a split prism) and I couldn’t ‘tolerate’ them and they unhesitatingly remade both pairs.
Turn7 said:
I suspect the issue was I didn’t let them use the
Cheap crap stock lens and agreed to pay a considerable extra chunk to get to them to order
Essilors In.
The first pairs I got had Essilor in the main pair and Specsavers own in the free pair that were photochromic - vision-wise, I couldn't tell any difference. So I was happy to take Specsavers own for the second setCheap crap stock lens and agreed to pay a considerable extra chunk to get to them to order
Essilors In.
I think, especially with varifocals. a lot is down to the dispenser. The one who did our first pairs just somehow seemed very capable and both wife and I had no issues. We were both bemused by why people make a fuss about switching to varifocals.
She'd left when I went back and it went wrong. Wife got her second pair from Costco with and she got Essilor lenses again but has never been happy with them but she can't explain why. Costco insist they're correct.
Sheepshanks said:
The first pairs I got had Essilor in the main pair and Specsavers own in the free pair that were photochromic - vision-wise, I couldn't tell any difference. So I was happy to take Specsavers own for the second set
I think, especially with varifocals. a lot is down to the dispenser. The one who did our first pairs just somehow seemed very capable and both wife and I had no issues. We were both bemused by why people make a fuss about switching to varifocals.
She'd left when I went back and it went wrong. Wife got her second pair from Costco with and she got Essilor lenses again but has never been happy with them but she can't explain why. Costco insist they're correct.
That's one of my other issues, the varifocal cut off is way too high on one pair of glasses. That too is annoying as another of their branches took 3 attempts to get it in the correct place last time. I deliberately chose the same frames this time so they would have the correct height on their system. I think, especially with varifocals. a lot is down to the dispenser. The one who did our first pairs just somehow seemed very capable and both wife and I had no issues. We were both bemused by why people make a fuss about switching to varifocals.
She'd left when I went back and it went wrong. Wife got her second pair from Costco with and she got Essilor lenses again but has never been happy with them but she can't explain why. Costco insist they're correct.
Red9zero said:
That's one of my other issues, the varifocal cut off is way too high on one pair of glasses. That too is annoying as another of their branches took 3 attempts to get it in the correct place last time. I deliberately chose the same frames this time so they would have the correct height on their system.
Turns out they used the same measurements from the bottom of my new larger glasses on the new thinner ones 
That's despite the frame being the same model as the previous prescription and them actually having the correct previous measurements on file. Confidence inspiring stuff.They also say they can't correct the eye that has been operated on and I need to go back to my consultant, which I am doing anyway. Ever wish you hadn't started something ?
Red9zero said:
Turns out they used the same measurements from the bottom of my new larger glasses on the new thinner ones That's despite the frame being the same model as the previous prescription and them actually having the correct previous measurements on file. Confidence inspiring stuff.
They also say they can't correct the eye that has been operated on and I need to go back to my consultant, which I am doing anyway. Ever wish you hadn't started something ?
Best of luck. Not nice having your vision 'played' with....... That's despite the frame being the same model as the previous prescription and them actually having the correct previous measurements on file. Confidence inspiring stuff.They also say they can't correct the eye that has been operated on and I need to go back to my consultant, which I am doing anyway. Ever wish you hadn't started something ?
mike9009 said:
Red9zero said:
Turns out they used the same measurements from the bottom of my new larger glasses on the new thinner ones That's despite the frame being the same model as the previous prescription and them actually having the correct previous measurements on file. Confidence inspiring stuff.
They also say they can't correct the eye that has been operated on and I need to go back to my consultant, which I am doing anyway. Ever wish you hadn't started something ?
Best of luck. Not nice having your vision 'played' with....... That's despite the frame being the same model as the previous prescription and them actually having the correct previous measurements on file. Confidence inspiring stuff.They also say they can't correct the eye that has been operated on and I need to go back to my consultant, which I am doing anyway. Ever wish you hadn't started something ?
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