As part of my ‘support local shops’ philosophy, when I recently decided to switch back to wearing contact lenses, I thought that I would try an opticians in my local area.
I went to 20/20 Vision in Park Gate and enquired “Do you have contact lenses” to which the sharp (dangerously so) Receptionist retorted – “What, me personally?”. Once we both got over our fits of giggles, I proceeded to explain that I was looking to obtain some contact lenses but as I couldn’t see any signs suggesting they sold them, wondered if they did indeed supply. They did and so an appointment was made for the following Saturday.
Whilst waiting for my appointment a guy, who turned out to be the form filler, explained I was there was a (£30) eye test. I said this wasn’t the case as it was for contact lenses.
Anyway, after a chat with the optician, my £30 eye test now turned into a £50 ‘contact lens consultation’. This didn’t include an eye test (!) but if I was happy, they’d use the prescription from my glasses.
After 40 minutes or so, I was signing up for the premium daily disposable lenses at £35 month, needing to pay three months in advance and completing a Direct Debit to commence the following month, so I’d also be at least two months ahead of myself. Ahem.
The following Monday, I wore my new lenses to work but they weren’t suitable. I took them out and popped my glasses on. During my lunch break I visited the opticians (yes, the convenience I was striving for) and requested a refund of my three months payment, £105. I’d been thinking about the level of service I’d received too and realised that I’d basically wasted £50 on the ‘consultation’ but didn’t want to waste time over this and was just happy to get my lenses fee refunded and put an end to this mistake.
A couple of weeks later, I’m in Specsavers in Fareham and what a contrast! Straight away, I’m greeted with a smile by a receptionist who made me feel like a customer. I was shown upstairs for my eye test (just £21) before moving on to the free, but thorough, contact lens consultation.
Despite me suggesting that I wanted the more expensive daily disposables, the consultant advised me to try the monthly lenses, which were almost a third of the price but would be more suitable for me.
All in all, I had a great experience and just regretted my initial decision to try a local opticians. The saying “should have gone to Specsavers” was certainly true in my case.
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