I am pleased with my experience so far (Dolland & Aitchison)

Member Name: sarah101

Product:	Dolland & Aitchison
Date:	02/10/08 (194 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great staff, wonderful advise on frames,

Disadvantages: None so far!

I had a voucher sent via email for a free eye test through nectar so booked an appointment with them this week. Making the appointment was no problem I mentioned I had a free voucher when I booked and they called the day before to remind me of my appointment.

I must admit I read a few reviews on here before my appointment and was a bit worried as some have not had such a wonderful experience - but I thought as it was a free appointment it would not be much hassle if I was not happy with anything and would just book an appointment with an optician I have used in the past.

The store was brightly lit and clean, when I got there I was greeted by two members of staff, one of which took all my details and as I had forgotten my glasses they called the last opticians I had used to get my last prescription details. I was offered a seat throughout this and was made to feel welcome.

I was seen by the optician within about 10 minutes of my appointment time and she spent about 25 minutes doing the eye test and finding the correct glasses for me. She did the usual tests I have had in the past - the bright light shone into my eyes whilst I looked in all different directions. Then on went the funky glasses! I then had to read from a screen, read letters from a green and red background whilst the optician changed the lenses in the glasses and used another lens to see which way the letters appeared best.

After the tests the optician then explained what an astigmatism is as I have one in one of my eyes. She explained that my other eye was the one doing all of the work and my brain is pretty much ignoring the eye with the problem. I have a family history of glaucoma and cataract but she said that it is something they make a note of and check for but not something I should worry about at my age. She also explained that when I start to wear my new glasses it will take at least a week to get used to them and that shapes may appear odd looking and this is because my brain will start to use the "bad" eye again with the right prescription. I was happy with the examination and the time she took to explain everything to me.

The prescription was very different to my last one - but it was over 3 years ago! As it was so different she actually gave me a weaker prescription and informed me that if she gave me the full strength one it could be too difficult to adapt to. I will have to return in a year to see if I need the stronger prescription or the one I have now may still be ok.

I then spent a further half an hour deciding what glasses to get and the assistant was a great help and really helped me choose a pair that looked great on. I was told which shape frames to go for and after trying on about 20 I decided on 2 that I liked the best. She then took me to the computer and took my picture with the two glasses on so I could see which pair looked nicest. I could not decide so she asked her colleague to give his opinion and they both agreed that one pair framed my eyes really well and looked the best. I went with their decision as I liked both glasses and did think this pair looked lovely on.

They also have an offer on for a second pair of glasses for half price, but as my lenses were fairly costly (around £100) the woman directed me to the sunglasses and informed me that I could have a pair of those, to my prescription for half price. She also said I did not have to decide then and there and could go home and think about it and the offer would still be available to me as long as I ordered them before I collect my new glasses.

I paid half the total price as a deposit for the glasses, the rest I have to pay on collection and I will get a call to let me know they are ready but was informed it will be around a week.

I also received 500 nectar points for the eye test and an additional 2000 points for buying the glasses - worth £12.50 at either sainsburys or argos.

I was not forced into buying a pair of glasses or deciding then and there which pair to get, I did say I might have to leave and return the following day which they said was not a problem. A prescription was written out for me to take away if I wanted.

Whilst I was looking at glasses in the store, a customer came in to get her glasses adjusted as she said they did not fit right and it was not a problem. For a small store there were 4 other customers in the store whilst I was there - either just had an eye test, waiting to go after me, had an appointment to choose some new frames and getting glasses adjusted. All customers were greeted and the staff showed a great level of customer care.

All in all it was a good experience so far and hopefully I will adjust to the glasses easily - I will update the review if there are any problems that arise, but I am happy so far.

Summary: As long as glasses are good I will now be using D&A as my opticians in the future