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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A blinding experience where you didn’t see eye to eye with the local optician.
Off subject, but my rant. My local Tesco’s on Calmore Estate Totton. I’ve given up going there because two of the women serving are a nightmare. One never smiles and hardly talks and is most unhelpful. The other is loud, rude and gets everyones back up. I asked here for a Lucky Dip on the Main Lotto, to which she retorted: “I’ll do it this time only. In future, go fill in a ticket, that’s the only way you’ll served next time”. Needless to say, I didn’t bother and decided that was the end of Tesco’s LOCAL for me. I now travel a further mile to be greeted by happy, smiling and helpful staff at the Coop.
Nice rant,
Steve